Appliance Selection Research Articles

REALIGNING SMILES, REIMAGINING FACES: THE ARTISTIC SCIENCE OF CLASS II MALOCCLUSION ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Class II malocclusion, a common condition involving misalignment of the maxilla and mandible often requires orthodontic treatment to restore both function and aesthetics. Class II correctors, including functional devices, play a crucial role in reshaping the growth of the maxilla and mandible, improving bite alignment, and enhancing facial symmetry. Appliances such as headgear, Herbst devices, and Twin Block systems are effective in improving dental occlusion while reshaping the face for a more balanced profile. These devices also positively affect soft tissues, boosting self-confidence and creating a youthful appearance. However, success depends on factors like treatment timing, patient compliance, and appliance choice. Clinical evidence shows that when applied appropriately, Class II correctors lead to significant improvements in both function and aesthetics. Optimal results require individualized care, tailored to the patient's age, malocclusion severity, and appliance selection. Ultimately, Class II treatments blend art and science, reshaping both jaw and facial features to offer lasting, aesthetic, and functional benefits.

Orthodontic treatment for malocclusions in mixed dentition

Early orthodontic treatment is an important means of preventing and treating dentofacial deformities during the period of growth and development. In this stage, children have great potential in growth and development, high adaptability of muscles and temporomandibular joint, and good responsiveness to orthodontic force. Therefore, orthodontic intervention and treatment in this stage can prevent and guide the normal growth and development of dentition, occlusion and maxillofacial complex. This article summarizes the commonly used orthodontic techniques and appliances in the mixed dentition, including interceptive treatment of oral habits, application of functional appliances, fixed appliances, clear aligners, as well as management of severe crowding and space maintenance. This article comprehensively explains the application and indications of different orthodontic techniques in design and appliance selection in the treatment of malocclusions in the mixed dentition.

Treatment Strategy of Mandibular Second Molar Impaction: A Literature Review

Purpose: This literature review aimed to investigate the treatment consideration and strategy of mandibular second molar (MM2) comprehensively, which can be of great assistance on managing and solving such a rare disturbance. Methods: Previous studies were identified in PubMed or Embase database using the keywords “orthodontic,” “molar impaction,” and “uprighting molar.” To enrich the contents of every aspect of the topic, other several related articles were also reviewed and included. Results: Forty-six articles were included and systematically discussed in this review, which were arranged according to prevalence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment strategy, and clinical methods. The incidence of MM2 impaction is 0.06%–0.3% worldwide, and it is related to genetics, craniofacial morphology, space problem, obstacles during eruption, abnormal eruption mechanism, or systemic diseases. Impacted MM2 can be diagnosed by a routine panoramic radiograph according to the definition and criteria. Decision-making depends on patient age, root stage and condition of the impacted tooth, with optimal age of 14 and incompletion root formation. Every treatment option has its indication, benefit/shortcoming, and success rate. Among the four treatment options discussed in this review article, surgical exposure and orthodontic uprighting of the impacted MM2 shows better predictability and success rate, with relatively less side effects. The key biomechanism is to provide the distalizing and uprighting force to rotate the MM2 around the center of resistance, presenting a tipback moment. With various uprighting approaches, either conventional methods or skeletal anchorage devices, to provide pushing/pulling force, tipped molars can be easily corrected. Conclusions: Mandibular second molar impaction is a challenging disturbance that requires proper clinical, radiological, biomechanical evaluation, and suitable treatment option and appliance selection for successful treatment result.

Household energy service and home appliance choices in urban China

Household energy consumption modeling often focusses on fuel and technology, without taking into account the purposes of using energy. In this study, we examine factors associated with household energy service and home appliance choices from the perspective of energy-related well-being. Using a choice model specification and a microdata for China's urban households from 1986 to 2012, we regress nested combinations of energy service categories on socioeconomic, demographic, and climatic factors. Our results suggest heating and cooling energy services use is more associated with climate than other factors. Demographic factors are more related with access to basic appliances and information services, while the acquisition of advanced appliances is more associated with household income. Exploring the role of income, we find similar relationships with ownership of washing machines, TVs, and refrigerators, while household income has a stronger relationship with the ownership of microwaves, computers, and air conditioners. Our results are informative to the factors that drive home appliance selection decisions and corresponding residential energy demand growth in China.

