Treatment acceptance in adult patients with anterior open bite: A National Dental Practice-Based Research Network study.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontists have many techniques to treat anterior open bites and must involve patients in making treatment decisions. This study aimed to investigate orthodontic treatment plan acceptance by United States adults with anterior open bites and to identify associations between treatment acceptance and patient demographics and dentofacial characteristics. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study enrolled the patients of 91 orthodontic providers. A total of 345 adults were included in the sample. Provider personal and practice demographics were captured. Patient demographics, treatment goals, dentofacial characteristics, and reasons for not accepting the recommended plans were recorded. Adjusted regression models were used to identify associations between patient characteristics and the likelihood of accepting the most highly recommended plan. RESULTS: Approximately 78% of patients accepted the most highly recommended treatment plan. 60% of the patients who were recommended surgical plans accepted them. Patients with a history of orthodontics and a concave profile were more likely to accept the most highly recommended plan. Insurance coverage for orthognathic surgery was associated with a higher acceptance rate for surgery. Severe crowding was associated with a lower acceptance of surgery. The most common reasons for declining the recommended plan were not wanting jaw surgery and considering the treatment to be too invasive, risky, and/or costly. CONCLUSIONS: Patient acceptance is less common at higher levels of invasiveness of treatment. Prior orthodontic treatment, concave profile, and insurance coverage for surgery were associated with accepting treatment. Most patients accepted a surgical plan when it was the most recommended option.

In vivo measurement of strain in the periodontal space of pig (Sus scrofa) incisors using in-fiber Bragg sensors.

The incisor teeth in pigs, Sus scrofa, function in association with a disc-shaped snout to explore the environment for potential food. Understanding how mechanical loading applied to the tooth deforms the periodontal ligament (PDL) is important to determining the role of periodontal mechanoreceptors during food exploration and feeding. The objective of this study was to use fiber Bragg (FBG) sensors to measure strain in vivo within the PDL space of pig incisors. The central mandibular incisors of pigs underwent spring loaded lingual tipping during FBG strain recording within the labial periodontal space. FBG sensors were placed within the periodontal space of the central mandibular incisors of ~2-3-month-old farm pigs. The magnitude and orientation of spring loads are expected to mimic incisor contact with food. During incisor tipping with load calibrated springs, FBG strains in vitro (N = 6) and in vivo (N = 6) recorded at comparable load levels overlapped in range (-10-20 µÎµ). Linear regressions between peak FBG strains, that is, the highest recorded strain value, and baseline strains, that is, strain without applied spring load, were significant across all in vivo experiments (peak strain at 200 g vs. baseline, p = .04; peak strain at 2000 g vs. baseline p = .03; peak strain at 2000 g vs. 200 g, p = .004). These linear relationships indicate that on a per experiment basis, the maximum measured strain at different spring loads showed predictable differences. A Friedman test of the absolute value of peak strain confirmed the significant increase in strain between baseline, 200 g, and 2000 g spring activation (p = .02). Mainly compressive strains were recorded in the labial PDL space and increases in spring load applied in vivo generated increases in FBG strain measurements. These results demonstrate the capacity for FBG sensors to be used in vivo to assess transmission of occlusal loads through the periodontium. PDL strain is associated with mechanoreceptor stimulation and is expected to affect the functional morphology of the incisors. The overall low levels of strain observed may correspond with the robust functional morphology of pig incisors and the tendency for pigs to encounter diverse foods and substrates during food exploration.

Factors Contributing to Canine Impaction in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Undergoing Alveolar Bone Grafts.

