Abstract Evaluate the shaping ability and preparation time using a pediatric motor-driven rotary instrumentation compared to other systems in resin prototypes of primary molars. Methods: Thirty specimens were scanned in micro-CT and divided into three groups according to the instrumentation type: pediatric motor-driven Sequence baby File (SBF); conventional motor-driven (Sequence Rotary File - SRF); manual K file. Instrumentation time was timed. After preparation, the specimens were scanned again. The pre- and post-instrumentation images were superimposed to measure the amount of root canal deviation and the resin remnant thickness. ANOVA followed by the Tukey test analyzed the comparisons between groups (p<0.05). Results: No statistically significant differences occurred in root canal deviation among groups (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the comparison among root thirds (p<0.001) but without significant differences in the interaction group vs. root third (p>0.05). Both motor-driven instrumentations showed statistically greater weariness than manual instrumentation (p<0.001), without significant significant differences between SBF and SRF. Motor-driven instrumentation had a shorter working time than manual instrumentation (p<0.001). Conclusion: Pediatric motor-driven instrumentation demonstrated good outcomes in relation to root canal deviation and amount of remnant structure, with shorter instrumentation time. SBF can be a suitable alternative for endodontic instrumentation in primary molars.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados da instrumentação endodôntica e o tempo de preparo de lima odontopediátrica ativada por motor (Sequence Baby File- SBF) em canais de molares decíduos prototipados. Métodos: Trinta espécimes foram escaneados em micro-CT e divididos em três grupos de acordo com o tipo de instrumentação: mecanizada odontopediátrica (SBF); mecanizada convencional; lima K manual. O tempo de instrumentação foi cronometrado. Após o preparo, os espécimes foram escaneados novamente. As imagens pré e pós-instrumentação foram sobrepostas e a quantidade de desvio do canal radicular e a espessura de resina remanescente foram mensurados. Para as análises de comparações entre os grupos foram realizados teste ANOVA seguido do teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados: Não ocorreram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos no desvio do canal radicular (p>0,05). Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na comparação entre terços radiculares (p<0,001), mas sem diferenças significativas na interação grupo vs. terço radicular (p>0,05). A instrumentação mecanizada apresentou desgaste estatisticamente maior do que a instrumentação manual (p<0,001), sem diferenças estatísticas entre a SBF e a lima mecanizada convencional. A instrumentação mecanizada teve menor tempo de trabalho quando comparado a instrumentação manual (p<0,001). Conclusão: A instrumentação mecanizada odontopediátrica demonstrou bons resultados em relação ao desvio do canal radicular e quantidade de estrutura remanescente, com menor tempo de instrumentação. A SBF pode ser uma alternativa adequada para a instrumentação endodôntica em molares decíduos.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of cleft width on dental arch symmetry of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Forty-one children were subjected to impression preoperatively (T1; mean age = 0.31 ± 0.07 years) and postoperatively (T2; mean age = 6 .73 ± 1.02 years). Eighty-two digitized dental casts were analyzed by stereophotogrammetry software. The cleft palate width was measured in the anterior (P-P’), middle (M-M’), and posterior (U-U’) regions. Also, the following measurements were obtained: anterior intersegment (I-C’) and intrasegment (I-C); total intersegment (I-T’) and intrasegment (I-T); cleft-side (C’-T’) and non-cleft-side (C-T) canine tuberosity. Paired t test and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied (α = 5%). Cleft width had the following means: 10.16 (± 3.46) mm for P-P’, 12.45 (± 3.00) mm for M-M’, and 12.57 (± 2.71) mm for U-U’. In the longitudinal analysis, I-C’ had a significant reduction, while the other measurements significantly increased (p < 0.001). Asymmetry was verified in the following analyses at T1: I-C’ vs. I-C and I-T’ vs. I-T (p < 0.001); at T2, only in I-C’ vs. I-C (p < 0.001). At T1, P-P’ vs. I-C’ (r = 0.722 and p < 0.001), P-P’ vs. I-T’ (r = 0.593 and p < 0.001), M-M’ vs. I-C’ (r = 0.620 and p < 0.001), and M-M’ vs. I-T’ (r = 0.327 and p < 0.05) showed a positive and significant correlation. At T2, there was a correlation between M-M’ and I-C’ (r = 0.377 and p < 0.05). In conclusion, the anterior and middle cleft widths influenced palatal asymmetry in the first months of life, while middle width influenced residual asymmetry.

