Evaluation of Orthodontic Retention Protocol among Orthodontist and General Dentist-A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Aim: The current study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the retention protocol followed by orthodontists in India. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was carried out to evaluate the retention protocol. To determine the sample size, a pilot study was carried out, and the final sample arrived was 250 subjects. The current study's inclusion criteria took into account those who had finished their BDS&MDS (Orthodontist). Results: The data were statistically examined when the surveys were received and completed. The choice for fixed retainers was 67.4%. Retainer wear time preferences ranged widely, with 60% preferring 12-18 hours. The initial post-retention check appointment was planned by the majority of orthodontists (47.6%) within the next three months. Recall appointments for retention checks were only planned by the majority of orthodontists (56.3%) once every three months. Regular involvement by patients at their retention check appointments was (38%). Conclusion: The most commonly used and preferred type of retainer is fixed retainer, and dentist preferences range around 12-18 hours of wear time. Furthermore, the duration of the retainer wear preferred by most orthodontists/dentists is 10 months to 2 years.

Dentists' Perception of Mysmartalign Clear Aligner Treatment.

Aim and Objective: To assess the dentist perception of efficiency, treatment outcome, and stability of the tooth movement treated with mysmartalign clear aligner therapy (MSA CAT). Materials and Method: A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was carried out to evaluate the dentist perception of MYSMARTALIGN (MSA). To determine the sample size, a pilot study has been carried out and the final sample arrived was 4990 subjects. The current study's inclusion criteria took into account those who had finished their BDS and MDS as well as dentists and orthodontists who had been using the MSA CAT system on their patients for the previous 7 years. Results: The result of the study showed that most research participants (3650) used MSA to treat mild to moderate malocclusion, and 3996 participants said that initial digital treatment plans have been authorised with no revisions. In view of efficiency, 3894 doctors were satisfied with the final outcome. Conclusions: Finally concluded that recent survey showed that dentists were very satisfied with the effectiveness and treatment results of the MSA clear aligner procedure.

Impact of oral appliance therapy on quality of life (QoL) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using mandibular advancement appliances enhances the airway and may be an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in individuals with reduced adherence to CPAP therapy. The effectiveness as well as improved patient compliance associated with these appliances may improve the quality of life in patients with OSA. The aim of this systematic review of studies was to determine the improvement in quality of life amongst patients with OSA who were treated with an oral appliance. METHODS: The research study was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42021193386). A search was carried out using the search engines Google Scholar, PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Trial Registry, and LILACS. Patients with OSA treated with oral appliance therapy to advance the mandible were studied. Twenty-five studies were identified through the literature search and all had varying control groups for assessment of quality of life. Seventeen studies were included for the quantitative synthesis. RESULTS: QoL, evaluated by the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), significantly improved in patients treated with oral appliance therapy. There was a mean difference of 1.8 points between the baseline scores and the scores following treatment with an oral appliance. CONCLUSION: Overall, a significant improvement in the QoL was observed with the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, following oral appliance therapy.

Enamel color changes following orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effect of various orthodontic bonding systems and clean up procedures on quantitative enamel colour change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was done to identify the studies that assessed the quantitative enamel colour change associated with the various bonding systems and cleanup procedures. Electronic database (Pub Med, Cochrane and Google Scholar) were searched. First stage screening was performed and the abstracts were selected according to the initial selection criteria. Full text articles were retrieved and analyzed during second stage screening. The bibliographies were reviewed to identify additional relevant studies. RESULTS: Sixteen full text articles were retrieved. Six were rejected because the methodology was different. There was significant enamel colour change following orthodontic bonding, debonding and clean up procedures. CONCLUSION: Self-etching primers produce less enamel colour change compared to conventional etching. Resin Modified GIC produces least colour change compared to other light cure and chemical cure systems. Polishing following the clean-up procedure reduces the colour change of the enamel.