Orthodontic Practitioners Research Articles

Differences in the Buccolingual Inclinations of Premolars Among Class II Division I Subjects With Different Vertical Facial Patterns.

Understanding the attributes of vertical patterns is essential for delivering optimal orthodontic care. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) represents a valuable resource for assessing thebuccolingual inclination of the teeth. The present research delves into examining the buccolingual inclination of premolars in nongrowing individuals exhibiting diverse vertical facial patterns. CBCT scans of 66 adult patients (31 males and 35 females), mean age 31.6 years (SD = 6.4 years), exhibiting class II division I maxillomandibular relationships, were employed. Participants were categorized into three groups based on linear and angular measurements: normodivergent group (n = 22), hypodivergent group (n = 22), and hyperdivergent group (n = 22). The independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were conducted to investigate statistical differences in the buccolingual inclination of the premolars among the three vertical patterns. Statistically significant differences between the three groups were observed in the buccolingual inclinations of both maxillary and mandibular first and second premolars (p < 0.05). The upper right first premolars exhibited a significantly increased buccal inclination in the normodivergent group compared to the hypodivergent group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the two groups had no notable differences in the inclination of the remaining premolars. The upper right and left first premolars exhibited a significantly increased buccal inclination in the hyperdivergent group compared to the hypodivergent group (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were no notable differences in the inclination of the remaining premolars between the two groups. The lower left firstpremolarsexhibited a significantly increased lingual inclination in the hyperdivergent group compared to the normodivergent group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the two groups had no notable differences in the inclination of the remaining premolars. The upper right second premolars exhibited a significantly increased buccal inclination, and the lower left second premolars exhibited greater lingual inclination in the normodivergent group than in the hypodivergent group (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were no notable differences in the inclination of the remaining premolars between the two groups. The upper right and left second premolars exhibited a significantly increased buccal inclination, and the lower left second premolars exhibited greater lingual inclination in the hyperdivergent group than in the hypodivergent group (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were no notable differences in the inclination of the lower right second premolars between the two groups. There were no notable differences in the inclination of the second premolars between the hyperdivergent and normodivergent groups. In individuals presenting with class IIrelationships, the buccolingual inclinations of the first and second premolars exhibit similarities and variations across distinct facial patterns. As such, it is imperative for orthodontic practitioners to exercise meticulous consideration of these nuances throughout treatment.

Orthodontic Fixed Retention-Methods and Materials: A Questionnaire Study among Karnataka Practitioners

"This study aimed to examine the retention protocols and materials for fixed retainers utilized by orthodontic clinicians in Karnataka state, India. The survey was conducted between January 2023 and April 2023, with a questionnaire designed using Google Forms. After validation, the questionnaire was distributed to a verified active orthodontists' group consisting of 161 members. Responses to individual questions were presented as percentages and tabulated. A chi-squared test of proportion was employed to compare the proportions of clinicians using retainers with different characteristics and indicating the superiority of specific clinical solutions. Braided round steel wire was identified as the most reliable, while fiber-reinforced composite was predominantly utilized in patients with periodontal issues. The methodology adopted by orthodontic practitioners in Karnataka state involved double long-term retentions with regular follow-ups. Most clinicians expressed confidence in maintaining treatment results, though they acknowledged the significance of patient cooperation."

Management of orthodontically induced white spot lesions: A survey of the orthodontic practitioners of Pakistan.

To assess the level of awareness among orthodontic practitioners about the diagnosis and management of orthodontically induced white spot lesions. The cross-sectional study was conducted from August 28, 2022, to March 3, 2023, at Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan, and comprised orthodontic specialists and postgraduate residents. Data was collected using a 14-item questionnaire regarding diagnosis and management of orthodontically induced white spot lesions. The questionnaire was disseminated online, and the responses were compared between the groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 278 subjects, 205(73.7%) were residents; 156(75%) females and 49(24%) males with mean professional experience of 4.24±4.08 years. There were 73(26.3%) specialists; 44(60.3%) females and 29(39.7%) males with mean professional experience 9.07±4.85 years. There were 48(66%) specialists and 131(64%) residents who thought the most commonly affected teeth with WSL were maxillary central incisors, while 30(41%) specialists and 38(33%) residents said the least commonly affected tooth was maxillary canine. Among the specialists, 29(38%) considered halting treatment and regular follow-up as the best approach for managing white spot lesions detected during orthodontic treatment, while 76(37%) residents preferred to use fluorides and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate. There were significant differences between the specialists and residents for the items related to the incidence of white spot lesions, timing for additional precautions and measures for detection, management during active treatment and modalities of prevention (p<0.05). Despite being fairly common in orthodontic patients, the awareness regarding white spot lesions and related management protocols was found to be dubious in orthodontic practitioners, depicting lack of a standardised protocol.

