Symmetry of the external acoustic meatus: A potential alternative reference plane for three-dimensional imaging in dentistry.

Objective: In this study, we thoroughly analyzed how balanced the left and right sides of the external acoustic meatus are. Despite previous research focusing on the consistency of various anatomical features and the shape of the external acoustic meatus, which are important for creating guidelines to assess changes in the skull, there hasn't been enough attention given to how symmetrical it is. Our aim was to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive examination of its bilateral symmetry, which is crucial for accurate evaluations in dentistry and medicine. Study design: After importing 26 cone-beam computed tomography scans of patients into the ITK-SNAP 3D imaging software, a midsagittal plane was set up as the plane of symmetry for each patient. With this plane, we compared the positions of the most superior and inferior left and right points of the external acoustic meatus. We also compared the lengths and depths of the lines connecting the two points. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the position, length, or depth of the external acoustic meatus between the right and left halves of the skull. Conclusion: Specific points on the skull, such as the highest (most superior MSP) and lowest (most inferior MIP) points, demonstrated a high degree of symmetry in the left and right halves. They demonstrated sufficient symmetry to establish a reliable reference plane. Along with the trajectory connecting them, these points can serve as viable alternatives to the Porion for three-dimensional imaging.

Cross-cultural validity of the Dutch sleep-related breathing disorder scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire in a general population.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing is associated with multiple health problems. Polysomnography is the reference standard for identifying this disorder, but availability is limited. Therefore, an alternative screening tool is needed. Globally, the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) has proven to be a feasible tool. Consequently, this study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the PSQ into Dutch and then to examine the cultural validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Dutch version among a general population visiting oral healthcare centers. METHODS: The translation, review, adaptation, pretest, and documentation approach was used to ensure cross-cultural adaptation of the PSQ. Then, 220 children (2.4-18 years) were sampled for clinimetric evaluation. We estimated the cross-cultural validity by comparing the factor analyses of the original PSQ and the Dutch version. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, Spearman's correlation, the intraclass correlation coefficient, the standard error of measurement, and a Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: The factor loading patterns of the Dutch version matched with the original study around the four predetermined factors: breathing, sleepiness, behavior, and other. The internal consistency, with a Cronbach's α of 0.77, was acceptable. The test-retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient and Spearman's correlation of 0.89 and 0.93, respectively, was good to excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Cultural adaptation was ensured and the results support cross-cultural validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Dutch Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scale of the PSQ. This questionnaire could therefore be a valuable tool for screening disordered breathing in Dutch children.

The Dutch Version of the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ-NL): Validation for Cleft Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to validate the Dutch version of the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ-NL) for cleft patients who received orthognathic surgery. METHODS: To compare the OQLQ-NL with the CLEFT-Q, we used a convenience sample of thirty-two cleft patients. Using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for multiple item scales, internal reliabilities of the OQLQ-NL were evaluated. The OQLQ-NL was repeated at a two-week interval and the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated, to establish of the test-retest reliability. The construct validity of the OQLQ-NL was evaluated by using Spearman's correlation to test its correlation with the CLEFT-Q. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients filled in the OQLQ-NL and CLEFT-Q. The OQLQ-NL had excellent results in internal reliability and test-retest reliability. The vast majority of the correlations between the domains and scales of the questionnaires were as expected. Data from this study and previous studies confirm the construct validity of the OQLQ-NL. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the OQLQ-NL is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring quality of life in cleft patients who have received orthognathic surgery in the Netherlands.