Abstract Oral cleft surgical repairs are performed using different techniques worldwide. Objective To evaluate and compare the development of the dental arches of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate before and after the primary surgeries performed with different techniques at the first months and six years of life. Methodology This is a retrospective longitudinal study. The sample comprised 56 dental casts divided int the following groups: Group 1 (G1) – cheiloplasty (Millard technique) at three months and one-step palatoplasty (von Langenbeck technique) at 12 months; and Group 2 (G2) – cheiloplasty (Millard technique) and two-step palatoplasty: anterior hard palate closure (Hans Pichler technique) at three months and posterior soft palate closure (Sommerlad technique) at 12 months. The digitized dental casts were evaluated at three months – pre-surgical (T1) and six years of life– post-surgical (T2). The following linear measurements were analyzed: intercanine (C–C’), intertuberosity (T–T’) distances; anterior dental arch (I–CC’), anterior intersegment (I–C’), and total arch (I–TT’) lengths. The palate area was also measured. Parametric and non-parametric tests were applied (p<0.05). Results In G1, the intragroup comparison showed statistically significant smaller I–CC’ and I–C’ at T2 (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), while T–T’, I–TT’, and area comparisons were significantly greater (p<0.001, p=0.002, and p<0.001, respectively). In G2, the intragroup comparison exhibited statistically significant smaller C–C’ and I–C’ at T2 (p=0.004, for both), whereas T–T’, I–TT’ and area comparisons were significantly greater (p<0.001, p=0.004, and p<0.001, respectively). At T2, the intergroup analysis revealed that G1 had a statistically significant smaller I–CC’ (p=0.014). The analysis of the intergroup differences (∆=T2–T1) showed that G1 had a statistically smaller I–CC’ (p=0.043). Conclusion The two-step palatoplasty showed a more favorable prognosis for the maxillary growth than one-step palatoplasty in children with oral clefts.

Aim to evaluate the surgical effects of two rehabilitation protocols on dental arch occlusion of 5-year-old children with or without cleft lip and palate. Methods this is a retrospective longitudinal study the sample comprised 45 digitized dental casts divided into followed groups: Group 1 (G1) – children who underwent to cheiloplasty (Millard technique) at 3 months and to one-stage palatoplasty (von Langenbeck technique) at 12 months; Group 2 (G2) – children who underwent to cheiloplasty (Millard technique) and two-stage palatoplasty (Hans Pichler technique for hard palate closure) at 3 months and at 12 months to soft palate closure (Sommerlad technique); and Group 3 (G3) – children without craniofacial anomalies. Linear measurements, area, and occlusion were evaluated by stereophotogrammetry software. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to verify normality. ANOVA followed by posthoc Tukey test and Kruskal-Wallis followed by posthoc Dunn tests were used to compared groups. Results For the measures intercanine distance (C-C’), anterior length of dental arch (I-CC’), and total length of the dental arch (I–MM’), there were statistical differences between G1x G3 and G2xG3, the mean was smaller for G1 and G2. No statistically significant differences occurred in the intermolar distance and in the dental arch area among groups. The occlusion analysis revealed significant difference in the comparison of the three groups (p=0.0004). Conclusion The surgical effects of two rehabilitation protocols affected the occlusion and the development of the anterior region of the maxilla of children with oral clefts when compared to children without oral clefts.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o crescimento e desenvolvimento maxilar de crianças com fissuras orais por meio de um método inovador da técnica de sobreposição 3D-3D. Participaram do estudo crianças com fissura unilateral completa de lábio (FL) e fissura unilateral de lábio e palato (FLP). As moldagens dos arcos dentários foram realizadas 1 dia antes e 1 ano após o reparo cirúrgico labial. Um scanner a laser 3D digitalizou os modelos dentários e o software do sistema de estereofotogrametria analisou as sobreposições 3D-3D em dois grupos correspondentes (mesmo indivíduo, FL e FLP) e um grupo não-correspondente (indivíduos diferentes). As diferenças foram avaliadas pelo Root Mean Square (RMS) e expressas em milímetros (mm). O teste de Kruskal-Wallis seguido do teste post-hoc de Dunn e teste de MannWhitney foram avaliados para comparar os grupos (α=5%). RMS foi de 1.34 mm (± 0.37) no grupo FL, 1.41 mm (± 0.32) no grupo FLP e 3.38 mm (± 1.28) no grupo não-correspondente. RMS foi significativamente maior no grupo não-correspondente (p <0.0001). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os gêneros. A técnica de sobreposição 3D-3D evidenciou o desenvolvimento da maxila após a cirurgia labial na região anterior do palato. Assim, sugere-se que a amplitude da fenda e a proporção dos segmentos palatinos influenciam na heterogeneidade morfológica e, consequentemente, no desenvolvimento e crescimento maxilar de crianças com fissura orofacial

