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Pcr Detection Of Streptococcus Mutans And Streptococcus Sobrinus In Dental Plaque Samples From Low, Moderate, And High Caries Risk Children, Ajit A. Patel Jan 2004

Pcr Detection Of Streptococcus Mutans And Streptococcus Sobrinus In Dental Plaque Samples From Low, Moderate, And High Caries Risk Children, Ajit A. Patel

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to correlate the presence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus with the incidence of dental caries in children as detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Methods: Subjects between the ages 2 to 16 years of age were used in this study. After the subjects received a dental examination, dental plaque samples were collected by rubbing a toothpick on the buccal surface of the most posterior tooth in each quadrant of the mouth. Children were grouped into low, moderate, and high caries risk categories by two different Caries Risk Assessment Tools (CAT 1 and …

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The Psychometric Properties Of The Inner Strength Questionnaire For Women With Chronic Health Conditions, Kristi Leanne Lewis Jan 2004

The Psychometric Properties Of The Inner Strength Questionnaire For Women With Chronic Health Conditions, Kristi Leanne Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop and test an instrument to measure or quantify the construct of inner strength. Inner strength was synthesized into a theory based on twelve years of qualitative data from direct participant quotes, defined by Roux et al. (2002) as a central human resource that promotes well-being and healing. The inner strength questionnaire (ISQ) has undergone extensive psychometric evaluation which resulted in several versions. The third version had 37-items and was believed to have four subscales that mirrored the theoretical themes that emerged through the qualitative data. The sample was composed of 281 women …

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The Comparison Of Loaded Jump Squats Vs. Traditional Parallel Squat Training On Development Of Lower Body Power, Jeremiah T. Moen Jan 2004

The Comparison Of Loaded Jump Squats Vs. Traditional Parallel Squat Training On Development Of Lower Body Power, Jeremiah T. Moen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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Developmental Perspective Of Adolescents Who Were Placed In Residential Care, Kim Hanson Jan 2004

Developmental Perspective Of Adolescents Who Were Placed In Residential Care, Kim Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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Impact Of Various Forms Of Participation On Citizens' Trust In Ukraine, Vladyslav Galushko Jan 2004

Impact Of Various Forms Of Participation On Citizens' Trust In Ukraine, Vladyslav Galushko

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

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The Impact Of A Garden Program On The Physical Environment And Social Climate Of A Prison Yard At San Quentin State Prison, Kathryn E. Waitkus Jan 2004

The Impact Of A Garden Program On The Physical Environment And Social Climate Of A Prison Yard At San Quentin State Prison, Kathryn E. Waitkus

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the fact that the physical environments and social climates of prisons have been found to be physically and mentally stressful to inmates, more than 70% of those within the California prison system return to prison within three years after being paroled. As part of an effort to reduce these high recidivism rates, a rehabilitative gardening program was started at San Quentin State Prison. The intent of this project was to determine the impact of a garden project on the physical environment and social climate of a prison yard, from both inmate and staff perspectives. Research was primarily qualitative, consisting …

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Achievement Test Scores Of African American Students Attending Magnet And Non-Magnet Schools, Sadie M. Mitchell Jan 2004

Achievement Test Scores Of African American Students Attending Magnet And Non-Magnet Schools, Sadie M. Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any statistically significant differences among the reading and math scores of African American students attending magnet and non-magnet schools in a large urban school district. This study involved a posttest-only design. Groups were not randomly assigned, but rather assigned to the two groups based on their classification as magnet or non-magnet. Thus, this study was a quasi-experimental posttest-only design with the non-magnet schools assigned to that group based on the school's demographic variables matching the schools in the magnet group. A two-sample t-test was the statistical procedure used for …

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Multi-Channel Fetal Magnetocardiographic Signal Seperation For Analysis Of Heart Rate Variability, Joshua Quaid Campbell Jan 2004

Multi-Channel Fetal Magnetocardiographic Signal Seperation For Analysis Of Heart Rate Variability, Joshua Quaid Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The objectives were to implement signal-processing techniques to separate the fetal magnetocardiogram (FMCG), as collected by SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) gradiometers, from mixtures of maternal and fetal biomagnetic signals recorded during the antepartum period and to develop a database of normal FMCG values of the fetal cardiac time intervals and heart rate variability measures. Materials and Methods: The research was performed in three phases: 1) Independent component analysis (ICA), nonlinear filtering techniques, and orthogonal projection methods were optimized enabling the FMCG to be processed using traditional signal analysis techniques; 2) The cardiac time intervals and heart rate variability …

