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Cureus Mar 2024Malocclusion is a widespread oral health issue that adversely affects individuals' health and well-being. Currently, fixed orthodontics is considered the most efficient... (Review)
Review
Malocclusion is a widespread oral health issue that adversely affects individuals' health and well-being. Currently, fixed orthodontics is considered the most efficient treatment for correcting malocclusion, with archwire bending playing a key role in orthodontic treatment. Traditionally, orthodontists manually performed archwire bending using various handheld pliers and other mechanical tools, requiring a significant amount of time, precision, and specialized training yet being unable to guarantee appliance accuracy. The process of shaping orthodontic wire is challenging due to its high stiffness and superelasticity, resulting in a time-consuming, laborious process that is prone to human errors. With advancements in orthodontics, traditional methods have taken a backseat, making way for innovative technologies that provide more accurate and personalized treatment options. The continuous efforts to enhance treatment efficiency, accuracy, efficacy, and patient experience have led to the integration of robotics into various orthodontic procedures. The use of robotics in archwire bending represents a breakthrough in orthodontics, offering unparalleled precision, consistency, and efficiency. This technology reduces treatment time and patient discomfort, overcoming the limitations of manual bending and enhancing orthodontic treatment overall. Hence, the present study aims to review the literature on robotic archwire bending in orthodontics, including their drawbacks and their impact on orthodontic treatment.
PubMed: 38646270
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56611 -
Cureus Mar 2024Introduction Clear aligners have demonstrated success in achieving complex tooth movements. However, orthodontists have faced challenges related to the predictability of...
Introduction Clear aligners have demonstrated success in achieving complex tooth movements. However, orthodontists have faced challenges related to the predictability of clear aligners. This retrospective study aimed to assess the predictability of ClinCheck® accuracy in space closure before and after Invisalign® treatment and to identify factors associated with the need for refinement. Methods Patient records from one private clinic in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, were analyzed, and a sample of 55 adult patients who had spacing and underwent Invisalign treatment were included. Data on demographic and orthodontic variables were collected, and a chi-square test was conducted to examine the association between the requirement for refinement and demographic as well as clinical/orthodontic factors. Furthermore, the initial and final space measurements were compared using paired t-tests across various demographic and clinical/orthodontic variables. Results After completing the treatment, 70.9% (N=39) of the cases did not require any orthodontic refinement. The mean final space measurement was higher for males compared to females (0.7 mm and 0.4 mm, respectively), individuals who received treatment in the upper compared to lower arch (0.5 and 0.4 mm, respectively), those with moderate compared to mild spacing (0.5 and 0.1 mm, respectively), and those with class III compared to class I Angle classification (0.9 and 0.3 mm, respectively). Additionally, patients with severe spacing had a significantly higher probability of requiring refinement compared to patients with mild spacing (adjusted odds ratio = 20.9; p < 0.05). Conclusion The study emphasizes the significance of careful patient selection and treatment planning, suggesting that orthodontists should consider overcorrecting in space closure when using clear aligners, especially in cases with more significant spacing.
PubMed: 38646261
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56706 -
Progress in Orthodontics Apr 2024External apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequently observed adverse event in patients undergoing fixed appliance therapy. Assessing the patients' risk during...
BACKGROUND
External apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequently observed adverse event in patients undergoing fixed appliance therapy. Assessing the patients' risk during treatment is important, as certain factors are assumed to be associated with an increased likelihood of occurrence. However, their predictive value remains limited, making evidence-based clinical decision-making challenging for orthodontists. To address this issue, the Dutch Association of Orthodontists (NvVO) developed a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for EARR in accordance with the AGREE II instrument (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) in 2018. The aim of this study is to get insight into the actual utilization and the practical implementation of the guideline among orthodontists. The hypothesis to be tested was that after its introduction, clinical practice for EARR has changed towards the recommendations in the CPG.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of the 2018 clinical practice guidelines for EARR among orthodontists 3 years after its introduction.
