Comparative characterization of supragingival plaque microbiomes in malocclusion adult female patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with removable aligners or fixed appliances: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effects of removable aligners and fixed appliances on the supragingival bacterial communities in adult female patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methods: Supragingival plaque samples from 48 female individuals underwent microbiome analysis (16S rRNA gene sequencing) using PacBio Sequel sequencing. The study included 13 adults without orthodontic treatment needs as the control group (Group C), and 35 patients with comparable initial orthodontic conditions who received treatment at a university clinic in Beijing, China. The treatment involved either traditional fixed brackets (Group B, n = 17) or Invisalign® aligners (Group AT, n = 18). Bioinformatics methods were used for data analysis. Results: From the 48 plaque samples, a total of 334,961 valid reads were obtained, averaging 6,978 sequences per sample. The 16S rDNA sequences were classified into 25,727 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Significant variances in alpha and beta diversity among the groups were noted. Group B microbiome exhibited an increased presence of Gram-negative bacteria. At the phylum level, Actinobacteriota was significantly more prevalent in Group C samples, while Bacteroidota was enriched in Group B samples. Family-level relative abundance analysis showed a notable increase in Saccharibacteria (formerly TM7) and Prevotellaceae in Group B. Genus-level analysis revealed a significant rise in Lautropia in Group AT. Fixed orthodontic appliances were linked to oral microbiome changes, notably an enhanced relative abundance of anaerobes, including periodontal pathogens. Conclusion: The observation points to the impact of orthodontic appliance on the oral microbial community, highlighting the difference between traditional braces (Group B) and clear aligners (Group AT)in terms of the predominance of anaerobic and gram negative bacteria. This emphasizes the importance of considering the microbiological effects when choosing orthodontic appliance and underscores the need for tailored oral hygiene practices for individuals undergoing these treatments. This research might provide insights that could assist in the development of innovative cleaning techniques and antibacterial materials.

Comparison of transverse dimensional and incisor changes between wide and narrow orthodontic archwires: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To clinically compare the effects of broader archwires to standard archwires, using conventional brackets in both cases, on the transverse and incisor changes in maxillary and mandibular arches during leveling and alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients presenting with crowding were allocated into two groups; one group received the broad Damon archwires while the other received standard 3M OrthoForm III Ovoid archwires. All participants were treated with conventional brackets using similar archwire sequences (0.014, 0.018, 0.016 × 0.022/0.016 × 0.025, 0.019 × 0.025 NiTi/CuNiTi archwires). Digital casts were obtained from alginate impressions before treatment (T0) and six weeks after inserting 0.019 × 0.025 NiTi archwires (T1). Pretreatment (T0) and post-alignment (T1) lateral cephalograms were obtained for each patient. The primary outcomes were the changes in the transverse arch dimensions and incisor inclination. The secondary outcomes were the horizontal and vertical linear changes in incisor position. RESULTS: Complete data were collected for 47 patients. There was a significant increase in arch width during treatment within each group, except for upper inter-molar width in 3M group (P = 0.071). Damon wire induced a statistically significant increase in maxillary inter-second premolar width (P = 0.042), and mandibular inter-first premolar (P = 0.043), inter-second premolar (P = 0.008) and inter-molar widths (P = 0.033) compared to 3M group. The increase in incisor proclination and the linear change in incisor position were significant within each group, with less mandibular incisor proclination (P = 0.004) and horizontal advancement (P = 0.038) in the Damon group. CONCLUSIONS: Damon archwires created a comparatively greater increase in the maxillary inter-second premolar width and the mandibular inter-first premolar, inter-second premolar, and inter-molar widths, and less proclination and horizontal advancement in mandibular incisors. The study provides invaluable evidence that using broad archwires with self-ligating brackets is the reason behind any greater expansion observed in this system rather than the unique mechanical and biological features exerted by the self-ligating system. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results suggest that Damon archwire might be a better alternative compared to the narrower standard archwires that are usually used with conventional brackets, especially in the mandibular arch, in cases where mild to moderate crowding is planned to be resolved with a non-extraction approach. However, as arch expansion in the absence of posterior crossbites raises the question of long-term stability, the reported advantage of the use of wide wires should be interpreted with caution and should be considered in the retention phase, bearing in mind that achieving a good post-treatment occlusion is important for enhancing post-treatment stability.

