Publications

AIM: To assess the perceived smile esthetics and psychosocial impact of orthodontic treatment in individuals with definite malocclusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 333 Indian individuals aged 12-40 years with untreated malocclusion of various types. A validated questionnaire based on the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) was used, covering eight domains: Self-confidence, social impact, esthetic concerns, psychological impact, speech impairment, functional limitations, matrimonial concerns, and career concerns. Each of the 16 items was scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS (Version 30.0), with significance set at p < 0.05. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's α.

RESULTS: The study sample comprised n = 333 Indian individuals between 12 and 40 years of age. The overall questionnaire reliability was acceptable (α = 0.751). Self-confidence concerns showed no gender difference (males: 72, 31.6%; females: 151, 34.5%; p = 0.162). Esthetic concern was higher in males (91, 39.9% with no concern) than in females (243, 55.5%; p = 0.001). Social impact was reported more by males (98, 43.0%) than by females (110, 25.1%; p < 0.001). Matrimonial concerns were greater in males (28, 12.3% severe) compared to females, where most (270, 61.6%) had no concern (p < 0.001). Functional difficulty was more frequent in males (23, 10.1% severe) vs females (18, 4.1%), with 300 females (68.5%) unaffected (p < 0.001). Career, speech, and psychological concerns were also significantly higher among males, while females more often reported no concern across domains.

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that individuals with definite malocclusion perceive a substantial psychosocial and esthetic burden even before undergoing orthodontic treatment. Participants commonly reported diminished self-image, lower social confidence, and emotional distress, indicating that malocclusion affects more than just dental function. These perceptions were key motivators for seeking orthodontic intervention, reflecting the strong influence of appearance- and confidence-related concerns, alongside functional needs, on their decision to pursue treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Malocclusion affects not only dental alignment but also mental well-being, self-esteem, and social interactions. This study highlights the importance of assessing psychosocial impacts in untreated individuals to establish meaningful pretreatment benchmarks. Orthodontic care emerges as a transformative intervention that enhances self-image, emotional stability, and overall quality of life. Incorporating patient-reported outcomes into routine assessment allows for more holistic and personalized treatment planning. How to cite this article: Sinha R, Nagar S, Kumar A, et al. Perceived Smile Esthetics and Psychosocial Impact of Orthodontic Treatment in Individuals with Definite Malocclusion: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):44-50.

AIM: To compare the nano-surface characteristics and antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide-coated stainless steel crowns (SSCs) and zirconia crowns using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and agar diffusion method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted using 10 crowns, divided into two groups: Five calcium hydroxide-coated zirconia crowns (Group I) and five calcium hydroxide-coated SSCs (Group II). Both crown types were uniformly coated with calcium hydroxide nanoparticles. Nanosurface topography was assessed using AFM, and antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. Antimicrobial plates were incubated for 24 hours before zone measurement. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed significantly higher nanoscale surface roughness in zirconia crowns compared to SSCs. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated markedly larger zones of inhibition for zirconia crowns against S. mutans and Lactobacillus compared to SSCs, statistically indicating highly significant differences.

CONCLUSION: Calcium hydroxide-coated zirconia crowns exhibit superior nanoscale roughness and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to calcium hydroxide coated stainless steel crowns.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study addresses the clinical need for restorative options that not only restore form and function but also actively contribute to caries prevention in high-risk patients. Enhancing the antibacterial performance of preformed crowns through calcium hydroxide coatings may help limit bacterial colonization at crown margins, reduce the incidence of secondary caries, and support better longevity of both zirconia and SSCs. How to cite this article: Seth S, Ravikumar R. Comparison of Nanosurface Evaluation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxide-Coated Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry: An Atomic Force Microscopic Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):37-43.

AIM: Gingival recession (GR) is a significant determinant of both the functional and cosmetic aspects of patients. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using collagen membranes is considered a desirable option among the various strategies for GR coverage using barrier membranes. Therefore, this clinical research was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of GTR using bioabsorbable collagen membrane (GTRbcm) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in the treatment of GR over a duration of 6 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients diagnosed with Miller's class I and II GR participated in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, which was divided into two groups, with 12 patients in each group. Group I received a coronally advanced flap (CAF) with GTR, whereas group II had CAF with SCTG following the first periodontal treatment. Paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for evaluating parameters within and across groups.

RESULTS: Analysis of covariance revealed that the recession depth (RD) in group I was significantly greater than in group II at 3 months (1.27 ± 0.17 compared to 0.65 ± 0.17) and 6 months (1.06 ± 0.16 compared to 0.19 ± 0.16), respectively. Group II had a more substantial reduction in RD, with a reduction of 74, 83, and 95% observed at all subsequent examinations.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that both surgical procedures may effectively treat Miller's class I and II GRs, resulting in satisfactory root coverage.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The GTR technique with collagen membrane can be an alternative to the SCTG in the management of GR. It will help clinicians in evidence-based decision-making and careful case selection for successful outcomes in treating GR. How to cite this article: Siddiqui LT, Amirisetty R, Shetty RM, et al. Guided Tissue Regeneration and Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recession: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):12-20.

