Evaluation of orthodontic habits regarding the use of miniplates in the correction of Skeletal Class III.

AIMS: To determine the habits of Orthodontists in the management of moderate skeletal class III patients by using miniplates, and to assess the relationship between the factors that may hinder the implementation of such treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was carried out using the Google Form® platform, which included 18 questions relating to the seniority of the practice of the orthodontists, the preferential treatment, the difficulties encountered, the results obtained, and the frequency of a relapse. RESULTS: Experienced orthodontists (more than 10 years) treated skeletal class III malocclusion with the conventional facemask therapy, whereas orthodontists with less than 5 years of experience shifted to the miniplate technique which presented less dental effect and more skeletal correction with a decreased frequency of relapse. CONCLUSION: High financial cost and increased care load were considered the main obstacles regarding the placement of the titanium miniplates in treating skeletal class III patients.

Evaluation of orthodontists' experience with the surgery first protocol in orthodontic-surgical management.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to analyze the popularity of surgery first among orthodontists as well as the protocols used for its implementation and to collect the opinions (favorable or unfavorable) of practitioners and patients regarding it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to a population of dental surgeons qualified in Dentofacial Orthopedics or in the process of specialization (residents) practicing in France. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 27 questions. There were 10 open-ended questions and 17 closed-ended questions (8 binary and 9 multiple choices). The conditional pathway allows the respondent's path through the form to be modified based on their answers. This survey was conducted using Google Forms online survey software. RESULTS: On average, the responding practitioners had 15.9 years of experience, and most of them (78.2%) work in private practice. Most treated between 200 and 400 cases per year, of which 7% were surgical cases. Orthodontists who are familiar with and practice the surgery first protocol use it on average for 7 cases per year. The most frequent indication for the surgery first protocol was: transverse maxillary defects. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery first protocol is a preferred option in cases of high severity since it prevents respiratory worsening during the pre-surgical orthodontic phase. The lack of a standardized protocol for this approach, at the pre-surgical and post-surgical levels, requires an increase in the number of high-level evidence publications to clarify the methods of application of this protocol.

Microhardness and Chemical Composition of Different Metallic Brackets: An In Vitro Study.

The purpose of the study is to compare the hardness of different metallic brackets to enamel and to determine their chemical composition and microstructure. Five metallic brackets (0.022″ × 0.028″ inch) from seven orthodontic firms produced in different alloys (Discovery® Smart/Empower®/Genius®2 Metal/VictoryTM series/Equilibrium®/Damon Q) were chosen (n = 35). The hardness of the brackets and enamel was measured using a microhardness tester. The study of the chemical composition of brackets was carried out on a single bracket per series. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detector was used. Analysis of the chemical composition of metallic brackets was obtained with Oxford Instruments Ultim Max Aztec software. Metallic brackets' hardness varied from 203 to 439 HV. A significant difference exists between Ti Equilibrium® brackets, the rest of the brackets and the enamel (p-value = 0.003). No significant difference was found between SSa(stainless-steel alloy), Co-Cra(Cobalt-Chrome) brackets and the enamel. The chemical study confirms that the alloys used to produce metallic brackets validate all the data of the manufacturers except for Genius®2 Metal; according to this study, they are considered to be Co-Cra alloys. The study of the composition of brackets made it possible to confirm manufacturers' data. Genius®2 Metal brackets, Empower®2 and VictoryTM series brackets filled the properties needed for orthodontic treatment. The hardness of metallic brackets is influenced by the alloy used and manufacturing method. Co-Cra brackets with hardness comparable to enamel can be considered as an alternative to SSa brackets in patients allergic to nickel.

What is the current state of artificial intelligence applications in dentistry and orthodontics?

BACKGROUND: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the medical field has the potential to bring about significant improvements in patient care and outcomes. AI is being used in dentistry and more specifically in orthodontics through the development of diagnostic imaging tools, the development of treatment planning tools, and the development of robotic surgery. The aim of this study is to present the latest emerging AI softwares and applications in dental field to benefit from. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: Search strategies were conducted in three electronic databases, with no date limits in the following databases up to April 30, 2023: MEDLINE, PUBMED, and GOOGLE® SCHOLAR for articles related to AI in dentistry & orthodontics. No inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for the selection of the articles. Most of the articles included (n = 79) are reviews of the literature, retro/prospective studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and observational studies. RESULTS: The use of AI in dentistry and orthodontics is a rapidly growing area of research and development, with the potential to revolutionize the field and bring about significant improvements in patient care and outcomes; this can save clinicians' chair-time and push for more individualized treatment plans. Results from the various studies reported in this review are suggestive that the accuracy of AI-based systems is quite promising and reliable. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: AI application in the healthcare field has proven to be efficient and helpful for the dentist to be more precise in diagnosis and clinical decision-making. These systems can simplify the tasks and provide results in quick time which can save dentists time and help them perform their duties more efficiently. These systems can be of greater aid and can be used as auxiliary support for dentists with lesser experience.

The curve of Spee and its levelling in different vertical skeletal patterns: A 3D set-up study.

OBJECTIVES: Primary: to compare intra-arch measurements [Curve Of Spee (COS) depth, space required to level the COS (δ), uprighting angles of 1st and 2nd lower molars (αM1 & αM2), respectively] between different vertical skeletal patterns. Secondary: to explore the relationship between those measurements in each vertical skeletal pattern. METHODS: 90 Plaster models were scanned and transformed into digital models using 3Shape Ortho System™ intra oral scanner. COS depth, (δ), αM1 & αM2 were measured on digital models using 3Shape Ortho Analyser™ software. The latter was used to achieve the virtual set-up. The sample was dividied into 3 groups according to the vertical skeletal pattern which was identified by measuring the FMA˚ angle (Frankfort mandibular plane) on a lateral cephalogram using Dolphin imaging software. RESULTS: The deepest COS was present in the hypodivergent group (P-value=0.001). No difference for the additional arch space required to level the COS (δ) between different vertical skeletal patterns (P-value=0.063). αM2 is the same in all 3 groups, whereas αM1 is greater in normodivergents compared to hyperdivergents (P-value=0.012). A positive correlation exists between the deepest point of the COS and the uprighting angles, αM1 and αM2. No correlation between (δ) and the different parameters evaluated (deepest point of the COS, αM1 and αM2). CONCLUSIONS: Additional arch space required to level the COS presented no correlation with the vertical skeletal pattern. Levelling the lower arch was carried out by extrusion of the premolars and uprighting of the posterior teeth; confirming that well-planned orthodontic mechanics can minimize side effects (flaring of the lower incisors) encountered during treatment.