BACKGROUND: Patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) undergo alveolar bone grafting (ABG) to unite the bony segments before eruption of the maxillary permanent canine. PURPOSE: This study assessed the frequency of canine impaction after ABG in the UCLP patient population and identified associated demographic, anatomical, and operative factors. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This retrospective cohort study included 257 patients with UCLP who received ABG surgery at a single craniofacial center. PREDICTOR VARIABLES: The variables were cleft characteristics, pre-ABG procedures, operative factors, and dental anomalies identified through electronic health records, radiographs, and intraoral photographs taken before ABG and at least 2 years after ABG. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The primary outcome variable was the presence of an impacted maxillary canine, defined as malposition of a fully developed canine following ABG with full eruption of the contralateral canine. ANALYSES: The t tests, χ2 tests, and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate frequency of canine impaction and test for associations with the predictor variables. RESULTS: Of 257 patients, 56% were male with a mean age of 9.2 years at the time of ABG. The frequency of canine impaction was 27% (n = 69, 95% confidence interval 22 to 33%). Significant associations were found for: complete clefts (30 vs 12%, P = .017), hypodivergent facial patterns (low angle: 46%; high angle: 29 vs 22% normal angle, P = .042), females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.1, P = .015), early grafting with less than 1/3 developed canine root (aOR = 3.36, P = .024), pregraft extraction of primary canine (aOR = 2.3, P = .009) and greater permanent canine angulation (odds ratio = 1.1, P < .0001). No significant associations with pregraft orthodontic expansion or regrafting were detected. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: In this study, about one in four patients with UCLP had an impacted canine. Multiple factors including pregraft extraction of the primary canine and increased canine angulation were associated with impaction of the permanent canine.

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

INTRODUCTION: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Anterior openbite malocclusion in adults.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate stability and satisfaction in adult anterior open bite (AOB) patients at least 9 months post-treatment, as well as patient and practitioner factors that may be associated with stability and satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Practitioners and their adult AOB patients were recruited through the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Data on patient and practitioner characteristics, treatment recommendations and factors were previously collected. Treatment stability was determined by assessing post-treatment intraoral photographs. Patient satisfaction was determined from post-treatment questionnaires. Treatment was categorized into aligners, fixed appliances, temporary anchorage devices, and orthognathic surgery. Extractions were also investigated. Retention type was categorized into vacuum-formed, Hawley-style, or bonded retainers, and regimens were classified as full-time or part-time wear. RESULTS: Retention data collected from 112 patients had a mean post-treatment time of 1.21 years. There were no statistically significant differences in stability between treatment groups. Depending on whether a qualitative index or a millimetric measure was employed, stability ranged from 65% to 89%. Extractions and less initial lower incisor proclination were associated with higher stability in patients treated with fixed appliances only. High satisfaction was reported by patients at retention. There were no clear differences in stability or satisfaction among retention types or regimens. CONCLUSIONS: The stability of adult AOB orthodontic treatment was high, regardless of treatment or retainer modality. Satisfaction in adult AOB patients was high, regardless of retention type or regimen.

The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Adult Anterior Open Bite Study: Patient satisfaction with treatment.

INTRODUCTION: This article evaluates and reports on the satisfaction of adult patients across the United States who received orthodontic treatment for anterior open bite malocclusion. The factors that influence satisfaction are also described. METHODS: Practitioners were recruited from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. On joining the Network, practitioner demographics and information on their practices were acquired. Practitioners enrolled their adult patients in active treatment for anterior open bite. Patient demographics, patient dentofacial characteristics, and details regarding previous and current treatment were collected through questionnaires at enrollment (T1). Pretreatment lateral cephalograms and intraoral frontal photographs were submitted. Treatment performed, and details related to treatment outcome were recorded through questionnaires at the end of active treatment (T2). Posttreatment lateral cephalograms and intraoral frontal photographs were submitted. Patient satisfaction at T2 was assessed using a 5-point Likert-type scale and open-ended responses. Predictive univariate models were developed to evaluate the factors that affect patient satisfaction. Open-ended responses were reviewed for general trends. RESULTS: T2 data were received for 260 patients, and 248 of these patients completed and returned the patient satisfaction questionnaires. High levels of satisfaction were found in this sample of adult patients receiving treatment for anterior open bite malocclusion. Specifically, 96% of the sample reported being very or somewhat satisfied. Only 10 patients (4%) were not satisfied with the treatment provided or an element of the final result. Successful open bite closure, treatment modality, and certain patient characteristics may affect patient satisfaction. However, there was insufficient power to demonstrate statistical significance because of the very low number of dissatisfied patients. Open-ended responses directly associated with patient satisfaction were received from 23 patients (9%). They relayed positive, neutral, and negative feelings about the treatment received and final results. Additional responses regarding the orthodontic treatment in general, but not specifically linked to patient satisfaction, were received from 119 patients (48%). These comments depict an overwhelmingly positive experience. CONCLUSIONS: Adult patients who received orthodontic treatment for anterior open bite malocclusion were generally satisfied with the treatment provided, as well as the final esthetic and functional results.

