Impact of adenotonsillectomy and palatal expansion on the apnea-hypopnea index and minimum oxygen saturation in nonobese pediatric obstructive sleep apnea with balanced maxillomandibular relationship: A cross-over randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact and best management sequence between adenotonsillectomy (AT) and rapid palatal expansion (RPE) on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and minimum oxygen saturation (MinSaO2) in nonobese pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients presenting balanced maxillomandibular relationship. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Thirty-two nonobese children with balanced maxillomandibular relationship and a mean age of 8.8 years, with a graded III/IV tonsillar hypertrophy and maxillary constriction, participated in a cross-over randomized controlled trial. As the first intervention, one group underwent AT while the other underwent RPE. After 6 months, interventions were switched in those groups, but only to participants with an AHI > 1 after the first intervention. OSA medical diagnosis with the support of Polysomnography (PSG) was conducted before (T0), 6 months after the first (T1) and the second (T2) intervention. The influence of sex, adenotonsillar hypertrophy degree, initial AHI and MinSaO2 severity, and intervention sequence were evaluated using linear regression analysis. Intra- and intergroup comparisons for AHI and MinSaO2 were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The initial AHI severity and intervention sequence (AT first) explained 94.9% of AHI improvement. The initial MinSaO2 severity accounted for 83.1% of MinSaO2 improvement changes. Most AHI reductions and MinSaO2 improvements were due to AT. CONCLUSIONS: Initial AHI severity and AT as the first intervention accounted for most of the AHI improvement. The initial MinSaO2 severity alone accounted for the most changes in MinSaO2 increase. In most cases, RPE had a marginal effect on AHI and MinSaO2 when adjusted for confounders.

Impact of fixed orthodontic retainers on oral health-related quality of life: a longitudinal prospective study

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of orthodontic retainers on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the short and long terms after orthodontic treatment. Methods: Data from 45 patients up to three years after orthodontic treatment (T0) were analyzed. Patients were reassessed four years (T1) after T0. OHRQoL was measured using the OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile-14) questionnaire. The presence of a fixed retainer in the upper and/or lower arches, sex, and age were the predictive variables evaluated at T0 and T1. The occurrence of retainer fracture at T0 was clinically evaluated. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical examination on T1 was not possible, so the OHIP-14 and the self-perception of changes in teeth position and fracture of retainers were examined using an on-line questionnaire. Results: At the initial examination, the presence of upper retainers had a negative impact on quality of life (p=0.018). The OHIP-14 value increased significantly from T0 to T1 (p=0.014), regardless of the presence of retainers. The fracture or debonding of the retainer reported by the patient was the only variable that had a negative impact on OHRQoL (p=0.05). Conclusion: The use of fixed upper retainers suggests a negative impact on the quality of life of the orthodontic patient after the end of orthodontic treatment. This impact, however, is negligible in the long term, except when associated with fracture or debonding. This study emphasizes the need for continuous follow-up of orthodontic patients during the retention period.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto das contenções ortodônticas na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) em curto e longo prazos após o tratamento ortodôntico. Métodos: Foram analisados dados de 45 pacientes até três anos após o tratamento ortodôntico (T0). Os pacientes foram reavaliados quatro anos (T1) após T0. A QVRSB foi mensurada usando o questionário OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile-14). A presença da contenção fixa nas arcadas superior e/ou inferior, o sexo e a idade foram as variáveis preditoras em T0 e T1. A ocorrência de quebra da contenção em T0 foi avaliada clinicamente. Em razão da pandemia da COVID-19, não foi possível o exame clínico em T1; assim, a autopercepção das alterações na posição dos dentes e a quebra ou descolagem das contenções foram registradas por meio de um questionário online. Resultados: No exame inicial, a presença da contenção superior apresentou um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida (p=0,018). Em T1, o valor de OHIP-14 aumentou significativamente em comparação a T0 (p=0,014), independentemente da presença das contenções. A quebra ou descolagem da contenção relatada pelo paciente foi a única variável que apresentou um impacto negativo na QVRSB (p=0,05). Conclusão: O uso de contenção fixa superior sugere um impacto inicial negativo na qualidade de vida do paciente após o fim do tratamento ortodôntico. Esse impacto, entretanto, é insignificante em longo prazo, exceto quando associado à descolagem ou quebra das contenções ortodônticas. Esse estudo enfatiza a necessidade de acompanhamento contínuo das contenções fixas após a finalização do tratamento ortodôntico.

