Study protocol for the management of impacted maxillary central incisors: a multicentre randomised clinical trial: the iMAC Trial.

BACKGROUND: Failure of eruption of the maxillary permanent incisor teeth usually presents in the mixed dentition between the ages of 7 and 9 years. Missing and unerupted maxillary incisors can be regarded as unattractive and have a potentially negative impact on facial and dental aesthetics. The presence of a supernumerary tooth (or odontoma) is commonly responsible for failed eruption or impaction of the permanent maxillary incisors. The primary objective of this trial is to investigate the success of eruption associated with maxillary incisor teeth that have failed to erupt because of a supernumerary tooth in the anterior maxilla. METHODS: This protocol describes an interventional multicentre two-arm randomised clinical trial. Participants meeting the eligibility criteria will be randomised (unrestricted equal participant allocation [1:1]) to either space creation with an orthodontic appliance, removal of the supernumerary tooth and application of direct orthodontic traction or space creation with an orthodontic appliance, removal of the supernumerary tooth and monitoring. The primary outcome of this trial is to determine the prevalence of successfully erupted maxillary central permanent incisors at 6 months following removal of the supernumerary tooth. Secondary outcome measures include (1) the effect of initial tooth position (assessed radiographically) on time taken for the tooth to erupt, (2) time taken to align the unerupted tooth to the correct occlusal position, (3) gingival aesthetics and (4) changes in the self-reported Oral Health Related-Quality of Life (OHRQoL) (pre-and post-treatment). DISCUSSION: There is a lack of high-quality robust prospective studies comparing the effectiveness of interventions to manage this condition. Furthermore, the UK national clinical guidelines have highlighted a lack of definitive treatment protocols for the management of children who present with an unerupted maxillary incisor due to the presence of a supernumerary tooth. The results of this trial will inform future treatment guidelines for the management of this condition in young children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN12709966 . Registered on 16 June 2022.

A clinical observational analysis of aerosol emissions from dental procedures.

Aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) are defined as any procedure releasing airborne particles <5 µm in size from the respiratory tract. There remains uncertainty about which dental procedures constitute AGPs. We quantified the aerosol number concentration generated during a range of periodontal, oral surgery and orthodontic procedures using an aerodynamic particle sizer, which measures aerosol number concentrations and size distribution across the 0.5-20 µm diameter size range. Measurements were conducted in an environment with a sufficiently low background to detect a patient's cough, enabling confident identification of aerosol. Phantom head control experiments for each procedure were performed under the same conditions as a comparison. Where aerosol was detected during a patient procedure, we assessed whether the size distribution could be explained by the non-salivary contaminated instrument source in the respective phantom head control procedure using a two-sided unpaired t-test (comparing the mode widths (log(σ)) and peak positions (DP,C)). The aerosol size distribution provided a robust fingerprint of aerosol emission from a source. 41 patients underwent fifteen different dental procedures. For nine procedures, no aerosol was detected above background. Where aerosol was detected, the percentage of procedure time that aerosol was observed above background ranged from 12.7% for ultrasonic scaling, to 42.9% for 3-in-1 air + water syringe. For ultrasonic scaling, 3-in-1 syringe use and surgical drilling, the aerosol size distribution matched the non-salivary contaminated instrument source, with no unexplained aerosol. High and slow speed drilling produced aerosol from patient procedures with different size distributions to those measured from the phantom head controls (mode widths log(σ)) and peaks (DP,C, p< 0.002) and, therefore, may pose a greater risk of salivary contamination. This study provides evidence for sources of aerosol generation during common dental procedures, enabling more informed evaluation of risk and appropriate mitigation strategies.