The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Adult Anterior Open Bite Study: Treatment success.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior open bite (AOB) continues to be a challenging malocclusion for orthodontists to treat and retain long-term. There is no consensus on which treatment modality is most successful. This study reports on the overall success rate of AOB orthodontic treatment in the adult population across the United States, as well as 4 major treatment modalities and other factors that may influence treatment success. METHODS: Practitioners and their adult patients with AOB were recruited through the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Patient dentofacial and demographic characteristics, practitioner demographic and practice characteristics, and factors relating to orthodontic treatment were reported. Treatment success was determined from posttreatment (T2) lateral cephalometric films and intraoral frontal photographs. Treatment was categorized into 4 main groups: aligners, fixed appliances, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), and orthognathic surgery. Extractions were also evaluated. Bivariate and multivariable models were used to investigate the association between treatment success and treatment modality, pretreatment (T1) dentofacial characteristics, patient and practitioner demographics, and practice characteristics, adjusting for clustering of patients within practice. RESULTS: A total of 254 patients, enrolled by 84 practitioners, contributed to T2 data for this study. There were 29 patients in the aligner group, 152 in fixed appliances, 20 in TADs, and 53 in surgery. A total of 49 patients underwent extractions of teeth other than third molars. Ninety-three percent finished treatment with a positive overbite on the T2 lateral cephalogram, and 84% finished with a positive vertical overlap of all incisors. The small number of aligners and TAD patients limited the ability to compare success rates in these groups. Patients treated with orthognathic surgery had a higher rate of success compared with those treated with fixed appliances only. Treatment success was also associated with academic practice setting, T1 mandibular plane angle ≤30°, no to mild T1 crowding, and treatment duration <30 months. CONCLUSIONS: The overall success of orthodontic treatment in adult patients with AOB who participated in this study was very high. Orthognathic surgery was the only treatment modality that exhibited a statistically higher odds of successful outcomes. Some T1 dentofacial characteristics and treatment factors were associated with the successful closure of AOB.

The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Adult Anterior Open Bite Study: Treatment recommendations and their association with patient and practitioner characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: This aim of this paper is to describe and identify the practitioner and patient characteristics that are associated with treatment recommendations for adult anterior open bite patients across the United States. METHODS: Practitioners and patients were recruited within the framework of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Practitioners were asked about their demographic characteristics and their treatment recommendations for these patients. The practitioners also reported on their patients' dentofacial characteristics and provided initial cephalometric scans and intraoral photographs. Patients were asked about their demographic characteristics, previous orthodontic treatment, and goals for treatment. Four main treatment groups were evaluated: aligners, fixed appliances, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), and orthognathic surgery. Extractions were also investigated. Predictive multivariable models were created comparing various categories of treatment as well as extraction/nonextraction decisions. RESULTS: Ninety-one practitioners (mostly orthodontists) and 347 patients were recruited from October 2015 to December 2016. Increased aligner recommendations were associated with white and Asian patients, the presence of tongue habits, and female practitioners. TADs were recommended more often in academic settings. Recommendations for orthognathic surgery were associated with demographic factors, such as availability of insurance coverage and practitioner race/ethnicity, and dentofacial characteristics, such as anteroposterior discrepancies, more severe open bites, and steeper mandibular plane angles. Extraction recommendations were largely associated with severe crowding and incisor proclination. CONCLUSIONS: Both doctor and patient demographic factors, as well as dentofacial characteristics, were significantly associated with treatment recommendations for adult anterior open bite patients.

The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network adult anterior open bite study: A description of the practitioners and patients.

