Fixed Appliance Therapy Research Articles

Serial Evaluation of Orthodontic Intrusion using Intraoral Scans : A Preliminary Study

Introduction : Study models are an essential component of diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. In dentistry, a number of digital intraoral scanning systems, scanners, and configurations have been introduced and put into use. Among these, regular assessment of tooth movement is essential to achieve both functional and aesthetic outcomes and prevent unwarranted tooth movements. Hence this study was conducted to evaluate orthodontic intrusion using 3D intraoral scans at sequential intervals of time. Materials and Methods : The subjects consisted of 10 patients who were about to start their orthodontic treatment using fixed orthodontic appliances. A TMA intrusion spring was placed such that the cantilever arm was resting on the occlusal surface of the premolar included in the study. This provided a force apically in the vertical direction. The 3shape ortho analyzer program was used to assess the tooth movements using digital models. By superimposing the scanned models of T0 and T3 of each patient, the overall extent of intrusion was determined. To compare the level of intrusion in the study group, a parametric Independent t-test was used. Results : The mean distance between the standard occlusal plane and the premolar subjected to orthodontic intrusion was calculated. There was a statistically significant change (p=0.002) in the level of intrusion before treatment and after 12 weeks. Conclusion : The study examined the use of intraoral scanners to monitor intricate orthodontic tooth movements in patients subjected to fixed appliance therapy. Intraoral scanners could provide valuable periodic assessments, potentially improving the overall quality and outcomes of orthodontic therapy.

Changes in the curvature of upper and lower lips following the first premolar extraction in Class I bimaxillary protrusion - A cephalometric study

Bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion is a condition characterized by protrusion of the maxillary and mandibular incisors with increased procumbency of the lips. The treatment of choice for these patients is fixed orthodontic treatment after extraction of four first premolars. This treatment would result in the retraction of anterior teeth with a resultant decrease in soft tissue convexity. Objective of the study is to find out how the curvature of upper and lower lip change following fixed appliance therapy in patients with class I Bimaxillary protrusion following extraction of first premolars. A total of 32 subjects, 13 males and 19 females in the age group of 13-21 years diagnosed with BMP were included in the study. Pre-treatment and post-treatment cephalograms were obtained from subjects satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cephalometric landmarks, lines used in the study were marked and analysed. The soft tissue parameters were measured and compared using paired t test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The overall effect of orthodontic correction of bimaxillary protrusion from subjects were analysed by evaluating the soft tissue changes between pre-treatment and post treatment cephalometric radiographs. There is a statistically significant difference with decrease in ULST, B`-PM line, B`-LiPog`, A`-PM line, LLIT, LLVT, Pog-Pog` and no statistically significant difference in A`-NtLs and ULVT. The results showed a reduction in lip procumbency. Among the soft tissue parameter studied, there is a statistically significant decrease observed for ULST, B`-PM line, B`-LiPog`, A`-PM line, LLIT, LLVT and Pog-Pog`.

The effectiveness of Bio-Min toothpaste in the management of white spot lesions: a randomised control trial

BackgroundWhite spot lesions (WSL) are common side effects of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, in which the surface layer of enamel is demineralised. Thus, remineralisation, that is a partial or complete reversal, of these lesions can occur as they affect the surface enamel. Remineralisation with low-dose fluoride, in addition to optimal oral hygiene and diet, has been recommended to manage WSL. The aim of the planned trial is to assess the effectiveness of a fluoride-containing bioactive glass toothpaste (BioMin™) in its ability to remineralise post-orthodontic demineralised WSL.MethodsA single-centre, double-blind randomised clinical trial to assess intervention with Bio-Min toothpaste on WSL forming on the teeth of young people completing orthodontic treatment.DiscussionRemineralisation of WSL can vary depending on the individual and the site of the lesion. There is a range of oral fluoride delivery methods which include toothpastes, oral rinses, and gel preparations, which can aid remineralisation of these lesions. Identifying effective methods of remineralisation to manage this common and unsightly complication of fixed appliance therapy can improve the health and aesthetics of dentition.Trial registrationISRCTN.com International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) 14479893. Registered on 14 May 2020