Impact of clear aligners on plaque and periodontal health

In recent years, clear aligners have become a well-liked substitute for traditional braces in orthodontic treatment. Examining the effects of clear aligners on periodontal health and plaque accumulation is the goal of this review. To examine pertinent studies that have been published up to this point, a comprehensive evaluation of the literature was carried out. The review includes research on the microbial alterations in tooth plaque composition that occur during clear aligner therapy and the subsequent impact on periodontal tissues. Clear aligners and traditional braces are also compared with respect to how they affect gingival health, periodontal disease prevalence, and oral hygiene practices.In terms of plaque control, the results imply that transparent aligners offer special benefits and challenges. An important factor influencing the microbiological environment in the oral cavity is patient compliance, the type of aligner used, and the subtleties of its design. Moreover, the effect of orthodontic therapies on periodontal health is explored, providing insight into possible associations between the use of clear aligners and periodontal results. By underlining the necessity of individualized oral hygiene management strategies during clear aligner therapy, this review offers orthodontic practitioners’ insightful information. It highlights the need of maintaining periodontal health throughout orthodontic treatment and stresses the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes. In summary, this comprehensive review provides an overview of the most recent findings regarding the impact of clear aligners on plaque and periodontal health. By teaching clinicians, researchers, and patients about the subtleties of oral hygiene care during orthodontic treatment, the findings are meant to direct the development of effective strategies for maintaining good periodontal health in patients getting clear aligner therapy.

Stress Attributes for Indian Orthodontic Practitioners: A Cross-sectional Study.

Because orthodontists work long hours and maintain a relationship with each patient for many years prior to the end of treatment, they may encounter unusually stressful situations. A self-administered, anonymous survey was disseminated to orthodontic residents and practitioners in India. The survey includes 29 probable stressors. Over 61% of respondents opined that these factors are the most stressful in orthodontic practice.

Orthodontic Pain and Dietary Impact Considering Age Groups: A Comparative Study.

(1) Background: orthodontic treatment can frequently be associated with discomfort and pain, a significant factor contributing to treatment discontinuation. (2) Methods: This study, conducted on 160 orthodontic patients across different age groups, aimed to explore the influence of age on patients' responses to treatment, particularly regarding changes in dietary patterns and weight loss. The patients were categorized into three age groups and assessed through a questionnaire about pain perception, pain latency, dietary changes, and weight loss associated with orthodontic appliances. (3) Results: Younger patients (6-12 years) reported lower pain levels, shorter pain latency and fewer alterations in dietary habits compared to adults (over 18 years). Females over 18 represented a significant portion of the sample, suggesting a self-driven inclination towards orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons. Fixed orthodontic appliances induced more significant pain than removable ones. Adults experienced more changes in dietary habits and weight loss than younger individuals. (4) Conclusions: the results provide valuable insights for orthodontic practitioners aiming to mitigate adverse effects and improve overall patient experience during treatment.

Survey of National Health Service (NHS) orthodontic practitioners in Wales, UK. Part 1: working patterns 2021-2022.