METHODS
A questionnaire using a 7-point Likert scale was developed concerning four domains of EARR described in the guideline. The questionnaire was piloted, finalised, and then distributed digitally among Dutch orthodontists. REDCap was used for data collection, starting with an invitation email in June 2021, followed by two reminders. Effect was tested by the Mann-Whitney U test, and the influence of demographic variables was analysed.
RESULTS
Questionnaires were sent out to all 275 and completed by 133 (response rate 48%); N = 59 females and N = 73 males were included; 81% had their training in the Netherlands, 89% had ≥ 6 years of work experience, and 89% worked in private orthodontic practice. One hundred thirty orthodontists (98.5%) reported changes in clinical practice. The biggest positive change in clinical behaviour regarding EARR occurred if EARR was diagnosed during treatment. Sex, clinical experience, country of specialist training, and working environment of the respondents did not affect clinical practices regarding EARR.
CONCLUSIONS
This questionnaire demonstrated that, 3 years after introduction of the guideline, orthodontists improved their self-reported clinical practices to a more standardised management of root resorption. None of the demographic predictors had a significant effect on the results.
Topics: Humans; Root Resorption; Female; Male; Orthodontists; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Practice Patterns, Dentists'; Netherlands; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adult; Tooth Apex; Guideline Adherence
PubMed: 38644413
DOI: 10.1186/s40510-024-00515-5 -
BMC Oral Health Apr 2024Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect orthodontists' use of remote monitoring platforms? The goal of this research was to examine orthodontists' experiences implementing...
BACKGROUND
Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect orthodontists' use of remote monitoring platforms? The goal of this research was to examine orthodontists' experiences implementing remote monitoring platforms before, during, and after the initial COVID-19 lockdown.
METHODS
In this descriptive cross-sectional survey study, an electronic, anonymous questionnaire consisting of a series of 31 short-answer and multiple-choice questions was administered to an international sampling of practicing orthodontists. The target population in the study included currently practicing orthodontists who were graduates of an accredited orthodontic residency program. Participants were recruited in 2021 through collaboration with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Partners in Research Program and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Orthodontic Alumni Association. Descriptive analysis was conducted, reporting frequency (N and %) distributions for each question. The questionnaire aimed to describe whether orthodontists incorporated remote monitoring platforms into their practices, their experiences doing so, and if the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their use of these resources.
RESULTS
Orthodontists' use of remote monitoring platforms was negligible prior to the pandemic; however, a quarter of surveyed orthodontists began using a remote monitoring platform during COVID-19 and nearly all respondents plan to continue using remote monitoring for the foreseeable future. Approximately half of orthodontists believe most patients' treatment progress can be monitored to the standard of care between in-person orthodontic appointments using remote monitoring platforms. Half of the orthodontists who do not currently use a remote monitoring platform in their practice are interested in learning more about how to implement one.
CONCLUSIONS
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the interest and adoption of remote monitoring platforms in orthodontic practices. Most orthodontists had not incorporated remote monitoring platforms into their practices prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this study revealed that a subset of orthodontists utilized the pandemic as motivation to incorporate remote monitoring into their practices and an additional group of orthodontists were interested in incorporating one in the future. Remote monitoring platforms garnered interest and importance with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and may only have an increasing role in the field in years to come.
Topics: Humans; Orthodontists; COVID-19; Orthodontics; Pandemics; Cross-Sectional Studies; Communicable Disease Control; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38643089
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04245-2 -
The Angle Orthodontist May 2024To survey treatment-planning practices of orthodontists related to the Invisalign Lite clear aligner appliance (Align Technology, San Jose, Calif).
OBJECTIVES
To survey treatment-planning practices of orthodontists related to the Invisalign Lite clear aligner appliance (Align Technology, San Jose, Calif).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria and treated with Invisalign Lite were selected from a database containing more than 17,000 patients. Relevant data regarding treatment-planning practices were obtained from Align Technology's treatment-planning facility, ClinCheck, and evaluated.