Orthodontic aligners: between passion and science

ABSTRACT Introduction: The benefits and safety of using orthodontic aligners have been reported more by clinical experience and expert opinion than by scientific evidence. Another important aspect is that aligners are constantly evolving. It is important to obtain evidence that allows for new updates in manufacturing technology, in the development of new movement planning protocols, in the incorporation and design of attachments, and in the aid of skeletal anchorage. Methods: Evidence retrieved from six electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psych Info, the Cochrane Library and the Joanna Briggs Library) is presented by means of questions and answers. Conclusions: There is evidence that the aligners presented different levels of difficulty in performing each type of movement, with rotational and vertical movements being the most difficult to perform. Regarding perception of pain due to tooth movement, it seems to have less impact at the beginning of treatment; but dealing with more phonoarticulatory changes seems to require more treatment time in more complex cases. Aligners do not prevent the occurrence of root resorption, although the incidence and severity of resorption may be reduced, making oral hygiene easier and accepting the risk of white spots, caries and periodontal disease. Given the conflicting evidence, the release of bisphenol-A from the aligner cannot be denied. Solutions must be found to reduce the environmental impact of aligners disposal. There is an urgent need for well-designed randomized controlled trials.

RESUMO Introdução: As vantagens e desvantagens do uso de alinhadores ortodônticos têm sido reportadas com base mais na experiência clínica e opinião de experts do que em evidências científicas. Outro aspecto importante é que os alinhadores estão em processo de evolução constante. Assim, torna-se importante obter evidências recentes, que abranjam as novas atualizações na tecnologia de confecção, no desenvolvimento de novos protocolos de planejamento para as movimentações, a incorporação e desenho dos attachments e o auxílio da ancoragem esquelética. Métodos: As evidências encontradas em seis bases de dados eletrônicas (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psych Info, Biblioteca Cochrane e Biblioteca Joanna Briggs) serão apresentadas por meio de perguntas e respostas. Conclusões: Há evidências de que os alinhadores apresentam diferentes níveis de dificuldade para realizar cada tipo de movimento, sendo os movimentos rotacionais e verticais os mais difíceis de serem executados. Quanto à percepção da dor causada pela movimentação dentária, parece haver menos impacto no início do tratamento, mas os alinhadores produzem mais alterações fonoarticulatórias e parecem exigir mais tempo de tratamento em casos mais complexos. Não há evidência de diferença na estabilidade pós-tratamento, e os alinhadores não impedem a ocorrência de reabsorção radicular, apesar da incidência e a gravidade da reabsorção poderem ser menores, facilitam a higiene bucal, reduzindo o risco de manchas brancas, cáries e doenças periodontais. Dada a evidência conflitante, a liberação de bisfenol-A pelo alinhador não pode ser negada. É preciso encontrar soluções que reduzam o impacto ambiental do descarte dos alinhadores. Há uma necessidade urgente de ensaios clínicos randomizados bem desenhados.