To ascertain the working patterns of the NHS orthodontic workforce in Wales and any possible future changes. Descriptive cross-sectional survey. NHS orthodontic practitioners in Wales. An anonymised email distributed an electronic two-part survey of the Welsh NHS orthodontic workforce. The survey consisted of three sections: (1) demographic information; (2) respondents' working pattern (part 1); and (3) perceptions of professional satisfaction (part 2). Part 1 of the survey yielded a 70.5% response rate (n = 79); 65.8% of the respondents were women. Of the respondents, 45.6% (n = 36) worked full time (F/T), 39.2% (n = 31) worked less than F/T and 15.2% (n = 12) worked more than F/T. Of the male respondents, 81.5% (n = 22) worked 10 sessions or more compared to 50% (n = 26) of women. The respondents undertook 508.5 orthodontic clinical sessions per week within Wales; of these sessions, 87.6% (n = 445.5) delivered NHS orthodontic care. Of the respondents, 8.4% (n = 7) were planning to increase their orthodontic clinical time within the next 2 years, 24.1% (n = 19) were planning to decrease it and 20.3% (n = 16) were unsure. One-quarter of respondents indicated that they were planning to stop clinical orthodontic activity within the next 5 years, including 53.3% (n = 8) of DwSIs, 37% (n = 10) of primary care specialists and 13.3% (n = 2) of consultants. The pandemic was an influencing factor for 80% of these clinicians. Part 1 of the survey suggested that the majority of the orthodontic workforce was female, were working full time or more, and spent most sessions delivering NHS care. One-quarter of respondents were planning to cease undertaking orthodontic activity within the next 5 years.

Survey of National Health Service (NHS) orthodontic practitioners in Wales, UK. Part 2: job satisfaction perceptions of the workforce 2021-2022.

To ascertain the perceptions of the Welsh NHS orthodontic workforce regarding their job satisfaction and work life balance. Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Clinicians providing NHS orthodontic treatment in Wales. An anonymised, email-distributed, electronic, two-part survey (onlinesurveys.ac.uk) of the Welsh NHS orthodontic workforce working within Wales was undertaken. The survey consisted of three sections: (1) demographic information (part 1); (2) respondents' working pattern (part 1); and (3) perceptions of professional job satisfaction and work/life balance (part 2). The responses received were exported into an Excel spreadsheet for descriptive analysis. The free-text comments were collated for each question and subsequently underwent a content analysis to identify any common themes. Part 2 of the survey yielded an overall response rate of 69.6% (n = 78). Over 96% (n = 75) of respondents felt that they had 'made the right career choice, including 100% of orthodontic trainees, orthodontic specialists and orthodontic consultants. Of the respondents, 88.5% (n = 69) said they 'enjoyed going to work', with the remaining being mostly neutral in their opinion. Of the respondents, 79.5% (n = 62) felt they were able to 'provide their patients the optimum care' and 64.1% (n = 50) felt that more demands were being placed upon them by patients and parents. Overall, 52.6% (n = 41) of survey respondents believed it was becoming increasingly difficult to achieve an effective work/life balance, and this was more prevalent among male respondents (61.5%, n = 16) than female respondents (48.1%, n = 25), although this difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05). Over 96% of respondents felt they have chosen the right career and that flexibility and a good working environment are important to job satisfaction. Respondents felt that there are increasing demands being placed upon them by patients/parents, employers, the Regulators, the Government and Health Boards. This is leading to increased difficulty in achieving a satisfactory work/life balance, especially among male respondents.

Characterizing orthodontic mini-screws in the hard palate of pigs: An experimental and finite-element study

ObjectiveThis paper analyses the mechanical response of mini-implants under pull-out, push-in, and shear forces. Materials and methodsThe authors have devised a specialized testing apparatus, using a universal testing machine, for the mechanical characterisation of orthodontic mini-implants (OMI) installed in pig hard palate. The experimental investigation encompasses seven screw types, each subjected to pull-out, push-in, and shear forces. Each test was conducted three times to assess the inherent uncertainties, with three torque insertions, with a total of 189 tests. The resulting load-displacement curves provide information on the secant stiffness and ultimate capacity of the tested screws in all three loading scenarios.These findings were used to develop a 3D finite element model to assess the OMI mechanical performance. ResultsTorque is particularly influential in push-in tests for both dependent variables. At the same time, the length appears to be more critical in pull-out tests for the capacity. Diameter's influence is consistent across all tests but is especially significant for the secant stiffness in shear tests. ConclusionsPull-out tests displayed linear behaviour until failure, whereas push-in tests showed increasing stiffness with more significant deformation. Higher torque led to higher capacity with a minor effect on the stiffness. Clinical significanceThis paper provides insights into the mechanical behaviour of orthodontic mini-implants, offering guidance to orthodontic practitioners and researchers. Understanding how torque affects stability and performance under different loads informs the selection and design of mini-implants, potentially improving orthodontic treatments and patient outcomes.

