Soft Tissue Profile Research Articles

Ultrasonography-Guided Dental Implant Surgery: A Feasibility Study.

To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound-image-based computer-assisted implant planning and placement. Intraoral scans, cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT), and ultrasound (US) scans with a custom positioning device were acquired in nine patients. Prosthetic-driven surgical guides were planned and fabricated based on ultrasound images and intraoral scans. Implants were then placed. Postoperative implant position was obtained intra-surgically by intraoral scan. Aside from the ultrasound-based plan, conventional implant planning was performed by the same operator on a pre-surgical CBCT for comparison. Linear deviations between ultrasound and CBCT-planned implant positions were measured and compared with the intra-surgical implant position, and the position deviations between two consecutive plannings were performed on the same CBCT by the same operator. The linear deviation between the 3D scan surface of the edentulous region and the ultrasonographic soft tissue profile segmentation was also assessed with reverse-engineering software. Means, standard deviations, and root mean square differences (RMSD) were calculated for every variable. All the ultrasound-planned implants were successfully placed, and no complications were recorded. The mean deviations in angles, shoulders, and apexes were 5.27 ± 1.75° (RMSD: 5.53°), 0.92 ± 0.26 mm (RMSD: 0.95 mm), and 1.41 ± 0.61 mm (RMSD: 1.53 mm), respectively, between the US and CBCT-planned implants; 2.63 ± 0.43° (RMSD: 2.66°), 1.16 ± 0.30 mm (RMSD: 1.19 mm), and 1.26 ± 0.27 mm (RMSD: 1.28 mm) between the planned implant and intra-surgically recorded positions; and 2.90 ± 1.36° (RMSD: 3.18°), 0.65 ± 0.27 mm (RMSD: 0.70 mm), and 0.99 ± 0.37 mm (RMSD: 1.05 mm) between two consecutive CBCTs planning performed by the same operator. The mean deviation between the 3D surfaces of model scans and ultrasound-derived soft tissue profile in the edentulous area was 0.19 ± 0.08 mm. Ultrasound-guided implant surgery represents a feasible non-ionizing alternative to conventional static guided implant surgical protocols for implant placement in sites with favorable characteristics.

Keratinized Tissue Grafting May Prevent Peri-implantitis: A Case Series.

The necessity of a minimum volume of keratinized tissue around implants to maintain tissue stability remains a matter of debate. The aim of this case series is to showcase the outcome and long-term maintenance of dental implants that received soft tissue augmentation. Three cases of second stage following dental implant placement were evaluated for amount of keratinized tissue. Based on the Ono-Nevins classification described here, treatment was rendered including keratinized tissue grafting. The cases were followed for 10, 18 and 28 years. Each case demonstrated maintenance of soft and hard tissue profile around the dental implants with no incidence of peri-implantitis as evidenced on clinical examination and use of peri-apical radiographs. Soft tissue management around dental implants may play a key role in long-term maintenance of peri-implant health and prevention of peri-implantitis.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Soft Tissue and Bone Status in Immediate Loaded Implants Placed Following Their Extraction in the Maxillary Anterior Region.

In the maxillary anterior region, teeth extraction leads to significant soft and hard tissue changes. Immediate implant placement following extraction aims to reduce bone loss and overall treatment time. However, it may result in adverse soft tissue changes impacting esthetics. This study evaluates the clinical and radiographic outcomes of immediately loaded implants in the maxillary anterior region, focusing on soft tissue preservation and bone status. This study, conducted from April 2022 to August 2024 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, included 10 immediately loaded implants in seven patients. Following atraumatic extraction, implants were placed and loaded with functional provisional crowns fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) rapid prototyping models. Parameters such as crestal bone loss, buccal and palatal bone width, and interdental papilla thickness were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using radiographsand clinical assessments. The study found significant crestal bone loss at both mesial and distal sites over time, with the greatest loss observed at the three-month follow-up. Buccal and palatal bone width showed no significant differences preoperatively and postoperatively. Interdental papilla thickness and overall pink esthetic scores also showed no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative evaluations. Immediate implant placement in the maxillary anterior region, using 3D rapid prototyping for custom splint fabrication, demonstrated effective preservation of soft tissue profile and bone architecture. This approach provides functional and esthetic benefits, although careful monitoring of crestal bone loss is necessary.