Is teledentistry effective to monitor the evolution of orthodontic treatment? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: With the advent of COVID-19, teledentistry and remote monitoring have become an imminent reality that allows orthodontists to monitor orthodontic treatment through virtual checkups, which complement in-office appointments. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of using teledentistry in monitoring the evolution of orthodontic treatment. Material and Methods: Searches were performed in on-line databases. PECO strategy focused on comparing orthodontic patients exposed and not exposed to teledentistry. Searches and data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines. The assessment of the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence was performed using the ROBINS-I and GRADE tools, respectively. A meta-analysis was also performed. Results: Out of 1,178 records found, 4 met the criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis. The risk of bias for follow-up assesment in aligner treatment was low to moderate; while for interceptive treatment, it was high. Studies are favorable to the use of teledentistry. The meta-analysis was performed with aligners studies only, due to heterogeneity. The certainty of the evidence was considered very low. Conclusion: With very low certainty of evidence, teledentistry using Dental Monitoring® software is effective as an aid in monitoring the evolution of interceptive orthodontic treatment (high risk of bias) and, especially, treatment performed with aligners (low to moderate risk of bias). The meta-analysis evidenced a reduction in the number of face-to-face appointments (mean difference = −2.75[−3.95, -1.55]; I2=41%; p<0.00001) and the time for starting refinement (mean difference = −1.21[−2.35, -0.08]; I2=49%; p=0.04). Additional randomized studies evaluating corrective orthodontic treatment with brackets and wires are welcome.

RESUMO Introdução: Com o advento da COVID-19, a teleodontologia e o monitoramento remoto tornaram-se uma realidade iminente, permitindo ao ortodontista acompanhar o tratamento ortodôntico por meio de checkups virtuais, que complementam as consultas presenciais. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do uso da teleodontologia no acompanhamento da evolução do tratamento ortodôntico. Material e Métodos: Buscas foram realizadas em bases de dados on-line. A estratégia PECO focou na comparação de pacientes ortodônticos expostos e não expostos à teleodontologia. As buscas e a extração dos dados seguiram a metodologia PRISMA. A avaliação do risco de viés e da certeza da evidência foi realizada com as ferramentas ROBINS-I e GRADE, respectivamente. Uma metanálise também foi realizada. Resultados: Dos 1.178 estudos encontrados, 4 atenderam aos critérios e foram incluídos na análise qualitativa. O risco de viés para a avaliação do acompanhamento de tratamentos com alinhadores foi baixo a moderado; enquanto para o tratamento interceptativo, foi alto. Os estudos são favoráveis ao uso da teleodontologia. A meta-análise foi realizada apenas com estudos de alinhadores, devido à heterogeneidade. A certeza da evidência foi considerada muito baixa. Conclusão: Com muito baixo nível de certeza da evidência, a teleodontologia utilizando o software Dental Monitoring® é eficaz para auxiliar no acompanhamento da evolução do tratamento ortodôntico interceptativo (alto risco de viés) e, principalmente, do tratamento realizado com alinhadores (risco de viés baixo a moderado). A metanálise evidenciou redução no número de atendimentos presenciais (diferença média = −2,75[−3,95, -1,55]; I2=41%; p<0,00001) e no tempo para início do refinamento (diferença média = −1,21[−2,35, -0,08]; I2=49%; p=0,04). Estudos randomizados adicionais avaliando o tratamento ortodôntico corretivo com braquetes e fios são bem-vindos.

Can lingual spurs alter the oral health-related quality of life during anterior open bite interceptive treatment? A systematic review

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of lingual spurs has been described as one efficient option, with great stability of results, but with scarce information of toleration for use in the mixed and permanent dentition phases. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of lingual spurs on the oral health-related quality of life of children and/or adolescents during anterior open bite treatment. Methods: The review was recorded in the PROSPERO database. Eight electronic databases and partial gray literature were searched, without restrictions until march 2022. A manual search was also performed in the references of the included articles. Studies assessing the impact of lingual spurs on the oral health-related quality of life were included. Risk of bias was assessed using JBI or ROBINS-I tool, according to the study design. The level of evidence was assessed through GRADE. Results: Five studies met the eligibility criteria. Two non-randomized clinical trials had a serious risk of bias. Of the case-series studies, two had a low risk of bias and the other, a moderate risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was classified as very low for all the evaluated results. In general, the studies reported an initial negative impact with the use of lingual spurs, however this was transitory in nature. A quantitative analysis was not performed due to the great heterogeneity between the studies. Conclusion: Current evidence, although limited, suggests that lingual spurs have an initial transient negative impact during interceptive treatment. Additional well-conducted randomized clinical trials are needed.