The effect of chewing gum on the rate of en-masse space closure: A randomised controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of chewing gum on the rate of space closure, oral hygiene, pain during space closure and appliance breakage in patients undergoing fixed appliance therapy. A prospective, single-centre, two-arm, parallel, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Orthodontic unit of a privately funded hospital, Chennai, India. In total, 28 participants were randomly allocated into a chewing gum group (CGG) (n = 14) or a control group (CG) (n = 14). Baseline data were collected at the start of retraction (T0), at 4 weeks (T1), 8 weeks (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) after the start of retraction. Rate of space closure, pain, oral hygiene and appliance breakage were assessed at T1, T2 and T3. Data were analysed using an independent t-test with P < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. The mean rate of space closure in the CGG was 0.9 ± 0.2 mm/month and 0.8 ± 0.2 mm/month in the CG (P = 0.07, 95% confidence intervals [CI] were 0.80-1.01 for the CGC and 0.70-0.91 for the CG). In both the groups, oral hygiene became worse between T0 and T3. At T0 and T1, participants in the CGG reported less pain at 24 h and 7 days when compared to the CG (P < 0.05). At T2 and T3, participants in the CGG reported less pain at 0 h, 24 h and 7 days when compared to the CG (P < 0.05). Appliance breakage in both groups was minimal, with an odds ratio of 0.7 (95% CI 0.1-3.8) and was similar (P = 0.66). There was minimal increase that was clinically not significant in the rate of space closure with chewing gum. Chewing gum ensured better oral hygiene, helped alleviate pain and had no effect on appliance breakage during space closure.

Clear aligner therapy practices among orthodontists practicing in Canada

BackgroundThe acceptability and preference for clear aligner therapy (CAT) has been increasing among orthodontists, but there is still a lack of consensus regarding CAT best practices. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate CAT practices among orthodontists practicing in Canada.MethodsThe survey was conducted among orthodontists practicing in Canada using a modified previously published survey. Sixty orthodontists participated (6.1% response rate). It consisted of 11 sections with open and closed questions related to demographic information and particularities about using or not using CAT. The survey responses were exported from REDCap to a Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, Wash) spreadsheet, then statistically analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS for Windows, version 21.0; IBM Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). The comments were categorized under themes and subthemes. Data were organized in descriptive statistics, expressing frequencies and percentages.ResultsAlmost 30% of the orthodontist’s annual caseload was treated with CAT, most frequently prescribed to adult patients. Case complexity and patient cooperation were the factors that most influenced the decision to prescribe CAT. Almost half of orthodontists reported sometimes combining CAT with adjunctive fixed appliances.ConclusionsMost orthodontists prescribe CAT, and its use is based on the malocclusion’s complexity. Orthodontists who do not prescribe CAT believe that fixed appliance therapy has superior treatment outcomes.

Discussion: Comparative Assessment of Orthodontic and Aesthetic Outcomes after Orthognathic Surgery with Clear Aligner or Fixed Appliance Therapy.

Discussion: Comparative Assessment of Orthodontic and Aesthetic Outcomes after Orthognathic Surgery with Clear Aligner or Fixed Appliance Therapy.

Efficacy of F-ACP-Containing Dental Mousse in the Remineralization of White Spot Lesions after Fixed Orthodontic Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Fixed appliance (FA) therapy predisposes patients to white spot lesions (WSLs). The F-ACP complex (amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles enriched with carbonate and fluorine and coated with citrate) has been effective for in vitro enamel remineralization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the F-ACP complex in remineralizing WSLs after FA therapy. One hundred and six adolescents (aged 12-20 years) were randomized into study and control groups after FA therapy. Patients in the study group were advised to use dental mousse containing F-ACP applied within Essix retainers for six months. The presence of WSLs was recorded at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Visual Plaque Index (VPI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) were recorded. Among 106 study participants, 91 (52 and 39 in study and control groups, respectively) completed the study. The results showed that the ICDAS score was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the study group than in the control group between T0 and T2. The application of mousse containing the F-ACP complex inside Essix retainers for six months is effective in remineralizing white spot lesions in patients after FA therapy without side effects.