OBJECTIVES:: To describe the demographic and practice characteristics of the clinicians enrolled in a large, prospective cohort study examining recommendations and treatment for adult anterior open bite (AOB) and the relationship between these characteristics and practitioners' self-reported treatment preferences. The characteristics of the AOB patients recruited were also described. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: Practitioners were recruited from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Participants in the study consisted of practitioners and their adult AOB patients in active treatment. Upon enrollment, practitioners completed questionnaires enquiring about demographics, treatment preferences for adult AOB patients, and treatment recommendations for each patient. Patients completed questionnaires on demographics and factors related to treatment. RESULTS:: Ninety-one practitioners and 347 patients were recruited. Demographic characteristics of recruited orthodontists were similar to those of American Association of Orthodontists members. The great majority of practitioners reported using fixed appliances and elastics frequently for adult AOB patients. Only a third of practitioners reported using aligners frequently for adult AOB patients, and 10% to 13% frequently recommended temporary anchorage devices (TADs) or orthognathic surgery. Seventy-four percent of the patients were female, and the mean age was 31.4 years. The mean pretreatment overbite was -2.4 mm, and the mean mandibular plane angle was 38.8°. Almost 40% of patients had undergone orthodontic treatment previously. CONCLUSIONS:: This article presents the demographic data for 91 doctors and 347 adult AOB patients, as well as the practitioners' self-reported treatment preferences.

Racial disparities in orthodontic service use for Medicaid-enrolled children: An evaluation of the Washington Medicaid program.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the relationship between race and orthodontic service use for Medicaid-enrolled children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study focused on 570,364 Medicaid-enrolled children in Washington state, ages 6 to 19 years. The main predictor variable was self-reported race (white vs nonwhite). The outcome variable was orthodontic service use, defined as children who were preauthorized for orthodontic treatment by Medicaid in 2012 and subsequently received orthodontic records and initiated treatment. Logistic regression models were used to test the hypothesis that nonwhites are less likely to use orthodontic care than are whites. RESULTS: A total of 8223 children were approved by Medicaid for orthodontic treatment, and 7313 received records and began treatment. Nonwhites were significantly more likely to use orthodontic care than were whites (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.36; P = 0.031). Hispanic nonwhite children were more likely to use orthodontic care than were non-Hispanic white children (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.18, 1.70; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In 2012, nonwhite children in the Washington Medicaid program were significantly more likely to use orthodontic care than were white children. The Washington Medicaid program demonstrates a potential model for addressing racial disparities in orthodontic service use. Future research should identify mechanisms underlying these findings and continue to monitor orthodontic service use for minority children in Medicaid.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A in the masseter muscle: effects on incisor eruption in rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum neurotoxins are responsible for the paralytic food poisoning, botulism. Commercial formulations such as botulinum neurotoxin type A are increasingly used for various conditions, including cosmetic recontouring of the lower face by injection of the large masseter muscles. The paralysis of a major muscle of mastication lowers occlusal force and thus might affect tooth eruption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of unilateral masseter muscle injection of botulinum neurotoxin type A on the rate of eruption of incisors in a rabbit model. We hypothesized that the teeth would overerupt in an underloaded environment. METHODS: Forty rabbits were injected with either botulinum neurotoxin type A or saline solution in 1 masseter muscle. Mastication and muscle force production were monitored, and incisor eruption rate was assessed by caliper measurement of grooved teeth. RESULTS: The injection of saline solution had no effect. The masseter muscle injected with botulinum neurotoxin type A showed a dramatic loss of force 3 weeks after injection despite apparently normal mastication. Incisor eruption rate was significantly decreased for the botulinum neurotoxin type A group, an effect attributed to decreased attrition. CONCLUSIONS: This study has implications for orthodontics. Although findings from ever-growing rabbit incisors cannot be extrapolated to human teeth, it is clear that botulinum neurotoxin type A caused a decrease in bite force that could influence dental eruption.