Posterior crossbite corrections in the early mixed dentition with quad helix or rapid maxillary expander: a cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral posterior crossbite is a common malocclusion, and early treatment is recommended to enable normal growth. There are several possibilities regarding choice of appliances used for correcting this malocclusion; however, when treatment is financed by public funds the decision needs to be based not only on the effects but also on the effect in relation to the costs. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing quad helix (QH) and rapid maxillary expanders (RME; hyrax-type) in children in the early mixed dentition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients were randomized to treatment with either QH or RME, at two different centres. Data were collected from the patient's medical records regarding success rate, number of visits, total treatment time, emergency visits, and so forth, together with answers from patient questionnaires concerning absence from school and use of analgesics. A cost-effectiveness analysis with both an intention-to-treat (ITT) and a per-protocol approach was performed, as well as a deterministic sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: The success rate, one year after the completion of the expansion, was equal between groups according to the ITT approach. From a healthcare perspective, the mean cost difference between RME and QH was €32.05 in favour of QH (P = 0.583; NS). From a societal perspective, the mean cost difference was €32.61 in favour of QH (P = 0.742; NS). The total appliance cost alone was higher in the RME group €202.67 resp. €155.58 in the QH group (P = 0.001). The probability of RME having a higher cost was 71% from a healthcare perspective and 62.7% from a societal perspective. The total treatment time was 97 days longer in the QH group. In the deterministic sensitivity analysis, when using a higher valuation of the children's educational loss, the QH becomes €58 more costly than the RME. There was a statistically significant difference in chair time and visits between centres (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The difference in costs between RME and QH is not statistically significant, however, there is a slightly higher probability that RME is more expensive than QH with a mean cost of an additional €32 per patient from a healthcare perspective. Different work procedures at different centres indicate that logistics around the patient's treatment is a more important aspect than appliance used to decrease the number of visits and save chair time and thereby also costs.

A novel acrylic orthodontic device for treatment of linguoverted mandibular canine teeth in small dogs.

Linguoverted mandibular canine teeth (LMC) is a common malocclusion in dogs. Several inclined bite-plane techniques using acrylic resin have been introduced to correct LMC in dogs. Although these techniques have suggested modifications to overcome shortcomings, there are still limitations; e.g., high technical sensitivity, as the viscous acrylic resin must still be fabricated in the oral cavity. The authors developed a novel method for small-breed dogs that uses a doughy acrylic resin form to achieve an easy intraoral design and extraoral fabrication. Eight small-breed dogs were presented to evaluate and treat malocclusion causing palatal trauma. First, a Class-1 malocclusion with linguoversion of the mandibular canine teeth (6 dogs with unilateral LMC and 2 dogs with bilateral) was diagnosed based on oral examination. Dogs were treated with the new method using a doughy acrylic resin form for 6 to 7 wk and had posttreatment follow-up 1 y after the procedure. All treated canine teeth were in correct positions 1 y after the appliances were removed. Key clinical message: The authors believe that the new method using a doughy acrylic resin form could be a good alternative for veterinarians to use when treating LMC.