RESUMO Introdução: O uso de esporões linguais tem sido descrito como uma opção eficiente, com grande estabilidade de resultados, mas com poucas informações quanto à tolerância de seu uso nas fases de dentição mista e permanente. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto dos esporões linguais na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal de crianças e/ou adolescentes durante o tratamento da mordida aberta anterior. Métodos: Essa revisão foi registrada no banco de dados PROSPERO. Oito bases de dados eletrônicas e parte da literatura cinzenta foram pesquisadas, sem restrições, até março de 2022. Uma busca manual também foi realizada nas referências dos artigos incluídos. Estudos avaliando o impacto dos esporões linguais na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal foram incluídos. O risco de viés foi avaliado usando a ferramenta JBI ou ROBINS-I, de acordo com o desenho do estudo. O nível de evidência foi avaliado por meio do GRADE. Resultados: Cinco estudos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade. Dois ensaios clínicos não randomizados apresentaram sério risco de viés. Dos estudos de série de casos, dois tiveram baixo risco de viés e o outro, risco moderado de viés. A certeza da evidência foi classificada como muito baixa para todos os resultados avaliados. Em geral, os estudos relataram um impacto negativo inicial com o uso dos esporões linguais; porém, de caráter transitório. Não foi realizada análise quantitativa, devido à grande heterogeneidade entre os estudos. Conclusão: As evidências atuais, embora limitadas, sugerem que os esporões linguais têm um impacto negativo transitório inicial durante o tratamento interceptativo. São necessários mais ensaios clínicos randomizados bem conduzidos.

Effects of oral appliances on serum cytokines in adults with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to evaluate the effects of oral appliance (OA) therapy on serum inflammatory cytokines in adults diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Seven electronic databases and partial gray literature were searched without restrictions through March 2021. Articles evaluating the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines in patients with OSA after OA treatment were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the before-and-after tool or RoB 2.0. The level of certainty was assessed using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Five studies met the eligibility criteria. One was a randomized clinical trial (RCT), while four were non-randomized clinical trials (NRCTs). Among the studies, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were investigated. The RCT reported no significant differences in marker levels after 2 months of OA therapy, while the NRCTs showed improvement on CRP, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels after longer follow-up periods. The RoB was evaluated as showing some concern in the RCT. Three NRCTs presented good RoB, and one showed a fair RoB. The level of certainty was graded as moderate quality for inflammatory marker levels assessed in the RCT The levels of certainty evaluated in NRCTs were classified as very low. CONCLUSIONS: Although limited, existing scientific evidence showed that OA therapy may improve serum cytokine levels in adults with OSA. However, short treatment periods are not effective in reducing markers of systemic inflammation which may require extended time and a decrease of in apneic events to improve.

The effect of adenotonsillectomy and rapid maxillary expansion on the upper airway in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized crossover-controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the effects of adenotonsillectomy (AT) and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and compare volumetric changes in the upper airway (UA) arising from AT and RME. METHODS: Thirty-nine children who presented with maxillary constriction and grade III/IV tonsillar hypertrophy were randomized into two groups. One group underwent AT as the first treatment, and the other group underwent RME. Polysomnography (PSG) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were conducted before (T0) and 6 months after the first treatment (T1). In a crossover design, individuals with AHI>1 received the second treatment. Six months later, they underwent PSG and CBCT (T2). The influence of age, sex, tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy, initial AHI severity, initial volume of the UA, first treatment, and maxillary expansion amount was evaluated using linear regression analysis. Intra- and inter-group comparisons for AHI and inter-group comparisons of volumetric changes in each region of the UA were performed using a paired t-test and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The initial AHI severity and therapeutic sequence in which AT was the first treatment explained for 95.6% of AHI improvement. AT caused significant improvements in the AHI and volumetric increases in the buccopharynx and total UA areas compared to RME. CONCLUSIONS: The initial AHI severity and AT as the first treatment accounted for most of the AHI improvement. Most reductions in AHI were due to AT, which promoted more volumetric increases in UA areas than RME. RME may have a marginal effect on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

