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Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics 2021The efficiency of clinical procedures is based on practical and theoretical knowledge. Countless daily information is available to the orthodontist, but it is up to this...
INTRODUCTION
The efficiency of clinical procedures is based on practical and theoretical knowledge. Countless daily information is available to the orthodontist, but it is up to this professional to know how to select what really has an impact on clinical practice. Evidence-based orthodontics ends up requiring the clinician to know the basics of biostatistics to understand the results of scientific publications. Such concepts are also important for researchers, for correct data planning and analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This article aims to present, in a clear way, some essential concepts of biostatistics that assist the clinical orthodontist in understanding scientific research, for an evidence-based clinical practice. In addition, an updated version of the tutorial to assist in choosing the appropriate statistical test will be presented. This PowerPoint® tool can be used to assist the user in finding answers to common questions about biostatistics, such as the most appropriate statistical test for comparing groups, choosing graphs, performing correlations and regressions, analyzing casual, random or systematic errors.
CONCLUSION
Researchers and clinicians must acquire or recall essential concepts to understand and apply an appropriate statistical analysis. It is important that journal readers and reviewers can identify when statistical analyzes are being inappropriately used.
Topics: Biostatistics; Humans; Research Design; Research Personnel
PubMed: 33729294
DOI: 10.1590/2177-6709.26.1.E21SPE1 -
Progress in Orthodontics Mar 2019To evaluate differences between orthodontists and general dentists in experience with clear aligners (CA), patients' demand and perception, types of patients, and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To evaluate differences between orthodontists and general dentists in experience with clear aligners (CA), patients' demand and perception, types of patients, and malocclusion treated with CA and to compare the two groups of clinicians not using CA in their practice.
METHODS
A Web-based survey was developed and sent to the 129 members of the European Aligner Society and randomly to 200 doctors of dental surgery by e-mail. They responded on demographics and to one of two different parts for clinicians using CA or not using CA. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS EGv.6.1.
RESULTS
The response rate was 74%. Among the total of respondents, the majority reported utilizing CA in their practice with a greater percentage of orthodontists (P = 0.0040). Overall, orthodontists learned more about CA during academic seminars comparing to general dentists, and they treated more class I with crowding (P = 0.0002) and with open bite (P = 0.0462). The majority of patients treated with CA were female and adults with a full-time employment, and the patients' knowledge about CA treatment was mainly provided by information from external media advertising. For respondents not using CA, orthodontists were more likely to report that CA limit treatment outcomes, whereas general practitioners were reported not having enough experience to use them.
CONCLUSIONS
There were some significant differences between orthodontists and general dentists mainly in experience and case selection for clinicians using CA as well as in the reasons provided for not using CA in their practice.
Topics: Child; Dentistry; Female; Humans; Male; Orthodontic Appliances, Removable; Orthodontics; Palatal Expansion Technique; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 30854613
DOI: 10.1186/s40510-019-0263-3 -
American Journal of Orthodontics and... Aug 2020Patients may express views about their orthodontic care by posting publicly available reviews on the Internet. This study analyzed online reviews of orthodontists with... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Patients may express views about their orthodontic care by posting publicly available reviews on the Internet. This study analyzed online reviews of orthodontists with an emphasis on the types and frequency of complaints expressed in negative reviews.
METHODS
A random sample of 10.6% of the American Association of Orthodontists membership was evaluated to identify members practicing in a North American office that is limited to orthodontics and has an online presence. Information regarding those orthodontists and their offices was collected. For offices with Google and/or Yelp reviews, all negative (1- or 2-star) reviews were saved for content analysis. If an office posted a response to a negative review, those responses were also collected for analysis.
RESULTS
Of the 807 eligible orthodontists, 92.4% had reviews on Google and/or Yelp. Average ratings of orthodontists were very positive (ie, 4- and 5-star reviews constituted >97% of Google reviews and >88% of Yelp reviews), yielding an average orthodontist rating of 4.72 on Google and 4.42 on Yelp. However, approximately half of those orthodontists (50.9%) also had at least 1 negative review. The 3 most frequently mentioned categories of complaints were regarding quality of care and/or service, interpersonal interactions, and money and/or financial issues. An analysis of the specific kinds of complaints is described. Orthodontists posting responses to negative reviews had significantly better average ratings than those who did not, but this association does not demonstrate a causal relationship.
CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the complaints orthodontic patients express in online reviews may suggest strategies to improve patient satisfaction and an orthodontist's online reputation.