Effectiveness of MI Paste Plus and PreviDent fluoride varnish for treatment of white spot lesions: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: White spot lesions are a common sequela of orthodontic therapy. In this parallel-group randomized trial, we assessed the effectiveness of 2 agents commonly used to ameliorate white spot lesions compared with a normal home-care regimen. METHODS: Patients aged 12 to 20 years were recruited from the offices of orthodontists and dentists who belonged to the Practice-based Research Collaborative in Evidence-based Dentistry network. The patients had their orthodontic appliances removed within the past 2 months and had at least 1 white spot lesion affecting their maxillary incisors. The subjects were randomized to 1 of 3 arms: (1) an 8-week regimen of MI Paste Plus (GC America, Alsip, Ill), (2) a single application of PreviDent fluoride varnish (Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY), and (3) usual home care (control). Photographs were taken at enrollment and 8 weeks later. Two panels consisting of 5 dental professionals and 5 laypersons assessed the before-and-after pairs of photographs in a blinded fashion. Objective assessments and self-assessments were also performed. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen subjects completed the study; 34 were assigned to the MI Paste Plus group, 40 to the fluoride varnish group, and 41 to the control group. The mean improvements assessed by the professional panel were 21%, 29%, and 27% in the MI Paste Plus, fluoride varnish, and control groups, respectively.The results from the lay panel were 29%, 31%, and 25%, respectively. Objective improvements in the surface affected were 16%, 25%, and 17%, respectively; self-assessments of improvement were 37% in all 3 groups. No assessments indicated significant differences between subjects in the active arms compared with the control arm. CONCLUSIONS: MI Paste Plus and PreviDent fluoride varnish do not appear to be more effective than normal home care for improving the appearance of white spot lesions over an 8-week period.

Long-term stability of anterior open-bite closure with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary impaction and bimaxillary osteotomies are used to treat anterior open-bite malocclusions but can have adverse soft-tissue effects. Correcting an anterior open bite with a single mandibular procedure avoids these undesirable soft-tissue effects, but the stability of this procedure is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term stability of anterior open-bite correction with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and rigid internal fixation. METHODS: Orthognathic surgical records of 1 oral surgeon were searched for all patients treated for anterior open bite with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and surgical closing rotation of the mandible with rigid internal fixation. Cephalometric films from initial consultation, presurgery, postsurgery, orthodontic appliance removal, and a mean of 4.5 years after orthodontic appliance removal were collected, traced, and measured. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients fit the inclusion criteria for this study and had an initial mean open bite of -2.6 mm (SD, 1.1 mm). The patients experienced an average mandibular closing rotation of 3.7° (SD, 2.4°) with surgery. By orthodontic appliance removal, the mandible rotated open 1.1°, and incisor overlap was 1.4 mm (SD, 1.0 mm). Approximately 4.5 years after orthodontic appliance removal, the mean incisor overlap was maintained at 1.0 mm (SD, 1.0 mm), yet the mandible rotated open an additional 1.1°. Only 3 patients relapsed to no incisor overlap in the long term, and only 3 patients experienced relapse greater than 1 mm in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 90% of the treated patients had a positive incisor overlap 4.5 years after orthodontic appliance removal. Despite a 60% loss of mandibular surgical closing rotation, only 10% of the patients relapsed to no incisor overlap in the long term. Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and surgical closing rotation of the mandible by using rigid internal fixation should be considered a stable alternative in the treatment of mild-to-moderate anterior open-bite malocclusions.

Bisphosphonates as a risk factor for adverse orthodontic outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis. They act by decreasing the resorption of bone. Since tooth movement depends on bone remodeling, these drugs can impact orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which bisphosphonate therapy is a risk factor for poor orthodontic outcomes. METHODS: Orthodontists were invited to participate in the study by performing case reviews of women over age 50 who were treated from 2002 through 2008. Women who used bisphosphonates were compared with women who did not have a history of bisphosphonate use. Outcomes assessed included treatment time, osteonecrosis of the jaws, incisor alignment, incomplete space closure, and root parallelism. RESULTS: The records for 20 subjects with bisphosphonate exposure were collected, as well as records for 93 subjects without bisphosphonate exposure. In patients undergoing extractions, treatment times were significantly longer if they had a history of bisphosphonate use. No occurrences of osteonecrosis of the jaws were reported, nor did patients end treatment with incisor alignment discrepancies greater than 1 mm, regardless of bisphosphonate exposure. Among patients with extractions or initial spacing, there were higher odds of incomplete space closure (odds ratio, 13) and poor root parallelism (odds ratio, 26) at the end of treatment for patients using bisphosphonates. CONCLUSIONS: Bisphosphonate use is associated with longer treatment times among extraction patients, increased odds of poor space closure, and increased odds of poor root parallelism.