Un nouveau dispositif orthodontique en acrylique pour le traitement des canines mandibulaires linguoverties chez les petits chiens. Les canines mandibulaires linguoverties (LMC) sont une malocclusion courante chez le chien. Plusieurs techniques de plan de morsure incliné utilisant de la résine acrylique ont été introduites pour corriger la LMC chez le chien. Bien que ces techniques aient suggéré des modifications pour surmonter les lacunes, elles présentent encore des limites; par exemple, une sensibilité technique élevée, car la résine acrylique visqueuse doit encore être fabriquée dans la cavité buccale. Les auteurs ont développé une nouvelle méthode pour les chiens de petite race qui utilise une forme pâteuse de résine acrylique pour obtenir une conception intra-orale et une fabrication extra-orale faciles. Huit chiens de petite race ont été présentés pour évaluer et traiter une malocclusion provoquant un traumatisme palatin. Tout d'abord, une malocclusion de classe 1 avec linguoversion des canines mandibulaires (6 chiens avec LMC unilatérale et 2 chiens avec bilatérale) a été diagnostiquée sur la base d'un examen oral. Les chiens ont été traités avec la nouvelle méthode en utilisant une forme pâteuse de résine acrylique pendant 6 à 7 semaines et ont fait l'objet d'un suivi post-traitement 1 an après la procédure. Toutes les canines traitées étaient dans la bonne position un an après le retrait des appareils.Message clinique clé:Les auteurs estiment que la nouvelle méthode utilisant une forme pâteuse de résine acrylique pourrait être une bonne alternative que les vétérinaires pourraient utiliser lors du traitement du LMC.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Orthognathic surgery: a significant tool for reassessment / La chirurgie orthognathique : un outil à ne pas oublier dans la réévaluation

Introduction: More than 15 years of experience in orthodontic-surgical collaboration has allowed the authors to identify some situations in which a new perspective is needed. Although it may seem easy to refer a patient to a maxillo-facial surgeon in cases of major dysmorphoses, this can lead to yet other dilemmas: a loss of results at the end of a developmental growth stage, an adult requesting a return to treatment after a camouflage orthodontic treatment or a non-cooperative child in an interceptive and preventive treatment phase. Then, a comprehensive process of reassessment becomes compulsory. Material and Method: In the form of an editorial, this article describes various cases encountered in the authors' practice. Discussion: The aim is not to point out the imperfections of our humanity, but simply to open our eyes to diagnostic elements that are missed, whether in the initial phase or during reassessment. Conclusion: As it is far from ideal to keep offering similar therapies that lead to the same pitfalls, it is time for a shift in the paradigm.

Introduction: Plus de 15 ans de recul en collaboration orthodontico-chirurgicale ont permis aux auteurs d'identifier un certain nombre de situations dans lesquelles un regard différent est devenu opportun. S'il est aisé d'orienter un patient vers un(e) chirurgien(ne) maxillo-facial(e) en cas de dysmorphoses majeures, les orthodontistes sont régulièrement confrontés à d'autres dilemmes : une perte de résultat en fin de croissance, un adulte demandeur d'une reprise après un traitement en compensation ou encore un enfant non-coopérant en phase interceptive. Une phase de réévaluation exhaustive devient alors nécessaire. Matériel et méthode: Sous la forme d'un éditorial, cet article expose différentes situations cliniques auxquelles les auteurs ont été confrontés lors de leur pratique. Discussion: Le propos n'est pas de pointer les imperfections de notre humanité mais seulement d'ouvrir les yeux sur des éléments diagnostiques qui échappent, que ce soit en phase initiale ou en réévaluation. Conclusion: Offrir une thérapeutique identique conduisant aux mêmes écueils n'est pas acceptable : il est temps de changer de paradigme.

Tooth-size discrepancy: a clinical necessity / Harmonie dento-dentaire : une nécessité clinique

Introduction: The subject of this article is the discovery of dento-dental disharmony (DDD) at the end of treatment. Lack of diagnosis is the source of this type of disappointment. Material and Method: The diagnosis of DDD is not easily accessible on clinical examination and the compensations it generates mask it, especially if it is associated with other dysmorphoses. The use of indices, the best-known of which is Bolton's, enables diagnosis with the setup, a pre-treatment model which also has many other prognostic interests. Results: Once DDD has been considered, it can be resolved by adapting dental volumes, either by subtraction or addition. Conclusion: Advances in computerized diagnosis with artificial intelligence are opening up new avenues for the systematic diagnosis of DDD.