Topics: Humans; Orthodontics; Orthodontists; Patient Satisfaction
PubMed: 32746975
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.02.005 -
Cureus Oct 2023Braces are undoubtedly a blessing for those whose teeth are misaligned in various ways, yet many people may not enjoy the traditional metal braces. However, some people... (Review)
Review
Braces are undoubtedly a blessing for those whose teeth are misaligned in various ways, yet many people may not enjoy the traditional metal braces. However, some people are totally fine with having their teeth fused with the set of metal brackets and various metal components flowing through. A few people may simply not feel comfortable in that way. Orthodontists have developed a huge array of bracket styles by concentrating on the wide range of preferences and financial constraints that their patients present. These various dental bracket types are all advantageous from one point of view or another. Orthodontic supplies and materials are being produced using technology that is advancing exponentially. Every day, more technologies, processes, and designs emerge. These tools assist the orthodontist in providing patients with the best functional and cosmetic outcomes. Since Edward Hartley Angle's time through MBT brackets and then lingual brackets, orthodontic brackets have advanced significantly. Orthodontists' lives have been greatly facilitated by these brackets. Numerous new materials and designs will be developed as technology progresses. The purpose of this article was to give a general overview of the different orthodontic brackets and demonstrate how the logic underlying them helps orthodontists in their day-to-day jobs.
PubMed: 37937031
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46615 -
American Journal of Orthodontics and... Jan 2021Orthodontic patients worldwide missed appointments during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A significant problem with this virus is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Orthodontic patients worldwide missed appointments during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A significant problem with this virus is its high transmission power. Asymptomatic patients can transmit the virus. The aim of this review is to examine orthodontic emergencies and the necessary strategies and measures for emergency and nonemergency treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.
METHODS
The following databases were comprehensively searched: PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Up-to-date data released by major health organizations such as the World Health Organization and major orthodontic associations involved in the pandemic were also evaluated.
RESULTS
Few studies were conducted on managing orthodontic offices or clinics during the pandemic, and most are not of high quality. Appropriate communication is the most important issue in managing orthodontic patients, particularly virtual counseling. Many orthodontic emergencies can be managed in this way by patients themselves. Most studies recommend using the filtering facepiece 2 masks, equivalent to N95 masks for non-COVID-19 patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures and all suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients in orthodontic visits.
CONCLUSIONS
At this time, there are no definitive clinical protocols supported by robust evidence for orthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Orthodontists should not rush to return to routine orthodontic work and should follow state guidelines. Nonemergency orthodontic visits should be suspended during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic in high-risk areas. Resuming orthodontic procedures during the pandemic requires paying special attention to screening, performing maximum efforts to reduce aerosol generation, using appropriate personal protective equipment, having proper ventilation, and fully adhering to sterilization and disinfection principles.
Topics: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Humans; Orthodontists; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33223376
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.09.009 -
Turkish Journal of Orthodontics Mar 2024The aim of this study was to determine how orthodontists utilize the social media application Instagram for health communication.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine how orthodontists utilize the social media application Instagram for health communication.
METHODS
Four Turkish keywords were manually searched on the Instagram platform on February 12, 2022: "orthodontist" (ortodontist), "orthodontics" (), "orthodontic specialist" (), and "doctor of orthodontist" (). A total of 195 orthodontist accounts matching the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: public and private. Profile information analyses were performed, and the results for public and private accounts were compared. Public accounts were further divided by gender and whether they shared a company name in their profiles. Groups were compared according to post content and type of patient photo. Statistical analysis involved the Shapiro-Wilk test, an Independent Samples t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square and Kappa tests.
RESULTS
The number of posts (96.06±149.30 vs. 195.36±248.51) and followers (1,250.56±2,347.47 vs. 4,071.43±6,557.63) were higher for public accounts. The number of followers (3,171.62±4,645.08 vs. 5,472.57±8,595.99) and daily posts (0.17±0.37 vs. 0.23±0.43) were higher for accounts with a company name. In the content analysis, posts on clear aligners (1.51±4.74 vs. 6.60±18.60, p<0.05) and patient and company advertisements were more common (0.49±1.85 vs. 3.70±10.70, p<0.05) for accounts with a company name.
CONCLUSION
While public orthodontist accounts commonly promote fixed mechanics as a treatment option, accounts with a company name adopt a different approach, emphasizing the sharing of information about clear aligners.