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"Love From All To All": The Letters Of Peter Taylor To John Anderson Thompson, 1939-1952, Michaux Dempster Jan 2004

"Love From All To All": The Letters Of Peter Taylor To John Anderson Thompson, 1939-1952, Michaux Dempster

Theses and Dissertations

This project consists of the transcription and annotation of a group of letters from the writer Peter Taylor to his friend John Anderson Thompson, a professor of English and literary critic. There are sixty letters, going from 1939 to 1952. They contain important biographical information about Taylor's life, including his relationships with his wife, the poet Eleanor Ross Taylor, his parents, Hillsman and Katherine Taylor, and contemporaries such as Robert Lowell, Jean Stafford, and Robert Penn Warren. The letters also provide a record of the progress of Taylor's novella A Woman of Means. The development of the Creative Writing …

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A Structural Equation Model Examining The Effects Of Gulf War Stress Exposure On Subsequent Mental And Physical Health Problems Among Gulf War Veterans, Frank J. Kenny Jan 2004

A Structural Equation Model Examining The Effects Of Gulf War Stress Exposure On Subsequent Mental And Physical Health Problems Among Gulf War Veterans, Frank J. Kenny

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation is to better understand the complex relationship between the stresses encountered by US. service personnel during the Gulf War and eventual physical and psychological health outcomes among its veterans. By developing and validating a stress model using structural equation modeling techniques, it is hoped that knowledge regarding wartime stress and its potential impact on the health of veterans will be gained. This knowledge can be used to guide future policy decisions on how to minimize the deleterious health consequences associated with deployment and combat, as well as furnishing a basis for future studies that examine …

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Overbite Correction And Smile Esthetics, Shannon Michelle Lewis Jan 2004

Overbite Correction And Smile Esthetics, Shannon Michelle Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Achievement of optimum smile esthetics during orthodontic treatment has recently been the focus of several published articles in the orthodontic literature. Authors speculate that overbite correction, specifically maxillary incisor intrusion, will lead to flattening of the smile arc and consequently reduce smile attractiveness. The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to investigate differences in outcomes from two common treatment modalities used to reduce deep overbite: maxillary incisor intrusion using an intrusion arch and posterior tooth eruption using an anterior bite plate. Pre-treatment and post-overbite correction records were gathered from 20 patients who presented with deep overbite malocclusions to the …

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Influence Of A 3-Step Disinfection Procedure On Dentin Bond Strength, Maria Pappas Jan 2004

Influence Of A 3-Step Disinfection Procedure On Dentin Bond Strength, Maria Pappas

Theses and Dissertations

Statement of problem. Clinicians have used disinfection materials to remove surface contaminants during cavity preparation. It has been postulated that disinfection materials may negatively affect shear bond strength of restorative materials. If so, large numbers of restorations may be predestined for early failure with the use of a disinfection protocol.Purpose. To determine whether there is a difference in the bond strength between dentin and composite resin with a 3-step disinfection technique compared to a conventional bonding technique without the additional disinfection protocol.Material and Methods. Sixty human molar teeth were sectioned parallel to the occlusal surface to expose mid-coronal dentin and …

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Memory Matters Ii: Predictors Of Self-Care Behaviors In Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes, Sari A. Soutor Jan 2004

Memory Matters Ii: Predictors Of Self-Care Behaviors In Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes, Sari A. Soutor

Theses and Dissertations

Type 1 diabetes and associated hypoglycemia can result in verbal memory difficulties, yet the role of memory in daily diabetes self-care has not been evaluated for young adults. Subtests from two well-standardized memory measures were administered to 34 young adults with type 1 diabetes, aged 18-29, in this pilot study. Self-care behaviors were assessed through 24-hour diabetes care interviews, while HbAlc indicated metabolic control. Verbal associative memory uniquely accounted for 12% of the variance in blood glucose testing frequency (p p p p = .06. Single-trial verbal memory uniquely predicted 10% of the variance in metabolic control (p p < .05. Importantly, memory was the only significant predictor in each model, which indicates memory, rather than overall cognitive capacity or financial/educational resources, relates to self-care behaviors/health status. Memory, a novel factor not previously evaluated in the quest to better understand daily disease management for young adults with diabetes, is significantly related to central self-care behaviors and metabolic control. Memory predictors likely warrant additional research and clinical attention such that eventually, intervention studies might identify strategies or compensatory aids that could improve young adults' self-care behaviors and health status through facilitating better memory functioning.