Introduction: L'objectif de cet article est de présenter, à l'issue de la découverte d'une dysharmonie dento-dentaire (DDD) en fin de traitement orthodontique, les modalités de sa prise en charge. Le défaut de diagnostic initial est la source de ce type de déconvenue. Matériel et méthode: Le diagnostic de la DDD n'est pas facilement accessible à l'examen clinique, les compensations qu'elle génère la masquent, surtout si elle est associée à d'autres dysmorphoses. L'utilisation d'indices, dont le plus connu est celui de Bolton, permet le diagnostic avec le setup, maquette de prétraitement qui a aussi beaucoup d'autres intérêts pronostiques. Résultats: Une fois prise en compte, la DDD trouve sa solution par l'adaptation des volumes dentaires soit par soustraction amélaire soit par addition. Conclusion: Les avancées du diagnostic informatisé avec l'intelligence artificielle ouvrent des portes pour intégrer le diagnostic systématique de la DDD.

Aesthetic perception of patient in developmental age in interceptive orthodontic treatment.

AIM: Patients at development age show considerable attention to the shape of the face from both an aesthetic and relational point of view, to arouse interest from researchers. There are few studies related to profile analysis in patients of developmental age. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyse the importance of the aesthetic perception of the patient in development age in relation to the profile, before and after interceptive orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS: A sample of 25 patients who came to our observation for dentoskeletal malocclusions was considered. A questionnaire was proposed to each patient, before and after the interceptive orthodontic treatment (T0 and T1), to evaluate the aesthetic perception before and after the orthodontic treatment and its psychosocial impact. Profile analysis was performed using photographic documentation (at T0 and T1). The variables considered were the Ricketts line, the facial convexity angle, the nasolabial angle, and the labiomental angle. CONCLUSION: Interceptive orthodontic treatment has proven to be of valid clinical and psychological help. This result is confirmed by the complete aesthetic satisfaction of the patient in the frontal and latero-lateral planes.

Accuracy and reliability of magnetic resonance imaging in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-ionizing imaging technique. Using MRI in dentistry may potentially lower the general radiation dose of the examined population, provided MRI can replace various radiation-based images. Furthermore, novel MRI imaging modalities for three-dimensional and two-dimensional cephalometrics have recently been developed for orthodontic diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of MRI in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. SEARCH METHODS: An electronic search was conducted on 20 November 2022 in the following databases: PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane. The search was updated on 30 August 2023. Furthermore, a grey literature search was performed in Google Scholar and Open-Grey. SELECTION CRITERIA: This review included descriptive, observational, cohort studies, cross-sectional, case-control studies, and randomized/non-randomized trials related to the research question. The study excluded studies related to patients with syndromes, chronic diseases, craniofacial anomalies, or bone diseases. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The included studies were quality assessed using the "Joanna Brigg's Critical Appraisal Tool for diagnostic test accuracy". The GRADE approach for non-randomized studies was used for strength-of-evidence analysis. RESULTS: Eight of the 10 included studies compared MRI with either cone beam computed tomography or lateral cephalogram and found a high intra- and inter-rater agreement for landmark identification. The risk of bias was high in four studies, moderate in three, and low in three studies. Homogeneity was lacking among the included studies in terms of MRI imaging parameters and sample characteristics. This should be taken into consideration by future studies where uniformity with respect to these parameters may be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Despite dissimilarity and heterogeneity in the sample population and other methodological aspects, all the included studies concluded that MRI enjoyed considerable intra- and inter-examiner reliability and was comparable to current diagnostic standards in orthodontics. Furthermore, the studies agreed on the innovative potential of MRI in radiation-free diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics in the future. REGISTRATION: CRD number: CRD420223XXXXX.