Patient reported experiences and treatment outcomes of orthodontic patients treated within secondary care settings in the South West of England during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the temporary cessation of orthodontic services on patients undergoing treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Two-phase multicentre service evaluation. SETTING: Secondary care orthodontic departments in the South West of England. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phase 1 - Patient-Reported Experience Measure questionnaire (PREM). The questionnaire was distributed to patients who had undergone orthodontic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic once services had resumed. Phase 2 - assessment of treatment outcomes, specifically with the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index. A total of 280 PAR scores were obtained from a cohort of patients treated before and during the pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 711 PREM questionnaires were completed. Participants generally felt relaxed when visiting secondary care settings, orthodontic departments and whilst wearing orthodontic appliances during the pandemic. Nearly 40% of participants were concerned that the pandemic would impact on their treatment, particularly treatment length. Treatment outcomes revealed that patients treated before and during the pandemic experienced percentage PAR score reductions of 83.9% and 80.6%, respectively. Patients receiving treatment during the pandemic experienced longer treatment durations of 126 days. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, low levels of anxiety were reported with respect to receiving orthodontic treatment in secondary care settings. Irrespective of the pandemic, a high standard of orthodontic treatment was provided. However, patient concerns regarding treatment length were justified.

Duration of tooth alignment with fixed appliances: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: A key goal of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances is alignment of the dentition, and this remains a commonly selected outcome in clinical studies investigating orthodontic tooth movement. This systematic review has evaluated treatment duration to achieve alignment of the mandibular dentition using fixed appliances. METHODS: Systematic literature searches without restrictions were undertaken in 9 databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing duration and rate of tooth alignment using fixed appliances with or without treatment adjuncts published up to January 2021. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment according to Cochrane, random-effects meta-analyses of aggregate data, and individual patient data were conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-five trials were included with 2258 participants (39% male; mean age 17.8 years), giving a pooled duration to achieve whole-arch alignment of the mandibular dentition of 263.0 days (4 trials; 95% confidence interval [CI], 186.7-339.4 days) and incisor alignment in the mandibular arch of 100.7 days (9 trials; 95% CI, 84.1-117.4 days). Surgical-assisted orthodontics was associated with reduced duration of incisor alignment: mean difference of 44.3 days less (4 trials; 95% CI, 20.0-68.9 days; P <0.001; high quality of evidence), whereas subgroup and meta-regression analyses indicated significant effects of baseline crowding and premolar extractions. Individual patient data analysis from 3 RCTs indicated that for each additional participant age year, whole-arch alignment of the mandibular dentition took 13.7 days longer (3 trials; 95% CI, 7.7-17.7 days; P <0.001) and for each additional mm of irregularity, 17.5 days more were needed (2 trials; 95% CI, 9.8-25.2 days; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient and treatment-related characteristics can significantly affect the duration of tooth alignment and should be taken into account both clinically and when designing trial outcomes. Future research studies investigating rates of orthodontic tooth alignment would benefit from adequate sample sizes and a more consistent methodology in outcome assessment. Data in this systematic review provides a basis for appropriate trial design for future RCTs investigating the rate of orthodontic tooth alignment with fixed appliances.

Fabrication and mechanical properties of biomimetic nacre-like ceramic/polymer composites for chairside CAD/CAM dental restorations.

OBJECTIVE: To fabricate and characterise a novel chairside CAD/CAM composite dental materials. These composites have a nacre-like anisotropic microstructure, consisting of highly aligned ceramic scaffolds infiltrated with polymer. METHOD: Bi-directional freeze casting of alumina ceramic suspension was used to fabricate highly aligned ceramic scaffolds that were subsequently uniaxially pressed to control the ceramic volume fraction and then infiltrated with UDMA/TEGDMA polymer. The produced composites were subjected to mechanical testing, namely three-point bending, hardness and fracture toughness tests. RESULTS: Novel biomimetic ceramic/polymer composites (BCPCs) were fabricated with nacre-like brick and mortar anisotropic microstructure. The mechanical properties were dependent on the ceramic volume fraction. The 70 vol% BCPC had sufficient flexural strength (135.08-145.77 MPa), stiffness (57.75-61.22 GPa) and hardness (3.07-3.36 GPa) and showed remarkable fracture resistance with KIC value of (2.54 MPa m1/2). SIGNIFICANT: Novel biomimetic ceramic/polymer composites show great potential as the next generation of CAD/CAM dental materials, as they closely resemble the combined mechanical properties of dentine and enamel.

