The Future of Orthodontics: Deep Learning Technologies.

Deep learning has emerged as a revolutionary technical advancement in modern orthodontics, offering novel methods for diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction. Over the past 25 years, the field of dentistry has widely adopted information technology (IT), resulting in several benefits, including decreased expenses, increased efficiency, decreased need for human expertise, and reduced errors. The transition from preset rules to learning from real-world examples, particularly machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), has greatly benefited the organization, analysis, and storage of medical data. Deep learning, a type of AI, enables robots to mimic human neural networks, allowing them to learn and make decisions independently without the need for explicit programming. Its ability to automate cephalometric analysis and enhance diagnosis through 3D imaging has revolutionized orthodontic operations. Deep learning models have the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce human errors by accurately identifying anatomical characteristics on radiographs, thereby expediting analytical processes. Additionally, the use of 3D imaging technologies such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can facilitate precise treatment planning, allowing for comprehensive examinations of craniofacial architecture, tooth movements, and airway dimensions. In today's era of personalized medicine, deep learning's ability to customize treatments for individual patients has propelled the field of orthodontics forward tremendously. However, it is essential to address issues related to data privacy, model interpretability, and ethical considerations before orthodontic practices can use deep learning in an ethical and responsible manner. Modern orthodontics is evolving, thanks to the ability of deep learning to deliver more accurate, effective, and personalized orthodontic treatments, improving patient care as technology develops.

From Twin Blocks to Quad Blocks: A Two-Phase Approach to Class II Correction.

Twin Block, a functional orthodontic appliance, has a major impact on the dentoalveolar structures with limited skeletal effects. In specific clinical scenarios, particularly in growing patients such as class II division 1 where the mandible is retropositioned, these appliances can effectively address the malocclusions. Patient compliance plays a crucial role in the success of these appliances, which also streamline subsequent phases of fixed appliance treatment. In the current case report, a Twin Block appliance followed by a Quad Block was given to a 12-year-old boy to refine the occlusion. The design and treatment outcomes of the appliance are discussed in this case study.

Interdisciplinary Treatment of a Case With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate in the Mixed Dentition.

A 10-year-old girl had reported to Sharad Pawar Dental College. Her parents had chief complaints of lip and palate deformity. On examination, it was found that the patient had unilateral cleft lip and palate on the right side. The aim was to expand the maxilla with alveolar bone grafting in the cleft region to facilitate the eruption of permanent canine and further reduce the deformity to prepare the patient for face mask therapy, reduce morbidity in the permanent dentition, and avoid Le Fort one surgery in the future. She had been previously operated on for cleft lip repair and palatal fistula closure eight years back. The present condition in the mixed dentition needed arch expansion, bone in the cleft region for the eruption of permanent canine, and further arch alignment for facemask therapy. This would reduce the severity of skeletal deformity and later on avoid the surgical advancement of the maxilla.

Rescuing the Hidden Canine: A Case Report of Successful Surgical Exposure and Orthodontic Management.

Canine impaction, a recognized dental condition, particularly in the maxillary region, poses both functional and esthetic challenges. This case report explores the management of impacted maxillary canines coexisting with missing upper third molars in the same patient, showcasing the complexity of dental anomalies. Its multifaceted etiology includes complex eruption pathways and potential genetic factors. Addressing the impacted canine (upper left), particularly in the anterior region, is essential for oral health and aesthetics. Surgical-orthodontic techniques, guided eruption, and interdisciplinary collaboration have revolutionized management. This report emphasizes early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and the transformative potential of surgical exposure and orthodontic intervention in enhancing oral health, function, and aesthetics.

Comparative Evaluation and Correlation of Pain Pattern in Neck Musculature Observed in Mild, Moderate, and Severe Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Cases as Compared to Non-temporomandibular Joint Disorder Cases.

Introduction Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a broad term used to describe several interlinked disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), muscles of the craniofacial region, and associated structures, all of which have common symptoms such as pain and reduced jaw opening. Along with these, extra-craniofacial symptoms may also be present, which need to be assessed for early diagnosis of TMD. Considering the extra-craniofacial symptoms of TMD, this observational study aimed to evaluate the severity of pain in the neck musculature of patients with TMD and correlate it with the severity of the disorder. Material and methods A total of 44 patients were included in the study who were graded for severity of TMD based on the amnestic and dysfunctional components of the Helkimo index separately. The pain was evaluated bilaterally in five groups of neck muscles in all cases using manual palpation. The severity of pain in these neck muscles was then correlated with the severity of both subjective and objective symptoms of TMD and compared with patients without TMD. Results The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between the severity of pain in all five groups of neck muscles and the severity of TMD. The severity of pain increased with the increasing severity of TMD, with a total of 59.09% of TMD patients presenting with varying degrees of pain in the neck musculature and a p-value of 0.0001% which was significant. Negligible pain in the neck musculature was present in patients without TMD. Conclusion Based on the results, it was observed that the severity of TMD directly correlated with pain in various groups of neck muscles. 59.09% of patients with TMD reported varying degrees of pain in the neck musculature. The severity and distribution of pain in the neck muscles increased with the increasing severity of TMD.