A Simple Modified Open Tray Implant Impression Technique in a Patient with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Therapy

Background: Implant based restorations are an integral part of orthodontic treatment currently and this combination provides increased treatment options. Making impressions for implant based restorations in subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment is a challenging task. Aim: This article presents a simple technique to achieve precise impressions utilizing commonly available materials in dental operatory. Case Description: Patient undergoing orthodontic therapy requiring replacement of missing lateral incisor was planned for implant placement and crown fabrication simultaneously during fixed appliance therapy. A modified open tray implant impression with polyvinyl siloxane was made during the prosthetic phase for successful rehabilitation of the edentulous space in the anterior region. Clinical Significance: Multidisciplinary approach to treatment is time saving, which includes simultaneous Orthodontic and Prosthodontic procedures. A simple modification of the open tray impression procedure can result in an accurate final cast in the region of interest to overcome the difficulties of impression making in a patient with fixed orthodontic appliance.

What Are The Optimum Plaque Control Methods For Patients With Fixed Orthodontic Appliances?

Fixed appliance therapy is an integral facet of contemporary orthodontics. Despite the benefits of orthodontic care to the patient , fixed appliances, in the absence of effective and sustained oral hygiene, can result in deleterious effects to the dentition and supporting structures. The current evidence regarding the effectiveness of available methods for plaque control during fixed appliance therapy is considerable but with significant variation between studies. No review to date has summarised the available evidence for different oral hygiene interventions. The purpose of this article is to summarize the evidence for plaque control methods based on the best available evidence. In this way, our research may serve to assist clinicians in educating patients regarding optimum plaque control during fixed appliance therapy.

Treatment duration by morphology and location of impacted maxillary canines: A cone-beam computed tomography investigation

This study aimed to identify whether patients with impacted maxillary canines take longer to treat than orthodontic patients without an impacted canine. We also sought to identify factors that are predictive of increased treatment duration in patients with impacted maxillary canines and treated by surgical exposure. A retrospective investigation of 37 patients with an impacted maxillary canine, treated by surgical exposure and fixed appliance therapy, was undertaken. In addition, an age- and sex-matched control group of 39 patients (without impacted canines) was also collected. Patient age, sex, and total treatment duration were recorded. For patients with an impacted canine, patient records and pretreatment cone-beam computed tomography datasets were assessed. Point coordinates identifying relevant landmarks were recorded, and a geometric method was used to calculate variables describing canine location, orientation, and apical morphology. Controlling for age and sex, linear regression identified a statistically significant increase in treatment duration of 46.7 and 41.5 weeks for palatal and labial/midalveolar impacted canines, respectively, vs controls (P<0.002). Age and sex of patients with impacted canines collectively affected treatment duration (P= 0.04), with females of increased age being treated faster than younger males. Rotation of the impacted canine crown had a highly significant effect on treatment duration, with every degree of rotation increasing treatment duration by 0.32 weeks (P<0.001). There was a significant degree of multicollinearity between the other radiographic variables. Collectively, radiographic variables describing canine displacement significantly prolonged treatment duration (P<0.001) and explained 29.8% of the variability in total treatment time. The apical morphology of impacted maxillary canines was significantly associated with increased treatment duration (P= 0.01) and explained 11.3% of the overall treatment variability (P= 0.01). Increased total treatment duration of surgically exposed impacted maxillary canines is associated with increasing mesiopalatal canine crown rotation, worsening displacement, and hooked apical morphology.

Evaluation of the use of a clinical practice guideline for external apical root resorption among orthodontists

BackgroundExternal 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.ObjectiveTo investigate the use of the 2018 clinical practice guidelines for EARR among orthodontists 3 years after its introduction.MethodsA 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.ResultsQuestionnaires 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.ConclusionsThis 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.

