Influence of the socioeconomic status on the prevalence of malocclusion in the primary dentition.

Objective: To assess the influence of socioeconomic background on malocclusion prevalence in primary dentition in a population from the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 652 children (males and females) aged between 3 to 6 years old. Subjects were enrolled in private preschools (higher socioeconomic status - HSS, n = 312) or public preschools (lower socioeconomic status - LSS, n = 340) in Belém, Pará, Brazil.

Patients' report of discomfort and pain during debonding of orthodontic brackets: a comparative study of two methods.

Aim: To examine the level of discomfort and pain reported by patients during debonding of orthodontic metallic brackets by comparing two of the most popular methods, since discomfort can negatively influence patients' motivation to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Methods: This split-mouth designed study involved 37 patients. Two methods were used for bracket removal: a lift-off debonding instrument and a ligature-cutting plier.