Priti Mulimani | University of Washington (original) (raw)

Papers by Priti Mulimani

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Protocols, 1996

Background Sickle cell disease is the most common single gene disorder and the commonest haemoglo... more Background Sickle cell disease is the most common single gene disorder and the commonest haemoglobinopathy found with high prevalence in many populations across the world. Management of dental complications in people with sickle cell disease requires special consideration for three main reasons. Firstly, dental and oral tissues are affected by the blood disorder resulting in several oro-facial abnormalities. Secondly, living with a haemoglobinopathy and coping with its associated serious consequences may result in individuals neglecting their oral health care. Finally, the treatment of these oral complications must be adapted to the systemic condition and special needs of these individuals, in order not to exacerbate or deteriorate their general health. Guidelines for the treatment of dental complications in this population who require special care are unclear and even unavailable in many aspects. Hence this review was undertaken to provide a basis for clinical care by investigating and analysing the existing evidence in the literature for the treatment of dental complications in people with sickle cell disease. Objectives To assess methods of treating dental complications in people with sickle cell disease. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books.

APOS Trends in Orthodontics, 2018

Tooth size, occlusal traits, and ethnicity are closely interrelated, and their impact on desirabl... more Tooth size, occlusal traits, and ethnicity are closely interrelated, and their impact on desirable orthodontic treatment outcome cannot be underestimated. This study was undertaken to assess the occlusal characteristics and ethnic variations in occlusion of Malaysian orthodontic patients and evaluate their correlation with Bolton’s tooth size discrepancy. Materials and Methods: On 112 pretreatment study models of orthodontic patients, molar relationship, overjet, overbite, spacing, crowding, midline shift, and Bolton’s ratios were assessed. ANOVA, one‐sample t‐test, Chi‐squared test, and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant difference between anterior ratio of our study and Bolton’s ideal values was found, for the entire study sample and Chinese ethnic group. Differences between races and malocclusion groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Significant correlations were found as follows – in Angle’s Class I malocclusion between 1) anterior ratio and overbite, 2) overall ratio and maxillary crowding and spacing; in Angle’s Class II malocclusion between 1) anterior ratio and overjet and midline shift, 2) overall ratio and mandibular crowding; in Angle’s Class III malocclusion between 1) anterior ratio and mandibular crowding and both maxillary and mandibular spacing 2) overall ratio and mandibular crowding. Conclusions: Significant differences in anterior ratio and Bolton’s ideal values for the Malaysian population were found, indicating variations in anterior tooth size as compared to Caucasians. Statistically significant correlations existed between Bolton’s ratios and occlusal traits. These findings can be applied clinically in diagnosis and treatment planning by keeping in mind the specific discrepancies that can occur in certain malocclusions and addressing them accordingly.

APOS Trends in Orthodontics, 2017

Orthodontists at this point globally, are witnessing a time in history when the practice of ortho... more Orthodontists at this point globally, are witnessing a time in history when the practice of orthodontics is gradually transforming itself from analog, paper, alginate, and plaster mode to digital, paperless, three‑dimensional scans, and technologically‑savvy mode. For better or worse, more than technological innovations in orthodontics, the advent of the worldwide web or the Internet has been a significant disruptor for orthodontic care. The Cambridge dictionary defines disruptor as “a person or thing that prevents something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected.” Patients today get orthodontic appliances delivered at their doorstep, have their progress monitored with a smartphone app and order retainers on treatment completion without ever having to step into an orthodontist’s office. This editorial discusses how to deal with these new-age issues by effectively utilizing and disseminating evidence-based orthodontics.

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2017

Organized evidence-based practice is said to have started in the medical field in the late 20th c... more Organized evidence-based practice is said to have started in the medical field in the late 20th century. Its principles and usage eventually spread to other health sciences, including orthodontics. Although the conceptual foundations and basic tenets of evidence-based orthodontics are based on the classical approach of testing medical interventions, differences unravel as we encounter the ground realities in orthodontics, which are unique due to the length, complexity, and diversity involved in orthodontic treatment and research. How has this led to the evolution of evidence-based orthodontics and changes in its applications? Is it being translated to better clinical answers, treatment strategies, patient satisfaction, and information for orthodontists? What more needs to be done, considering the rapidly changing orthodontic scenario? This article aims to explore these questions to evaluate how evidence-based orthodontics has played itself out so far, so that it can continue to grow strong and stand up to the challenges of 21st century orthodontics. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2017;152:1-8)

Sri Lankan Journal of Orthodontics, 2018

Present day orthodontic practitioners are more aware and have a greater understanding regarding t... more Present day orthodontic practitioners are more aware and have a greater understanding regarding the importance of integrating evidence-based research findings with their clinical practice. However when it comes to implementing these findings in reality, most important barriers are stated to be either a poor understanding of evidence-based practice or ambiguous and conflicting research. The numerous systematic reviews and meta-analysis that are regularly conducted, often times conclude that there is insufficient data in orthodontic literature to get clear answers. These issues in orthodontic research often create a perception of lack of clarity and information for practical implementation of Evidence-based Orthodontics (EBO).
With an objective to facilitate better understanding and application of EBO in day-to-day clinical routine, this commentary presents an elaborate elucidation of the underlying principles of an evidence-based practice. It will provide insights into the different types of orthodontic study designs, with particular emphasis on systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analysis. A section on Cochrane systematic reviews, considered to be the most rigorous types producing the most reliable evidence, is also included along with the current Cochrane evidence on the management of skeletal malocclusion in Orthodontics. The often encountered issues, which inhibit clinicians from adopting EBP are also addressed and suggestions to overcome the barriers are also provided.

APOS Trends Orthod , 2018

International Journal of Clinical Dentistry , 2018

Background: The maxillary sinus has a very unique and important relationship with the oral cavity... more Background: The maxillary sinus has a very unique and important relationship with the oral cavity. When this sinus exhibits variations in its normal anatomy and boundaries it gives rise to unprecedented cases, the successful management of which is made possible today due to the application of advanced diagnostic aids like Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Case description: This article presents the case of a 22-year-old male patient who sought orthodontic treatment for correction of his malaligned teeth. Pre-treatment orthopantomogram revealed an unerupted mesiodens between the two central incisors, prompting further investigation with CBCT. The CBCT images revealed unusually large maxillary sinuses on both sides with the left sinus reaching the incisive foramen and being in close proximity to the unerupted mesiodens. The imaging and the information from it aided in careful surgical removal of the mesiodens and subsequent orthodontic treatment. Practical implications: CBCT imaging can often present incidental findings some of which can be rare. Awareness about the same can keep the clinician on the lookout for any unusual presentations which may have a bearing on the treatment approach.