Microbial colonisation associated with conventional and self-ligating brackets: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Decalcification and gingivitis caused by plaque accumulation around brackets are common iatrogenic effects of fixed appliances. The influence of conventional versus self-ligating bracket design on microbial colonisation is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of microbial colonisation associated with conventional and self-ligating brackets. SEARCH SOURCES: Three databases were searched for publications from 2009 to 2021. DATA SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials comparing levels of microbial colonisation before and during treatment with conventional and self-ligating brackets were assessed independently and in duplicate. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted independently by two authors from the studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias assessments were made using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. RESULTS: A total of 11 randomised controlled trials were included in this systematic review. Six of the studies were found to be at low risk of bias and five presented with some concerns. The studies were considered moderate to high quality. Five trials reported no statistically significant difference in microbial colonisation between bracket types. The remaining studies showed mixed results, with some reporting increased colonisation of conventional brackets and others increased colonisation of self-ligating brackets. The heterogeneity of study methods and outcomes precluded meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Of the 11 studies included in this systematic review, five found no differences in colonisation between conventional and self-ligating brackets. The remaining studies showed mixed results. The evidence is inconclusive regarding the association between bracket design and levels of microbial colonisation.

The perceptions of undertaking a higher degree alongside orthodontic speciality training: a cross-sectional survey of British Orthodontic Society members.

Introduction In the UK, orthodontic speciality training takes place over three years full-time. In addition to the clinical training, there is an expectation that trainees undertake a higher degree. Currently, there is little evidence regarding the impact of undertaking a higher degree on specialist orthodontists.Aims Investigate UK orthodontists' perceptions of undertaking a higher degree alongside speciality training.Materials and methods A cross-sectional research study involving the distribution of an anonymous, descriptive, online, questionnaire-based survey between May and June 2021 via the British Orthodontic Society. Data were obtained in relation to the impact of undertaking a higher degree on the completion of speciality training, research skills, delivery of patient care and career opportunities.Results In total, 166 questionnaires were completed (approximately 13.3% response rate). Most respondents 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that undertaking a higher degree had improved their scientific (77.1%) and critical appraisal skills (80.7%), job prospects (60.2%) and career opportunities (63.9%). Most respondents felt the benefits of the higher degree outweighed the associated costs (65.1%) and was a worthwhile component of training (69.3%).Conclusions Specialist orthodontists place a high value on undertaking a higher degree. The results of this questionnaire should be of importance to stakeholders involved in the development of the orthodontic curriculum.

Orthodontic retention and the role of the general dental practitioner.

Introduction Long-term orthodontic retention using removable or fixed retainers is needed to maintain the outcome of orthodontic treatment. The aim of this article is to describe how long-term retention is managed and to report on a survey of general dental practitioners (GDPs) as to how this management currently operates in the UK.Materials and methods GDPs were invited to complete a short online survey on orthodontic retention using an open notice posted in the British Dental Journal and a direct email to the members of a local dental clinical society.Results Fifty-six GDPs completed the online survey. Overall, the findings highlighted poor levels of communication between orthodontists and GDPs with respect to the latter assuming responsibility for the management of long-term retention.Conclusion The management of long-term retention could be improved by more effective communication between the orthodontist and GDP. One solution might be a retention management pro forma. GDPs are in some instances willing to undertake more of the management of retention following further training and possible remuneration.

Are dentists considering a career in orthodontic clinical academia? A qualitative study into the factors influencing a career in orthodontics.

Introduction Dental clinical academics are essential members of the dental workforce with roles in teaching, research and scholarship. There is currently a national shortage of UK dental clinical academics, with difficulties recruiting to all grades. In addition, there is evidence of gender inequality within academia, with segregation at a horizontal and vertical level.Aim To investigate the factors that influence a career in orthodontic clinical academia and highlight ways to improve recruitment and retention.Method A qualitative research study utilising focus groups. Purposive sampling was carried out to recruit participants at different stages of an orthodontic career. A total of eight face-to-face focus groups were conducted with 26 participants. Focus groups were split by gender and career stage. An inductive thematic analysis was used to generate themes.Results Three major themes were generated: academic career options, motivations and barriers to pursuing a clinical academic career.Conclusion This paper sheds light on the current factors affecting a career in orthodontic clinical academia. Worryingly, most dentists do not strive for an academic career and the barriers to pursuing this career option are discussed. Ways of addressing the issues facing recruitment and retention of individuals to orthodontic clinical academia are suggested.