Challenging malocclusion in orthodontics

The term open bite is referred as no contact between anterior or posterior teeth. The complexity of open bite is attributed to a combination of skeletal, dental and habitual factors. Etiology of open bite can be attributed to genetics, anatomic and environmental factors. However, the tendency toward relapse after conventional or surgical orthodontic treatment has been indicated. Therefore, open bite is considered one of the most challenging dentofacial deformities to treat. The aim of this article is to emphasize on early etiological diagnosis, dentofacial morphology and classification, which are essential for the successful outcome of the technical intervention. Failure of tongue posture adaptation subsequent to orthodontic and/or surgical treatment might be the primary reason for relapse of open bite. Prolonged retention with fixed or removable retainers is advisable and necessary in most cases of open bite treatment. The treatment of open bite remains a tough challenge to the clinician; careful diagnosis and timely intervention with proper treatment modalities and appliance selection will improve the treatment outcomes and long-term stability.

Oversized Electrical Appliance Impacts on Condominium Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness Management: Experts’ Perspectives

A direct use approach incorporating a cost approach assumed that replacing oversized electrical appliances with those better fit to actual energy consumption can reduce energy consumption, optimizing capacities of the new appliances to the maximum while reducing electricity costs. This study aimed to verify the assumption that the size of appliances has impacts on energy consumption and cost effectiveness. A mixed-method approach included these instruments for data elicitations (i.e., a questionnaire, data records of 485 transformers, two assessments of condominium technical caretakers, and two in-depth interviews of electrical engineering experts). The findings revealed that most condominiums installed electric appliances that are too large for their actual energy usage, which lies between 5.4% and 7.1% of the capacity. This study therefore proposed a total cost reduction of 54% by downsizing these appliances (i.e., MV Switchgear 2 sets, dry type transformer 2 sets 80,000, LV Cable 10 m. (XLPE), main distribution board, Busduct (MDB-DB), generator (20% of Tr.), and generator installation). Even though this analysis is limited to Bangkok, Thailand, this case may contribute decision-making on electrical appliance selection at early stage of investment or to downsize the currently installed appliances for the more energy efficient and cost-effective management of condominiums around the world.

Occlusal appliance therapy: A review

Occlusal splint therapy is being employed for treatment of various systematic disorders. Less availability of scientific literature on devices is major hurdle behind its effective utilization for treatment planning and care.Therefore, appliance selection with accurate information is critical for proper use and quality of care.Treatment of patient with occlusal appliances is prominently reversible and responsible for proper care and symptoms management.Selection of appliance design for a particular patient depends on multitude of factors and proper understanding of physiologic and therapeutic effects is crux behind successful treatment planning and management.This review article briefly explains various occlusal appliances with their utilization and limitations along with working principle of appliances.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding myofunctional appliance

Aim: The current survey is conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding myofunctional appliance from parents' point of view. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey conducted among parents in Tamil Nadu. The pilot study was conducted to estimate the sample size, and the final sample size arrived was 260 participants. The predesigned and validated, self-administered, structured ten questions are related to awareness of myofunctional appliance. The statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS (V 22.0), and the frequency distribution was computed. Results: The survey revealed that 74% of the respondents had awareness about skeletal problems. Thirty-four percent of the population answered that forwardly placed upper and lower jaw bases are facial skeletal jaw base problems. Sixty-four percent of the parents are willing to counsel their child to take up this treatment and 84% had awareness about the importance of myofunctional appliance. Conclusion: Every orthodontist should be aware of discomfort depending on the appliance type and to inform the patients beforehand during clinical evaluation and appliance selection. The current study showed that the vast majority of the parents were aware about functional appliance and they had knowledge about how to distinguish skeletal problem. More awareness regarding functional appliance is mandatory and has to be created in order to treat skeletal problems during appropriate early age group of an individual.

Review of the Literature on Ostomy Appliance Selection and a Discussion of Relevant Issues

Review of the Literature on Ostomy Appliance Selection and a Discussion of Relevant Issues