Dental Developmental Anomalies and Their Management: An Orthodontic Perspective

Abstract Dental developmental anomalies present intricate challenges in orthodontic practice, necessitating tailored treatment approaches for optimal outcomes. This review offers a comprehensive examination of current orthodontic strategies for managing such anomalies, emphasizing practical considerations, treatment options, and clinical insights, while delving deeper into the anomalies themselves. From anomaly in number to anomaly in structure, dental developmental anomalies encompass a diverse spectrum of conditions, each characterized by deviations from normal dental development. These anomalies may arise due to genetic factors, environmental influences, or a combination of both, and can significantly impact a patient’s oral health, function, and aesthetics. Early detection and intervention are crucial in addressing dental developmental anomalies effectively, as timely treatment can help mitigate complications and reduce the need for extensive orthodontic interventions later in life. However, the diagnosis of these anomalies can be challenging, often requiring a combination of clinical examination, radiographic imaging, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Orthodontic management often necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration with various dental specialists, including pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists. Treatment modalities may encompass both fixed and removable appliances, as well as surgical interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Surgical interventions may be warranted for severe anomalies but are typically reserved for cases where conservative measures are insufficient. By delving into the nuances of dental developmental anomalies and exploring practical treatment options, this review aims to provide valuable insights for orthodontic practitioners navigating the complexities of these conditions, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes.

Handling orthodontic complaints

This article explains some proven strategies for successful complaints handling across different areas of orthodontic practice, while stressing the need to recognise and understand the subtleties often encountered when managing complaints about orthodontic care and treatment, and the importance of taking them into account. It will also suggest some ‘upstream’ strategies for making complaints less likely. CPD/Clinical relevance: This paper aims to give orthodontic practitioners clinical insight into complaints handling procedures across private and NHS practice.

Comparison of mandibular buccal shelf morphology between adolescents and adults with different vertical patterns using CBCT.

This retrospective study aimed to analyze the anatomical structure of the mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) in adolescents and adults with different vertical patterns to determine the optimal location for miniscrew insertion in orthodontic treatment. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 230 patients were utilized for measurements. The morphology and thickness of alveolar bone at the MBS were measured. Two-way ANOVA and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the influencing factors on alveolar bone and cortical bone thickness. Age had a significant effect on alveolar bone thickness (level I: F = 62.449, level II: F = 18.86, p < 0.001), cortical bone thickness (level II: F = 18.86, p < 0.001), alveolar bone tilt (F = 6.267, p = 0.013), and second molar tilt (F = 6.693, p = 0.01). Different vertical patterns also influenced alveolar bone thickness (level I: F = 20.950, level II: F = 28.470, p < 0.001), cortical bone thickness (level I: F = 23.911, level II: F = 23.370, p < 0.001), and alveolar bone tilt (F = 27.046, p < 0.001). As age increased, the alveolar bone thickness at level I decreased by 0.096mm and at level II decreased by 0.073mm. Conversely, the thickness of alveolar bone at level I and level II increased by 0.06mm and 0.075mm, respectively. The cortical bone thickness at level I and level II increased by 0.024mm and 0.29mm, respectively. However, the alveolar bone thickness decreased by 0.931mm and 1.545mm at level I and level II, and the cortical bone thickness decreased by 0.542mm and 0.640mm at level I and level II, respectively. Age, different vertical patterns, alveolar bone inclination, and different shapes of MBS significantly affected the thickness of alveolar bone and cortical bone in the MBS area. Notably, only alveolar bone thickness and cortical bone thickness at level II were affected by age and different vertical patterns simultaneously. These findings can provide valuable insights for orthodontic practitioners in selecting the most suitable location for miniscrew insertion during treatment planning.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Orthodontic Practitioners and their Practice in Pakistan