Educational Attainment of Children Born with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated association between functional outcomes in children born with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and educational attainment. DESIGN: Cleft Care UK (CCUK) was a United Kingdom (UK) wide cross-sectional study. SETTING: UK Cleft Teams (data collected from all UK sites providing centralized cleft services). PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Five-year olds born with nonsyndromic UCLP (n = 268). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): National tests for educational attainment Key Stage 1 (KS1) undertaken by children at age 7 were linked to CCUK data to describe differences in educational attainment. Associations between functional outcomes and KS1 results were evaluated using regression analysis. We adjusted for birth month, gender, and an area-based measure of socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Data were available for 205 children with UCLP. These children scored lower than national average (NA) scores across all subject areas, with a 0.62 lower score observed in the Average Point Score (APS; P = .01). There was association between being in a lower category for a cleft related outcomes and poorer KS1 results, with a trend for poorer attainment with higher numbers of poor functional outcomes. Those with 3 or more poor outcomes had a -2.26 (-3.55 to -0.97) lower APS compared to those with 0 to 1 poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Children born with UCLP have poorer educational attainment at age 7 across all subject areas though differences were modest. Children with poor functional outcomes at age 5 had worse educational outcomes age 7. Improvements in functional outcomes could enhance educational outcomes.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of operator inhaled aerosols during routine motorised equine dental treatment.

BACKGROUND: Routine equine odontoplasty is performed by both Veterinary Surgeons and Equine Dental Technicians. The production of aerosolised particulates from motorised equipment has been well documented in human orthodontics but has yet to be investigated in the veterinary industry. OBJECTIVES: To assess the size, quantity and composition of particulates produced during routine motorised odontoplasty and to model their deposition in the human respiratory tree. STUDY DESIGN: Analytic observational study. METHODS: Fifteen-minute routine motorised odontoplasties were performed on cadaver heads with monitoring equipment placed 30 cm away from the oral cavity to simulate the position of the operator's face. For quantitative analysis, an active air sampling photometric monitor was used to detect the concentration of fully respirable (<4.25 µm) particles produced. The use of water and non-water-cooled equipment and 2 different types of face mask (standard surgical and FFP3) were compared. An 8-stage Marple Personal Cascade Impactor modelled the deposition of the particulates in relation to the human respiratory tree. Qualitative analysis of these particulates was performed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. RESULTS: Motorised odontoplasty created aerosolised particulates that could reach all levels of the human respiratory tree. These particulates were composed mostly of calcium and phosphate, although traces of metals were found. The concentration of fully respirable particulates exceeded the recommended exposure limits set by the Health and Safety Executive. The use of an FFP-3 face mask significantly reduced the level of inhaled particulates. MAIN LIMITATIONS: This was a simulated experiment. It does not take into account the variety of environments in which routine treatment takes place. CONCLUSIONS: There are possible health risks in performing a large amount of routine motorised dentistry due to inhalation of aerosolised particulates. The use of an adequate face mask lowers exposure levels to within acceptable limits and, therefore, should be worn.

Chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate as a coating for elastomeric ligatures with sustained antimicrobial properties: A laboratory study.

INTRODUCTION: White spot lesions are a common side effect of orthodontic treatment. This laboratory study aimed to explore the suitability of chlorhexidine hexametaphosphate (CHX-HMP) as a coating for orthodontic elastomeric ligatures to provide sustained chlorhexidine (CHX) release. METHODS: Dissolution kinetics of CHX-HMP were firstly explored using spectroscopy and a colorimetric phosphate assay. Elastomeric ligatures were categorized into 3 groups-acetone-conditioned, ethanol-conditioned, and as received-and were then immersed in 5 mM CHX-HMP suspension or 5 mM chlorhexidine digluconate solution and rinsed. CHX release was measured over 8 weeks, and the effects of conditioning and immersion on elastomeric force and extension at rupture and surface topography were investigated. RESULTS: CHX-HMP exhibited a gradual equilibration that had not reached equilibrium within 8 weeks, releasing soluble CHX and a mixture of polyphosphate and orthophosphate. CHX digluconate-treated ligatures showed no CHX release, whereas CHX-HMP-treated ligatures showed varying degrees of release. As received, CHX-HMP-treated ligatures showed a modest release of CHX up to 7 days. Acetone conditioning did not enhance CHX-HMP uptake or subsequent CHX release and caused a deterioration in mechanical properties. Ethanol conditioning enhanced CHX-HMP uptake (6×) and led to a sustained CHX release over 8 weeks without affecting mechanical properties. CONCLUSIONS: Within the inherent limitations of this in-vitro study, CHX-HMP led to a sustained release of CHX from orthodontic elastomeric ligatures after ethanol conditioning. Conditioned and coated elastomeric ligatures may ultimately find application in the prevention of white spot lesions in orthodontic patients.