Comparison of treatment effects between clear aligners and fixed appliances in patients treated with miniscrew-assisted molar distalization.

OBJECTIVES: The biomechanics in achieving molar distalization may differ between fixed appliances and clear aligners in the control of tooth movement. The objective of this study was to compare the treatment effects between clear aligners (CA) and fixed appliances (FA) in patients treated with miniscrew-assisted molar distalization. METHODS: The sample consisted of 46 subjects with mild-to-moderate crowding. A total of 22 patients treated with clear aligners (age, 25.66 ±â€…6.11 years old) and 24 patients treated with fixed appliances (age, 24.04 ±â€…4.95 years old) for miniscrew-assisted molar distalization were included in this study. The dental and skeletal changes were evaluated by the pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalograms. RESULTS: Significant changes were found with the vertical variables SN-OP angle (2.24 ±â€…3.22°, P < .05) and SN-MP angle (0.73 ±â€…1.15°, P < .05) for the FA group when compared with the CA group (SN-OP angle 0.41 ±â€…2.26° and SN-MP angle -0.21 ±â€…1.38°, P > .05). Both treatment groups achieved a 2-3 mm. molar distalization with significant intrusion of the upper molars. The CA group showed significantly less distal tipping of molars (U6^PP angle -2.29 ±â€…3.29° and L6^MP angle -2.92 ±â€…2.49°, P < .05) compared to the FA group (-5.24 ±â€…4.28° and -5.53 ±â€…5.03°, P < .05). In addition, significant retraction and lingual inclination of the upper and lower incisors were found in both groups. LIMITATIONS: The changes of tooth position were evaluated by 2D lateral cephalograms, not 3D measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to fixed appliances, clear aligners seemed to have better control of vertical dimension and distal tipping of molars in patients treated with miniscrew-assisted molar distalization.

[The use of fixed expanders with orthodontic miniscrews support in children with mesial occlusion]. / Ispol'zovanie nes"emnykh rasshiritelei s vnutrikostnoi oporoi u detei s mezial'noi okklyuziei.

OBJECTIVE: Prevention of the development of pronounced skeletal abnormalities in patients with mesial occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biometric analysis of control and diagnostic models of dentition was performed in 60 patients with dental anomalies before and after treatment in 3 mutually perpendicular planes to identify violations in the formation of dental arches by sagittal and transversal dimensions, and alveolar processes - by vertical dimensions (methods of A. Pont, G. Korkhaus). Measurements of 23 parameters of TRG and sections of CBCT were carried out using the modified Nad-Ars technique with analysis of skeletal parameters before and after treatment. Treatment was carried out using dilators for the upper jaw in combination with a facial mask and further dynamic observation using active retention devices. RESULTS: The results of treatment showed an increase in the length of the anterior segment of the upper dental arch by 2.8±0.55 mm (p<0.05 mm); expansion in the area of temporary molars by 2.85±0.65 mm (p<0.05); in the area of permanent molars by 2.75±0.55 mm (p<0.05); in the area of the apical basis of HF by 3.82±0.45 mm (p<0.05). The length of the lower dental arch in the anterior segment has not changed. Analysis of TRG parameters showed a significant increase in the values of

[Fractures of the mandibular condyle]. / Fracturen van het collum mandibulae.

A fracture of the mandibular condyle is a common fracture of the mandible. After the diagnosis has been made, there are various treatment options: wait and see, conservative or surgical. Which of these treatment options is best depends on several different factors and is often the subject of debate. A common complication of a fracture of the mandibular condyle is malocclusion. Malocclusion can cause problems - even in the long term - for which the patient often requires secondary treatment.

Clear aligner's adverse effects: A systematic review protocol.