Background: The Coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing coronavirus disease epidemic that had a profound effect on the healthcare system. When the epidemic first spread widely in Pakistan in March 2020, many dental offices went on an emergency-only closure schedule. Changes were evident even after they reopened. Objective: Primary objectives were to ascertain the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on Orthodontic practitioners and their practice in Pakistan; how their psychological and financial well-being was affected, and to bring light to the perception of Orthodontists regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future of Orthodontists. Secondary objectives were to see if there was any difference in impact between male and female participants and Orthodontic Consultants and Orthodontic Residents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the Orthodontic community of Pakistan. It included 183 participants which comprised 41 Orthodontists and 142 Orthodontic Residents. A self-administered online questionnaire (Google forms) was circulated. Chi-square test was used to compare qualitative variables. P value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. Results: This study showed that 80% of the participants stopped their Orthodontic practice during the lockdown period. The majority of the practitioners had a negative impact on their psychological well-being. A significant difference was noted between male and female professionals’ responses(p=0.021). Most of the residents reported having a negative impact on their training as well. Conclusion: The need for more training programs for infection control cannot be emphasized enough to prevent all the adverse effects caused by such outbreaks. Keywords: COVID-19, Orthodontists, Impact, Well-being, Practice, Infection.

In Vitro Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Blended 3D-Printing Resins for Orthodontic Aligners: A Comparison between Commercial Resin and Nickel-Titanium Wire

This scientific article investigates the mechanical properties of a novel three-dimensional-printing resin specifically designed for orthodontic aligners and compares it to other commonly used resins. The resin was made by blending two commercially available and certified resins to produce aligners with improved mechanical properties compared to each separate resin. The study examined the effect of the addition of NextDent Ortho Rigid resin on the mechanical properties of the specimens, more specifically analyzing the relationship between the amount of the added rigid resin and the mechanical properties of the specimens. The mechanical properties of the specimens and the nickel-titanium wires were analyzed using a three-point bending test setup. The results showed no statistically significant differences within the different groups of specimens. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of the resin to meet the mechanical demands of orthodontic treatments. It will contribute to the advancement of personalized orthodontic care through three-dimensional-printing technology. Blending commercially available and certified resins enables orthodontic practitioners to select the most suitable resin for each case, providing better outcomes for patients and increasing the efficiency of the treatment process. Further research and evaluation would be required to determine the suitability of the blended resin for orthodontic treatments.

Orthodontic Practitioners’ Knowledge and Education Demand on Clear Aligner Therapy

ObjectivesClear aligner therapy (CAT) has been gaining popularity amongst the orthodontic community. No systematic course on CAT has been reported to date. The objectives of this study were to determine practitioners’ knowledge and to offer insights for future tailored courses on CAT. MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire comprised personal background information, predictability of tooth movement through CAT, and CAT knowledge that practitioners demanded to learn. Four senior expert orthodontists’ answers to the predictability of tooth movement through CAT were averaged to be a standard reference. Descriptive statistics, 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis, Student t test, and multivariate logistics regression analysis were performed with significance set at P < .05. ResultsIn total, 190 practitioners participated in this study. As compared to the standard reference, participants overestimated the predictability of difficult-to-be-achived tooth movements (eg, molar mesialisation; P < .0001). Strategy of managing troubleshooting cases and extraction cases ranked the highest CAT knowledge that participants requested to learn. Practice type, number of completed CAT cases, number of undergoing CAT cases, years of practice, education background, and time of using CAT were the influencing factors of the questions regarding the predictability of tooth movement through CAT and CAT knowledge that were demanded to be learned. ConclusionsThe predictability of difficult-to-be-achieved tooth movement through CAT is often overestimated by practitioners with limited clinical experience. Tailored education on CAT, especially managing troubleshooting cases and extraction cases, should be designed for all practitioners.

Biological and psychological factors affecting the sensory and jaw motor responses to orthodontic tooth movement.