RESULTS
Most (n = 135; 79.9%) patients were female and had a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 30.5 (23.8, 43.1) years. The median (IQR) number of aligners for the sample was 23.0 (14, 28) for the maxilla and 24 (14, 28) for the mandible. Most (n = 122; 72.2%) patients required at least one additional series of aligners. More locations for interproximal reduction (IPR) were prescribed in the mandible (mean 1.91 [1.78]) than in the maxilla (1.03 [1.78]; P < .024) in the initial accepted plan of all patients. More teeth were prescribed composite resin (CR) attachments in the maxilla (P < .0001) in the initial accepted plan of all patients. Issues regarding tooth position protocols (n = 50; 53.3%) and requirement for additional IPR (n = 68; 45.3%) were reasons for treatment plan changes before acceptance of the initial treatment plan by orthodontists.
CONCLUSIONS
More than 7 of 10 patients required at least one additional series of aligners after the initial series of Invisalign Lite aligners was completed. Prescription of IPR was more common in the mandible, and prescription of CR attachments was more common in the maxilla.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Tooth Movement Techniques; Cross-Sectional Studies; Orthodontists; Orthodontic Appliances, Removable; Maxilla; Composite Resins
PubMed: 38639458
DOI: 10.2319/102223-712.1 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Apr 2024To investigate the effects of material type and thickness on force generation and distribution by aligners.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the effects of material type and thickness on force generation and distribution by aligners.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sixty aligners were divided into six groups (n = 10): one group with a thickness of 0.89 mm using Zendura Viva (Multi-layer), four groups with a thickness of 0.75 mm using Zendura FLX (Multi-layer), CA Pro (Multi-layer), Zendura (Single-layer), and Duran (Single-layer) sheets, and one group with a thickness of 0.50 mm using Duran sheets. Force measurements were conducted using Fuji® pressure-sensitive films.
RESULTS
The lowest force values, both active and passive, were recorded for the multi-layered sheets: CA Pro (83.1 N, 50.5 N), Zendura FLX (88.9 N, 60.7 N), and Zendura Viva (92.5 N, 68.5 N). Conversely, the highest values were recorded for the single-layered sheets: Duran (131.9 N, 71.8 N) and Zendura (149.7 N, 89.8 N). The highest force was recorded at the middle third of the aligner, followed by the incisal third, and then the cervical third. The net force between the incisal and cervical thirds (F-F) showed insignificant difference across different materials. However, when comparing the incisal and middle thirds, the net force (F-F) was higher with single-layered materials. Both overall force and net force (F-F) were significantly higher with 0.75 mm compared to those with a thickness of 0.50 mm.
CONCLUSIONS
Multi-layered aligner materials exert lower forces compared to their single-layered counterparts. Additionally, increased thickness in aligners results in enhanced retention and greater force generation. For effective bodily tooth movement, thicker and single-layered rigid materials are preferred.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This research provides valuable insights into the biomechanics of orthodontic aligners, which could have significant clinical implications for orthodontists. Orthodontists might use this information to more effectively tailor aligner treatments, considering the specific tooth movement required for each individual patient. In light of these findings, an exchangeable protocol for aligner treatment is suggested, which however needs to be proven clinically. This protocol proposes alternating between multi-layered and single-layered materials within the same treatment phase. This strategy is suggested to optimize treatment outcomes, particularly when planning for a bodily tooth movement.
Topics: Humans; Orthodontic Appliance Design; Biomechanical Phenomena; Treatment Outcome; Tooth Movement Techniques
PubMed: 38637429
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05662-x -
International Journal of Surgery Case... May 2024Maxillary anterior teeth that have not erupted may substantially alter the appearance of the teeth and face. Orthodontists often encounter a clinical challenge while...
