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Purpose: It is assumed that abutments of the FPD bear more load than homologous teeth as they also take loads from the missing units. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone density of FPD restorations being successfully in function several years and to compare it with homologous teeth. The hypothesis was that the abutments might present higher density than homologous teeth. Material and Methods: The bone density (expressed in equivalents of Cu stepwedge thickness, attached to the digital x-ray sensor), was measured at the mesial and distal side of the root of both, abutments and homologous teeth at the alveolar crest level, the middle of the root, the root apex, as well as bellow the apex. A total of 70 patients with 146 abutments participated. Mean age of satisfactory FPDs was 4.9 years. Results: The bone density increased from the alveolar crest towards the apex in both, the FPD abutments and the homologous teeth (p0.05). There was no significant effect of age, FPD material, type of abutment (single crown or bridge), abutment/pontic ratio (1:0.5 ; 1:1 ; 1:1.5 ; 1:2), and Ante’s law (p>0.05). Conclusions: Lower bone density at the level of alveolar crest mesially than distally in FPD abutments and homologous teeth should not be considered a pathological finding. It is attributed to the increase of bone volume towards distal parts of the alveolar bone. No difference of bone density between abutments and homologous teeth is attributed to the load distribution of the missing units through the interdental contact points over the dental arch. The findings of the present study emphasize the importance of interdental contact points in FPDs.

Poboljšanje oralnog zdravlja, a time i kvalitete života, glavni je cilj suvremene stomatološke skrbi. Suvremena koncepcija „ oralnog zdravlja povezanog sa kvalitetom života“ (oral health-related quality of life, OHRQOL) postala je važan čimbenik procjene utjecaja oralnih bolesti u općoj populaciji i evaluaciji profesionalnih intervencija te otvara nove mogućnosti u kliničkom radu, istraživanjima i edukaciji. Procjenu kvalitete života koja ovisi o oralnom zdravlju omogućuju standardizirani upitnici kojima se prikupljaju podaci ne samo o stanju oralnog zdravlja, već i o drugim dimenzijama povezanim s oralnim zdravljem, a koje utječu na kvalitetu života. S obzirom na veliku međunarodnu prihvaćenost i odlična mjerna svojstva, OHIP upitnik preveden je i na hrvatski jezik te se koristi u istraživanjima utjecaja oralnih stanja na kvalitetu života pojedinaca, za procjenu vrste terapije te uspješnost pojedine terapije

Skraćen zubni luk (SZL) je naziv za stanje denticije kad nedostaju stražnji, tj. distalni zubi. Ovo se stanje često susreće zbog toga što se molari najčešće među prvima ekstrahiraju zbog destrukcije karijesom i/ili parodontne bolesti. U SZL-u preostali premolari mogu distalno migrirati, što može dovesti do sniženja okluzije i vertikalne dimenzije donje trećine lica i rezultirati povećanim opterećenjem prednjih zuba. Ovakva situacija smatra se nekompenziranim SZL-om. Međutim, kod mnogih pacijenata s gubitkom molara može nastati neznatna migracija prema distalno, koja je unutar granica prihvatljivosti, bez sniženja vertikalne dimenzije i bez nastajanja kontakata u području fronte i to se smatra kompenziranim SZL-om. Nedostatak lateralnih zuba ne igra važnu ulogu sa subjektivnog aspekta pacijenta, puno važniju ulogu imaju socio– psihološki i estetski faktori, a gubital stražnjih zuba ne narušava previše estetiku. Kod osoba starijih od 45 godina sa dobro raspoređenih 20 zuba, najpovoljnije od pretkutnjaka s jedne strane do pretkutnjaka s druge strane, žvačna sposobnost, te njihove potrebe u izgledu i funkciji su uglavnom zadovoljavajuće. Istraživanja su pokazala veliku razliku između profesionalne procjene potreba i subjektivne procjene tretmana, naročito kod starijih osoba. Tradicionalni koncepti liječenja su u mnogim slučajevima doveli do nepotrebno preopsežnog liječenja. Zdrava denticija je karakterizirana slijedećim biološkim kriterijima: nedostatak patoloških manifestacija, zadovoljavajuća funkcija, različitosti u obliku i funkciji i sposobnosti prilagodbe, tj. adaptivnom kapacitetu. Zato je kod kompenziranog SZLa moguće pacijenta samo pratiti, a intervenirati jedino ako se za to ukaže potreba, odnosno kad nastane nekompenzirani SZL. Kad je preostala denticija previše smanjena da osigurava zadovoljavajuću oralnu funkciju, vodilja bi trebala biti očuvanje alveolarne kosti i preostalih zuba.

