West African Journal of Orthodontics

AY Adeloye — 2026-07-01

Abstract
Background. Dental anomalies involve abnormalities in the number, size, and shape of teeth, as well as structural defects or
disruptions in the eruption pattern . Genetic and epigenetic defects throughout the stages of tooth development have been the
main aetiological factors. Occlusal anomalies, such as crowding, spacing, deep bite, open bite, and crossbite, are deviations
from the normal alignment of teeth and jaws. Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, and
acromegaly are associated with various dental anomalies, including enamel defects, delayed tooth eruption, changes in tooth
size, and position. The identification of dental and occlusal anomalies is important since they can cause disturbances such as
malocclusion, increased susceptibility to caries, and aesthetic concerns.
Aim. To determine the prevalence and distribution of dental and occlusal anomalies amongst paediatric patients in the
paediatric endocrinology clinic, LUTH.
Methods. This is a Hospital-based Cross-Sectional study conducted at the Paediatric Endocrinology clinic, LUTH. Informed
consent and assent were obtained. Ethical approval was obtained. Participants were recruited via a convenient sampling
technique, until 50 participants aged 7-18 years, were obtained with a confirmed diagnosis of an endocrine disorder by the
physician. Clinical examination was done with dental examination sets. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26 with a p
value set at <0.05.
Results. A total of fifty participants with 54.0% females and 46.0% males participated in the study with a mean age of 11.52 ±
4.9 years. The prevalence of dental and occlusal anomalies was 56.0%. The frequencies of the various occlusal and dental
anomalies included Crowding 16.0%, Crossbite 16.0%, Open bite 16.0%, Missing teeth 8.0%, Enamel defects 16.0%, and
Microdontia 2.0%.
Conclusion. Dental and occlusal anomalies are prevalent and commonly distributed amongst paediatric patients with
endocrine disorders. Timely identification can minimise complications by enabling early treatment planning, less extensive
interception, and a more favourable prognosis.
Keywords: Dental and Occlusal Anomalies, Endocrine Disorders

Alignment Efficiency of Superelastic and Heat-Activated Nickel–Titanium Archwires During Initial Orthodontic Alignment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

AL Ben-Okoye — 2026-07-01

Background: Levelling and alignment constitute the initial and one of the most critical phases of fixed orthodontic
treatment. Nickel–titanium (NiTi) archwires are routinely used during this stage because of their favourable biomechanical
properties; however, the comparative clinical alignment efficiency of superelastic and heat-activated NiTi archwires
remains uncertain.
Aim: To compare the clinical alignment efficiency of superelastic nickel–titanium (SENT) and heat-activated
nickel–titanium (HANT) archwires during the initial alignment phase of fixed orthodontic treatment in patients with mild-
to-moderate anterior crowding.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, orthodontic patients aged 11–25 years presenting with 3.0–6.9 mm of anterior
segment crowding and requiring non-extraction fixed appliance therapy were randomly allocated (1:1) to either the HANT
or SENT group. Both groups followed an identical archwire sequence (0.014-inch, 0.016-inch, and 0.018-inch NiTi), with
each archwire maintained for four weeks. Anterior segment crowding was measured at baseline and at 4-week intervals over
a 12-week period. Changes in alignment were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with
statistical significance set at P < 0.05.
Results: Thirty-eight dental arches were randomized and included in the final analysis (19 arches per group). The mean
participant age was 20.05 ± 5.14 years, and baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between
groups (P > 0.05). Over the 12-week observation period, the mean reduction in anterior segment crowding was 3.90 mm in
the HANT group and 3.46 mm in the SENT group. The between-group difference was not statistically significant (P =
0.809).
Conclusions: Heat-activated and Superelastic nickel–titanium archwires demonstrated comparable clinical efficiency for
the alignment of mild-to-moderate anterior crowding during the initial phase of fixed orthodontic treatment.

Dental Arch Width Dimensions among Pre-treatment Orthodontic Patients In A Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

HE Osadiaye — 2026-07-01

Background: Accurate assessment of dental arch width is essential for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, as it
influences space availability, occlusal relationships, aesthetics, and long-term stability. Arch width varies by gender, age,
ethnicity, and arch form, yet most normative data are derived from non-African populations, limiting their applicability in
African clinical settings. This study aimed to determine maxillary and mandibular arch width dimensions among pre-
treatment orthodontic patients attending a Nigerian tertiary hospital.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Orthodontic Clinic of the University of Benin
Teaching Hospital. Pre-treatment maxillary and mandibular dental casts of 150 orthodontic patients were analysed.
Intercanine and intermolar arch widths were measured using a calibrated digital caliper. Data was analysed using SPSS
version 27. Descriptive statistics were computed, and comparisons were made by sex, age group, and anterior arch form,
with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 17.92 ± 9.05 years, with females constituting 62.3% of the sample. Males
demonstrated higher mean values for all arch width parameters. A statistically significant difference was observed in
maxillary intercanine width, which was greater in males than females (p = 0.041). No significant age-related differences
were found in any arch width parameter. Casts with anterior spacing exhibited significantly greater maxillary (p = 0.007) and
mandibular (p = 0.003) intermolar widths, while crowded arches demonstrated reduced posterior arch widths.
Conclusion: Dental arch width among pre-treatment orthodontic patients varies significantly by sex and anterior arch form
but not by age. Posterior arch width plays a key role in the presence of spacing and crowding. These findings highlight the
importance of population-specific arch width assessment to support accurate, evidence-based orthodontic treatment
planning in African populations.
Keywords: Dental arch width; Orthodontic patients; Pre-treatment asses; Tertiary health facility

Detrimental Effects of Orthodontic Treatment: A Review Article

AY Adeloye — 2026-07-01

Orthodontic treatment plays a vital role in correcting malocclusions, improving oral function, and enhancing aesthetic appearance. However, like any medical intervention, it carries the risk of adverse effects. This article critically reviews the various detrimental outcomes associated with orthodontic therapy, including physiological, psychological, systemic, and appliance-related complications. It also explores management strategies aimed at preventing or mitigating these effects.

Management of Severe Upper and Lower Spacing with Proclination Of The Upper Anterior Teeth - A Case Report

OA Koledoye — 2026-07-01

spacing is a form of malocclusion wherein there is a gap between two or more teeth It can be localised or generalised. Midline diastema is
any space seen between the adjacent central incisors that is greater than 0.5mm. Spacing can be perceived as unaesthetic and can negatively affect
people psychosocially, preventing them from smiling in the public and losing their self-confidence. Orthodontic treatment of spaces improves smile as well as boosts the confidence of patients who seek orthodontic care for the correction of this malocclusion.