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is associated with an inflammatory response, tooth pain (i.e. orthodontic pain) and changes in dental occlusion. Clinical realms and research evidence suggest that the sensory and jaw motor responses to OTM vary significantly among individuals. While some adjust well to orthodontic procedures, others may not and can experience significant pain or not adjust to occlusal changes. This is of concern, as clinicians cannot anticipate an individual's sensorimotor response to OTM. Converging evidence shows that some psychological states and traits significantly affect the sensorimotor response to OTM and may considerably affect an individual's adaptation to orthodontic or other dental procedures. We performed a topical review to synthesize the available knowledge about the behavioural mechanisms regulating the sensorimotor response to OTM, with the intent of informing orthodontic practitioners and researchers about specific psychological states and traits that should be considered while planning orthodontic treatment. We report on studies focusing on the role of anxiety, pain catastrophising, and somatosensory amplification (i.e. bodily hypervigilance), on sensory and jaw motor responses. Psychological states and traits can significantly affect sensory and jaw motor responses and a patient's adaptation to orthodontic procedures, although large interindividual variability exists. Clinicians can use validated instruments (checklists or questionnaires) to collect information about patients' psychological traits, which can assist in identifying those individuals who may not adjust well to orthodontic procedures. The information included in this manuscript also assists researchers investigating the effect of orthodontic procedures and or/appliances on orthodontic pain.

Patient’s and Practionner’s Experiences of a First Face-to-Face vs. Remote Orthodontic Consultation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

(1) Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess patients' and practitioners' reported experience measures (PREMs) following a first standard orthodontic consultation (face-to-face consultation) versus a first orthodontic teleconsultation (video-assisted remote orthodontic consultation).; (2) Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial in which 60 patients were randomly allocated to two groups. In the control group, patients received a first face-to-face consultation (n = 30) whereas, in the test group, patients received a first orthodontic teleconsultation (n = 30). Patients as well as the orthodontic practitioners completed questionnaires after the experience. (3) Results: From the patients' point of view, overall satisfaction was comparable between the control group and the test group (p = 0.23). Quality of communication with the clinician, understanding of the explanations provided and a sense of privacy were also comparable between the two groups. However, from the practitioners' perspective, overall satisfaction after the face-to-face consultation was significantly higher than after the first remote consultation (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: In the context of a first orthodontic consultation, teleorthodontics appears to be an interesting and complementary approach to a classical face-to-face appointment, but which should by no means become systematic.

Orthodontic treatment and patient satisfaction with Orthoworld Fastbraces® in pediatric population

Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of orthodontic treatment using Orthoworld FASTBRACES® and assess patient satisfaction with various treatment parameters. A total of 164 eligible pediatric patients out of 20,240 cases treated between 2010 and 2023 were included in this review. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of brackets used: 2 patients with ceramic brackets and 162 patients with metal brackets. Following completion of orthodontic treatment, patients were invited to complete a comprehensive questionnaire, which assessed treatment duration, number of visits, brackets and wires used, types of issues encountered, patient understanding of treatment, overall comfort level, compliance, and satisfaction with the speed of treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20,240 orthodontic cases treated with Orthoworld FASTBRACES® between 2010 and 2023. From this pool, 559 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. The pediatric patient group was considered ages 11-17. The pediatric patient cohort was divided into two groups: 2 patients with ceramic brackets and 162 patients with metal brackets. All pediatric patients underwent comprehensive orthodontic treatment using the Orthoworld FASTBRACES® system. Results: Among the pediatric patients included in this review, a detailed analysis of treatment outcomes and pediatric patient satisfaction was performed. The mean treatment duration was calculated for both the ceramic bracket group (n=420 days) and the metal bracket group (n=395 days). The average number of visits required for each group was recorded at 15.5 days for the ceramic bracket group and 14.4 days for the metal bracket group. During treatment, various issues were encountered and categorized as bracket-related, wire-related, tooth-related, patient-related, allergic reactions, soft tissue irritation, bracket placement issues, performance-related issues, and hard tissue complications. Metal group had the highest number of issues with patients complaining of tooth issues and bracket issues. Both groups reported low numbers (n&lt;5) for bracket performance issues, placement issues, soft-tissue issues wires issues, hard tissue issues, ingestion issues, and allergic reactions. Following the completion of orthodontic treatment, pediatric patients were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating their understanding of the treatment, overall comfort level, compliance, and satisfaction with the speed of treatment. Patient responses were collected and analyzed to determine the rating of patient understanding, comfort, compliance, and happiness with the treatment duration. The average score for patient responses was greater than 3 (i.e., above average) for treatment evaluation survey for both treatment groups. Conclusion: The analysis of pediatric patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with FASTBRACES® reveals promising results in terms of reduced alignment duration and improved oral hygiene practices. The study emphasizes the importance of precise bracket and wire placement and highlights the expertise of orthodontic practitioners in achieving successful outcomes.

