Automated artificial intelligence-based three-dimensional comparison of orthodontic treatment outcomes with and without piezocision surgery.

OBJECTIVE(S): This study aims to evaluate the influence of the piezocision surgery in the orthodontic biomechanics, as well as in the magnitude and direction of tooth movement in the mandibular arch using novel artificial intelligence (AI)-automated tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients, who had piezocision performed in the lower arch at the beginning of treatment with the goal of accelerating tooth movement, were compared to 19 patients who did not receive piezocision. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scans (IOS) were acquired before and after orthodontic treatment. AI-automated dental tools were used to segment and locate landmarks in dental crowns from IOS and root canals from CBCT scans to quantify 3D tooth movement. Differences in mesial-distal, buccolingual, intrusion and extrusion linear movements, as well as tooth long axis angulation and rotation were compared. RESULTS: The treatment time for the control and experimental groups were 13.2 ± 5.06 and 13 ± 5.52 months respectively (P = .176). Overall, anterior and posterior tooth movement presented similar 3D linear and angular changes in the groups. The piezocision group demonstrated greater (P = .01) mesial long axis angulation of lower right first premolar (4.4 ± 6°) compared with control group (0.02 ± 4.9°), while the mesial rotation was significantly smaller (P = .008) in the experimental group (0.5 ± 7.8°) than in the control (8.5 ± 9.8°) considering the same tooth. CONCLUSION: The open source-automated dental tools facilitated the clinicians' assessment of piezocision treatment outcomes. The piezocision surgery prior to the orthodontic treatment did not decrease the treatment time and did not influence in the orthodontic biomechanics, leading to similar tooth movements compared to conventional treatment.

Efficacy of clear aligner wear protocols in orthodontic tooth movement-a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Different expedited aligner wear protocols are currently in practice. This review was undertaken to systematically appraise the available evidence on the comparative efficacy of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) across the different wear protocols. SEARCH METHODS: Two assessors conducted comprehensive searches of electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, and Clinical Trial Registry, till 18 February 2024. Titles and abstracts were independently screened. SELECTION CRITERIA: Prospective or retrospective studies comparing expedited wear protocols with the conventional 14-day protocol were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A pre-piloted data extraction form was used. Risk of bias (RoB) assessment employed the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for non-RCTs. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Pro tool. RESULTS: Six studies, including 3 RCTs and 3 non-RCTs, were selected from 9076 records. Four studies (two RCTs and two retrospective cohort) found no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the OTM efficacy between expedited and conventional protocols. Two studies (one RCT and one prospective cohort) found greater efficacy (P < 0.05) with the 14-day protocol, with the RCT reporting greater efficacy for certain movements, such as maxillary posterior intrusion, maxillary posterior distal tipping and buccal torquing, and mandibular posterior intrusion and extrusion. One RCT reported statistically insignificant difference (P > 0.05) in pain perception between the 10-day and 14-day protocols. Two studies demonstrated low RoB, two moderate, and two high RoB. The evidence level was very-low for OTM efficacy and high for pain perception. Meta-analysis was precluded due to significant heterogeneity among the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, the 7-day, 10-day, and 14-day protocols did not show any significant difference in OTM efficacy, except for certain movements that exhibited superior outcomes with the 14-day wear. Hence, a 'hybrid aligner-wear protocol', based on clinical judgement, might serve a better alternative in complex situations. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021288179.

Comparative evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of clear aligners - a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical effectiveness of clear aligners depends on the material properties both physical and mechanical. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of different clear aligner materials and changes in the same during and after intra-oral use. METHODS: Search was done in five electronic databases: Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Ovid individually by two reviewers. In vivo, Ex vivo and In vitro studies that evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of clear aligner materials were selected. The risk of bias assessment was performed using a modified Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: From the 24 articles selected, 19 evaluated a single physical property and 23 articles evaluated a single mechanical property of clear aligner materials. All domains in the risk of bias assessment showed low risk of bias except for 'blinding of outcome' which was unclear in almost all the selected studies. Properties such as hardness, optical properties, stiffness, and yield strength were found to be different for different clear aligner materials and were found to change with thermoforming, with intra-oral aging, and in simulated intraoral conditions. Due to heterogenicity in the parameters used to assess physical or mechanical properties a meta-analysis could not be done. CONCLUSIONS: Properties like hardness, color, stiffness, stress relaxation and creep behavior were different for various clear aligner materials and were found to deteriorate with thermoforming and intra-oral aging. Polyurethane-based materials have a higher level of hardness and stiffness but exhibit increased creep and stress relaxation properties. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021269597.