Sustainable Residential Building Considerations for Rural Areas: A Case Study

Intelligent use of rural residential land and sustainable construction is inexorably linked to cost; however, options exist that are eco-friendly and have a positive return on investment. In 2011, a research residence was built to evaluate various land-use and sustainable components. This Texas house has subsequently been used for both residential and research purposes. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate break-even construction considerations, to assess environmental impacts, and to evaluate qualitatively efficacy of sustainable options incorporated in the research residence. Some of the specific components discussed are home site placement (directional positioning); materiel acquisition (transportation); wood product minimization; rainwater harvesting; wastewater management; grid-tied solar array power; electric car charging via a solar array; geothermal heating and cooling; insulation selection; windows, fixtures, and appliance selection; and on-demand electric water heaters for guest areas. This study seeks to identify the impact of proper land use and sustainable techniques on the environment and return-on-investment in rural areas. Break-even and 15-year Net Present Value (NPV) analysis at 3% and 5% cost of capital were used to evaluate traditional construction, partially sustainable construction, and fully sustainable construction options for the case study house, which was built sustainably. The additional cost of sustainable construction is estimated at $54,329. At 3%, the analysis suggests a 15-year NPV of $334,355 (traditional) versus $250,339 million (sustainable) for a difference of $84K. At 5% cost of capital, that difference falls to $63K. The total estimated annual difference in carbon emissions is 4.326 million g/CO2e for this research residence. The results indicate that good choices for quick return-on-investment in rural construction would be the use of engineered lumber, Icynene foam, and Energy Star windows and doors. Medium-term options include photovoltaic systems (PVS) capable of powering the home and an electric car. Sustainable construction options should positively affect the environment and the pocketbook. Regulations and code should require adoption of short-range, break-even sustainable solutions in residential construction.

Orthognathic Surgery and Orthodontics: Inadequate Planning Leading to Complications or Unfavorable Results.

Complications in orthognathic surgery are commonly a result of inadequate preoperative planning and communication between the surgeon and orthodontist. Unfavorable outcomes can often be avoided when overall treatment goals along with a surgical and orthodontic plan are developed and agreed upon by the orthodontist, surgeon, and patient before the start of active tooth movement or any surgical procedures. Continuous evaluation of the patient's progress throughout treatment and subsequent communication between the surgeon and orthodontist are recommended to prevent frequent errors, such as inadequate dental decompensation, poor appliance selection or management, and occasional contraindicated orthodontic elastic traction or tooth movements.

Characteristic Analysis of the Correlation between Energy-Saving Appliance Selection and Actual Energy Conservation Behaviors

Characteristic Analysis of the Correlation between Energy-Saving Appliance Selection and Actual Energy Conservation Behaviors

Fixed Functional Appliances- A Review

Abstract Functional orthopaedic treatment seeks to correct malocclusion and harmonize the shape of dental arch and orofacial function. Correcting class II malocclusion is always challenging as it has complex and multifactorial aetiology. Age of patients and appliance selection plays an important role in the overall outcome of the treatment. Stable results in class II patients have been achieved with growth modification using functional appliances. An orthodontist has wide variety of fixed and removable appliance for treating a class II malocclusion. In this review article an attempt has been made to review various available fixed functional appliances. Keywords: Class II malocclusion; fixed functional appliances; forsus, growth modification, herbst appliance Cite this Article Dr Shraddha Katpale, Dr Shailesh Shenava, Dr Prakash Mudaliar, Dr Robin Mathew, Dr Sandeep Singh, Dr Prachi Gaonkar. Fixed Functional Appliances- A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry g . 2020; 11(2): 20–33p.

Influence of orthodontic appliances on visual attention to smiling faces by eye-tracking evaluation

The influence of wearing orthodontic appliances on visual attention to smiling faces is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate how laypeople viewed a frontal posed smiling face with orthodontic appliances compared with orthodontists. Frontal posed smiling facial photographs of 10 female models without an appliance or wearing clear tray, ceramic, or metal appliances were taken, and areas of interest (AOIs) for the eyes, nose, and mouth were determined. Visual attention from 43 laypeople and 42 orthodontists was evaluated for each image using an eye-tracking system. Total fixation time for each AOI was calculated and analyzed by three-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison tests (P < 0.05). The layperson group spent significantly more time looking at the mouth with ceramic and metal brackets than without brackets, similar to the orthodontist group (P < 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Though the orthodontist group spent significantly more time looking at the mouth with metal brackets than the mouth with ceramic brackets (P < 0.040), no significant difference was noted in the layperson group. Under all appliance conditions, the layperson group spent significantly more and less time looking at the eyes and mouth than the orthodontist group, respectively (P < 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). These findings suggest that it may help patients who will start orthodontic treatment to understand an individual’s interest in the appearance of the orthodontic appliance, and orthodontists to counsel patients at the orthodontic appliance selection stage during the diagnosis.

Treatment of adult patients with esthetic appliances: Does appliance selection dictate the treatment plan?

Treatment of adult patients with esthetic appliances: Does appliance selection dictate the treatment plan?