Favorable treatment outcomes and shorter durations: a retrospective case series on seven patients using Orthoworld FASTBRACES®

Objective: This retrospective case series aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and user experience of Orthoworld FASTBRACES® in seven patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Emphasizing these specific patients was essential for assessing the shorter treatment duration compared to reported treatment ranges of 12 to 14 months for FASTBRACES® Technologies. Data and images were collected from cases treated between 2016 and 2023, and a Treatment Evaluation Form was sent to participating doctors to gather information about patient experiences with the product. Materials and methods: The seven patients included in the study received orthodontic treatment with FASTBRACES® at various orthodontic practices. The Treatment Evaluation Form completed by participating providers included questions related to treatment details, number of visits, types of brackets and wires used, issues encountered during treatment, patient understanding of treatment, overall comfort level, compliance, and satisfaction with treatment speed. Results: The analysis of patient data revealed variability in patient compliance with treatment protocols and understanding of treatment, with scores ranging from 2 to 4 on the respective scales. The number of brackets used ranged from 10 to 28, and the number of wires utilized ranged from 1 to 4. Most patients reported minimal issues during treatment, with only one reported issue in two cases. Overall, patients reported a high level of comfort, with an average score of 3.43 out of 4. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of patient education and communication in promoting better compliance and treatment success. The variability in bracket and wire utilization suggests that the severity and complexity of malocclusions may influence the treatment approach. FASTBRACES® demonstrated success in minimizing patient discomfort, achieving faster alignment, and enhancing overall satisfaction. Further research is needed to investigate the factors underlying differences between the metal and ceramic bracket groups and explore mechanisms behind reported issues. The study underscores the significance of precise bracket and wire placement and the expertise of orthodontic practitioners throughout the treatment process. This case series provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and user experience of Orthoworld FASTBRACES® and lays the groundwork for future research and larger-scale studies.

Bias in the superimposition of lateral cephalograms in adult patients with anterior open bite

Anterior open bite malocclusion can be treated nonsurgically using fixed appliances, clear aligners, or temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Proponents of clear aligners and TADs often attribute bite closure to molar intrusion and counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular plane. These changes may be supported by superimpositions. However, the process of creating a superimposition is subjective and may be influenced by practitioner bias. The initial and final lateral cephalograms from 30 adult anterior patients with open bite were used in this study. Ten patients were treated with fixed appliances, 10 with clear aligners, and 10 with TADs. We asked 6 orthodontic graduate students and 6 orthodontic practitioners to complete superimpositions using these radiographs in 3 separate sessions. In the first session, the raters were told that all patients only received treatment with fixed appliances. In the second session, the raters were told that all patients were treated with clear aligners only, and in the third session, they were told all patients were treated with fixed appliances and TADs. Superimpositions were performed using Dolphin software, and each superimposition was saved as a Portable Document Format image. Change in the mandibular plane was the primary outcome and was assessed categorically (closed, no change, opened). Cephalometric values were measured and used to investigate the dental and skeletal changes associated with treatment. Although the raters demonstrated a slight tendency toward the mandibular plane closing or staying the same when told the treatment was clear aligners or TADs, these differences were not statistically significant. A high degree of intrarater and interrater variability in the mandibular plane change was present in all 3 superimposition sessions. The measurements from the lateral cephs showed significant changes for overbite and incisor vertical and angular movements. Almost no change was observed in anterior facial height, mandibular plane angle, or vertical movement of the first molars. This study did not observe a significant amount of superimposition bias. However, there was considerable intrarater and interrater reliability. This suggests that the same initial and final cephs may be interpreted very differently on the basis of the subjective superimposition of the raters.