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic, relapsing, and progressive disease that acts as a major upstream driver of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic disorders, with South Asians experiencing heightened vulnerability at lower adiposity thresholds. Despite this, effective metabolic therapies remain underutilized in cardiology practice. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has emerged as a multisystem, disease-modifying agent with benefits that extend well beyond glycemic control. Accumulating evidence from the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) program, the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial, the SOUL trial, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) studies, and real-world cohorts underscores its relevance for cardiometabolic risk reduction and symptom improvement. Recognizing the need for India-specific guidance, a panel of cardiologists from across the country reviewed pivotal randomized trials, including STEP 1-8, STEP-HFpEF, STEP-HFpEF DM, STEP TEENS, SELECT, SOUL, SUSTAIN-6, and PIONEER-6, along with meta-analyses, observational data, and international recommendations to formulate practical, context-appropriate guidance for cardiology practice. Across diverse studies, semaglutide consistently produces substantial reductions in body weight and visceral fat, accompanied by improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, inflammatory markers, and hepatic steatosis. SELECT demonstrated a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), independent of diabetes status. Benefits of obesity-related HFpEF include meaningful gains in symptoms, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. Emerging data also support renal and hepatic protection across CKM domains. Findings from high-dose 7.2 mg studies highlight a dose-response continuum but call for careful assessment of tolerability. As international guidelines increasingly position GLP-1 receptor agonists as cardiometabolic therapies, Indian data emphasize the importance of early, phenotype-driven intervention. Semaglutide represents a practice-changing therapy that addresses core pathophysiological drivers of ASCVD and HFpEF through integrated modulation of adiposity and metabolic dysfunction. Its cardiovascular efficacy, multisystem benefits, and suitability for South Asian phenotypes support broader incorporation into contemporary cardiology. This consensus offers a framework for evidence-based patient selection, contraindications, monitoring, maintenance strategies, and coordinated multidisciplinary implementation to ensure safe and effective use in Indian clinical practice.

How to cite this article: Saibaba J, Chandra N, Amalnath D, et al. "The Cancer that Carried the Chalk"-NXP2+ Paraneoplastic Dermatomyositis Unleashing Calcinosis Cutis and Peripheral Neuropathy. J Assoc Physicians India 2026;74(2):102-103.

BACKGROUND: Understanding Indian healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of beta (β)-blockers is critical, given the high burden of hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular (CV) diseases in the country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,000 Indian HCPs, including consulting physicians, cardiologists, and specialists in diabetes/metabolism experienced in managing adult patients across the HTN and CV disease continuum. Conducted between April 2023 and March 2024, the survey employed a 26-item structured questionnaire, developed through literature review and expert consultation, to assess β-blockers utilization patterns, prescribing preferences, and perceived barriers.

RESULTS: Responses from 855 HCPs were analyzed. Consulting physicians (431; 50.4%) and cardiologists (342; 40.0%) formed the majority. β-blockers were prescribed to 25-50% of patients with HTN by 489 (57.2%) HCPs. Approximately 429 (50.2%) observed a systolic BP reduction of 10-15 mm Hg, while 465 (54.4%) reported a diastolic BP reduction of 5-10 mm Hg. β-blockers were commonly prescribed for heart failure (381; 44.6%), postmyocardial infarction (214; 25%), and chronic coronary syndrome (309; 36.1%). Metoprolol was the preferred BB in 75% of HTN, post-MI, chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), and AF cases, and in 66.2% for HF management.

CONCLUSION: This survey highlights real-world prescribing patterns and perceptions of β-blockers in India, with metoprolol emerging as the most preferred agent across multiple CV indications, reflecting its strong clinical acceptance and perceived efficacy.

How to cite this article: Abraham G, Kovilazhikam DS, Jaikumar S, et al. A Young Male with Five Kidneys. J Assoc Physicians India 2026;74(2):101.

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 537 million individuals around the globe currently have diabetes, and this number is anticipated to rise to approximately 783 million by 2045. About 30% or more of individuals diagnosed with diabetes are more prone to developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a considerable portion progresses to renal impairment that requires renal replacement therapy.1,2.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is one of the driving forces in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its resultant cardiovascular disease. Both these conditions are characterized by an increase in proatherogenic lipids compared to anti-atherogenic lipids. Atherogenic Indices have been developed to predict CVD risk without increasing the cost of testing; however, most of the studies done to date have used these indices in patients who have already suffered a coronary event. Dyslipidemia is most prevalent in cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this study was designed to assess atherogenic risk (via atherogenic indices) in newly diagnosed treatment-naïve obese and lean patients of T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment-naïve, newly diagnosed patients of T2DM were recruited and grouped into obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and lean (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) groups. Blood was collected in a fasting state for the estimation of glycemic parameters and fasting lipid profile. Atherogenic indices (LDL-C/HDL-C, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, atherogenic coefficient, lipoprotein combined index, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP)) were calculated using predefined formulas.

RESULTS: LDL-C/HDL-C, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, atherogenic coefficient, lipoprotein combined index, and AIP were higher in the obese group compared to the lean group. However, these calculated indices were above the recommended cutoffs in both obese and lean patients with T2DM.

CONCLUSION: This study is the first to document increased atherogenic risk in both obese and lean patients (newly diagnosed) with T2DM. Although CVD risk is higher among the obese patients, aggressive control of plasma lipids is required in all patients with T2DM, irrespective of BMI.