Objectives: Various methods proposed for artificial teeth selection focus mainly on their shape and colour. However, relationships between widths of maxillary frontal teeth and width to length (W-L) proportion of each tooth have not been entirely described. Therefore the aim was to examine proportional relationships of maxillary frontal teeth and to compare calculated proportions with W-L proportion of a hard palate, with the Golden Proportion (61.8%) and with the 75% proportion. Methods: Eighty dentate students participated. Measurements were made on maxillary casts poured in a hard stone. The widths at the contact point level of maxillary frontal teeth and the length (height) of their clinical crowns were measured with a calliper (0.01 mm precision). Hamular width and the distance between the centre of the incisive papilla and fovea palatine were measured on the hard palate. W-L proportions were calculated for each tooth and a hard palate and tooth to tooth proportions were calculated as well. T test was used to reveal the significance of the differences between proportions. Results: Results revealed significant differences between W-L proportions of each maxillary frontal tooth and that of a hard palate ; between W-L proportions of maxillary frontal teeth and the Golden Proportion (61.8%) as well as the 75% proportion (p

Objectives: The aim was to assess dental status and prosthodontic treatment needs in urban Croatian population. Dental status, Community Periodontal Index (CPI), current prosthodontic status and needs were registered according to WHO criteria. Methods:In urban population (Zagreb) 1234 patients were examined (521 males and 713 fenales) divided in the 6 age groups (15-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, >61 years). Current dental status and CPI were registered, as well as status of prosthodontic appliances if present in patient mouth (which was assessed by a trained specialist of prosthodontics). Teeth with pockets > 6 mm were classified as teeth which would need extraction within a few years. Specialist of prosthodontics assessed that about 35 % patients needed new PAs mainly older than 40 years. Results: Until the age of 20 no prosthodontic appliances (PAs) were found and until 30 years only 6 % had fixed partial dentures (FPD). At the age of 40 more than 34 % had PAs, mainly FPDs. At the age of 50 more than 47 % Pas (10 % had removable dentures). At the age of 60 more than 52 % had Pas (FPDs begun to decrease (32 %) and removable partials (13 %) and complete dentures ( 9 %) begun to increase). In the age group > 61 % only 25 % had no Pas and more than 66 % had removable dentures. CPI revealed considerable percentage of periodontal pockets > 6 mm (11 %) in age 21-30, 32 % (31-40 years) reaching the peak (>52 %) in 41-50 year group. In older age group the percentage of pockets > 6 mm decreased. Conclusions: Need for prosthetic treatment was considerably high in Croatian urban population. Considerable need was registered after the age of 30 and the highest need was between 40-60 years.

The aim of this study was to assess dental status and prosthodontic treatment needs in an urban Croatian population.Dental status, CPI, current prosthodontic status and needs were registeres according to WHO criteria. Need for prosthetic treatment was high in a Croatian urban population.Considerable need was registered after the age of 30 and the highest need was between 40-60 years.

Objectives: Esthetics is an important issue for both, dentists and their patient. Therefore, the selection of artificial teeth is an important concern in complete denture construction. Therefore, attempts have been made to establish methods for selection of appropriate size of maxillary anterior teeth. The aim of this study was to determine a ratio between the widths of the maxillary anterior teeth (MxAT) and the mandibular anterior teeth (MnAT). That could be of help to determine the width of the artificial MxAT according to the width of the present MnAT. Methods: On the subject's casts (74) width of the MxAT and MnAT were measured with precise caliper, and the sum of the MxAT widths (SMxATW) and the sum of the MnAT widths (SMnATW) were calculated. Results: Ration between SMxATW and SMnATW were calculated (1, 27). Distance between distoaproximal sides of maxillary canines were measured too (MxATWfr), and the ration between MxATWfr and SMnATW were calculated (1, 44). Distance between cusps of maxillary canines (DMxC) and the distance between cusps of mandibular canines (DMnC) were measured and the ratio between them was calculated (1, 34). Conclusions: Ratios between maxillary and mandibular frontal teeth should be valid to select artificial maxillary denture mold of suficient width to obtain a Class I canine relationship