Factors affecting the efficacy of Invisalign in anterior tooth rotation.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical efficacy of SmartTrack aligner in rotational movement of the anterior tooth by 15°-30°, and to analyze the factors influencing anterior tooth rotational movement. METHODS: A total of 212 teeth, including 4 tooth types (maxillary central incisor, maxillary lateral incisor, mandibular central incisor, and mandibular canine) that require anterior tooth rotational movement by 15°-30° were selected from 123 patients, with a mean age of 25.6 years. Rotational movements were calculated from the superimposition of the initial and predicted models (predicted rotational movement) and from the superimposition of the initial and achieved models (achieved rotational movement) using the best-fit alignment tool in NX Imageware. The difference between the predicted and achieved rotational movements (DPARM) was calculated. Univariate analysis, categorical regression analysis, and subgroup analysis were performed on 7 variables: age, gender, tooth type, predicted rotational movement, attachment type, interproximal reduction (IPR), and the total number of active aligners. RESULTS: The mean DPARM when the anterior tooth was rotated 15°-30° was 4.46° (range, -3.52° to 25.28°). Regression analysis showed that the patient's age, IPR, tooth type, and predicted rotational movement affected DPARM (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Factors influencing the DPARM of the anterior tooth include the patient's age, tooth type, the magnitude of the predicted rotational movement, and whether or not IPR was prescribed.

Assessment of clear aligner accuracy of 2 clear aligners systems.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared treatment efficacy for specific tooth movements between 2 clear aligner systems (Clarity [3M Oral Care Solutions, St Paul, Minn] and Invisalign [Align Technology, San Jose, Calif]). METHODS: The study sample included 47 patients (7 males, 40 females; mean age, 36.57 ± 15.97 years) treated with Invisalign and 37 (4 males, 33 females; mean age, 34.30 ± 16.35 years) treated with Clarity aligners who completed their first set of aligners and had an initial refinement scan. Initial and predicted models were obtained from the initial simulated treatment plan. The first model of the refinement scan was labeled as achieved. SlicerCMF software (version 3.1; http://www.slicer.org) was used to superimpose the achieved and predicted digital models over the initial ones with regional superimposition on the relatively stable first molars. Nine hundred forty teeth in the Invisalign system were measured for horizontal, vertical, and angular movements and transverse width and compared with similar measurements of 740 teeth for the Clarity aligners. The deviation from the predicted was calculated and compared between both systems. RESULTS: The deviation achieved from the predicted was significant between the groups for the mandibular interpremolar and intercanine widths (P <0.05). Clarity aligners significantly undercorrected rotations compared with Invisalign for the mandibular first premolars, mandibular canines, maxillary canines, and maxillary central incisors. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the achieved vs predicted movements in the horizontal and vertical planes (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of clear aligner therapy systems (Clarity and Invisalign) in treating mild and moderate malocclusions was comparable. Deviation of the achieved movements from the predicted was greatest for rotational and vertical movements.

Orthodontic treatment of traumatically avulsed maxillary central incisors with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion in an adult female: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians agree that obtaining and retaining good treatment results for missing maxillary central incisors owing to trauma is not easy. Management of adult patients with permanent maxillary central incisor loss who visit the clinic with high expectations for aesthetics and function pose a significant diagnostic dilemma. Therefore, esthetic and functional outcomes should be taken into consideration when deciding the proper treatment method. The treatment described in this study aimed to reestablish smile esthetics by proposing an effective multidisciplinary clinical approach that includes orthodontic-prosthetic-periodontal procedures, optimally reduced lip protrusion, center dental midlines, and establishment of stable occlusion. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 19-year-old adult female with bimaxillary arch protrusion who had been wearing removable dentures for several years since the loss of her maxillary central permanent incisors. A multidisciplinary treatment including the extraction of two mandibular primary premolars was adopted. The treatment plan consisted of orthodontic space closure by shifting the adjacent teeth towards the central incisor spaces combined with appropriate morphologic remodeling and gingival reshaping to obtain good aesthetic and functional results. The duration to complete the orthodontic treatment was 35 months. Clinical and radiographic results after treatment suggested smile harmony with an improvement in the facial profile, good function of the occlusion, and a positive effect on bone remodeling in the area of the missing incisors during orthodontic tooth movement. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical case illustrated the necessity for using multidisciplinary methods involving orthodontic, prosthodontic, and periodontic procedures to treat an adult female patient with bimaxillary arch protrusion and long-term absence of anterior teeth due to severe trauma.