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Is Number Of Pregnancies A Risk Factor For Heart Attack In Women?, Pavan Kumar Irukulla Jan 2004

Is Number Of Pregnancies A Risk Factor For Heart Attack In Women?, Pavan Kumar Irukulla

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Studies regarding number of pregnancies and coronary heart disease have shown inconsistent results. In the present study, we assessed the association between number of pregnancies and heart attack (HA) in women.Methods: Using data from NHANES III a cross sectional data analysis of 10634 women aged 17 and above was conducted. We considered socio-demographic factors and other potential risk factors including physical activity, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, BMI, age, and family history of heart attack. We conducted Bivariate analysis to determine prevalence and crude odds ratios. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding variables using SPSS. …

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Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Investigative Analysis Of Their Access To Dental Care, Chad Wallace Ellsworth Jan 2004

Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Investigative Analysis Of Their Access To Dental Care, Chad Wallace Ellsworth

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of dental services for children with autism spectrum disorders and identify barriers these children face when accessing dental services in the state of Virginia. Methods: A survey was mailed to families in the state of Virginia that care for at least one child with the neuro-developmental disorder on the autism spectrum scale. The mailing list was obtained from "The Autism Program of Virginia." This list contains the names of families/guardians of children with autism spectrum disorders. These individuals live throughout the State of Virginia. This project analyzed survey questions …

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Interorganizational Collaboration: An Examination Of Factors That Influence The Motivation For Participation In A Collaborative Partnership Of Homeless Service Providers, Jan Marva Ivery Jan 2004

Interorganizational Collaboration: An Examination Of Factors That Influence The Motivation For Participation In A Collaborative Partnership Of Homeless Service Providers, Jan Marva Ivery

Theses and Dissertations

This project was a mixed methods study that examined the collaboration dimensions of Homeward's planning process and the factors that motivate organizations to participate. The study examined the collaborative strategy used by an organization called Homeward located in Richmond, Virginia. Homeward is a broker organization (Chaskin, Brown, Venkatesh, & Vidal, 2001) that was created in 1998 to mediate and nurture relationships among partnering organizations in order to facilitate the collaborative process required by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive Continuum of Care funding. During the quantitative component of the study, a survey was sent …

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Torsional Testing Of Race, K3 And Profile Nickel Titanium Endodontic Files, Sean D. Fessenden Jan 2004

Torsional Testing Of Race, K3 And Profile Nickel Titanium Endodontic Files, Sean D. Fessenden

Theses and Dissertations

Rotary endodontic instruments have different cross sectional designs that may effect their resistance to torsional stress. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the static torsional properties of two nickel titanium files that have recently been introduced for use in endodontics and compare them to the same size Profile instruments. Ten new files of each brand and size were tested. The files tested were: RaCe 25 tip 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 taper, K3 and Profile 25 and 40 tip in 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 taper. The diameter of each file was measured at 3mm from tip. The last three millimeters …

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C-Reactive Protein Levels In Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Trang Nguyen Salzberg Jan 2004

C-Reactive Protein Levels In Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Trang Nguyen Salzberg

Theses and Dissertations

Background: There is mounting evidence to indicate that periodontitis may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Periodontitis may be linked to CVD as either an etiologic mechanism or a predisposing factor that can hasten disease progression. Proinflammatory cytokines, elevated fibrinogen, and platelet aggregation are all potential mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to compare and review the serological differences in subjects with severe periodontitis, some of which involve established risk factors for atherosclerosis, particularly heightened C-reactive protein levels. Methods: A total of 184 subjects, comprising of two periodontal subgroups, non-periodontal (NP = 91) and generalized aggressive periodontitis …

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Surface Characteristics Of Bacillus Spores, Darlene Danette Sabio Jan 2004