Occlusal contact changes in patients treated with clear aligners: A retrospective evaluation using digital dental models

This study used digital intraoral scans to evaluate how clear aligner treatment affects occlusal contacts and to determine the influence of sex and age on contact changes. Results were compared with contact changes that occur during fixed appliance therapy. Patients included in this study were treated in a University setting and private practice. Inclusion criteria were a Class I malocclusion treated nonextraction with clear aligners and the presence of pretreatment and posttreatment digital intraoral scans. Scans were imported into specialized software, and occlusal contacts were analyzed. The effects of age and sex on contact changes during clear aligner treatment were determined. Changes in occlusal contacts were compared with changes that occur during nonextraction treatment of patients with a Class I relationship using fixed edgewise appliances. A total of 45 clear aligner patients fit the eligibility criteria. Clear aligner treatment reduced the percentage of tight, near, and approximating contacts, whereas the percentage of open and no contacts increased. These changes in occlusal contacts were greater for the older age group studied. Genderinfluenced occlusal contact changes in the anterior dentition only where the decrease in near contacts and increase in open contacts were greater for males. These results for patients treated with clear aligners were similar to those for patients treated with fixed appliances; both treatment modalities reduced close occlusal contacts at the time active treatment was completed. These results indicated that when clear aligners or fixed appliances are used to treat a Class I malocclusion, the resulting occlusion immediately after debonding is not as "tight" as it was at pretreatment.

Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment using Biomodulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Background: Orthodontic treatment often spans several months or even years, which can be burdensome for patients. Biomodulation techniques have emerged as potential strategies to expedite orthodontic tooth movement. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with a sample of 60 orthodontic patients, aged 12–30 years, requiring fixed appliance therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the biomodulation group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The biomodulation group received low-level laser therapy (LLLT) along with traditional orthodontic treatment, while the control group received conventional orthodontic treatment without LLLT. Treatment duration, pain perception, and orthodontic tooth movement were assessed during the study period. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in treatment duration in the biomodulation group compared to the control group. The biomodulation group exhibited a 30% reduction in overall treatment time, with an average treatment duration of 8.4 months, while the control group required an average of 12 months (P &lt; 0.001). Pain perception during orthodontic adjustments was lower in the biomodulation group. Additionally, biomodulation was associated with a statistically significant increase in the rate of tooth movement, as evidenced by a 20% reduction in the time required to achieve desired tooth alignment (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Biomodulation through low-level laser therapy represents a promising adjunct to traditional orthodontic treatment, significantly accelerating tooth movement and reducing treatment duration.

Mandibular second molar extraction: A retrospective cohort study of spontaneous occlusal changes in adolescent patients.

Evaluate long-term spontaneous occlusal changes following L7 extraction in adolescent patients. Study models of 144 participants (63 males, 81 females) retrospectively assessed prior to L7 extraction (9-16 years old; T1) and following L8 eruption (14-25 years old; T2). All received upper fixed appliances. A sub-group (n = 86) received no lower fixed appliances and acted as controls. Occlusal changes were compared between treatment (lower fixed appliance) and control (no lower fixed appliance) groups using PAR index. At T2, L8 occlusal outcome was assessed using ABO grading system. Mean follow-up period 6 (SD 2) years. At T1, lower scores observed in control group for Lower Anterior (P < .001), Midline (P = .033) and Lateral Segments (P = .040) components. At T2, lower scores continued being observed in control group for Midline (P < .001) and Lateral segment (P = .019) components. Higher decrease in Lower Anterior PAR scores observed in treatment group (<.001) with comparable scores between groups at T2 (P = .057). Similar PAR score changes between groups for Lateral Segments, Overjet and Overbite components. At T2, no significant difference observed in Total PAR score reduction between control (83%) and treatment (82%) groups. Good-to-acceptable occlusal outcome of the L8 observed in 81.55% of cases at T2 with no difference between groups. In growing patients with mild mandibular crowding, extraction of L7 followed by upper fixed appliance therapy, leads to favourable occlusal changes over a 6-year follow-up period, with or without lower fixed appliance therapy, being an alternative extraction protocol where lower fixed appliance therapy is not recommended.

Bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed literature on friction in orthodontics

ABSTRACT Background: Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on correcting maligned teeth and jaws. Friction in orthodontics occurs at multiple contact points along the archwire. We discuss the factors that affect friction in fixed appliances, including biological considerations, the ligation mechanism, the bracket, and the archwire. This bibliometric study’s objective is to review the literature on the subject of friction in orthodontics. This abstract provides an overview of the key concepts, methods, and applications of friction in orthodontics using bibliometric analysis. Methods: Bibliometrics can reveal significant shifts in research and publication trends. The Bibliometrix package with the VOS viewer program (Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands), and RStudio 2021.09.0 + 351 for Windows (RStudio, Boston, Massachusetts) was used in the bibliometric research. The literary data for this study came from Elsevier’s Scopus database (www.scopus.com), and they were exported in BibTex format. The following criteria were used to independently classify the articles: (a) annual scholarly output; (b) top nations or regions; (c) top journals; (d) productive authors; (e) citations; (f) study design; (g) topic distribution; (h) keywords used; and (i) trending topics over time. Results: Brazil and Germany have the most single-country publications, according to a statistical analysis. Conclusions: The research done on the aspect of finding the role of friction in orthodontics provided data and knowledge about using friction as a tool to control tooth movement in fixed appliance therapy. Further studies are necessary to obtain more reliable results.

Shared decision making for patients needing dentofacial orthopedics, orthognathic surgery, and conventional non-surgical fixed appliance therapy: a comparison between Pakistani patients' and clinicians' perspective.

Shared decision making (SDM) involves presenting patients with relevant information about a health issue and reaching a clinical decision based on their preferences. However, its application in orthodontics lacks documentation. This study aimed to assess and compare the perspectives of patients and clinicians on SDM in different cases. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan, involving 90 patients categorized into three groups (dentofacial orthopedics, orthognathic surgery, and conventional non-surgical fixed appliance treatment). Following clinical assessment and treatment plan discussions, patients and clinicians completed a 12-item dyadic observing patient involvement in decision making (OPTION) questionnaire, to gauge their perspectives on SDM. Mean OPTION scale scores were compared using paired sample t-tests between clinicians and patients, and intergroup comparisons utilized paired sample t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. OPTION scores were similar between patients/parents and clinicians. However, statistically significant differences were found regarding the questions about "different sources of information", "different options (including the possibility of doing nothing)" and "concerns regarding management", with the patients giving overall lower OPTION scores. Patients gave lower SDM OPTION scores for conventional orthodontic treatment, but higher scores for orthopedic and orthognathic surgery, as compared to the clinicians. The current study revealed an overall consensus in the mean total scores of OPTION scales between patients and clinicians. However, when stratified, patients showed higher SDM scores for orthopedic and orthognathic cases, and lower scores for conventional orthodontic treatment.

How Effective Are Non-Frictional Techniques Compared to Sliding Techniques in the Retraction of Upper Anterior Teeth When Using Buccal Fixed-Appliance Therapy? A Systematic Review

Methods for retracting the anterior teeth are divided into frictional methods and non-frictional methods. However, evidence regarding the superiority of one technique over the other is still lacking in the available literature. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of frictional methods of anterior teeth retraction compared to the non-frictional ones. The extracted data included the mechanism of application of the retraction force and its intensity, the observation period, follow-up records, and outcome measures. Ten studies were included in this review; the results did not favor a specific technique regarding the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and loss of anchorage during canine retraction, although a preference was shown for the sliding technique in the rate of en-masse retraction (0.74 versus 0.39 mm/month) and the anchorage control during the retraction of the incisors (0.5 versus 0.1 mm/month). The control of the incisor’s torque during the en-masse retraction was higher when frictionless techniques were used (−12° versus −7°). Regarding the rate of orthodontic tooth movement, the non-frictional technique is characterized by a high sensitivity to the quality of the design, and the sliding technique was generally effective. As for controlling the torque of the incisors, the preference is for the non-frictional technique. Overall, there is a need to conduct more studies with an appropriate design.

Clear aligner therapy practice among orthodontists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland: A cross-sectional survey of the British Orthodontic Society membership.