Harnessing the Power of PAOO and Invisalign: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Orthodontic Care.

The present article explores the benefits of combining periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) with Invisalign for optimal orthodontic treatment outcomes. PAOO is an interdisciplinary dental technique that minimizes complications and accelerates tooth movement while enhancing various orthodontic treatments. In conjunction with Invisalign, PAOO provides a discreet and comfortable solution for patients seeking to improve their smile. The study presents two challenging cases successfully treated using this combined approach, emphasizing the technique's potential to reduce treatment times and improve orthodontic outcomes. The interdisciplinary approach of PAOO ensures long-term success and stability by preserving periodontal structures and addressing potential bony defects. By incorporating bone grafting materials, PAOO helps prevent common concerns in traditional orthodontic treatments, such as bony defects and gingival recession. Furthermore, the combination with Invisalign offers a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable treatment experience, allowing patients to maintain their self-esteem and confidence throughout the treatment. Despite the potential advantages, dental professionals must manage patient expectations and address potential complications to ensure the best possible results. Overall, the integration of PAOO and Invisalign demonstrates a viable alternative for patients who do not want to proceed with orthognathic surgery, enhancing patient satisfaction and overall treatment outcomes.

Orthodontic Aligners: Current Perspectives for the Modern Orthodontic Office.

Orthodontic aligners are changing the practice of orthodontics. This system of orthodontic appliances is becoming the mainstay appliance of choice for orthodontic offices in many countries. Patient preferences and lifestyle needs have made this appliance the primary choice when seeking care. In the early days, appliances lacked the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional bracket-wire systems, but modern systems are now able to handle a more comprehensive orthodontic caseload. Current systems provide newer biomechanical strategies and artificial intelligence-driven tooth movements for better outcomes. These improvements now mean that an orthodontist can be better prepared to manage a larger number of orthodontic malocclusions. This paper aims to discuss some of the evolution of orthodontic aligners and to describe to orthodontists the fundamentals of aligner therapy. In addition, it will provide an evidence-based outcome to the existing treatment outcomes in the current literature.

Physical properties of root cementum: Part 28. Effects of high and low water fluoridation on orthodontic root resorption: A microcomputed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: Transient inflammatory surface resorption, referred to as orthodontic induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR), is an iatrogenic consequence of orthodontic tooth movement. Systemic fluoride has been associated with a reduction of OIIRR. This study aimed to investigate the effects of water fluoridation levels on OIIRR in a clinically applicable human orthodontic model. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who required bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction as part of orthodontic treatment were selected from 2 cities with high and low water fluoridation of ≥2 ppm and ≤0.05 ppm, respectively. Patients were separated into high fluoride (HF) and low fluoride (LF) groups on the basis of water fluoridation levels. Bilateral maxillary first premolar teeth were subjected to 150 g of buccal tipping forces for 12 weeks with reactivation every 4 weeks. Teeth were extracted at the end of 12 weeks. Root resorption crater volume was determined using microcomputed tomography and 3-dimensional reconstruction. RESULTS: HF group showed significantly less mean root resorption volume on the palatal root surface when compared with the LF group (P = 0.025). This difference was specifically displayed at palatal apical regions (P = 0.041). When root resorption volumes from the zones of orthodontic pressure (buccal cervical, palatal apical) were combined, the mean difference between HF and LF groups was statistically significant (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study indicated a positive correlation between water fluoridation and the reduction of OIIRR, especially at the zones of orthodontic pressure, using a clinically relevant human orthodontic model.