Surface Characteristics Of Bacillus Spores, Darlene Danette Sabio

Theses and Dissertations

Rapid isolation and identification of spores from various environmental samples is necessitated because anthrax spores can be used as biological weapons. The hydrophobic nature of spores may allow for their rapid concentration and partial purification from contaminating materials. In this study, spores from four taxonomic groups of Bacillaceae were isolated, purified and characterized for hydrophobicity by hexadecane partitioning, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy, and steady-state fluorescence by spectroscopy. The morphology of spores was similar within taxonomic groups and dissimilar between groups. Spore hydrophobicity ranged from 0.3% to 65% and all spores had fluorescence emission peaks at 335 nm and …

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Targeting The Male In Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Terri Burgan Jan 2004

Targeting The Male In Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Terri Burgan

Theses and Dissertations

Study Objectives: To examine demographic characteristics and contraceptive habits of young men.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted utilizing data analyzed from three waves of the National Survey of the Adolescent Male (NSAM) administered in 1988, 1991, and 1995. The first wave consisted of 1,880, never-married, noninstitutionalized 15-19 year old men living in the United States. The second wave consisted of 1,676 re-interviewed respondents who were 17-22 years old. The third wave consisted of 1,377 re-interviewed respondents who were 22-27 years old. Descriptive statistics were used to compare personal and demographic characteristics across each year group. Odds ratios, and their corresponding …

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Physical And Chemical Properties Of A New Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Material, David Lowell Spencer Jan 2004

Physical And Chemical Properties Of A New Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Material, David Lowell Spencer

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to compare the time to final set and compressive strength of the white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) formulation to the original grey MTA. To test compressive strength, each MTA formulation was placed into Teflon split molds for four hours at 37° Celsius (C) and 100% humidity. Compressive strength of both MTA formulations was measured at 24 hours (n=12) and 21 days (n=19) using an Instron Testing Machine. For determination of time to final set, each MTA formulation (n=6) was placed into a metal mold and maintained at 37° C and 100% humidity while setting. …

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Association Between The Frequency Of Physical Education Classes And The Prevalence Of Overweight/Obesity In Adolescents, Collin N. Rice Jan 2004

Association Between The Frequency Of Physical Education Classes And The Prevalence Of Overweight/Obesity In Adolescents, Collin N. Rice

Theses and Dissertations

Background/Objective: Overweight and obesity has been steadily on the rise in the United States for all groups. The prevalence of obesity for adolescents has tripled since 1980. The purpose of this study is to determine an association between the frequency of physical education classes and the prevalence of overweight/obesity in adolescents in the United States.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that used the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) of the Center for Disease Control. The outcome variable for the study was Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 25 or greater was considered overweight or obese. The main independent …

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Obesity And Health Status Among Urban Vs. Suburban Elderly In Philadelphia And Surrounding Counties, Ockidde Dufayne Harris Jan 2004

Obesity And Health Status Among Urban Vs. Suburban Elderly In Philadelphia And Surrounding Counties, Ockidde Dufayne Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Obesity is a dangerous health condition affecting approximately 30% of all Americans and can be attributed to 300,000 deaths a year. Obesity has been found to disproportionately affect Blacks, Latinos, and those with lower SES. Although obesity is a problem for all age groups, its prevalence is highest among those 60-74 years of age. Studies have shown that there is an association between obesity and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cancers, and type-2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, chronic health conditions affect 80% of all elderly persons, many times limiting function and decreasing quality of …

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Meanings Of Security: A Constructivist Inquiry Into The Context Of Information Security Policy Development Post 9/11, Linda F. Larkin Jan 2004

Meanings Of Security: A Constructivist Inquiry Into The Context Of Information Security Policy Development Post 9/11, Linda F. Larkin

Theses and Dissertations

Security is a term that appears to be used in a variety of ways and to have a number of meanings. In policy discussions, there may be reference to information security, national security, network security, online security, and other kinds of security. In an environment where technological innovation appears to be occurring at an ever increasing rate, policy makers look to technological experts for advice, and information security policy is developed, it seems to be important to consider these variations in meaning. This constructivist inquiry explores the context in which information security policy is developed and inquires into the meanings, …

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Interleukin-6 Levels In Generalized And Localized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Bindu Reddy Jan 2004

