Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate white spot lesion (WSL) remineralization and fluoride uptake by the application of fluoride varnishes directly onto artificial WSLs in vitro. Methods: MI varnish containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and 2.26% fluoride and Duraphat varnish containing 2.26% fluoride (no added calcium) were compared with a placebo varnish (no added calcium or fluoride). Two WSLs were prepared in enamel slabs and varnish applied to cover one of the two lesions. Each slab was immersed in artificial saliva for 14 days at 37°C. Mineral content was determined using transverse microradiography and fluoride uptake using electron probe microanalysis. The data were statistically analysed using a linear mixed model. Results: Both MI and Duraphat varnishes significantly remineralized the covered and uncovered WSLs when compared with the placebo varnish (P < 0.001). The WSLs covered with varnish showed greater remineralization than those uncovered. MI varnish produced the highest level of remineralization and significantly greater fluoride uptake (0.44 AE 0.08 wt%) compared with Duraphat (0.24 AE 0.03 wt%) and the placebo varnish (0.06 AE 0.05 wt%). Conclusion: Varnish containing fluoride and CPP-ACP was superior to varnish containing fluoride alone in promoting WSL remineralization and fluoride uptake.

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Background: Reports of occlusal variation in ancient populations consistently show a low prevalence of malocclusion coupled with heavy attritive wear. Materials and methods: The dentitions of 28 individual remains from a pre-contact native North American population were examined and the extent and nature of occlusal variation recorded. Results: The prevalence of malocclusion was low (mean IOTN = 2.14) and where crowding existed, was limited to intra-arch variability as opposed to inter-arch discrepancies. Increased overbites, overjets and other classical features of Class II malocclusions were almost entirely absent. These findings suggest that the ideal mutually protected Class I occlusion occurs only as a transient juvenile arrangement in nature, where, due to rapid attrition following establishment of the occlusion, there is an increasing tendency towards mild Class III, edge-to-edge incisor and buccal segment relationships. Conclusion: Whilst of limited therapeutic benefit, an understanding of the anthropology of malocclusion provides an insightful perspective, and suggests that function may be of more importance than heredity in its aetiology. It is suggested that future occlusal studies in ancestral populations would benefit from the use of a standard methodology.

The benefits of fibre-reinforced composite (FRC), such as strength, excellent bonding characteristics and aesthetics, are widely appreciated in restorative dentistry. These properties are well suited to the creation of orthodontic anchorage units in full-arch or sectional appliances. In this article, two clinical cases are presented where FRC has been used to create anchorage units in adult orthodontic patients with high aesthetic demands. Anchorage units created in this way are immediate, aesthetic, comfortable and require minimal unwanted tooth movement. Clinical Relevance: The article describes techniques that may be of interest to clinical orthodontists by describing a novel use for a material not commonly used in orthodontics.