Does medication administration affect the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption development in humans? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the potential impact of different medications on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and the associated root resorption has been systematically reviewed in animal studies and various effects have been shown. However, animal data cannot be extrapolated to human clinical situations directly. OBJECTIVES: To systematically investigate the most up to date available evidence from controlled human studies regarding the effect of medication administration on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and associated root resorption development. SEARCH METHODS: We searched eight databases (covering also grey literature) without restrictions and we performed hand searching up until October 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA: Controlled studies in humans assessing the effect of various medications on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption development. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study selection was followed by data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized studies. RESULTS: Eight studies, at various risk of bias, were finally identified. With regard to the rate of orthodontic tooth movement, local injections of prostaglandin E1 were found to exert an increasing effect, whereas systemic intake of nabumetone decreased it. Following tenoxicam administration, drinking water with fluoride or local injections of calcitriol (vitamin D metabolite), no significant effects were demonstrated. Concerning root resorption development, nabumetone administration was shown to reduce it, whereas fluoride, overall, was not observed to exert any effect. Only in individuals subjected to heavy orthodontic forces, did fluoride show a protective effect for the period of force application, but not in the longer term during retention. CONCLUSIONS: The aforementioned substances may show varying effects on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption development in human subjects. Despite the observed limitations, the orthodontist should be able to identify patients taking pharmaceuticals and consider any implications related to orthodontic treatment. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42017078208).

Membrane fixation for osseous graft stabilization in periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) is a treatment for bone defects associated with a lack of bone graft stability, especially in coronal locations. This study aimed to compare a modified technique of membrane fixation that utilizes periosteal sutures (using a pouch design) with the traditional approach, which does not use membrane fixation. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with a total of 168 teeth treated were divided into two groups: 1-A, in which patients were treated using the modified technique (with membrane fixation), and group 2-B, in which patients were treated using the traditional technique (without membrane fixation). The postoperative bone thickness was evaluated via radiographic examination. RESULTS: Postoperative improvements in bone augmentation were detected in both groups. At 12 months, the values of the CHBT (measured from the midpoint of the coronal third to the labial cortical surface, 0.84 ± 0.33 mm) and the values of VBL (measured from the alveolar crest to the cemento-enamel junction, - 2.35 ± 0.80 mm)were significantly greater in the modified technique group than those in the traditional technique group (CHBT:0.12 ± 0.21 mm and VBL:-1.39 ± 0.99 mm; P = 0.00 and P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that compared to the traditional technique, the modified PAOO technique with membrane fixation using periosteal sutures provides improved graft stabilization, superior coronal augmentation and satisfactory vertical volume.

Can forces be applied directly to the root for correction of a palatally displaced central incisor with a dilacerated root?

This case report describes the interdisciplinary treatment of an ectopic horizontally placed maxillary right central incisor with severe root dilaceration. The root was distally angulated and entrapped by the root of the maxillary right lateral incisor. The initial force system was aimed at an occlusal displacement and applied to the crown. During the second phase, a button was cemented onto the apex of the impacted tooth. A force from the apex to a temporary anchorage device in the palate moved the root toward the midline. Finally, a root canal and an apectomy were performed and the central incisor could be moved to its ideal position. The treatment generated a normal height of the alveolar bone and an ideal occlusion with a healthy periodontium.

A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies.

BACKGROUND: Align technology has developed greatly over past few years. Patients tended to prefer clear aligners over conventional brackets because of the superior comfort and esthetics, while the effectiveness of clear aligners was still controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to verify whether the treatment effectiveness of clear aligners was similar to the conventional fixed appliances. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials Register databases for studies published through to August 20, 2018 was conducted. Comparative clinical studies assessing the effectiveness of clear aligners compared with braces were included. RESULTS: Eight papers were included in this study. Two of the included papers were randomized controlled trials and six were cohort studies. Clear aligners might not be as effective as braces in producing adequate occlusal contacts, controlling teeth torque, increasing transverse width and retention. While no statistically significant difference was found between two groups in Objective Grading System score (WMD = 8.38, 95% CI [- 0.17, 16.93]; P = 0.05). On the other hand, patients treated with clear aligners had a statistically significant shorter treatment duration than with braces (WMD = - 6.31, 95% CI [- 8.37, - 4.24]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both clear aligners and braces were effective in treating malocclusion. Clear aligners had advantage in segmented movement of teeth and shortened treatment duration, but were not as effective as braces in producing adequate occlusal contacts, controlling teeth torque, and retention.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation on the Effect of Maxillary Dentition Distalization With Miniscrews Implanted in the Infrazygomatic Crest.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the maxillary dentition distalization with miniscrews implanted in the infrazygomatic (IZ) crest with 3D reconstruction module from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Twenty patients who previously underwent dentition distalization treatment with miniscrews were recruited. A total of 40 images were obtained using CBCT, taken immediately before placement of the miniscrew anchorage and at the end of distalization. The 3D-line measurements were recorded to monitor dental changes. RESULTS: There was significant movement of maxillary dentition before and after treatment with miniscrews. The miniscrews induced maxillary dentition distalization and corrected Class II relationship in 8 months on average. The incisors were retracted 4.3 mm and extruded 3.8 mm at the crown on average. The crown of canines showed 3.7 mm of distalization and the width increased by 3.1 mm averagely. The mesial buccal cusp of first molars' crowns showed 3.5-mm distalization and 2.1-mm intrusion, and the width increased by 5.0 mm averagely. The distal buccal cusp of first molars' crowns showed 2.8-mm distalization and 3.7-mm intrusion, and the width increased by 6.2 mm averagely. CONCLUSIONS: The anchorage of miniscrews implanted in the IZ crest is an efficient device for maxillary dentition distalization.