The use of attachments in aligner treatment: Analyzing the "innovation" of expanding the use of acid etching-mediated bonding of composites to enamel and its consequences.

Orthodontic treatment with sequential aligners has seen a considerable surge in the last decades, and is currently used to treat malocclusions of varying severity. To enhance tooth movement and broaden the spectrum of malocclusions that can be treated with aligners, composite resin attachments are routinely bonded with the acid-etch technique on multiple teeth, a process known to impose irreversible alterations of the enamel structure, color, gloss, and roughness. Additionally, this clinical setting introduces a unique scenario of different materials applied in a manner that involves the development of friction and attrition between the attachment and the softer aligner material, all performing in the harsh conditions of the oral environment, which impact the aging of these materials. The latter may give rise to alterations of the aligners and the composite attachments and potential intraoral release of Bisphenol A, a known endocrine disrupting agent. Furthermore, at the final stages of contemporary aligner treatment, the removal of multiple, sometimes bulky, composite attachments with a volume and surface far greater than the remnant adhesive after debonding of brackets, through grinding that might be associated with pulmonary effects for the patient or staff. Because of the extensive enamel involvement in bonding, the release of factors from the attachment-aligner complex during service, the aging of these entities in the oral environment, and the laborious debonding/composite grinding process coupled with the hazardous nature of aerosol produced during the removal of these bulky specimens, appropriate risk management considerations should be applied and an effort to confine the application of multiple composite specimens bonded to enamel to the absolutely necessary should be pursued.

Experiences of mentoring ST4-ST5s amongst a group of orthodontic trainers at Bristol Dental School and Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of mentoring higher-grade trainees amongst senior orthodontic trainers at Bristol Dental School. DESIGN: Qualitative study using interpretive methodology. SETTING: University of Bristol Dental School. PARTICIPANTS: Six consultant orthodontists, five of whom also have district general hospital experience. METHODS: One-to-one semi-structured interviews were undertaken on a purposeful sample of orthodontic trainers. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the data were. They were: How to Mentor; Mentor-Mentee Pairings; Resources and Success; and Pitfalls of Mentoring. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that senior trainers have a good understanding of the qualities of a mentor and appreciate the roles which mentors need to perform. They are altruistic in their motives, but would benefit from more time, organisational support and training to help them perform their duties better.

Is There a Correlation Between Nasolabial Appearance and Dentoalveolar Relationships in Patients With Repaired Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a relationship exists between the aesthetic scores given to photographic records of the nasolabial region of patients with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and the 5-Year Olds' Index scores of study models for the same participants. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University of Bristol Dental Hospital, United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with nonsyndromic UCLP previously enrolled in the Cleft Care UK (CCUK) Study. METHODS: The CCUK participants, who had both study models and photographs (frontal and worm's eye view), were identified and their records retrieved. These were rated by 2 consultants and 2 senior registrars in orthodontics. The 5-Year Olds' Index was used to score the study models, and at a separate sitting, a 5-point Likert scale was used to score the cropped frontal and worm's eye view photographs of the same children. The results were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients and Cohen κ. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between the aesthetic scores of the photographic views and the concordant 5-Year Olds' Index scores of the study models. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient scores showed very poor agreement between the photographic views and their concordant study models. The level of inter- and intra-rater reliability was strongest when scoring the study models. CONCLUSIONS: There was no agreement between the scores given to various photographic views and their corresponding study models. Scoring the study models using the 5-Year Olds' Index was the most reliable outcome measure for this age-group.

Why dentists should consider a career in orthodontic academia.

