You are here: Craniofacial Biology Research Group > Research Projects

Print View Login

Teeth & Faces of Australian Twins

This project is a long-term study of the growth and development of the teeth and faces of a group of approximately 300 twin pairs. We are following the twins from 4 years of age, when most have a full set of primary, or 'baby' teeth, through to approximately 16 years of age, when they have a full set of permanent teeth (excluding the 3rd molars or 'wisdom' teeth).  We also have a second cohort of 300 twin pairs for whom we have records of permanent dentition only.

Tooth Emergence & Oral Health of Australian Twins

This project is a new medium-term study of the timing of primary tooth emergence and colonisation of the mouth by Streptococcus mutans in a group of approximately 600 twin pairs and their families. We are following the twins from around birth to 3 years of age.

Tooth Wear Project

There is an increasing awareness in clinical dentistry of the need to better understand the aetiology and management of tooth wear given that increasing numbers of elderly patients are retaining their natural teeth to a stage where they present with extensive tooth wear, and a significant number of younger patients are presenting with wear of both primary and permanent teeth.

Our current research aims to systematically investigate the conditions under which tooth wear occurs with a view to better understanding the aetiology and subsequently the management of tooth wear for our patients.  We are currently involved in:

• A clinical study of the relationships between rates of tooth reduction and various common clinical factors (such as tooth loss, restorative status, occlusion, facial morphology), environmental variables (such as diet, ingested abrasives) and aspects of general health (such as acid regurgitation) to enable the identification of individuals at highest risk
• A study of the significance of genetic factors in the observed variation of tooth wear.
• A detailed study of the rates of wear of enamel and dentine under experimental conditions to establish the conditions under which rapid rates of tooth wear occur.
• An investigation of wear prevention strategies.
• A systematic investigation of wear rates of commonly used dental materials under the range of conditions to which they are likely to be subjected.