With the growing popularity of clear aligners, more patients have chosen to use them instead of traditional orthodontic braces to correct their malocclusions. Clear aligners offer distinct advantages over conventional fixed braces, such as limited aesthetic impact, the convenience of easily removing them for meals, improved accessibility for brushing and flossing, and a treatment approach that avoids the use of metal, minimizing potential irritation to the cheeks and gums. Manufacturers point out a disadvantage that can be administered in this type of treatment. Still, to our knowledge, a comprehensive review of the published literature assessing the adverse/negative effects of clear aligners has not yet been conducted. A systematic review, with or without meta-analysis, will be performed. The inclusion criteria will be studies involving individuals using clear aligners and reporting potential adverse/negative effects during or after treatment. No restrictions about time or language will be applied. The studies screening will be conducted in two stages. Two independent reviewers will initially evaluate the title and abstract under the eligibility criteria. Subsequently, the same two reviewers will examine the articles' full text in-depth. The results will be synthesized in the form of a narrative description and incorporate a meta-analysis if justified. Furthermore, we will present details regarding the sample characteristics, intervention, study objectives, methodologies employed, and primary findings. This study aims to investigate the potential adverse effects and their frequency among orthodontic patients wearing clear aligners. Moreover, the outcomes of this review have the potential to illuminate specific inherent limitations of aligner therapy as a comprehensive orthodontic approach.

Orthodontic Status and Association with Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life-A Study of 16-Year-Old Norwegians with a Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between clinical orthodontic indicators and oral-health-related quality of life, adjusted for socio-demographic factors, focusing on 16-year-old patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twenty-two patients with CL/P, representing cleft-lip (CL), cleft-palate (CP), unilateral/bilateral cleft-lip-palate (UCLP/BCLP), enrolled in the national CLP-Team, Bergen, Norway. METHOD: A cross-sectional study by two orthodontists assessing the number of teeth, intermaxillary sagittal relation (ANB-angle), dental arch and occlusion of 16-year-old patients with CL/P. All completed a digital questionnaire including self-reported socio-demographic variables, OHIP-14 questionnaire and dental aesthetics. Cross-tabulations with Pearson's Chi-square test were used to identify associations between self-reported OHRQoL and socio-demographic and clinical indicators. Multiple variable analyses were conducted with binary logistic regression analysis using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess associations between OHRQoL and clinical indicators adjusted for socio-demographic variables. Ethical approval was granted by the regional ethics committee. RESULTS: Patients with UCLP and BCLP had poorer clinical indicators compared to patients with CL and CP (p < 0.05). A total of 80% of the patients had OHIP-14 > 0. The highest oral impact was reported for psychological domains and articulation and the least for functional domains. Respondents with BCLP and those with poor intermaxillary relationships (ANB < 0°) reported a high impact on OHRQoL (p < 0.05). No statistically significant associations between other clinical indicators and socio-demographic variables such as gender, educational aspiration, and place of residence were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed an association between severe cleft diagnosis, missing teeth, misaligned teeth, negative overjet, and poor OHRQoL, but a statistically significant association was found only between OHRQoL and poor intermaxillary sagittal relations (unfavorable profile). To improve OHRQoL among patients with clefts, there is a need for an individual follow-up and prioritization of oral healthcare.

Comparison of anxiety, pain, and quality of life in individuals with mild or moderate malocclusion between conventional fixed orthodontic treatment versus Invisalign: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated anxiety, pain, and oral-health-related quality of life in individuals treated with conventional fixed appliances (Group A) and clear aligners (Group B) for moderate malocclusion during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Sixty individuals, separated into Group A (n = 30) and Group B (n = 30), were included in the study. They completed the Anxiety Levels, Oral Health Impact Profile-14, and Oral Health Related Quality of Life - United Kingdom/Surveys after the application of attachments on days 0 (T1), 10 (T10), and 20 (T20). Their pain levels were evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale on days 0, 2, and 6 in the 2nd and 6th hours and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days. RESULTS: Per the VAS questionnaire, pain levels in the 2nd hour, 6th hour, 1st day, and 3rd day were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A. In the OHIP-14 survey results, the comparison between Group A and Group B showed a significant difference only on the 1st day. The STAI and OHRQoL-UK survey results did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety levels, and pain among individuals in Group A was higher than in Group B only at the beginning of the treatment. No significant differences were observed in terms of individuals' quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06133296 (retrospectively registered)- Registration Date:15/11/2023.