The effect of biologic factors and adjunctive therapies on orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Biologic factors and adjunctive therapies are known to affect the degree of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR). However, a systematic overall assessment of their impact on OIIRR has not previously been reported. We, therefore, aimed to systematically assess effects on OIIRR of biologic factors and adjunctive therapies in human and animal subjects. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was performed for all major electronic databases. Two reviewers independently selected studies, undertook data extraction and assessed the risk of bias for all included studies according to a pre-specified protocol inspired by Cochrane and the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies compared the effect of intervention(s) in an experimental and a control group. Results: A total of 9 human and 36 animal trials met the inclusion criteria. Where appropriate, random-effect meta-analyses were carried out to determine the outcome measure OIIRR. The random-effect meta-analysis demonstrated that OIIRR was inhibited by fluoride (ES = -2.08 [-3.02, -1.14]), thyroxine (ES = -1.91 [-3.20, -0.61]), and steroids (ES = -2.79 [-4.26, -1.33]). In contrast, corticotomy (ES = 0.38 [0.05, 0.71]) significantly enhanced OIIRR. Conclusion: In animals, administration of fluoride, thyroxine and steroids decreased OIIRR, whereas corticotomy increased OIIRR. In general, the effect on OIIRR increased with higher dosage and/or exposure time. Despite methodological limitations of the included studies, this systematic review provides an important overview of the effect of biologic factors and adjunctive therapies on OIIRR.

Assessment of the effect of the corticotomy-assisted orthodontic treatment on the maxillary periodontal tissue in patients with malocclusions with transverse maxillary deficiency: a case series.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of corticotomy-assisted orthodontic treatment on soft tissue clinical parameters in patients with malocclusions with transverse maxillary deficiency. METHODS: The study included 20 generally healthy adult individuals with malocclusion, who underwent a corticotomy-assisted orthodontic treatment in maxilla. During the corticotomy performed after full-thickness flap elevation, only the buccal cortical plate was cut with the use of OTS-7, OTS7-4, OTS7-3 ultrasound tips of the piezosurgery device (Mectron s. p. a., Italy). A clinical examination was performed prior to the corticotomy procedure, then repeated - 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the procedure. The following parameters were assessed: FMPI (full mouth plaque index), FMBOP (full mouth bleading on probing), PD (probing depth), CAL (clinical attachment level), GR (gingival recession height), RW (recession width), PH (papilla height), PW (papilla width), BS (bone sounding), biotype and KT. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in PD (mean difference: 0.06; 95% Cl: - 0.33, - 0.18), CAL (mean difference: 0.07; 95% Cl: - 0.33, - 0.19), PH (mean difference: 0.26; 95% Cl: - 0.47, 0.05) and BS (mean difference: 0.13; 95% Cl: - 0.41, - 0.14) after the treatment. Statistically significant changes were also noted in relation to KT (mean difference: 0.17; 95% Cl: - 0.07, 0.27) and biotype (mean difference: 0.07; 95% Cl: 0.26, 0.39), which thickness increased significantly after the treatment. No statistically significant differences were observed in GR, RW and PW. CONCLUSIONS: The corticotomy-assisted orthodontic treatment did not jeopardize the periodontal clinical status in maxilla. There is a need for further studies on a larger number of patient to compare the clinical findings with a control group as well as in patients with conventional orthodontic treatment in a longer follow-up time to find out more about the post-treatment periodontal tissue changes and stability.