Interleukin-6 Levels In Generalized And Localized Aggressive Periodontitis Patients, Bindu Reddy

Theses and Dissertations

AbstractINTERLEUKIN-6 LEVELS IN GENERALIZED AND LOCALIZED AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTITIS PATIENTSBy Bindu Reddy, D.D.S.A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at the Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University, 2004Major Director: Joseph V. Califano, D.D.S., Ph.D.Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease involving the supporting structures of the dentition. Many studies have shown that there is a relationship between periodontal disease, the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and systemic disease such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to measure serum Interleukin-6 levels in generalized and localized aggressive …

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Sheep Hill Community Tree, Kimberly Ann Fleischman Jan 2004

Sheep Hill Community Tree, Kimberly Ann Fleischman

Theses and Dissertations

An urban community is a fusion of new and old that is constantly changing. We understand better the plight of a community through raising awareness of its unique history and visual character. Linking individual and community experiences offers an opportunity for dialogue, especially as long-time residents and their new neighbors learn about their different pasts and explore their common future. Community building happens from within, when many individuals sharing common values create positive change.

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Toothbrushing, Flossing, And Preventive Dental Visits By Richmond-Area Residents In Relation To Demographic And Socioeconomic Factors, Kim T. Isringhausen Jan 2004

Toothbrushing, Flossing, And Preventive Dental Visits By Richmond-Area Residents In Relation To Demographic And Socioeconomic Factors, Kim T. Isringhausen

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose. This study was conducted to identify factors that influence preventive dental behaviors and, from the results, target groups for intervention.Methods. Data were collected using the 1997 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) resulting in a probability sample of 399 dentate adults living in Richmond City, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover Counties in Virginia. All analyses were performed using the statistical software program STATA. Initial hypothesis testing was performed using univariate logistic regression models. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the significance of independent variables while controlling for other possible predictors of behavior.Results. Females were more likely than males …

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Factors Influencing Applicant Ranking Of Orthodontic Programs, Michael D. Payne Jan 2004

Factors Influencing Applicant Ranking Of Orthodontic Programs, Michael D. Payne

Theses and Dissertations

Orthodontic programs spend considerable amounts of time and energy to attract, recruit, and interview the best and brightest applicants. Applicants and programs submit ranked preferences, and resident positions are filled by a computerized matching system (Match). The specific aims of this study were to determine the relative importance of certain factors in applicants' Match ranking of orthodontic programs and to determine differences between orthodontic Program Directors perceptions and actual factors cited by applicants influencing their ranking of orthodontic programs.Surveys were mailed to 55 orthodontic Program Directors and 478 applicants participating in the 2002 orthodontic Match. Forty-nine Program Director (89%) and …

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Appointment Keeping Behavior Of Medicaid Vs. Non-Medicaid Orthodontic Patients, Bryan P. Horsley Jan 2004

Appointment Keeping Behavior Of Medicaid Vs. Non-Medicaid Orthodontic Patients, Bryan P. Horsley

Theses and Dissertations

State Medicaid programs were established to care for the poor by eliminating financial barriers and increasing their ability to be treated within the mainstream of the heath care system. The number of children eligible for Medicaid services is increasing, yet the number of Medicaid providers remains low. Health care providers cite failed appointments as being a major problem with Medicaid patients and one of the largest deterrents to participating. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a difference in appointment keeping behavior exists between Medicaid and non-Medicaid orthodontic patients. During a twelve-month period, a tally of appointments was …

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The Prevalence Of The Need For Esthetic Crown Lengthening In Post Orthodontically Treated Subjects, David Clark Johnson Jan 2004

The Prevalence Of The Need For Esthetic Crown Lengthening In Post Orthodontically Treated Subjects, David Clark Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of excess gingival display is difficult to diagnose and treat. By studying one aspect of excess gingival display, namely the size relationships of the clinical crowns of teeth, we can begin to quantify reasonable goals of therapy. In this study, two hundred plaster models were used as subjects. These represented two hundred patients before and after orthodontic therapy. The six anterior teeth were measured for length and width and compared to known ideals. Teeth that did not meet ideal standards may require treatment. It was found that the mean tooth length after orthodontic therapy was approximately two millimeters …

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