Medicaid and privately financed orthodontic patients have similar occlusal and psychosocial outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares occlusal and psychosocial outcomes from comprehensive orthodontic treatment in Medicaid (MC) and privately financed (private pay, PP) patients. METHODS: Two cohorts received comprehensive orthodontics: MC (n = 66); PP (n = 60). A calibrated, blinded examiner scored dental casts at baseline (pretreatment, T1) and after completing 2 years of treatment (posttreatment, T2) using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON). The prevalence of patients in the validated ICON categories for treatment need, complexity, and improvement were calculated. Questionnaires to assess body image (BI) and expectations/experiences were administered. Occlusal measures at T2 were compared after adjustment for baseline characteristics. Psychosocial measures were compared between and within groups. Occlusal and psychosocial associations were evaluated. RESULTS: MC was 1.3 years younger (P < 0.001) and had worse malocclusions at baseline (PAR 32 versus 25; P < 0.001); (ICON 64 versus 56; P = 0.06). After adjustment for age and initial severity, estimated average differences between groups at T2 (MC-PP) were slight: 1.5 [95 percent confidence interval (CI) -2.9, 5.9] and 2.4 (95 percent CI -4.4, 8.9) for PAR and ICON, respectively. More PP completed treatment under 2 years (85 percent versus 62 percent; P = 0.03). At baseline, both groups needed treatment, but MC malocclusions were more complex (P = 0.05). At T2, both groups were acceptable and there were no differences in ICON improvement categories. Group differences in psychosocial measures and associations between psychosocial and occlusal measures were evident in the "teeth" domain but weak or lacking elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusal and psychosocial outcomes from orthodontics in MC and PP were comparable, despite worse MC malocclusions at baseline.

Stability of treatment for anterior open-bite malocclusion: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior open-bite (AOB) treatment is considered challenging because of difficulties in determining and addressing etiologic factors and the potential for relapse in the vertical dimension after treatment. In this review, we compiled evidence on the long-term stability of the major therapeutic interventions for correcting AOB. Our objective was to review and compile evidence for the stability of surgical and nonsurgical therapies for AOB malocclusion. Our data sources were PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, limited gray literature search, and hand searching. METHODS: A search was performed of the electronic health literature on the stability of AOB after treatment. Hand searching of major orthodontic journals and limited gray literature searching was also performed, and all pertinent abstracts were reviewed for inclusion. Full articles were retrieved for abstracts or titles that met the initial inclusion criteria or lacked sufficient detail for immediate exclusion. Studies accepted for analysis were reviewed and their relevant data retrieved for pooling. The long-term stability estimates were pooled into nonsurgical and surgical groups, and summary statistics were generated. RESULTS: One hundred five abstracts met the initial search criteria, and 21 articles were included in final analyses. Rejected articles failed to exhibit follow-up times of 12 months or more, did not include measurements of overbite (OB), or did not meet inclusion criteria. All included articles were divided into a surgical group (SX) with a mean age of 23.3 years and a nonsurgical group (NSX) with a mean age of 16.4 years. All studies were case series. Random-effects statistical models were used to pool the mean OB measures before and after treatment and also at the long-term follow-up. The pretreatment adjusted means of OB were -2.8 mm for the SX and -2.5 mm for the NSX. AOB closures up to +1.6 mm (SX) and +1.4 mm (NSX) were achieved. Relapse in the SX group during the mean 3.5 years of follow-up reduced the OB to +1.3 mm; the NSX group relapsed to +0.8 mm in the mean 3.2 years of follow-up. Pooled results indicated reasonable stability of both the SX (82%) and NSX (75%) treatments of AOB measured by positive OB at 12 or more months after the treatment interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In the included case series publications, success of both the SX and NSX treatments of AOB appeared to be greater than 75%. Because the SX and the NSX were examined in different studies and applied to different clinical populations, no direct assessment of comparative effectiveness was possible. The pooled results should be viewed with caution because of the lack of within-study control groups and the variability among studies.

Systematic review of self-ligating brackets.