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine possibility to reconstruct the vertical dimension of occlusion from digital frontal or lateral view photographs with a subject clenching in a position of maximum intercuspation (ICP). METHODS: Digital photographs (an face and profile) were obtained from 55 dentate subjects using a 5.1 Megapixel digital camera from distance of 1.5 m. Subjects were clenching in ICP position. Sn-Gn (subnasale-gnation) and N-Sn (nasion-subnasale) distance were measured on each subject and on their photographs. To calculate the Sn-Gn distance of a subject the following equation was used: N-Sn (measured on a subject) * Sn-Gn (measured on the photograph) / N-Sn (measured on a photograph). Sn- Gn distance was calculated from a frontal view photograph and from a profile photograph. RESULTS: Results revealed no significant difference between the calculated Sn-Gn distance from a profile or a frontal view photograph and Sn-Gn distance measured on a subject (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Saving digital photographs of a patient clenching in ICP together with other dental records could be valuable for possible reconstructive prosthodontic treatment in future for calculating the exact vertical dimension of occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess dental status and prosthodontic treatment needs (PTN) in urban Croatian population. METHODS: A total of 1200 individuals, 491 males and 709 females (15-90 years) divided in 6 age groups (15-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, 41-50 years, 51-60 years and >61 years) were examined. Dental status, Community Periodontal Index (CPI), current prosthodontic status and needs were registered according to WHO criteria. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between genders. Until the age of 20 no prosthodontic appliances (PA) were found and until 30 years only 5% had fixed partial dentures (FPD). At the age of 40 more than 30% had PAs, mainly FPDs. At the age of 50 more than 45% had PAs (10% had removable dentures). At the age of 60 more than 50% had PAs (FPDs begun to decrease (30%) and removable partial (12%) and complete dentures (8%) begun to increase). In age group >61 only 25% had no PA and more than 65% had removable dentures. Additional PTN (replacement of more than 1 tooth) varied from 1% in the youngest group, 13% (21-30 years), and 27% (31-40 years) till 40% (41-50 years). In older groups additional PTN declined to 30% (51-60 years) and to 22% in >61 years. CPI revealed a considerable percentage of periodontal pockets >6 mm (10%) in age between 21-30 years, 30% (31-40 years), reaching the peak (>50%) in 41- 50 year group. In older age groups the percentage of pockets >6 mm decreased, mainly due to the fact that majority teeth had been already extracted. CONCLUSION: Including present prosthodontic status, current needs and anticipating extractions of teeth (pockets >6 mm), the population need for prosthodontic treatment in Croatia was considerably high. Greater emphasis on prevention and financial support for prosthodontic treatment are required.

Introduction: Digital photography is almost available to everybody. Proper artificial tooth selection is very important for aesthetic consideration of prosthetic appliance. Aim of this study: was to examine possibility of calculating the width of a missing central incisor using digital photographs as well as to determine best camera-object distance on accuracy of the calculated tooth dimension. Materials and methods: Digital photographs were obtained from 51 dentate subjects using a 3.1 Mega pixel digital camera from various distances: 35 cm, 70 cm, 1 m and 1.5 m. For the calculation of the width of maxillary left central incisor (MLI), the following equation was used: MLI(calculated) = Photographic width of MLI x IPD / photographic IPD. Statistical analysis was made (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, dependent sample t-test, correlation and frequencies) using SPSS 10.0 for Windows. Results: Results revealed no significant difference between the calculated MLI (70 cm, 1 m and 1.5 m distance) and actual MLI. Calculated MLI from 35 cm distance was significantly different from the actual MLI value (p < 0.01). The highest correlation was between calculated MLI (70 cm distance) and actual MLI. However, the highest percentage of results from a distance of 70 cm also fitted within +/- 0.3 mm ; +/- 0.5 mm and +/- 1 mm difference from the actual MLI values. However, the results obtained from 1 m distance were also satisfactory. The technique of use of digital photography is of proven value in calculating the width of a maxillary central incisor. Conclusion: The photographs using a simple digital camera should be taken from a distance from 70 cm to 1 m. Digital photographs in a dental office may be helpful for calculating dimensions of artificial teeth in possible future reconstructive treatment.