Evaluation of soft tissue profile changes around the nose and upper lip following maxillary anterior alveolar osteotomy with Wassmund and Wunderer technique in Japanese

PurposeThe extent to which maxillary anterior alveolar osteotomy alters the facial profile remains unclear. The present study retrospectively analyzed and evaluated changes in maxillary anterior fragments and soft tissue from the nose to upper lip from pre- to postoperatively in patients who underwent the Wassmund and Wunderer (WW) technique. MethodsThirty-seven Japanese patients with maxillary prognathism underwent orthognathic surgery with the WW technique were retrospectively included in the present study. Changes in both hard- and soft-tissue landmarks and correlations between both tissues were evaluated using lateral cephalograms taken immediately before and ≥6 months after orthognathic surgery. ResultsThe maxillary anterior segment showed predominantly posterior movement, with only slight upward movement. Posterior shift and lingual inclination of the maxillary anterior teeth were prominent. As for soft tissues, the change in the nasal tip was small and posterior change was large in the subnasal and upper lip areas. Nasolabial angle, nasal height, and inclination of nasal tip increased, while upper lip protrusion, nasal tip angle, and philtrum length decreased. Correlations were found between posterior changes in hard tissues and posterior changes in soft tissues. Among these, posterior changes and lingual inclination of the maxillary anterior teeth strongly correlate with posterior changes of the upper lip. ConclusionPosterior shift of the maxillary anterior segment using the WW technique is useful because it can greatly improve the protrusion of the upper lip while minimizing nasal morphological changes, and the positioning of the maxillary anterior teeth may be an important key factor.

Impact of labially inclined implant axes on immediate implant placement and provisionalization in anterior maxilla: A prospective cohort study.

To investigate whether a labially inclined implant axis compromises the clinical outcomes of immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP) in the anterior maxilla. Patients with unsalvageable central or lateral maxillary incisors were enrolled. IIPP with simultaneous connective tissue graft (CTG) was performed in all participants. In the control group, the alveolar ridge had a long axis aligned with the tooth, which ensured that the immediate implant was aimed at the incisor edge or the cingulum of future restoration. The test group had a large angle between the axes of the ridge and tooth. To avoid bone fenestration, the implants were placed labially inclined and emerged from the labial side of future restoration. Intra-oral scanning and cone-beam computed tomography were performed to record soft and hard tissue profiles at baseline and 1 year later. Soft tissue stability, bone remodeling, and pink esthetic score (PES) were evaluated and compared between two groups. Thirty-nine participants (19 tests and 20 controls) completed the study. At 1-year post-surgery, the mid-facial gingival margin migrations were 0.85 ± 0.37 mm (test) and 0.81 ± 0.33 mm (control), without significant differences. No differences were identified in buccal profile alteration, linear ridge reduction, buccal bone thickness, or PES scores. The test group demonstrated thinner buccal soft tissue at the crestal level than the control group. When large tooth-ridge angulation presented, labially inclined implant, avoiding buccal ridge fenestration in IIPP with CTG, did not compromise the clinical outcome in short term.

Analysis of maxillary teeth and soft tissue profiles among Tibetan and Han Chinese females with facial symmetry for orthodontic treatment planning.

The evaluation of maxillary teeth and soft tissue profiles is a critical component of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the sagittal position of maxillary anterior teeth and facial profile esthetics among Tibetan and Han Chinese adult females for optimizing orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. A total of 100 Tibetan Chinese and 100 Han Chinese adult females with good facial symmetry were recruited. The smiling facial profile images with the maxillary central incisors and forehead in full view were taken based totally on the same standard. The photo measurement and head position were adjusted using the picture-enhancing software. The reference traces associated with forehead inclinations were utilized to assess the anteroposterior (AP) positions of the maxillary central incisors. The results showed that a round forehead was the dominant forehead shape for Tibetan (93%) and Han (55%) Chinese females. In Tibetan females, 85% of the maxillary central incisors were found to be located between the forehead's anterior limit line (the Gall line) and the goal anterior limit line (the Fall line), with 15% located posterior to the Fall line. This distribution manifested a strong association with incisor position and forehead inclination (R2 = 0.742). In Han females, 83% of the maxillary central incisors were located between the Fall line and the Gall line, with 12% posterior to the Fall line and 5% anterior to the Gall line. The positions of the maxillary central incisors exhibited a strong relationship with forehead inclination (R2 = 0.827). The maxillary central incisors were close to the aesthetic line in both ethnic groups, while forehead inclinations were correlated with AP maxillary incisor position. These findings demonstrated that there was a close relationship between the incisor position of Tibetan and Han females with facial symmetry and the forehead FFA factor, indicating a reference in oral hard and soft tissues for optimizing orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning in terms of facial contour.

