Nikolai J. Attard

WASP (Write a Scientific Paper): Writing an academic research proposal

A research study cannot commence without a proposal. This paper highlights the preparatory steps and details the individual sections of a research proposal. The importance of the proposal toward the research project and the eventual writing of a thesis or dissertation is also emphasised. The implications of using human subjects are also discussed.

An evaluation of oral health-related quality of life in orthodontic patients treated with fixed and twin blocks appliances

Objective: To study the impact of orthodontic treatment on the quality of life in two patient groups, one treated with the twin block appliance and the other with fixed appliances. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight patients, aged between 10 and 16 years, were recruited in the fixed (20 males and 29 females) or functional (29 males and 20 females) treatment groups. The oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured before treatment and followed up at the end of the treatment. The instrument used to measure OHRQoL was a modified self-administered short version of the English Oral Health Impact profile (OHIP-16[E]) questionnaire. Results: OHRQoL worsened at the initial stages of the treatment. The overall score of OHRQoL reduced significantly at the end of the treatment in both groups. Both groups showed comparable improvements in OHRQoL as the treatment progressed (analysis of variance test P = 0.05). Conclusions: The OHRQoL patterns, during the treatment with fixed and twin block appliances, were very similar. This suggests that the functional appliances impact on the QoL may be overestimates by clinicians. OHRQoL improved significantly with both fixed and functional appliances by the end of the treatment. The OHRQoL trends observed during the study can be communicated to patients and used to increase patients compliance since they are made aware of the whole treatment process.

A cost analysis of a long-term prospective study of patients treated with immediately loaded implant-supported mandibular overdentures

BACKGROUNDnThe economic burden for patients seeking treatment with implant-supported prostheses has not been given adequate attention.nnnPURPOSEnTo document long-term costs from a prospective trial on edentulous patients treated with mandibular implant-supported overdentures and 2 loading protocols.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThe direct clinical and time costs for 35 patients receiving an immediate-loading protocol (ILP) and 40 patients with a conventional-loading protocol, over 14 years of observation, were analyzed in 2016 Canadian dollars as a base year. Quality of life (QoL) for the ILP was measured using the OHIP-20 questionnaire.nnnRESULTSnThe ILP was associated with higher complication costs (

Surface Microstructural Changes and Release of Ions from Dental Metal Alloy Removable Prostheses in Patients Suffering from Acid Reflux

870.77u2009±u2009692.24 vs

Oral Health Related Quality of Life Impact in Dentistry

85.73u2009±u2009133.14) with resultant higher maintenance costs (

Impact of Orthognathic Surgery on Patients’ Quality of Life

1746.37u2009±u2009892.68 vs

Cost Analysis of Patients Treated With Fixed and Twin Block Appliances: Part 2

853.04u2009±u2009276.21) (Pu2009<u2009.05). OHIP results showed a sustained improvement in QoL through the first 5 year of follow-up. A worsening of QoL, specifically the functional-related OHIP scores, was noted at 14 years. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios indicated that the accrued maintenance costs for the ILP made the treatment less cost-effective over time.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThis long-term study confirmed that ILP is associated with higher maintenance costs and varying subjective QoL measurements. Clinical treatment protocols should be evaluated over a long period and address different perspectives.

Immediate and early implant loading protocols: A literature review of clinical studies

PURPOSEnTo investigate the surface microstructural changes and the release of ions from metal alloys used in removable dental prostheses and the potential effects of acidic reflux found in patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThirty-seven (37) patients were recruited. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and clinical examination. Samples of metal alloy from the dentures and patients saliva were collected. GERD was confirmed using the GerdQ questionnaire. Denture samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), while salivary samples were tested for trace metal ions using inductively coupled plasma (ICP).nnnRESULTSnCharacterization of denture samples revealed the presence of nickel, cobalt, and chromium. Nickel-chromium exhibited an etched surface appearance, while cobalt-chromium exhibited no noticeable surface microstructural changes. Higher mean salivary levels of chromium and cobalt in patients wearing any metal alloy-based denture and of chromium and nickel in patients wearing Ni-Cr prostheses were found to be significant. No differences were found in salivary metal ion levels of patients suffering from GERD.nnnCONCLUSIONSnNickel-chromium alloy is prone to acid etching in the oral cavity, while cobalt-chromium alloy appears to be more resistant. Cobalt, chromium, and nickel are leached in saliva of patients using cast removable prostheses. The impact of gastric acid on metal ion release from dental metal alloys deserves further investigations.nnnCLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEnThis preliminary study suggests that metal-based removable prostheses leach trace metal ions in saliva. Nickel-chromium-based dentures exhibit an etched appearance unrelated to GERD.

An Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life in Orthodontic Patients Treated with Fixed and Twin Blocks Removable Appliances: Part 1

In spite of its recent emergence over the past 30 years, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has important impact on the clinical practice of dentistry and dental research. OHRQoL is a multidimensional paradigm that involves a subjective evaluation of the individual’s oral health, functional wellbeing, emotional well-being, expectations and satisfaction with care, and sense of self. It has been beneficial in relation to clinical research and health policies regulation. OHRQoL is an integral part of general health and well-being, World Health Organization (WHO) had considered Oral health related quality of life as an important section of the Global Oral Health Program (2003).

Resultados clínicos a los cinco años de la colocación de implantes de carga inmediata utilizando sobredentaduras inferiores

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (World Health Organization). Orthognathic surgery is the correction of functional and aesthetic abnormalities of the maxilla and mandible. The treatment of such patients involves a combination of orthodontic, surgical and other disciplines. Orthognathic surgery has been indicated for cases where conservative treatment is thought to be inappropriate due to the inherent limitations of orthodontic treatment and so defined as the treatment for dentofacial deformities which includes patients with the following conditions and syndromes [1]. Patients with significant deformities of the jaw which causes functional and psychological disadvantage-Post-traumatic deformities and malocclusion-Condylar hyperplasia -Hemifacial microstomia -Cleft lip and palate-Obstructive sleep apnoea.