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the maxillary growth and development of children with oral clefts using the innovative method of 3D-3D superimposition technique. Children with unilateral complete cleft lip (UCL) and unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) participated in the study. The impressions of the dental arches were executed 1 day before and 1 year after lip repair surgery. A 3D laser scanner digitized the dental models and the stereophotogrammetry system software analyzed the 3D-3D superimpositions in two groups of matches (same child, UCL and UCLP) and one group of mismatches (different individuals). The differences were evaluated by Root Mean Square (RMS) and expressed in millimeters (mm). Kruskal-Wallis test followed by post-hoc Dunn test and Mann-Whitney test were assessed to compare the groups (α=5%). RMS was 1.34 mm (± 0.37) in UCL group, 1.41 mm (± 0.32) in UCLP group, and 3.38 mm (± 1.28) in mismatches group. RMS was significantly greater in mismatches than in matches groups (p<0.0001). No statistically significant differences occurred between genders. The 3D-3D superimposition technique showed the maxillary development after lip repair surgery in the anterior region of the palate. Thus, it is suggested that the cleft amplitude and the palatal segments proportion influenced the morphological heterogeneity and, consequently, the development and maxillary growth of children with orofacial cleft.

Abstract Alternatives for the treatment of caries disease, such as minimally invasive approaches, have been developed in recent years. Objective: To carry out clinical and radiographic evaluations of three cavity liners after selective caries removal. Methodology: Thirty-six primary molars with deep occlusal caries lesions without pulp involvement (from children of both genders, aged between 5 and 8 years) were randomly divided into the following groups: calcium hydroxide cement (CHC) group; mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) group and Portland cement with added zirconium oxide (PCZ) group. The following-up period was 6- and 12-month. The clinical and radiographic success rates were evaluated through chi-square test. The radiographic measurements were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p<0.05). Results: Thirty-six patients were included, but thirty-four returned for 12-month follow-up. The overall success rate of the therapy for the three groups was 94.11% and no statistically significant differences occurred in the comparison among groups (p>0.05). Nineteen radiographs were selected to measure the dentin barrier thickness. The intragroup comparison presented a statistically significant increase of the dentin barrier for all groups, at 12-month follow-up. However, the MTA group showed increase of the dentin barrier, over time, 6- to 12-month follow-up. The intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). Conclusion: The clinical and radiographic data showed that all cavity liners provided effective treatment of primary teeth after selective caries removal.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar in vitro o efeito antimicrobiano de uma bandagem oral bioadesiva de quitosana com clorexidina para o tratamento de infecções dos tecidos orais. Cinco bandagens de diferentes composições foram testadas: Quitosana 5% (G1); Quitosana 5% ± clorexidina a 0,2% (G2), Quitosana 5% ± clorexidina a 0,6% (G3), Quitosana 5% ± clorexidina a 1,0% (G4) e Quitosana 5% ± clorexidina a 2,0% (G5). Foram testados também 5 tipos de géis nas seguintes composições: Gel de Quitosana 5% (G6), Gel de clorexidina a 0,2% (G7), Gel de clorexidina a 2,0% (G8), Gel de Quitosana 5% ± clorexidina a 0,2% (G9) e Gel de Quitosana 5% ± clorexidina a 2,0% (G10). A ação antimicrobiana das amostras foi testada contra Candida albicans e Streptococcus mutans por meio do antibiograma, medindo o halo de inibição. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis e ANOVA a um critério seguido pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). A membrana com 2,0% de clorexidina (G5) e os discos contendo gel com 2,0% de clorexidina (G8) apresentaram os maiores halos de inibição para os dois microrganismos, com diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação aos demais grupos testados (p=0,008) apenas nos resultados de inibição de C. albicans. Todas as outras formulações de membranas e géis apresentaram halo de inibição, mas sem diferença estatisticamente significativa. A bandagem oral bioadesiva de quitosana com gel de 2% de clorexidina foi a mais efetiva em inibir os microrganismos testados.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial effect of a bioadhesive chitosan-based oral membrane with chlorhexidine for local treatment of infections in the oral tissues. Five oral membranes of different compositions were tested: 5% chitosan (G1); 5% chitosan ± 0.2% chlorhexidine (G2), 5% chitosan ± 0.6% chlorhexidine (G3), 5% chitosan ± 1.0% chlorhexidine (G4), and 5% chitosan ± 2.0% chlorhexidine (G5). Also, five gel types were tested according to the following compositions: 5% chitosan gel (G6), 0.2% chlorhexidine gel (G7), 2.0% chlorhexidine gel (G8), 5% chitosan gel ± 0.2% chlorhexidine gel (G9), and 5% chitosan gel ± 2.0% chlorhexidine gel (G10). The antimicrobial action of the samples was tested against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans through antibiogram by measuring the inhibition halos. Data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). The 2.0% chlorhexidine membrane (G5) and the disks containing 2.0% chlorhexidine gel (G8) showed the greatest inhibition halos for both microorganisms, with statistically significant difference when compared to others tested groups (p=0.008) only for Candida albicans inhibitions results. All the other formulations of membranes and gels showed inhibition halos, but without statistically significant difference. The bioadhesive chitosan-based oral membrane with 2% chlorhexidine and 2% chlorhexidine gel were the most effective in inhibiting the tested microorganisms.