Is hand-wrist radiography still necessary in orthodontic treatment planning?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to compare the relationship between hand-wrist and cervical vertebra maturation stages with chronological age and to investigate the effect of malocclusion type on the relationship between these methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hand-wrist and cephalometric radiographs of 1000 patients (526 females, 474 males) with a mean age of 13.41 ± 1.83 were analyzed. The methods of Bacetti et al. were used for the cervical vertebra maturation stage, and Björk, Grave and Brown's methods were used for the hand-wrist maturation stage. One-way ANOVA test was applied to compare skeletal classes between them. Tukey post hoc test was used to determine the differences. The relationship between the malocclusion type, cervical vertebra and hand-wrist maturation stages was evaluated with the Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.831, 0.831 and 0.760 in Class I, II and III females, respectively. In males, it was calculated as 0.844, 0.889 and 0.906, respectively. When sex and malocclusion were not differentiated, the correlation was found to be 0.887. All were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The highest correlation was observed in class III males, while the lowest was found in class III females. CONCLUSION: Cervical vertebrae can be used safely to assess pubertal spurt without hand-wrist radiography. Diagnosing growth and development stages from cephalometric images is important in reducing additional workload and preventing radiation risk.

Predictability of tooth rotations in patients treated with clear aligners.

Clear aligners are employed daily for the treatment of several malocclusions. Previous clinical studies indicated low accuracy for the correction of tooth rotations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictability of tooth rotations with clear aligners. The sample comprised 390 teeth (190 mandibular; 200 maxillary), measured from the virtual models of 45 participants (21 men, 24 women; mean age: 29.2 ± 6.6 years old). For each patient, pre-treatment (T0) digital dental models (STL files), virtual plan (T1) and post-treatment digital dental models (T2) of both the mandibular and maxillary arches were imported onto Geomagic Control X, a 3D metrology software which allows angular measurements. Rotations were calculated by defining reproducible vectors for all teeth in each STL file and superimposing both T0 with T1 to determine the prescribed rotation, and T0 with T2 to determine the achieved rotation. Prescribed and achieved rotations were compared to assess movement's accuracy. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and paired t-test were used to assess differences between the prescribed and achieved movements (P < 0.05). The overall predictability of rotational movement was 78.6% for the mandibular arch and 75.0% for the maxillary arch. Second molar accuracy was the lowest in both arches. Clear aligners were not able to achieve 100% of the planned movements.

Correlation between general quality of life and oral health related quality in the mixed dentition.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the convergence between the domains of the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant image (AUQUEI) and the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10) in the mixed dentition. A sample of 676 children aged 8 to 10 years responded to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaires using the AUQUEI and the CPQ8-10, respectively. Clinical (dental caries and malocclusion) and socioeconomic variables were assessed. The validity of convergence between scores (total and per domain) of the two instruments was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis, considering that non-zero coefficient values represented a correlation between scores. The median was calculated to compare the scores of each questionnaire relative to the variables, and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied to determine statistically significant differences between the categories. A weak significant correlation (between 0.30 and 0.50) was observed between the domains and the total scores of instruments (p < 0.05), except for the leisure domain (p > 0.05). Participants with a lower family income had worse HRQoL (p < 0.05), and those with caries and malocclusion experience had worse OHRQoL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the AUQUEI and CPQ8-10 instruments showed a weak correlation. Income and clinical variables had a negative impact on the AUQUEI and CPQ8-10, respectively.

Expert consensus on pediatric orthodontic therapies of malocclusions in children.