INTRODUCTION
Maxillary anterior teeth that have not erupted may substantially alter the appearance of the teeth and face. Orthodontists often encounter a clinical challenge while dealing with an impacted maxillary incisor, which creates space problems in the anterior region. The purpose of this paper is to describe the well-synchronized orthodontic and surgical treatment of a horizontally impacted maxillary central incisors.
CASE PRESENTATION
A male patient, aged 27, presented with a complaint of unerupted two maxillary front teeth. This resulted in the displacement of adjacent teeth into the vacant region. An intraoral examination revealed a Class II molars on both sides, a deep curve of the space with a 2.3 mm overjet, and an edge-to-edge bite of 0.1 mm. The 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging unveiled a labial impacted and a rotation of approximately 90 degrees (horizontal impacted) on both central maxillary incisors.
DISCUSSION
The self-ligating bracket was installed and orthodontic traction aligned the affected tooth in the dental arch. To reach the labial surface of the impacted incisor, open surgical exposure by window excision of soft tissues with a laser was preferable due to the large bulge in the sulcus. Because self-ligating bracket systems employed modest pressures to position the maxillary right central incisor in the arch, the window surgical technique did not produce gingival scarring or increased clinical crown length.
CONCLUSION
The impacted upper central incisor was successfully treated using a collaborative interdisciplinary (surgical-orthodontic) approach, which resulted in a favorable aesthetic and functional outcome.
PubMed: 38615467
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109620 -
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Apr 2024Northern Finland has a unique distribution of clefts compared to the rest of Europe and Finland. This may reflect the need for orthognathic surgery among Northern...
OBJECTIVE
Northern Finland has a unique distribution of clefts compared to the rest of Europe and Finland. This may reflect the need for orthognathic surgery among Northern Finland's patient pool. The aim of this study was to compare previously operated patients aged 18 years or older with cleft lip, cleft lip and alveolus, cleft lip and palate, cleft palate and to evaluate the need for orthognathic surgery in order to achieve a stable and functional occlusion. Materials and methods: The study group consisted of all 18-years-old cleft patients treated in the Oulu Cleft Center. The total amount of patients was 110. The patients were compared retrospectively using patients' hospital records. The majority of patients did not have any cleft-associated syndrome. The need for maxillary or bimaxillary orthognathic or corrective-jaw surgery was evaluated by the Oulu Cleft Team. A descriptive and statistical analysis was used to determine the need for orthognathic surgery according to sex and cleft type.
RESULTS
There were nineteen patients of the total of 110 patients who met the criteria requiring corrective-jaw surgery (17,3%). In total 12 males (25,0%) and 7 females (11,3%) were evaluated for the need of orthognathic surgery. Sixteen of the 19 patients had palatal involvement of the cleft.
CONCLUSIONS
The need for orthognathic surgery was greater in the cleft lip palate and cleft palate patient groups compared to cleft lip alveolus or cleft lip groups. This study also found that males from Northern Finland need surgery more often than females.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Orthognathic Surgery; Retrospective Studies; Finland
PubMed: 38605577
DOI: 10.2340/aos.v83.40338 -
Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Huaxi... Dec 2023Orthodontics is a discipline that is based on aesthetics. It coordinates the relationship among nose, lip, and chin through the movement of teeth and the adjustment of... (Review)
Review
Orthodontics is a discipline that is based on aesthetics. It coordinates the relationship among nose, lip, and chin through the movement of teeth and the adjustment of jaw relationship. Orthodontists need to fully analyze the patient's soft tissue profile before treatment. They also need to analyze the existing problems and those that may be solved or caused during orthodontics to guide the design of orthodontic treatment and effectively improve the clinical effect of orthodontics. This article reviews the aesthetic preconditions that guide the design of orthodontic treatment from the perspective of orthodontists.
Topics: Humans; Esthetics, Dental; Orthodontics; Orthodontists; Chin; Nose
PubMed: 38597026
DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2023.2023231