Abstract Oral health problems can influence people's Quality of Life (QoL) because of pain, discomfort, limitations, and other esthetics problems, affecting their social life, feeding, daily activities, and the individual's well-being. Objective: To compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children with and without oral clefts and their families. Materials and Methods: 121 children aged from 2 to 6 years, from both sexes, enrolled in the treatment routine of the Pediatric Dentistry Clinics of a Dental School and a Hospital for Cleft Treatment were divided into two groups: Group 1 - children with cleft lip and palate; Group 2 - children without cleft lip and palate. The OHRQoL was assessed using the validated Portuguese version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). The questionnaire was answered individually, only once, at a private place. Mann-Whitney U test was used to verify differences between groups. Spearman's Rho test was used to associate sex and age with quality of life. The level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). Results: According to the parents’ perception on the OHRQoL of children with and without cleft lip and palate, oral health of children with oral clefts (Group 1) had a statistically significant impact on OHRQoL. The correlation of sex with impact on OHRQoL did not show statistically significant differences. On the other hand, the higher the age the higher the impact on QoL. Conclusions: The group comparison revealed that the cleft lip and palate negatively impacted on OHRQoL of 2 to 6-year-old children and their parents.

ABSTRACT Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulates the proliferation of a variety of types of cells. However, very little is known about its effect on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Objective This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different laser therapy energy densities on SHED viability and proliferation. Material and Methods SHED were irradiated according to the groups: I (1.2 J/cm2 - 0.5 mW – 10 s), II (2.5 J/cm2 – 10 mW – 10 s), III (3.7 J/cm2 – 15 mW – 10 s), IV (5.0 J/cm2 – 20 mW – 10 s), V (6.2 J/cm2 – 25 mW – 10 s), and VI (not irradiated – control group). Cell viability was assessed 6 and 24 h after irradiation measuring the mitochondrial activity and using the Crystal Violet assay. Cell proliferation was assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h of irradiation by SRB assay. Results MTT assay demonstrated differences from 6 to 24 hours after irradiation. After 24 h, groups I and IV showed higher absorbance values than those of control group. Crystal Violet assay showed statistically differences in the absorbance rate from 6 to 24 h after irradiation for groups III and VI. At 24 h after irradiation, Group III absorbance rate was greater than that of groups I, II, and IV. Group VI absorbance rate was greater than that of groups I and IV. SRB assay showed that the group I had higher rates than those of groups II, III, V, and VI, at 24 h after irradiation. After 48 h, group I exhibited the greatest cell proliferation rate followed by groups III, V, and VI. After 72 h, group III exhibited the lowest cell proliferation rate than those of groups II, IV, and V. Conclusions The Low-Level Laser Therapy energy densities used in this study did not cause loss of cell viability and stimulated SHED proliferation within the parameters described in this study.