Evaluation of accuracy for prediction of soft tissue profile changes in non-growing patients undergoing orthodontic treatment using cephalometric android application.

Evaluation of accuracy for prediction of soft tissue profile changes in non-growing patients undergoing orthodontic treatment using cephalometric android application.

Collagen Matrix for Increasing Peri-implant Mucosal Thickness in Smokers: A Prospective Case Series.

This prospective case series aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a volume collagen matrix for soft tissue augmentation to increase mucosal thickness in single implants in smokers who consume more than 10 cigarettes per day. Participants had single submerged implants necessitating soft tissue thickening. Soft tissue augmentation was done using a collagen matrix in the second-stage surgery. The primary outcome was soft tissue thickness at 90 days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included median thickness at 30 and 60 days, changes in buccal soft tissue profile (digital measurements) at 30, 60, and 90 days, and oral health-related quality of life using OHIP-14 up to 90 days post-surgery. Pain levels via VAS scale and adverse effects were also assessed. Ten participants (4 men, 6 women) aged 45.2 ± 13.18 years initially smoked 10-20 cigarettes daily (average: 14.70 ± 3.47 cigarettes/day). After 90 days, median soft tissue thickness increased to 3.00 (2.00;3.00) mm. Buccal soft tissue profile (median change in ROI) increased by 0.40 (0.25;0.62) mm at 90 days. Pain levels decreased, and oral health-related quality of life improved significantly. No complications were reported. The collagen matrix significantly augmented buccal soft tissue thickness at implant sites in smokers (>10 cigarettes/day), with favorable outcomes and no complications.

Self-perception and self-recognition of facial profiles in adolescents referred to orthodontic treatment.

To investigate self-recognition and self-perception among participants with straight, convex, and concave profiles. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire with questions about demographic information, self-perception of the facial profile, satisfaction with profile esthetics, expectations about profile changes after completing orthodontic treatment, motivational factors, and self-recognition. For the self-recognition question, profiles of the respondents were blackened and inserted into the questionnaire. Participants were categorized into three groups: those exhibiting a convex, straight, and concave profile. There was no statistically significant difference between the straight, concave, and convex profile groups regarding self-recognition and self-perception. Participants showed greater ability in self-recognition than self-perception of their soft-tissue profile (P = .001). Females showed higher capability in self-perception than males (P = .001). Self-recognition and self-perception of the soft-tissue profile are not influenced by facial convexity.

The impact of orthodontic treatment on the soft tissue profile – case report

The planning of orthodontic treatment involves not only defining desired tooth movements to achieve a proper bite but, above all, predicting the impact of these actions on the soft facial tissues. The position of teeth, especially in the front part of the upper and lower jaw, determines the support of the lips, whose harmonious arrangement is a significant factor determining facial aesthetics. The case of a patient is presented in this work, who was diagnosed with a deficiency of space for the correct alignment of teeth, excessive protrusion and inclination of incisor teeth, increased tension of the muscles around the mouth, and chin during lip closure. After a thorough analysis of diagnostic data, it was decided to undergo orthodontic treatment combined with the extraction of four premolars, which, after 28 months, led to achieving proper occlusal conditions and a significant improvement in the aesthetics and function of the soft tissues of the facial profile.

Volumetric assessment of volume stable collagen matrix in maxillary single implant site development: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