Malocclusion, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of three major oral diseases, profoundly impacts the dental-maxillofacial functions, facial esthetics, and long-term development of ~260 million children in China. Beyond its physical manifestations, malocclusion also significantly influences the psycho-social well-being of these children. Timely intervention in malocclusion can foster an environment conducive to dental-maxillofacial development and substantially decrease the incidence of malocclusion or reduce the severity and complexity of malocclusion in the permanent dentition, by mitigating the negative impact of abnormal environmental influences on the growth. Early orthodontic treatment encompasses accurate identification and treatment of dental and maxillofacial morphological and functional abnormalities during various stages of dental-maxillofacial development, ranging from fetal stages to the early permanent dentition phase. From an economic and societal standpoint, the urgency for effective early orthodontic treatments for malocclusions in childhood cannot be overstated, underlining its profound practical and social importance. This consensus paper discusses the characteristics and the detrimental effects of malocclusion in children, emphasizing critical need for early treatment. It elaborates on corresponding core principles and fundamental approaches in early orthodontics, proposing comprehensive guidance for preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment, serving as a reference for clinicians engaged in early orthodontic treatment.

Effects of eruption guidance appliance in the early treatment of Class III malocclusion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dentoskeletal effects and effectiveness of the eruption guidance appliance in Class III patients in the mixed dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental group comprised 22 patients with Class III malocclusion and anterior cross-bite (12 males, 10 females, mean age 7.63 ± 0.96 years) treated with the eruption guidance appliance over a mean period of 1.72 ± 0.48 years. The control group comprised 22 untreated subjects (12 males, 10 females, mean age 7.21 ± 0.60 years) with Class III malocclusion. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained at pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2). Intergroup comparisons were performed with Mann-Whitney and t-tests (P < .05). RESULTS: In the experimental and control groups, the anteroposterior relationship between the maxilla and mandible (ANB angle) remained stable during the treatment period (T1 to T2). The mandibular plane angle decreased in the experimental group and increased in the control group. In the experimental group, the lower anterior face height increase and maxillary molar vertical development were significantly smaller compared to controls. Positive overjet was achieved in 54% of the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: The eruption guidance appliance produced no change in the skeletal anteroposterior relationship. The anterior cross-bite/edge-to-edge relationship was corrected in only about half of the treated subjects.

Basal and dentoalveolar transverse parameters in different sagittal and vertical malocclusions in adults: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to three-dimensionally (3D) evaluate the maxillomandibular basal bone and dentoalveolar widths using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in adult Chinese populations with different vertical and sagittal facial skeletal patterns whilst no apparent posterior dental crossbite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional comparative study enrolled CBCT images of 259 adult patients (125 males and 134 females). The subjects were divided into the hyperdivergent(n = 82), hypodivergent(n = 88), and normodivergent(n = 89) groups based on the Jarabak ratio (S-GO/N-Me), which were further divided into three subgroups of skeletal Class I, II and III, based on both the ANB angle and AF-BF parameters. ANOVA was used to analyze the extracted data of the studied groups. The intra- and inter-observer reliability was analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: In all three vertical facial skeletal patterns, the skeletal Class II had significantly smaller mandibular basal bone width compared to skeletal Class I and Class III, both at the first molar and first premolar levels. The skeletal Class III seemed to have smaller maxillary basal bone width compared to skeletal Class I and Class II malocclusions; however, a significant difference was found only in the normodivergent pattern. As for the dentoalveolar compensation, it was most notable that in the hypodivergent growth pattern, the skeletal Class II had significantly smaller maxillary dentoalveolar width compared to the Class I and Class III groups, both at the first molar and first premolar levels. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the sample in the present study, skeletal Class II has the narrowest mandibular basal bone regardless of the vertical facial skeletal pattern. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For Chinese adults with no apparent transverse discrepancy, the maxillomandibular basal bone and dentoalveolar widths are revealed in specific categories based on different vertical and sagittal facial skeletal patterns. In diagnosis and treatment planning, particular attention should be paid to skeletal Class II for possibly existing mandibular narrowing.