Revista Facultad de Odontología Universidad de Antioquia

Meanings of Dentofacial Aesthetics and Their Influence on the Decision to Undergo Orthodontic Treatment

2025-06-09T11:29:45-05:00

Introduction: the aim to this study was to interpret the definitions of dentofacial aesthetics, the social references through which these meanings are constructed, and their influence on the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment among a group of patients. Methods: qualitative ethnographic study including in-depth interviews, observation, and field notes. 12 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were selected through theoretical sampling. Analysis involved coding and categorization procedures and the development of an interpretive analitycal narrative. Results: the analysis were performed using three pre-established categories and subcategories emerging from the collected data: (1) Definitions of dentofacial aesthetics, subcategories: “Dentofacial aesthetics is a stereotype that can only be achieved through procedures”, “The face and smile as gateways to social acceptance”; (2) Cultural and social references that have oriented the construction of meanings, subcategory: “sociocultural references of aesthetics are influenced by marketing and communication strategies”. (3) Aspects influencing decisions about undergoing orthodontic treatment, subcategories: “the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment is not primarily driven by the desire to improve oral health, but rather by the pursuit of an idealized dental appearance”. Conclusion: meanings of dentofacial aesthetics tend to be reductionist and associated with the pursuit of idealized dental and facial forms embedded in consumer-driven body models promoted by Western scientific and cultural frameworks. Decisions to undergo orthodontic interventions reflect underlying economic and political forces that shape subjectivities.

Assessment of Oral Mucosal Status in Populations Exposed to Different Concentrations of Arsenic in Drinking Water

2025-09-11T11:57:44-05:00

Introduction: Arsenic (As) is a major public health concern due to its high toxicity and adverse effects on human health. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified it as a human carcinogen, based on evidence linking its ingestion through drinking water to skin and lung cancer. The objective of this study was to assess oral mucosa status in populations exposed to different concentrations of As in a district of Lambayeque, Peru. Methods: an observational, descriptive, non-experimental, comparative study was conducted. The sample consisted of 164 patients. The Oral Assessment Guide was used as the evaluation instrument. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics (chi-square test). Results: no significant association was found between oral mucosa status and As concentration (p = 0.054). In the group exposed to high concentrations of As, 3.7 % showed alterations in oral cavity structures and 9.8 % presented severe alterations. Conclusion: although no statistically significant association was found, the results show a trend toward statistical significance (p = 0.054), suggesting that As exposure may negatively affect oral mucosa health in populations exposed to high concentrations.

Role of hydroxyapatite during tooth whitening

2025-02-19T15:58:23-05:00

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a biocrystal considered a multifunctional biomimetic active ingredient, which has currently gained wide acceptance in the biomedical area; in addition, it is used in the dental area through commercially available products containing synthetic hydroxyapatite in powder form with different particle sizes, such as desensitizers, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. There is also evidence of its applicability in tooth whitening, since the treatment has disadvantages, one of the main ones being the affectation of the mineralized substance of tooth enamel and tooth sensitivity. Based on the previous statement, studies have shown that the microscopic effects on the surface enamel associated with whitening could be repaired with the use of products based on HAp crystals. Therefore, the aim of this literature review was to report on the role of hydroxyapatite during tooth whitening, considering three general aspects: its remineralizing, desensitizing, and whitening effects.

The role of oral health professionals in people living with rare diseases

2025-11-18T14:20:50-05:00