Maxillary Arch Dimensions in Children with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Receiving Alveolar Bone Grafting.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the maxillary arch dimensions of children aged 9 and 12 with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who received orthodontic treatment and secondary alveolar bone grafting. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study was performed on 30 patients with UCLP. SETTING: All patients were treated at the Cleft Lip and Palate Centre, which is part of the University Medical Centre Amsterdam and Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, the Netherlands. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Children with non-syndromic UCLP who received pre- and postsurgical orthodontics combined with secondary alveolar bone grafting between the ages of 9 and 12 years were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maxillary arch dimensions were assessed on 60 digitised dental casts with measurements of the intermolar widths, interpremolar widths, arch perimeters, arch lengths, arch widths, and palatal depths. RESULTS: The results of a paired-samples t-test revealed a statistically significant increase (P < .05) in intermolar width 1, intermolar width 3, interpremolar width 1, arch perimeter, and arch width between the ages of 9 (T0) and 12 (T1). Intermolar width 2 and the palatal depth decreased statistically significantly between T0 and T1. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of maxillary arch dimensions of children with UCLP indicates significant changes between 9 and 12 years of age. This suggests that orthodontic treatment and secondary alveolar bone grafting can be effective in improving maxillary arch dimensions. However, there is a need for collaborative research and data collection in order to provide sensible and evidence-based care to patients with cleft lip and palate.

The accuracy of photographic soft-tissue profile analysis to determine Class II and vertical skeletal relationships in children.

BACKGROUND: Lateral cephalometric analysis (LCA) is the reference standard for identifying common skeletal relationships in orthodontics, such as Cl II and hyperdivergent skeletal discrepancies, but it entails radiation exposure. Therefore, photographic soft-tissue profile analysis (PSPA) could be a useful alternative for these diagnoses, particularly for paediatric patients. This study aims to estimate the accuracy of PSPA for determining common skeletal discrepancies in children. METHODS: Cephalometric radiographs and profile photographs of a consecutive series of 100 children (8.0-17.6 years old) made on the same day were included. The validity of PSPA was verified against comparable LCA. First, by assessing the Pearson correlation and then estimating the sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) in sample A (n = 50). After external validation in a new sample B (n = 50), the ROC-AUC, diagnostic odds ratio, best cut-off points and discriminative validity were assessed in the total sample. Interrater reliability was estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, the standard error of measurement and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The measurement properties of the PSPA angles A'N'B', Gl'-Sn-Pog, N'-Sn-Pog', and N'-Tra-Me' were valid (ROC-AUC > 0.7) and reliable (ICCs > 0.92). The angles A'N'B', Gl'-Sn-Pog', and N'-Sn-Pog', with the respective cut-off points ≥7.7', ≥12.8', and ≤163.5', were accurate values for determining Cl II discrepancy. The N'-Tra-Me'-angle (≥63') was an accurate estimate for a hyperdivergent discrepancy. CONCLUSIONS: These validated PSPA angles could be used in clinical settings as a minimally invasive diagnostic tool to screen children suspected of having skeletal Cl II and hyperdivergent discrepancies.

Quality of Life After Orthognathic Surgery in Patients with Cleft: An Overview of Available Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

Measuring the impact of orthognathic surgery on quality of life is of significant importance in patients with cleft deformities. Standardized tools such as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are needed to fully comprehend patients' needs and perceptions. Therefore, the availability of reliable, valid, and comprehensive questionnaires for patients is essential. The aim of this study is to identify PROMs measuring the impact of orthognathic surgery on quality of life in patients with cleft deformities and to evaluate the identified PROMs.A systematic search of the literature was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. All validated PROMs, regarding the impact of orthognathic surgery on quality of life in patients with cleft deformities, were identified and assessed according to the quality criteria proposed for measurement properties of health status questionnaires.An electronic search yielded 577 articles. After a full-text review of 87 articles, 4 articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising 58 PROMs. Of these 58 PROMs, 1 PROM (the CLEFT-Q) has been validated to measure the impact of orthognathic surgery on patients with a facial cleft. Evaluation of methodological quality of the included articles and assessment of the measurement properties of the CLEFT-Q show that the CLEFT-Q scores relatively good for all available measurement properties, making it suitable for immediate use.The CLEFT-Q was found to be the only valid instrument so far to measure the impact of orthognathic surgery on the quality of life in patients with cleft deformities.

Present and Theoretical Applications of Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) in Orthodontics: A Scoping Review.