Efficiency, effectiveness and treatment stability of clear aligners: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the orthodontic literature with regard to efficiency, effectiveness and stability of treatment outcome with clear aligners compared with treatment with conventional brackets. METHODS: An electronic search without time or language restrictions was undertaken in October 2014 in the following electronic databases: Google Scholar, the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, Scopus, CENTRAL, MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE via OVID and Web of Science. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles. Quality assessment of the included articles was performed. Two authors were responsible for study selection, validity assessment and data extraction. RESULTS: Four controlled clinical trials including a total of 252 participants satisfied the inclusion criteria. We grouped the trials into four main comparisons. One randomized controlled trial was classified as level 1B evidence, and three cohort studies were classified as level 2B evidence. Clear aligners appear to have a significant advantage with regard to chair time and treatment duration in mild-to-moderate cases based on several cross-sectional studies. No other differences in stability and occlusal characteristics after treatment were found between the two systems. CONCLUSIONS: Despite claims about the effectiveness of clear aligners, evidence is generally lacking. Shortened treatment duration and chair time in mild-to-moderate cases appear to be the only significant effectiveness of clear aligners over conventional systems that are supported by the current evidence.

Miniplate With a Bendable C-Tube Head Allows the Clinician to Alter Biomechanical Advantage in Extremely Complicated Anatomic Structure.

BACKGROUNDS: This article reports C-tube miniplates as a practical temporary anchorage device choice to treat open bite patients with maxillary sinus pneumatization. METHODS: The C-tube components are titanium anchor plates and monocortical screws that are basically similar to any other miniplate systems, but it has the unique characteristic of the tube head to be malleable. The manipulation of the head part is easy due to the composition of pure titanium. The I-shaped C-tube with 3 holes and T-shaped C-tube miniplates were placed above the apices of maxillary molars as an absolute anchorage system to intrude the posterior maxilla. The bending of the tube heads assisted in reduction of severe open bite patient with maxillary sinus pneumatization. RESULTS: Sinus perforation during placement of skeletal anchorage system weakens stability of the anchorage and further cause complications. Placement of titanium C-tube miniplates allowed reliable skeletal anchorage and avoided maxillary sinus perforation in patients with extreme pneumatizations. Simple bending of C-tube miniplates ensured increased orthodontic intrusion force without having to replace them, and eliminated consequences such as perforation of maxillary sinus, sinusitis, soft tissue irritation, or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic difficulties in the placement of temporary anchorage device can be easily managed by using the bendable C-tube miniplate. It can serve as a great alternative over miniscrews or regular miniplates with reduced risk of sinus perforation and ability to bend the head portion to control orthodontic vectors and forces.

Effectiveness of adjunctive interventions for accelerating orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review of systematic reviews.

This study was aimed to summarise published systematic reviews (SRs) that assess the effects of adjunctive interventions on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Electronic and manual searches were performed up to August 2016. Systematic reviews investigating the impact of adjunctive techniques on the promotion of OTM were included. The methodological quality of the included reviews was evaluated using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) scale. The quality of evidence for each intervention was assessed using GRADE. The Jadad decision algorithm was used to select a study to provide body evidence from discordant reviews on the same intervention. A total of 11 SRs were included in this study. AMSTAR scores ranged from 4 to 10 of 11. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to low. The short-term (1-3 months) effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT, 5 and 8 J cm-2 ) and corticotomy were supported by low-quality evidence. The evidence regarding the efficacy of photobiomodulation, pulsed electromagnetic field, interseptal bone reduction, two vibrational devices (Tooth Masseuse and Orthoaccel) and electrical current was of very low quality. Relaxin injections and extracorporeal shock waves were reported to have no impact on OTM according to low- and very low-quality evidence, respectively. Based on currently available information, we conclude that low-quality evidence indicates that LLLT (5 and 8 J cm-2 ) and corticotomy are effective to promote OTM in the short term. Future high-quality trials are required to determine the optimal protocols, as well as the long-term effects of LLLT and corticotomy, before warranting recommendations for orthodontics clinics.

Insufficient Evidence Supports the Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy to Accelerate Tooth Movement, Prevent Orthodontic Relapse, and Modulate Acute Pain During Orthodontic Treatment.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in accelerating tooth movement, preventing relapse and managing acute pain during orthodontic treatment in humans: A systematic review. Sonesson M, De Geer E, Subraian J, Petrén S. BMC Oral Health 2017;17:11. SOURCE OF FUNDING: No funding was obtained for this study TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.