The stability of soft tissue volume around dental implants is an important factor for the final esthetic outcome. The main objective of this study was to compare volume stable collagen matrix (VCMX) versus connective tissue graft (CTG) in the augmentation of soft tissue profiles in single implant sites with a class I Siebert ridge defect. Twenty patients (14 females and 6 males) were enrolled in the present study. After implant placement and augmentation of the buccal defect by VCMX or CTG, post-operative evaluation of the volumetric changes at the augmented implant site was carried out at 3, 6, and 9 months as primary outcome, clinical and radiographic soft tissue thickness were carried out at baseline and 9-month intervals, visual analog scale (VAS) and oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP14) were recorded 2 weeks after the surgery. A statistically significant difference in soft tissue volume was found between baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively in both groups with the highest value at 9 months (136.33 ± 86.80) (mm3) in VCMX and (186.38 ± 57.52) (mm3) in CTG. Soft tissue thickness was significantly increased in both groups at 9 months in comparison to baseline. However, there was a significantly higher increase in soft tissue thickness at 9 months in CTG (3.87 ± 0.91) than in VCMX (2.94 ± 0.31). Regarding the radiographic soft tissue thickness, there was a statistically significant increase in both groups at 9 months in comparison to baseline. However, there was a statistically higher increase in the radiographic soft tissue thickness at 9 months in CTG (3.08 ± 0.97) than in VCMX (2.37 ± 0.29). VAS showed a statistically lower value in VCMX (0.4 ± 0.7) than CTG (2.8 ± 1.48). The OHIP recorded lower values in the VCMX group than the CTG group with no statistical significance. In addition, there was no difference in the PES between the two groups. The present study showed that CTG and VCMX were both effective in soft tissue augmentation around implants in the esthetic zone. However, CTG proved more efficient in increasing peri-implant soft tissue volume and mucosal thickness around single implants at a 9-month follow-up period. VCMX was associated with less pain or discomfort and reduced patient morbidity, as reflected by the significantly reduced VAS value in the VCMX group.

Hard to Soft Tissue Profile Changes in Skeletal Class III Dentofacial Deformities After Maxillary Advancement and Mandibular Setback Orthognathic Surgery

Objective To correlate the sagittal hard tissue movement and soft tissue changes among patients with skeletal class III malocclusion following bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Material and Methods Fifty-nine subjects with skeletal class III malocclusion treated consecutively with maxillary advancement and mandibular setback were assessed for skeletal and soft tissue linear changes using presurgical (T1) and post-treatment (T2) lateral cephalograms. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to correlate hard and soft tissue parameters. Results The sagittal hard tissue movement and soft tissue changes for all the parameters assessed in maxilla and mandible showed statistically significant correlations. The ratios of changes for the maxillary protrusion [N-A (HP)] to horizontal subnasale (Sn), superior labial sulcus (Sls), and labrale superioris (Ls) were 0.574:1, 0.703:1, and 0.721:1 respectively. The ratio of horizontal labrale inferioris (Li), mentolabial fold (Mlf), and soft tissue (Pg′) to mandibular protrusion [N-B (HP)] were 0.992:1, 0.970:1, and 0.590:1 respectively and to chin protrusion [N-Pg (HP)] were 1.293:1, 1.252:1, and 1.001:1, respectively. The ratios were different for males and females in maxilla and mandible. Conclusion Sagittal hard tissue movement and soft tissue changes are significantly correlated. The soft tissue movement in the mandible were more proportionate compared to the maxilla. The sagittal hard tissue to soft tissues movement ratios were greater in maxilla and lesser at pogonion and mentolabial sulcus in females compared to males. The ratios obtained can be used for predicting postsurgical soft tissue changes.

Evaluation of soft tissue profile changes following autogenous fat or onlay PEEK augmentation versus sliding genioplasty for correction of deficient chin: Randomized controlled clinical trial

AimThe study was conducted to evaluate soft tissue profile changes using autogenous fat augmentation or onlay PEEK versus sliding genioplasty for correction of deficient chin in patients with retruded chin. Material and methodsThirty-three patients with deficient chins were included in the study. The patients were distributed into 3 groups: the fat augmentation group as intervention I, the PEEK augmentation group as intervention II, and the osseous genioplasty group as control group. Preoperative and postoperative CBCT were performed for all patients. With the aid of MIMICS,3-MATIC, and PROPLAN software, diagnosis, virtual planning, and evaluation were performed. The Face-Q questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction. ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference regarding soft tissue relapse in the fat group after 6 months when compared to the control group (mean difference= 0.770), while there was no statistically significant difference regarding soft tissue relapse between PEEK and control group (mean difference= -0.060). Intragroup comparison has shown no statistically significant difference regarding soft tissue relapse within all groups between follow-up periods (P = 0.1389 for the fat group, P = 0.8739 for the peek group, and P = 0.8410 for the control group). All patients showed a statistically significant increase in scores of satisfaction with the chin between follow-up periods (P = 0.0165, P = 0.0150, and P = 0.0293) respectively. ConclusionsFat augmentation can be a good intervention choice in mild-moderate deficient cases. PEEK PSI has a stable surgical outcome.

