Effect of malocclusion on the self-esteem of adolescents.

Introduction: Esthetics plays an essential role in orthodontic treatment. The psychological effects of malocclusion are an inspiration to improve one's esthetics and seek treatment.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess relationships between self-esteem and malocclusion severity and type in adolescents using a self-esteem measurement scale and the index of treatment need (IOTN) and to investigate the influence of age, sex, and school type in these relationships.

Modified serial extraction treatment in a patient with congenitally missing lower second premolars.

Serial extraction is a sequential plan of premature removal of one or more deciduous teeth in order to improve the alignment of permanent teeth and then removal of permanent teeth to maintain the proper ratio between tooth size and arch size. The aim of this case report was to present a case treated successfully with a modified serial extraction protocol in the lower arch because the patient had congenitally missing lower second premolars with severe crowding. The treatment consisted of selective removal of the deciduous mandibular teeth only (C, D, and E) and no permanent premolar removal.