Orthodontics, like all areas of dentistry, offers the option to pursue a career in academia. In addition to providing clinical care for patients, academic orthodontists have a role in educating dental students and the wider dental community. There is also the option to engage with and undertake research, which may advance treatment and improve patient care. There is currently a shortage of academic orthodontists in the UK, with institutions reporting difficulties in the recruitment to academic posts. This problem is not only confined to orthodontics but widespread among dentistry. As a result, there is concern regarding the long-term future of dental academia. This paper considers why this might be the case and aims to raise awareness of the shortage in dental academic staff. It will discuss some of the main reasons put forward to explain this shortage and offer information and guidance to those interested in pursuing a career as an orthodontic academic.

National British Orthodontic Society (BOS) Orthognathic Audit 2017-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a UK national clinical audit of orthognathic acceptance criteria and information provided to orthognathic patients before treatment. DESIGN: National clinical audit. SETTING: Data collected using Bristol Online Surveys. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine UK hospital orthodontic departments submitted data. METHODS: Data were collected at two time points using Bristol Online Surveys over a period of 12 months. These were before treatment at the first multidisciplinary clinic (MDT) and immediately after surgery. The data collected included: Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need (IOFTN); Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN); age; previous orthodontic treatment; attendance at an MDT; treatment times; and information provision. RESULTS: Eighty-five units agreed to take part in the audit with 69 submitting data, giving a response rate of 81%. The data from 3404 patients were uploaded, 2263 before treatment and 1141 immediately after surgery. Of patients, 91.07% had an IOFTN score of 4 or 5 and 88.73% had an IOTN score of 4 or 5. The mean age at the first MDT was 22 years in the first cohort and 21 years and 4 months in the second immediate post-surgery cohort. Of patients, 37.93% had undergone some form of previous orthodontic treatment, but only 0.28% had undergone previous orthognathic treatment; 96.93% had an MDT confirm that orthodontic treatment by itself was insufficient to adequately correct their functional symptoms. The average treatment time from bond up to surgery was 2 years and 6 months. With respect to information provision, patients received information from a number of sources, principally the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) patient information leaflets and the BOS website Your Jaw Surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the UK, the majority of orthognathic cases fulfil the criteria for acceptance for NHS-funded orthognathic treatment, as outlined by the Chief Dental Officer's interim guidance on orthognathic treatment. This suggests any prior approval process would not be a good use of NHS resources in the commissioning of orthognathic treatment.

Particulate production during debonding of fixed appliances: Laboratory investigation and randomized clinical trial to assess the effect of using flash-free ceramic brackets.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this laboratory and randomized clinical trial was to investigate particulate production at debonding and enamel clean-up following the use of flash-free ceramic brackets and to compare them with non-flash-free metal and ceramic brackets. METHODS: In the laboratory study, brackets were bonded to bovine teeth. After 24 hours of immersion in water, the brackets were debonded, the adhesive remnant scores noted, and the enamel cleaned with the use of rotary instruments. Four bracket-adhesive combinations and 2 different enamel pretreatment regimens were tested, including metal and ceramic brackets (conventional, adhesive precoat [APC], and APC flash-free) and conventional acid etch and self-etching primer. Quantitative (mg/m3) and qualitative analysis of particulate production was made in each case. In the clinical trial, 18 patients treated with the use of fixed appliances were recruited into this 3-arm parallel-design randomized controlled trial. They were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: experimental flash-free ceramic bracket or non-flash-free ceramic or metal bracket group. Eligibility criteria included patients undergoing nonextraction maxillary and mandibular fixed appliance therapy. At completion of treatment, the brackets were debonded, and the primary outcome measure was particulate concentration (mg/m3). Randomization was by means of sealed envelopes. Data were analyzed with the use of quantile plots and linear mixed models. The effect of etch, bracket, and stage of debonding of clean-up on particle composition was analyzed with the use of mixed-effects regression. RESULTS: In the laboratory study, the APC brackets produced the highest particulate concentration. Although statistically significantly higher than the metal and conventional ceramic brackets, it was not significantly higher than the ceramic flash-free brackets. In the clinical study, there was no statistically significant effect of bracket type on particulate concentration (P = 0.29). This was despite 3 patients with APC flash-free and 1 patient with conventional Clarity (with 1 bracket) having 1 or more ceramic bracket fracture at debonding requiring removal. No adverse events reported. CONCLUSIONS: Particulates in the inhalable, thoracic, and respirable fractions were produced at enamel clean-up with all bracket types. Although APC and APC flash-free brackets produced the highest concentrations in the laboratory study, there was no difference between any of the brackets in the clinical trial. REGISTRATION: The trial was not registered. FUNDING: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Outcome Measures in UCLP: The Modified 5-Year-Olds'-Index-Development and Reliability.