Measuring Accuracy of Dolphin Imaging Software in predicting upper jaw soft tissue profile changes in Class II Adult Patients treated with Extraction versus Non-Extraction

Measuring Accuracy of Dolphin Imaging Software in predicting upper jaw soft tissue profile changes in Class II Adult Patients treated with Extraction versus Non-Extraction

Comparison of positive clinical and computerized visual treatment objectives in prediction of soft tissue profile of skeletal class II patients.

Comparison of positive clinical and computerized visual treatment objectives in prediction of soft tissue profile of skeletal class II patients.

Nasal profile changes after LeFort I osteotomy (maxillary advancement) with and without ANS reduction in class III skeletal patients: a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundDentofacial malformation is a common condition that affects a significant portion of the population, resulting in functional and aesthetic defects. Orthognathic surgeries, such as LeFort I osteotomy, are performed to correct these abnormalities. However, the impact of these surgeries on nasal profile changes remains unclear. Additionally, the role of anterior nasal spine (ANS) reduction in maxillary advancement surgeries of 3–5 mm range is yet to be determined. This study aims to investigate the effect of ANS reduction on soft tissue profile changes following LeFort I osteotomy with a maxillary advancement range of 3–5 mm in class III skeletal patients. The hypothesis is that the changes in nasolabial angle and upper lip length will not significantly differ between patients who undergo LeFort I osteotomy with and without ANS reduction.Method and designThis study is designed as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 26 class III skeletal patients with maxillofacial abnormalities will be recruited from the maxillofacial clinic of Bu-Ali and Farahikhtegan Hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will undergo LeFort I osteotomy with ANS reduction, and the other group will undergo LeFort I osteotomy without ANS reduction. The soft tissue profile changes, specifically the nasolabial angle and upper lip length, will be evaluated and compared between the two groups.DiscussionAchieving facial harmony through orthognathic surgery requires careful planning and consideration of the impact on surrounding soft tissue. The primary objective is to predict and plan for the effects on the nasolabial region. LeFort I osteotomy is a common procedure used to correct dentofacial deformities, particularly in class III patients. Maxillary advancement during this surgery can lead to changes in nasal tip position, width, and rotation, potentially due to repositioning of the anterior nasal spine and soft tissue dissection. In this study, soft tissue changes will be assessed in non-growing class III patients using cephalometric radiographs. The impact of reducing the anterior nasal spine (ANS) on nasal profile changes will be investigated for maxillary advancements of 3–5 mm. Objective measurements and patient-reported outcomes will be evaluated to gain insights into the aesthetic outcomes of orthognathic surgery. The findings will provide valuable guidance for treatment decisions and alternative options based on expected nasal profile changes.Trial registrationThis project was registered at The Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Identifier No. IRCT20210928052625N1, Website: https://www.irct.ir/trial/59171) and Open Science Framework (OSF) (Registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/X3HD4). 2021-06-09.

Efficiency of friction versus frictionless mechanics for correcting bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion in dizygotic twins – A case report

The purpose of this case presentation is to determine the efficiency of two treatment mechanics in correcting clinically comparable malocclusion in dizygotic twins. The case report describes the orthodontic management of 19-year-old non-identical twins diagnosed with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion on a Class I skeletal base with severe crowding using two different treatment mechanics. The first patient was treated with frictionless mechanics by making use of Kalra simultaneous intrusion and retraction arch for space closure, whereas the friction mechanics accomplished the task in the second patient with mini-implant (Titanium mini-implant, FavAnchor™ SAS, Favorite supplies, Thane west, Maharashtra, India) assisted power arm (Power hook, Azdent Orthodontics, Zhengzhou, China) retraction. It evaluated the overall treatment duration, anterior torque control, and level of comfort for the patients with the two mechanics. The post-treatment results in both cases exhibited remarkable change in inclination of upper anterior teeth which were established through cephalometric findings. Moreover, the anterior torque control was comparatively superior with loop mechanics over mini-implant assisted sliding mechanics. Both the treatment mechanics effectively and efficiently corrected the malocclusion with considerable impact on soft-tissue profile.

Incisor and Soft Tissue Characteristics of Adult Bimaxillary Protrusion Patients among Different Skeletal Anteroposterior Classifications.