The prediction of impacted versus spontaneously erupted mandibular third molars.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the predictive capacity of orthodontists and oral maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs) in anticipating the process of impaction or eruption of lower third molars (L3Ms) through the examination of serial panoramic radiographs. METHODS: Sixty-eight lower third molars (L3Ms) were analyzed in 34 orthodontically treated patients without extraction. Twenty-seven OMFSs and 27 orthodontists were randomized in order to analyze the radiographs. Initially, the evaluators issued the prognosis for the L3Ms in XR1, a posterior for the XR1 + XR2. Concordance of the diagnosis was examined using Kappa statistics, and the differences between the groups of evaluators were examined using the chi-square test at p<0.05. RESULTS: When examining XR1 in cases where the teeth erupted spontaneously, the prognostic accuracy rate for OMFSs and orthodontists was similar, 63 and 65.7%, respectively (p=0.19). When evaluating XR1 + XR2, the accuracy among orthodontists (60%) was similar to that reported for XR1 (p=0.19), while OMFSs presented a reduction in the accuracy (55.3%, p<0.0001). When the L3Ms remained impacted, accuracy in XR1 was lower than in spontaneously erupting L3Ms, although similar between OMFSs (50.1%) and orthodontists (49.1%). Furthermore, for impacted L3Ms, when examining XR1 + XR2, the OMFSs presented a significant higher accuracy (71.8%, p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontists and OMFSs seem unable to predict spontaneous eruption or impaction of the lower third molars from single or longitudinal x-rays. When adding a second longitudinal x-ray, orthodontists and more significantly OMFSs tend to indicate more extractions.

Association between tooth agenesis and cancer: a systematic review.

The congenital absence of multiple teeth may share the same genetic background of the development of some types of cancer. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to investigate the possible association between dental agenesis and cancer, and the perspective of agenesis as an early predictor for cancer risk. METHODOLOGY: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and OpenGrey were searched and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool. The GRADE tool was used to evaluate the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Six studies met the eligibility criteria. A positive co-occurrence between ovarian cancer and hypodontia was found in two articles. Three studies evaluated the association between dental agenesis and colorectal cancer and only one showed common genes for these conditions. One paper found individuals with hypodontia had a higher risk of family history of cancer. Five studies had a fair quality and one a good quality. The certainty of evidence was classified as very low. CONCLUSION: Notwithstanding the limited scientific evidence, there may be a possible association between dental agenesis and cancer due to genes involved in both conditions. Agenesis of multiple teeth could be an early indicator of cancer risk. Nevertheless, studies with a better level of evidence are needed to confirm this possible association.

Como um cirurgião-dentista pode responder a uma dúvida clínica baseado na melhor evidência disponível? / How can a dentist answer a clinical question based on the best available evidence?

Introdução: a prática clínica baseada em evidência científica deve ser pautada, entre outros fatores, na busca prévia de conhecimento embasado pela ciência odontológica. Objetivo: o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma proposta de protocolo de pesquisa, download e tradução de artigos científicos. Materiais e métodos: foi realizado um protocolo de pesquisa científica com o passo-a-passo detalhado em duas das principais bases de dados eletrônicas, ilustrado por meio de exemplos hipotéticos de três dúvidas clínicas. Resultados: o acesso e o desenvolvimento de habilidades de busca pela literatura científica devem chegar ao conhecimento dos profissionais da área odontológica com clareza e objetividade. Assim, a experiência clínica pode ser associada à evidência científica e à preferência do paciente na tomada de decisões. Conclusão: o aprimoramento da prática clínica deve oferecer e entregar qualidade nos resultados de tratamentos por meio da Odontologia baseada em evidências.