Stoma appliance selection: making the right choices

When it comes to stoma appliances, there are a variety of available products available. Jennie Burch looks at caring for the older person with a stoma and gives some advice on how to make the right selections for each individual

Management of stoma among colorectal cancer patients in a surgical ward: a best practice implementation project

Executive summary Background The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer are higher in China than those of global average levels. Approximately one quarter of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer will require a temporary or permanent stoma. The perioperative care of stoma can reduce discomfort and maximize the patient’s self-care competence. Objectives The aim of this project was to implement the best available evidence of stoma management into practice and to improve the self-care of patients with a stoma. Methods We conducted an evidence utilization project, including a baseline audit, feedback and a follow-up cycle. Six criteria were audited in the colorectal surgery ward of Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center. Twenty-four nurses as well as 61 patients and their caregivers were involved. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) program and its Getting Research Into Practice (GRIP) module were used to examine compliance with the criteria derived from best practice before and after the implementation of best practice. Results The compliance rates of daily stoma assessment, stoma care education, appliance selection, self-care ability assessment and discharge planning achieved 100%. However, the lowest compliance rate was for preoperative education (58%). There were improvements in compliance rates for five criteria from 21% to 100%, except for stoma-care education which was already 100% implemented. Conclusions The project has made a significant improvement in establishing evidence-based practice for stoma management in the colorectal surgery ward. Further challenges will be in developing strategies to sustain best practice.

Speech and discomfort during lingual orthodontic treatment

The increased use of lingual appliances has meant a continued evolution in the design of lingual brackets. These changes in appliance and bracket design have tended to focus on reducing bracket thickness, with the aim of making appliances more comfortable. A thinner bracket design appears to have had some positive effects on the quality of speech, as well as comfort whilst appliances are in place. However, despite these improvements, some patients do struggle with their speech during treatment, far more than others. It is important therefore, when consenting patients for lingual orthodontic treatment, to ensure that they are made aware of the potential for speech to be disturbed, particularly in the early stages of treatment. The purpose of this article is to outline some of the issues associated with speech problems and discomfort during lingual appliance treatment, so that practitioners are able to advise patients who may be considering this kind of treatment. Advice given during the consent process, including appliance selection, procedures for maintaining oral comfort and management of individual speech issues, will all help lingual patients cope with any speech problems they may experience during their treatment.

Speech and discomfort during lingual orthodontic treatment

The increased use of lingual appliances has meant a continued evolution in the design of lingual brackets. These changes in appliance and bracket design have tended to focus on reducing bracket thickness, with the aim of making appliances more comfortable. A thinner bracket design appears to have had some positive effects on the quality of speech, as well as comfort whilst appliances are in place. However, despite these improvements, some patients do struggle with their speech during treatment, far more than others. It is important therefore, when consenting patients for lingual orthodontic treatment, to ensure that they are made aware of the potential for speech to be disturbed, particularly in the early stages of treatment. The purpose of this article is to outline some of the issues associated with speech problems and discomfort during lingual appliance treatment, so that practitioners are able to advise patients who may be considering this kind of treatment. Advice given during the consent process, including appliance selection, procedures for maintaining oral comfort and management of individual speech issues, will all help lingual patients cope with any speech problems they may experience during their treatment.

A randomized crossover study comparing two mandibular repositioning appliances for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

The purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment outcomes vary according to the design of the mandibular repositioning appliance (MRA). Two titratable MRA's were compared. The designs differ in advancement hardware and configuration of acrylic both in bulk and interocclusal contact. The primary treatment outcome was the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI). Other outcomes that were compared included Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, oxygen saturation, and subjective feedback regarding experiences with the appliances. Twenty-four subjects were recruited from consecutive referrals for MRA therapy following diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by polysomnography. Subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment arm of the crossover study. Each subject underwent an initial sleep study with a type III home monitor to establish a baseline RDI. Subjects were then treated with one of the two MRAs determined by random assignment. The MRA self-titration phase was monitored until a treatment position was determined, and the home sleep study was repeated. After a 2-week period without any OSA treatment, subjects received the second MRA and the self-titration treatment protocol was repeated. At completion of treatment with each appliance, subjects answered questionnaires and underwent a sleep study with the type III monitor. The outcome data for each appliance were compared using analysis of variance. Eighteen subjects completed the treatment protocol. There were no significant statistical differences in treatment outcomes between the two appliances. There was a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) preference for a MRA design with minimal coverage of teeth and palate. The subjects' appliance selection was consistent with a corresponding reduction in SAQLI score for the selected appliance. Although no statistically significant difference was observed between the two appliances in the outcomes measured, there was a trend toward greater improvement with the appliance with less acrylic resin bulk and less interocclusal contact. MRA selection should favor titratable, unobtrusive designs with appropriate construction to promote acceptance and adherence to MRA therapy.