To investigate clear aligner therapy (CAT) practice among orthodontists in the British Orthodontic Society (BOS). A cross-sectional online survey. An electronic survey was distributed to members of the BOS in 2022. The survey comprised questions regarding respondent demographics, general use of CAT, the choice of proprietary CAT appliances, CAT planning, case selection, treatment protocols and orthodontist-reported CAT problems. Overall, there were 233 (19.5%) respondants with the majority (n = 121, 53.1%) being female. Most respondents reported practising in England (n = 171, 74.7%). The majority (n = 177, 77.3%) indicated that they used CAT in their practice, with 48.1% (n = 81) treating 1-20 patients with CAT annually. The most frequently prescribed CAT system was Invisalign (n = 138, 81.2%). One to three changes to the initial digital treatment plan were made by 72.9% (n = 121) with final tooth positions being the most common reason for adjustment (64.4%). Most (n = 97, 60.3%) rarely or never performed premolar extractions with CAT. Of the respondents, 23 12.7%) reported that they always or mostly used a remote monitoring system in conjunction with CAT, with a wide range of aligner change protocols reported. The median number of months required to complete non-extraction CAT reported by the respondents was 12. Most respondents (n = 77, 51.7%) did not feel that CAT provides superior outcomes compared with fixed appliance therapy. CAT practice varied widely among the surveyed orthodontists. A predilection for the use of Invisalign and utility in less severe cases was noted.

A service evaluation of patients requiring growth modification in a public service setting.

Aim To conduct a service evaluation of patients who had functional appliance treatment to correct Class II malocclusions in a public orthodontic clinic. To evaluate the effect of prioritisation and earlier treatment of these patients on treatment duration and patient compliance. Methodology The prioritised treatment group (PTG) had twin block appliances fitted when they were 11 or 12 years old. In comparison, the routine treatment group (RTG) had twin block appliances fitted when they were 13 or 14. Electronic patient records were screened to find a sample of 100 patients from each cohort. The number of compliance issues, functional appliance treatment duration, fixed appliance treatment duration and total treatment duration was recorded retrospectively from patient charts. Results While mean total treatment time was similar across the two cohorts, the PTG did have significantly shorter fixed appliance treatment durations than the RTG. The PTG was also found to have better compliance than the RTG. Conclusion Prioritising patients who require functional appliance treatment does not reduce total treatment duration. A correlation between earlier treatment, improved patient compliance, and a shorter course of fixed appliance therapy can be seen, which may prove clinically beneficial. Further research in this area would be valuable.

Periodontal outcomes associated with impacted maxillary central incisor and canine teeth following surgical exposure and orthodontic alignment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Maxillary incisor and canine teeth are commonly impacted and require multidisciplinary treatment to accommodate them in the dental arch. To assess the periodontal outcomes of impacted maxillary central incisor and canine teeth, which have been successfully aligned in the arch following surgical exposure and orthodontic traction with fixed appliance therapy. Systematic literature searches without restrictions were undertaken in eight databases. Studies reporting surgical interventions in combination with orthodontic traction with fixed appliance therapy to align impacted maxillary incisors or canines published up to January 2023. Duplicate independent study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Random-effects meta-analyses of aggregate data. Twenty-three studies (21 retrospective and 2 prospective) were included in the final analysis. Three studies reported outcomes for maxillary central incisors and 20 reported outcomes for maxillary canines. For maxillary central incisors, all three studies were rated as being at moderate risk of bias. For maxillary canines, 17 studies and 1 study were rated at moderate and high risk of bias, respectively. Both prospective studies were rated at a low risk of bias. Meta-analyses comparing aligned impacted maxillary canines to their non-impacted contralateral counterparts found the former had increased Plaque Index scores (mean difference [MD] 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03, 0.35; P = 0.03), increased clinical attachment loss (MD 0.40 mm; 95% CI 0.17, 0.63; P = 0.01), increased pocket probing depth (MD 0.18 mm; 95% CI 0.07, 0.28; P = 0.001), increased bone loss (MD 0.51 mm; 95% CI 0.31, 0.72; P < 0.001), and reduced keratinized gingival width (MD -0.31 mm; 95% CI -0.61, -0.01; P = 0.04). Limited evidence suggests that surgical exposure and orthodontic alignment of impacted maxillary central incisor or canine teeth, results in modest adverse effects in the periodontium. These findings should be viewed with caution as our certainty for these outcomes is very low to low due to the bias and heterogeneity. Further well-conducted studies reporting patient centred outcomes are required. PROSPERO (CRD42020225639).