Introduction: A clinical practice based on scientific evidence should be performed, among other factors, on the prior search for knowledge supported by dental science. Objective: The objective of this study is to present a research protocol proposal, download and translation of scientific articles. Materials and methods: A step-by-step detailed scientific research protocol was carried out in two of the main electronic databases, illustrated by hypothetical examples of three clinical questions. Results: The access and the development of scientific literature search skills should reach the knowledge of dental professionals with clarity and objectivity. Thus, the clinical experience can be associated with scientific evidence and patient preference in decision-making. Conclusion: The improvement of clinical practice must offer and deliver quality in treatment outcomes through evidence-based dentistry.

Fluoreto e inteligência: avaliação crítica de um estudo de coorte prospectivo / Fluoride and intelligence: critical assessment of a prospective cohort study

Introdução: A fluoretação da água é considerada uma estratégia eficaz e segura para a prevenção de cárie dentária. Contudo, com base em um estudo de coorte realizado no Canadá que avaliou a associação entre exposição de gestantes a fluoreto (F) e inteligência (QI) da prole aos 3/4 anos de idade, publicações alarmistas nas redes sociais têm divulgado que o F adicionado à água reduz a inteligência de crianças. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da evidência sobre exposição à F e inteligência proporcionada por esse estudo. Apresentar as principais características do estudo seguida de análise crítica da evidência. Síntese dos dados: A concentração de F na água consumida pelas gestantes expostas à água fluoretada foi 4,5 vezes maior do que na água consumida pelas gestantes que viviam em região sem água fluoretada; o escore médio de QI das crianças dos dois grupos foi o mesmo. Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre excreção urinária materna de F e menor QI de meninos. O aumento de 1 mg F/l na ingestão autorrelatada de F materna foi associado a um decréscimo de 3 pontos no QI da prole. A análise crítica identificou risco de viés de seleção e de informação e confundimento residual, com potencial de comprometer a validade dos resultados. Conclusão: O estudo não proporciona evidência robusta sobre exposição ao fluoreto e diminuição da inteligência. Sua conclusão não deve ser extrapolada como suporte científico para propostas de mudanças na fluoretação da água de abastecimento público.

Introduction: Water fluoridation is considered an effective and safe strategy for preventing dental caries. However, based on a cohort study conducted in Canada that evaluated the association between exposure of pregnant women to fluoride (F) and intelligence (IQ) of offspring at 3/4 years of age, alarmist publications on social networks have reported that F added to water reduces children's intelligence. Objective: To evaluate the quality of the evidence regarding exposure to F and intelligence provided by this study. To describe of the study's main characteristics followed by critical appraisal. Synthesis of data: The concentration of F in water consumed by pregnant women exposed to fluoridated tap water was 4.5 times higher than in water consumed by pregnant women not exposed to fluoridated tap water; mean IQ score of the children in the two groups was the same. There was a statistically significant association between maternal urinary excretion of F and lower IQ in boys. The increase of 1 mg F / l in the self-reported intake of maternal F was associated with a decrease of 3 points in the offspring's IQ. We identified the risk of selection and information bias, as well as potential for residual confounding, which might have affected the validity of the results. Conclusion: the study does not provide robust evidence on exposure to fluoride and impaired intelligence. Its conclusion should not be extrapolated as scientific support for proposals for changes in the fluoridation of public water supply.