Introduction: Aesthetics is an important issue for dentists and their patients (1). Therefore the selection of artificial teeth (dimension, shape and colour) is an important concern in complete denture construction. (2-4). Many attempts have been made to establish methods as aids for artificial tooth selection (2, 5-9), but none of them being completely satisfactory. It had been documented that artificial teeth were frequently too narrow and too long (10) in dentures. Therefore, attempts have been made to establish methods for selection of appropriate size of maxillary anterior teeth. Many investigators studied the relationship between dimensions of various landmarks on a subject's face and a size of maxillary anterior teeth (8, 11-13) with an idea to compute the maxillary first incisor’s width or length if the strong correlation existed. Purpose of the study:To determine a possibility of reconstruction of maxillary incisor's dimensions using the dimensions of the hard palate. Materials & Methods: A total of 82 dentate students participated (Angle class I occlussal relationship, minimal tooth rotations or compressions were allowed). Irreversible hydrocolloid impressions of a maxillary jaw were made (Alginoplast fast set, Heraeus Kulzer, Hanau, Germany) and casts were poured in the hard stone (ISO Type I, Vel-Mix Stone, Kerr Italia S. p. A., Salerno, Italy). Measurements were made on the casts using a precise caliper (0.1 mm precision) (TMA MEBA, Zagreb, Croatia). The incisal height (IH) and the incisal width (IW), the contact (CtW) and the cervical width (CW) of the maxillary first incisors (MCI) were measured, as well as an interhamular distance (HD) (distance between the left and the right hamular notch) and a distance between a centre of an incisive papilla and foveola palatina (IP-FP). Statistical analysis was made by SPSS 12 for Windows. Results: The distribution of the data was normal (p>0.05) (tested by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Descriptive statistics (mean values, standard deviations) is presented in Figure 1 and Figure 2. There was no significant difference for any variable measured in this study between men and women (p>0.05) (independent t test). Significance of the difference between mean values of maxillary frontal teeth on the left and right side of the dental arch is tested by t test for dependent samples.There was no significant difference between the left and the right side maxillary first incisor’s widths (p>0.05). Maxillary first incisors on the left side were significantly higher than maxillary first incisors on the right side (p0.05), mean values for maxillary first incisor were calculated (Table 1). The ratios (factors) were computed: HD/IW (5.71), HD/CtP (5.69), HD/CW (5.51) and IP-FP/IH (4.76) (Table 2). In Table 3 the dimensions of the hard palate were calculated by multiplying the measured tooth dimensions (Table 1) and computed ratios (Table 2). Than the descriptive statistics and significance of the difference between measured and calculated hard palate dimensions were tested by Student's paired t test (p>0.05). Maxillary first incisor’s height had been calculated by dividing the hard palate length by the calculated ratio (4.76, Table 2). Mean values and standard deviations for the calculated maxillary first incisor’s length are presented in Table 4. In older age groups gingival margin migrates apically and the incisor’s crown becomes longer. For this reason, except the use of the calculated factor 4.76, the factor 4.0 was also used (palate length divided by 4). Discussion:After the extraction of the all teeth, it is very difficult to reconstruct the exact position of maxillary frontal teeth, since the rate of alveolar bone resorption is individual in each subject. At the other hand, hamular notches, incisive papila and foveae palatinae have been considered to be reliable landmarks since they have not been submitted to resorptive changes after teeth extraction (14). Their position has been determined by anatomical structures. Therefore the interhamular distance and the distance between the incisive papilla and fovea palatina have been chosen as reference distances for determination of the teeth dimensions. The ratios calculated in this study seem to be relevant for a choice of maxillary first incisor’s width (Table 4). For the height of the maxillary central incisor, dividing palate length with the calculated ratio 4.76 would lead to the choice of too short incisors (9.41 mm, Table 4) because in older age groups gingival recession is present, as well as a resorption of residual alveolar ridges in edentulous patients (15). The artificial maxillary incisors should be longer than the length of natural teeth to compensate for alveolar ridge resorption. However, artificial denture gums should also not be visible. Therefore the calculated ratio was modified to a 4.0 factor. The incisor’s length calculated by dividing palate length by 4 would lead to 1.7 mm longer incisors than measured (11.19 mm, Table 4). However, artificial teeth have to be grinded during a set up procedure and therefore factor 4 seems to be more appropriate for determination of the first maxillary incisor’s height for removable denture population than the calculated ratio 4.76. Conclusion: It is possible to calculate the maxillary central incisor’s width and height by measuring the patient’s palate. Interhamular distance should be divided by 5.71 for the cervical width between interdental papilas, by 5.69 for the incisal width and by 5.5 for the contact-point width of a maxillary central incisor. To calculate the length of the maxillary central incisor, a distance between foveolae palatine and incisive papilla should be divided by 4.

Introduction: Orientation planes for mounting models in articulators are thought to be parallel with real horizontal plane. Aim of the study: To measure inclination between craniofacial planes and real gravity horizontal plane. Materials and Methods: Fifty six dental students with complete natural dentition and Angle Class I participated. Left profiles and an-face photographs with a subject in a natural head position and clenching on a Fox plane were obtained from a distance of 1.5 m. A plumb line was pending from the ceiling to identify gravity vector (true vertical). Perpendicular line to a true vertical line was drown on digital photographs (true horizontal) and inclinations between Frankfort horizontal plane and true horizontal, between Camper's line and true horizontal, between Fox plane and and true horizontal and inclination between bipupilar line and true horizontal were measured. Statistical analysis (descriptives, t test) was made using SPSS 12 for Windows. Results: Mean values between bipupilar line and true horizontal was: x= -.25± ; ; ; 1.94 degrees and no significant difference was observed (t= 0.96 ; P=0.39, NS). Mean difference between Camper's line and true horizontal was: x= 5.53± ; ; ; 7.68 degrees and the difference was statistically significant (t= 5.39 ; P