O propósito deste trabalho foi mensurar e comparar as dimensões dos arcos dentários em modelos digitais tridimensionais de crianças com ou sem fissuras de lábio e palato antes das cirurgias primárias. A amostra foi composta de 223 modelos de gesso de crianças, de 3 a 9 meses, divididas em 5 grupos: sem deformidades craniofaciais, fissura pré-forame incompleta, fissura pré-forame completa, fissura transforame unilateral e fissura transforame bilateral. Modelos de gesso dos arcos dentários superiores das crianças foram utilizados para avaliação. Os modelos passaram por um processo de digitalização, por meio de escâner 3D e as medidas utilizadas para a correlação entre os grupos foram realizadas diretamente nas imagens escaneadas. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste t e ANOVA seguido pelo teste de Tukey. Os resultados mostraram que a distância intercaninos e a amplitude anterior da fissura foram maiores nas crianças com fissura transforame unilateral. A distância intertuberosidades e a amplitude posterior da fissura foi maior nas com fissura transforame bilateral entre os grupos estudados. As crianças com fissura de lábio e palato apresentam as dimensões dos arcos maxilares maiores que as crianças sem fissura labiopalatina antes das cirurgias primárias.

The aim of this study was to measure and compare the dimensions of the dental arches on three-dimensional digital study models in children with and without cleft lip and palate before the primary surgery. The sample consisted of 223 digital models of children aged 3-9 months, divided into 5 groups: without craniofacial deformities, unilateral and bilateral incomplete cleft lip and alveolus, unilateral and bilateral complete cleft lip and alveolus, unilateral cleft lip and palate, and bilateral cleft lip and palate. Dental casts of the maxillary dental arches of the children were used. The dental casts underwent a process of scanning through 3D scanner and the measurements used for the correlation among groups were made on the scanned images. Statistical analysis was performed by t test and ANOVA followed by Tukey test. The results showed that the intercanine distance and anterior cleft width was wider in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The intertuberosity distances and posterior cleft width was wider in children with bilateral cleft lip and palate among the groups. Children with cleft lip and palate before the primary surgery had wider maxillary arch dimensions than the children without cleft lip and palate.

A displasia ectodérmica é uma doença congênita rara, que afeta várias estruturas de origem ectodérmica. As principais características na cavidade oral são hipodontia, má formação dentária e subdesenvolvimento do rebordo alveolar. Devido às falhas de retenção das próteses convencionais, novas alternativas de tratamento são necessárias. Este relato de caso descreve o tratamento de reabilitação oral em uma menina de 9 anos de idade com displasia ectodérmica. O tratamento foi realizado com próteses dentárias convencionais sobre mini-implantes. Os mini-implantes promoveram a retenção da prótese. A paciente relatou uma boa adaptação das próteses e satisfação com o tratamento. O aumento da autoestima melhorou as atividades de socialização da criança. Neste estudo de caso, o uso de prótese com mini-implantes foi satisfatória para a retenção da prótese. No entanto, estudos clínicos longitudinais são necessários para testar os mini-implantes como uma alternativa para a reabilitação oral de crianças com displasia ectodérmica.

Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare congenital disease that affects several structures of ectodermal origin. The most commonly related oral characteristics are hypodontia, malformed teeth and underdeveloped alveolar ridges. New alternative treatments are needed due to the failure of the conventional prosthesis retention. This case report outlines the oral rehabilitation treatment of a 9-year-old girl with ectodermal dysplasia. The treatment was performed with conventional prosthesis upon mini-implants. The mini-implants provided prosthetic retention. The patient reported a good adaptation of the dental prosthesis and satisfaction with the treatment. The increased self-esteem improved the socialization skills of the girl. In this case report, use of prosthesis with mini-implants was satisfactory for prosthetic retention. However, clinical studies with long-term follow-up are needed to test the mini-implants as an alternative for oral rehabilitation of children with ectodermal dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of mutations in the amelogenin gene (AMELX) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and enamel defects (ED). A total of 165 patients were divided into four groups: with CLP and ED (n=46), with CLP and without ED (n = 34), without CLP and with ED (n = 34), and without CLP or ED (n = 51). Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva followed by conducting a Polymerase Chain Reaction and direct DNA sequencing of exons 2 through 7 of AMELX. Mutations were found in 30% (n = 14), 35% (n = 12), 11% (n = 4) and 13% (n = 7) of the subjects from groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Thirty seven mutations were detected and distributed throughout exons 2 (1 mutation – 2.7%), 6 (30 mutations – 81.08%) and 7 (6 mutations – 16.22%) of AMELX. No mutations were found in exons 3, 4 or 5. Of the 30 mutations found in exon 6, 43.34% (n = 13), 23.33% (n = 7), 13.33% (n = 4) and 20% (n = 6) were found in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. c.261 C > T (rs2106416), a silent mutation, was detected in 26 subjects, and found more significantly (p = 0.003) in patients with CLP (groups 1 and 2 – 23.75%), compared with those without CLP (groups 3 and 4 – 8.23%). In the groups without ED, this silent mutation was also found more significantly (p = 0.032) among subjects with CLP (17.65% in group 2), compared with those without CLP (7.8% in group 4). In conclusion, this study suggested that AMELX may be a candidate gene for cleft lip and palate.

Patients with Vitamin D-resistant rickets have abnormal tooth morphology such as thin globular dentin and enlarged pulp horns that extend into the dentino-enamel junction. Invasion of the pulp by microorganisms and toxins is inevitable. The increased fibrotic content of the pulp, together with a reduced number of odontoblasts, decreases the response to pulp infection. The most important oral findings are characterized by spontaneous gingival and dental abscesses occuring without history of trauma or caries. Radiographic examinations revealed large pulp chambers, short roots, poorly defined lamina dura and hypoplastic alveolar ridge. These dental abscesses are common and therefore the extraction and pulpectomy are the treatment of choice. The purpose of this article is to report a case of Vitamin D-resistant rickets in a 5 year-old boy, describing the dental findings and the treatment to be performed in these cases.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this present study was to compare, by means of 3D digital casts, the anterior transverse dimension of the dental arch of newborns with and without cleft lip and palate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample was composed of ninety-four children aged from 3 to 9 months divided into three study groups: Group I - children without craniofacial deformities (control group); Group II - children with unilateral cleft lip and palate; Group III - children with bilateral cleft lip and palate. Impressions were executed before lip and palate repair in patients with clefts. Dental casts were digitized using a 3D scanner linked to a computer. Measurements of the intercanine distance were measured on the digital casts. Intergroup comparisons were performed using ANOVA (p<0.05). RESULTS: The results showed a mean of 36.5 mm for unilateral cleft lip and palate group, 34.8 mm for bilateral cleft lip and palate group and 27.52 mm for the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between the control group and both groups of patients with cleft lip and palate. There was no statistically significant difference between complete unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with complete cleft lip and palate were born with an increased anterior dimension of the maxillary dental arch compared to non cleft patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the production of the chemokines CCL3 and CXCL12 by cultured dental pulp fibroblasts from permanent (PDPF) and deciduous (DDPF) teeth under stimulation by Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS (PgLPS). Material and Methods: Primary culture of fibroblasts from permanent (n=3) and deciduous (n=2) teeth were established using an explant technique. After the fourth passage, fibroblasts were stimulated by increasing concentrations of PgLPS (0 – 10 µg/mL) at 1, 6 and 24 h. The cells were tested for viability through MTT assay, and production of the chemokines CCL3 and CXCL12 was determined through ELISA. Comparisons among samples were performed using One-way ANOVA for MTT assay and Two-way ANOVA for ELISA results. Results: Cell viability was not affected by the antigen after 24 h of stimulation. PgLPS induced the production of CCL3 by dental pulp fibroblasts at similar levels for both permanent and deciduous pulp fibroblasts. Production of CXCL12, however, was significantly higher for PDPF than DDPF at 1 and 6 h. PgLPS, in turn, downregulated the production of CXCL12 by PDPF but not by DDPF. Conclusion: These data suggest that dental pulp fibroblasts from permanent and deciduous teeth may present a differential behavior under PgLPS stimulation.