Background: During the last decade, there has been an increased demand for non-metallic materials in orthodontics due to allergies, compatibility with medical imaging devices such as MRI, and aesthetic reasons. Monolithic poly-ether-ether-ketone material could address medical issues such as allergies and MRI compatibility. Moreover, nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires covered in PEEK, either by a tube or electrophoretic deposition, could address esthetic concerns. This scoping review aims to summarize the available evidence in the literature to provide an overview of the applications and material properties of PEEK in orthodontics. Methods: This scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched for relevant publications in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, ProQuest, and SCOPUS. A gray literature search was conducted on Google Scholar. Results: Six studies were included. In three studies, the authors investigated the feasibility of developing a composite PEEK-NiTi wire, while in two other studies, the authors investigated the feasibility of monolithic PEEK wires. In the final study, the authors investigated the feasibility of PEEK as a bonded retainer. Conclusions: The included studies show promising results in developing monolithic and composite (PEEK-NiTi) materials. Further research on the robustness of PEEK composites in the oral cavity, the status of cytotoxicity and roughness values, and the (bio)-mechanical behavior of the composites is needed. A homogenously set up comparative study of clinically relevant, evenly sized, monolithic PEEK wires versus conventional orthodontic wires for their biomechanical, mechanical, and material properties would clarify the possibilities of developing monolithic PEEK wires. Missing data in the retainer study suggest more research on the mechanical properties and points of failure of PEEK-bonded retainers, and a comparative study comparing the failure and mechanical properties of PEEK-bonded retainers to flat braided metallic bonded retainers is needed.

Is orthognathic surgery indicated for wind instrument players? A multiple case study.

Introduction For the ambitious wind instrument player with severe malocclusion, the decision to undergo orthognathic surgery can be difficult.Aim To qualitatively explore and reveal key aspects of considerations for and outcomes of orthognathic surgery by interviewing a group of advanced and professional wind instrumentalists.Materials and methods One investigator, using a standardised questionnaire, interviewed seven cases. The interviews were analysed by two investigators who are knowledgeable about embouchure.Outcomes An ideal jaw relationship is not a prerequisite to achieving a professional career in music. Complete embouchure loss after surgery can be experienced due to changes in the position of incisors, lip relationship and tongue position relative to the shape of the oral cavity and as a result of neurosensory changes. Neurosensory recovery and 'wind instrument rehabilitation' takes at least six months, which was achieved in three out of five cases. The following temporary or permanent difficulties during playing after surgery were reported: onset of notes, high notes, leaps and intervals, and stable and well-tuned sound.Conclusion In view of the risks involved, orthognathic surgery in wind instrumentalists should only be considered when there is an (oral) health indication.

The Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire: Translation and Validation into Dutch.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) in the Dutch language (OQLQ-NL). METHODS: The translation of the OQLQ into the Dutch language was performed following the guidelines for the Process of Cross-Cultural Adaption of Self-Report Measures. Sixty-two patients who received orthognathic surgery in the past 10 years were included for participation. Internal reliabilities of the OQLQ-NL were evaluated for multiple item scales with the use of the Cronbach alpha coefficient. For the establishment of the test-retest reliability, the OQLQ-NL was repeated with a 2-week interval and the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated. Spearman correlation was used to test the correlation with the OHIP-49NL and the FACE-Q, to be able to evaluate the construct validity of the OQLQ-NL. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients filled in the OQLQ-NL, OHIP49NL, and FACE-Q upon arrival and 22 patients returned the OQLQ-NL after 2 weeks (response rate of 56.6% and 62.9%, respectively). The OQLQ-NL showed excellent results in internal reliability and test-retest reliability. The vast majority of the correlations between the domains of the questionnaires were as expected. Data from this study and previous studies confirm the construct validity of the OQLQ-NL. CONCLUSION: The OQLQ-NL appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure quality of life for patients receiving orthognathic surgery in the Netherlands.