The objective of this study was to investigate the upper incisors (U1), lower incisors (L1), and soft tissue profiles of bimaxillary protrusion (BM) adult patients among skeletal Class I (BM1), II (BM2) and III (BM3). Understanding these characteristics would be useful for incisor and lip diagnostics in different skeletal classifications. Fourteen linear and twelve angular variables of the incisors and lips were evaluated in 214 lateral cephalograms (BM1 = 91, BM2 = 84, BM3 = 39). ANOVA and Bonferroni tests compared the measurements. BM1 and BM3 exhibited a greater U1 position and U1 inclination than the norms, while BM2 presented only a greater U1 position than the norms but normal U1 inclination. BM1 and BM3 had a significantly greater U1 position than BM2. BM1 and BM2 demonstrated a greater L1 position and L1 inclination than the norms, whereas BM3 displayed only a greater L1 position than the norms but normal L1 inclination. BM2 had the most anterior L1 position, whereas BM3 had the least anterior position. Only BM2 had a longer anterior dental height (ADH) than the norms, while BM1 and BM3 had a normal ADH and the significantly shortest ADH, respectively. Only BM1 had a normal upper incisor display at rest (U1R), while BM2 and BM3 displayed an increased and decreased U1R, respectively, with significant differences among the three groups. The most significantly protruded upper and lower lips were presented in BM2, but these were exhibited the least in BM3. The most significant acute nasolabial angle (NLA) was found in BM3, whereas BM2 presented the least acute NLA. A normal lip-chin-throat angle (LCTA) was observed in BM1 and BM3, while only BM2 had a greater LCTA than the norms. The most significant obtuse LCTA was found in BM2, while BM3 had the least obtuse LCTA. Therefore, both U1 and L1 in all groups presented protrusion and proclination, except for U1 in BM2, while L1 in BM3 exhibited normal inclination. The ADH and U1R were increased in BM2 but decreased in BM3. The most acute NLA was found in BM3, whereas the least acute was found in BM2. The most obtuse LCTA was in BM2, while the least was in BM3.

Management of class III malocclusion in adult patient using buccal shelf bone screw: A case report

A skeletal Class III malocclusion can be treated with orthopaedic camouflage either with Face mask or Chin cup therapy or extraction of premolar, and orthognathic surgical method depending on the complexity of skeletal and dental manifestation that Class III malocclusion had. Skeletal Class III malocclusion can be treated with Accurate treatment planning since malocclusion having lot off aesthetic as well as functional problem depending on the severity of the discrepancy.Here we presenting a case reports of Angle's Class III malocclusion which has been treated effectively with distalisation of lower arch Using 2 buccal shelf screws (2x12mm) with elastic chains following lower third molars extraction. In addition, improvement was observed in the soft tissue profile of the case. After 16 months of treatment, the case achieved an aesthetic and functional occlusion. A non-surgical approach of a 23-year-old male with skeletal and dental Class III malocclusion, concave profile, anterior crossbite, and a negative overjet of 5 mm while retaining the patient's profile was achieved. At the conclusion of the procedure, positive improvement with functional and aesthetic result were attained.

Retention of Mandibular Complete Overdentures using Mini Dental Implants (Ø < 3 mm) and Standard Diameter Implants (Ø > 3mm): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which assessed the efficacy of mini dental implants (MDIs) and standard-diameter implants (SDIs) in retaining mandibular overdentures (MO). The focused question was "Is there a difference in the mechanical stability between MDIs and SDIs in retaining MO?" Indexed databases were searched up to and including November 2023 using different keywords. Boolean operators were used during the search. The literature was searched in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The PICO characteristics were: patients (P) = individuals with complete mandibular dentures requiring dental implants; Intervention (I) = placement of MDIs under mandibular dentures; Control (C) = placement of SDIs under mandibular dentures; Outcome (O) = comparison of stability between MDIs and SDIs in supporting mandibular dentures. Only RCTs were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool. Five RCTs were included. The numbers of participants ranged between 45 and 120 edentulous individuals wearing complete mandibular dentures. The mean age of patients ranged between 59.5 ± 8.5 and 68.3 ± 8.5 years. The number of MDIs and SDIs ranged between 22 and 152 and 10 and 80 implants, respectively. The follow-up duration ranged between one week and 12 months. Three RCTs reported an improvement in the quality of life (QoL) of all patients after stabilisation of mandibular dentures using MDIs or SDIs. In one RCT, peri-implant soft tissue profiles were comparable between MDIs and SDIs at the 1-year follow-up. The implant survival rate was reported in two RCTs, which were from 89% to 98% and 99% to 100% for MDIs and SDIs, respectively. All RCTs had a low RoB. Mini dental implants represent a viable alternative to traditional standard-diameter implants when seeking optimal retention for mandibular overdentures.