PubMed: 38556948
DOI: 10.4274/TurkJOrthod.2022.2022.78 -
European Journal of Orthodontics Jun 2013The aim of this work was to investigate the published evidence on the comparison of self-perception and diagnosis of orthodontic treatment need. A search of Cochrane... (Review)
Review
The aim of this work was to investigate the published evidence on the comparison of self-perception and diagnosis of orthodontic treatment need. A search of Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Scopus databases, and archives of two orthodontic journals was carried out from January 1966 to August 2011 by the two authors using Medical Subject Heading terms. Studies that investigated solely either self-perception of orthodontic need by laypersons or assessment of orthodontic need by professionals were excluded from the data analysis. The methodological soundness of each study and the aggregate level of evidence were evaluated according to predetermined criteria. Moderate level of evidence, the relatively highest grade, was assigned to 9.1 per cent of the 22 studies, finally included in the data analysis. The overall evidence level provided by the evaluated publications was rated as limited. However, the existing body of evidence indicated a highly variable association between self-perception of orthodontic treatment need and orthodontist's assessment. Future controlled studies with well-defined samples and common assessment methodology will clarify further the relationship between perception of treatment need by laypersons and orthodontists and enhance international comparison and development of health care strategies.
Topics: Dental Health Surveys; Dentists; Esthetics, Dental; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Malocclusion; Needs Assessment; Orthodontics
PubMed: 22250076
DOI: 10.1093/ejo/cjr142 -
Pain Research & Management 2021Orthodontic pain is one of the negatives associated with fixed orthodontic treatment that cannot be avoided. This pain usually comes around the wire placement period and... (Review)
Review
Orthodontic pain is one of the negatives associated with fixed orthodontic treatment that cannot be avoided. This pain usually comes around the wire placement period and gradually decreases once the endogenous analgesic mechanisms start functioning. Over the years, several treatment modalities have been utilized for relief from orthodontic pain, and these include mechanical, behavior modification, and pharmacological methods. However, in the last decade, there are several newer methods employing the use of technology that have come up and are being used for alleviating pain. From computerized indirect bonding to virtual treatment planning, technology has slowly become a vital part of an orthodontist's repertoire. The digital age is here, and orthodontics must embrace the use of technology to help improve the quality of life of patients.
Topics: Female; Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy; Male; Orthodontics; Pain Management; Quality of Life; Technology
PubMed: 33763158
DOI: 10.1155/2021/5512031 -
Pituitary Feb 2022Oro-facial manifestations of acromegaly are among the earliest signs of the disease and are reported by a significant number of patients at diagnosis. Despite this high...
PURPOSE
Oro-facial manifestations of acromegaly are among the earliest signs of the disease and are reported by a significant number of patients at diagnosis. Despite this high prevalence of acromegaly oral manifestation, dentists do not play a pivotal role in acromegaly identification and diagnosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the ability of dentists and orthodontists in the early recognition of the oro-facial manifestations of acromegaly.
METHODS
A telematic questionnaire was administered to dentists and orthodontists. The questionnaire included photos with facial and oral-dental details and lateral teleradiography of acromegaly patients (ACRO).
RESULTS
The study included 426 participants: 220 dentists and 206 orthodontists. Upon reviewing the photos, dentists most often observed mandibular prognathism and lips projection, while orthodontists also reported the impairment of relative soft tissue. Orthodontists, who usually use photos to document patients' oral-facial characteristics, paid more attention to oral-facial impairment than dentists. During dental assessment, 90% of the participants usually evaluated tongue size and appearance, diastemas presence, and signs of sleep impairment (mainly orthodontists). Orthodontists were also more able to identify sella turcica enlargement at teleradiography. A total of 10.8% of the participants had ACRO as patients and 11.3% referred at least one patient for acromegaly suspicion.
CONCLUSION
The study highlighted dentists' strategic role in identifying ACRO. Increasing dentists' awareness about acromegaly clinical issues may improve early diagnosis, potentially resulting in an increased quality of life and decreased mortality among ACRO.
Topics: Acromegaly; Humans; Orthodontists; Quality of Life; Referral and Consultation; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34518997
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-021-01183-y -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022This study aimed to analyze the existing literature on how artificial intelligence is being used to support the identification of cephalometric landmarks. The systematic... (Review)
Review
This study aimed to analyze the existing literature on how artificial intelligence is being used to support the identification of cephalometric landmarks. The systematic analysis of literature was carried out by performing an extensive search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. Articles published in the last ten years were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 17 full-text articles were systematically appraised. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (CHSRI) and Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) were adopted for quality analysis of the included studies. The artificial intelligence systems were mainly based on deep learning-based convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in the included studies. The majority of the studies proposed that AI-based automatic cephalometric analyses provide clinically acceptable diagnostic performance. They have worked remarkably well, with accuracy and precision similar to the trained orthodontist. Moreover, they can simplify cephalometric analysis and provide a quick outcome in practice. Therefore, they are of great benefit to orthodontists, as with these systems they can perform tasks more efficiently.
PubMed: 36553978
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122454