OBJECTIVE: Can we reliably discriminate severity within the existing categories of the 5-Year-Olds' Index? DESIGN: Retrospective method comparison and development study. SETTING: School of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol. METHODS: Dental study models of 5-year-olds with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were collected from the archives of 2 national cleft surveys (n = 351). One hundred randomly selected models were ranked to construct the modified 5-Year-Olds' Index and also scored using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Reliability testing was performed on 51 study models. Visual analogue scale scores were used to aid statistical analysis and investigate the reliability of a VAS for outcome measurement. The modified 5-Year-Olds' Index was then applied to 198 study models of 5-year-olds with UCLP. RESULTS: The modified 5-Year-Olds' Index showed excellent intra and interexaminer agreement (intraclass correlation > 0.94) and good discrimination of severity. When applied to the Cleft Care UK participants (n = 198), the modified 5-Year-Olds' Index showed good discrimination of severity within the better categories (groups 1-3) of the 5-Year-Olds' Index. Visual analogue Scale scores resulted in unacceptable variation between measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The new modified 5-Year-Olds' Index is a reliable method of assessing outcomes at 5 years of age and showed improved discriminatory power between the "better" outcome categories than the original 5-Year-Olds' Index. A VAS was found to be unsuitable for assessing outcome at 5 years of age for children with UCLP.

Chewing gum vs. ibuprofen in the management of orthodontic pain, a multi-centre randomised controlled trial - the effect of anxiety.

OBJECTIVES: Pain is a common side effect of orthodontic treatment. An objective of this study, part of a large previously reported RCT on pain and analgesic use, was to determine the effect of anxiety on perceived pain and use of analgesia. METHODS: 1000 patients aged 11-17 years, undergoing upper and lower fixed appliance treatment in nine hospital departments were recruited into this two-arm parallel design randomised controlled trial. One arm was given sugar-free chewing gum and the other arm ibuprofen for pain relief. Neither the clinicians nor patients were blinded to assignment. In addition to recording pain experience and analgesic use for 3 days following appliance placement and first archwire change, each patient recorded their level of anxiety immediately following the fitting of the appliance and the first archwire change. RESULTS: 419 chewing gum group (84%) and 407 ibuprofen group (83%) questionnaires were returned following appliance placement, and 343 chewing gum group (70%) and 341 ibuprofen group (71%) questionnaires were returned following the first archwire change. The mean anxiety scores following fitting of the appliance and first archwire change were 2.7 (SD 2.1) and 1.6 (SD 1.8), respectively. There were weak but significant positive associations between anxiety scores and pain scores. Multi-level modelling produced a coefficient for anxiety of 0.23 (95% CI 0.17-0.28) for appliance placement, suggesting a small rise (0.23) on the 11-point pain scale for a one-point increase on the corresponding anxiety scale. Following archwire change, the corresponding coefficient was 0.32 (0.24-0.39). For ibuprofen use, again simple analyses suggested a relationship with anxiety. Multi-level logistic modelling produced an odds ratio for ibuprofen use of 1.11 (95% CI 1.07-1.15) at appliance placement and 1.21 (1.10-1.33) at the first archwire change. There was a 10-20% increase in the odds of using ibuprofen for each one-point increase on the anxiety scale. No such relationship was found between anxiety and chewing gum use. There were no adverse effects or harms reported during the trial. Approvals were granted by the Research Ethics Committee (08/H0106/139), R&D and MHRA (Eudract 2008-005522-36) and the trial was registered on the ISRCTN (79884739) and NIHR (6631) portfolios. Support was provided by the British Orthodontic Society Foundation. CONCLUSIONS: There was a weak positive correlation between anxiety reported and pain experienced following both the initial fitting of the fixed appliances and at the subsequent archwire change. Patients that were more anxious tended to take more ibuprofen for their pain relief.