INTRODUCTION: Self-ligating brackets have been gaining popularity over the past several decades. Various advantages for these systems have been claimed. The purposes of this systematic review were to identify and review the orthodontic literature with regard to the efficiency, effectiveness, and stability of treatment with self-ligating brackets compared with conventional brackets. METHODS: An electronic search in 4 data bases was performed from 1966 to 2009, with supplemental hand searching of the references of retrieved articles. Quality assessment of the included articles was performed. Data were extracted by using custom forms, and weighted mean differences were calculated. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including 2 randomized controlled trials with low risk of bias, 10 cohort studies with moderate risk of bias, and 4 cross-sectional studies with moderate to high risk of bias. Self-ligation appears to have a significant advantage with regard to chair time, based on several cross-sectional studies. Analyses also showed a small, but statistically significant, difference in mandibular incisor proclination (1.5 degrees less in self-ligating systems). No other differences in treatment time and occlusal characteristics after treatment were found between the 2 systems. No studies on long-term stability of treatment were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Despite claims about the advantages of self-ligating brackets, evidence is generally lacking. Shortened chair time and slightly less incisor proclination appear to be the only significant advantages of self-ligating systems over conventional systems that are supported by the current evidence.

Dental effects of interceptive orthodontic treatment in a Medicaid population: interim results from a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: There are disparities in access to orthodontic treatment for children from low-income families. Systematic programs of limited-care interceptive and preventive orthodontics have been proposed as a solution. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare dental outcomes and funding eligibility from a group of Medicaid patients randomized to receive interceptive orthodontics (IO) in the mixed dentition or observation (OBS). METHODS: One hundred seventy Medicaid-eligible children were randomized to receive IO or OBS and followed for 2 years, when complete data were available on 72 and 74 children, respectively. The 2-year changes in the peer assessment rating (PAR) were compared using the Student t test. The proportions of children no longer eligible for Medicaid funding as defined by handicapping labiolingual deviation (HLD) scores less than 25 at the 2-year follow-up were compared with the chi-square test. RESULTS: The IO patients had significantly greater decreases in the PAR scores--50%-compared with the OBS subjects, -6% (P <0.001). Negative and positive overjet and maxillary alignment were the components most affected by IO; they decreased by 11.0, 7.2, and 3.7 PAR points, respectively (P <0.001). Overbite showed little change. At the 2-year follow-up, 80% of the IO patients' malocclusions that qualified initially were no longer deemed medically necessary by the HLD index, compared with 6% in the OBS group (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IO significantly reduces the severity of malocclusions and moves most from the "medically necessary" category to elective but does not produce finished results for most patients. Overjet and alignment were most readily corrected by interceptive treatment. Deep overbites were the least susceptible to IO correction.

Effects of malocclusion and its treatment on the quality of life of adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between malocclusion and quality of life (QoL) is complex and not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine whether malocclusion and its treatment influence an adolescent's general and oral health-related QoL. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional design with a longitudinal component was used. Clinical and self-reported data were collected from 293 participants aged 11 to 14. The children were recruited from orthodontic and pediatric dental clinics at the University of Washington and a community health clinic in Seattle. The participants were classified into precomprehensive orthodontic (n = 93), postinterceptive orthodontic (n = 44), and nonorthodontic comparison (n = 156) groups. Assessments of dental esthetics and occlusion were evaluated with the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need. Three QoL questionnaires were completed: Youth Quality of Life to assess general QoL, Children's Oral Health-Related Quality of Life to assess oral health QoL, and Treatment Expectations and Experiences to evaluate participants' expectations for changes in specific aspects of their lives. Nonparametric tests were used for all analyses. RESULTS: In general, overall and oral health QoL were high in this population. The instruments were correlated so that when oral health QoL improved, so did general QoL. No differences were found in these measurements between the university and community health clinics. Nor were there differences between the 3 study groups on general QoL and oral health QoL. There was little effect of malocclusion complexity on any QoL measure. Both preorthodontic and postorthodontic participants expected improvements in their health, oral function, appearance, and social well-being after orthodontic treatment; the postinterceptive sample's posttreatment experiences were consistent with their pretreatment expectations in all domains. CONCLUSIONS: Malocclusion and orthodontic treatment do not appear to affect general or oral health QoL to a measurable degree, despite subjective and objective evidence for improved appearance, oral function, health, and social well-being.