HIF-1α Is Associated with Resistance to Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis in Ameloblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma (AMB) is a benign odontogenic tumour, with an aggressive local behaviour and a high rate of recurrence. Previous studies have demonstrated that hypoxia-induced factor alpha 1 (HIF-1α) and activated caspase-3 contribute to tumour invasiveness and cytogenesis in ameloblastoma. Hypoxia increases HIF-1α levels, which triggers a number of signalling pathways. This paper aimed to present data in the study of hypoxia-activated signalling pathways that modulate proapoptotic and antiapoptotic events in AMB. METHODS: Twenty cases of AMB and ten cases of dental follicle (DF) were used to analyse the immunoexpression of HIF-1α, p53, BNIP3, Bcl-2, IAP-2, GLUT1, and Bax. To contribute to the study, an analysis of expression and genetic interaction was performed using the cell line AME-1. RESULTS: AMB and DF expressed the studied proteins. These proteins showed significantly greater immunoexpression in AMB compared with the DF (p < 0.05). HIF-1α showed an important association with GLUT1, and a positive correlation was observed among p53, Bcl-2, and IAP-2. Transcriptomic analysis showed the significant expression of the studied proteins, and the network generated showed a direct association of HIF-1αF with GLUT1 (SLC2A1), TP53, and LDHA. Interestingly, GLUT1 also exhibited direct interaction with TP53 and LDHA. CONCLUSION: In AMB tumorigenesis, hypoxia is possibly related to antiapoptotic events, which suggests an important role for HIF-1α, GLUT1, Bcl-2, IAP-2, and possibly p53.

Factors associated with the morphology of the mandibular symphysis and soft tissue chin

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to (I) assess the morphology of the symphysis and soft tissue chin associated with sex, age and sagittal/vertical skeletal patterns, and (II) identify the individual and combined contributions of these variables to different portions of the symphysis. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 195 lateral cephalometric radiographs from untreated adults. Alveolar, basal, and soft tissue of the symphysis were measured by an X/Y cranial base coordinate system, and divided in accordance to four predictor variables: sex, age, and sagittal/vertical skeletal patterns. Parametric tests were conducted for comparison and correlation purposes, while multiple regression analysis was performed to explore combined interactions. Results: Alveolar inclination is related to sagittal and vertical patterns, and both explained 71.4% of the variations. Alveolar thickness is weakly predicted and poorly influenced by age. Symphysis height was 10% higher in males, and associated with a vertical skeletal pattern and sex, and both explained 43.6% of variations. Basal symphyseal shows an individual thickness, is larger in males, and vertically short-positioned with age. Soft tissue chin is not necessarily related to the size of the underling skeletal pattern, and enlarges with age, even in adulthood. Conclusions: The symphysis and surrounding tissues are influenced by sex, age, and sagittal and vertical patterns, acting differently on the alveolar, basal and soft tissue portions. Sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns are the strongest association on alveolar symphysis inclination, whereas sex and age acts on the vertical symphysis position and soft tissues thickness.

RESUMO Introdução: O presente estudo objetivou: 1) avaliar a morfologia da sínfise mandibular e dos tecidos tegumentares do mento, associada ao sexo, idade, padrões sagital e vertical; e 2) identificar as contribuições dessas variáveis, individualmente ou combinadas, às diferentes regiões da sínfise. Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu 195 radiografias cefalométricas laterais de adultos não tratados ortodonticamente. Os tecidos alveolar, basal e mole da sínfise foram medidos por um sistema de coordenadas x, y e z da base do crânio e divididos de acordo com quatro variáveis preditoras: sexo, idade e padrões esqueléticos sagitais e verticais. Testes paramétricos foram conduzidos para fins de comparação e correlação, enquanto a análise de regressão múltipla foi realizada para explorar as interações combinadas. Resultados: A inclinação alveolar está relacionada aos padrões sagitais e verticais, e ambos explicaram 71,4% das variações. A espessura alveolar é fracamente prevista e pouco influenciada pela idade. A altura da sínfise foi 10% maior no sexo masculino e esteve associada ao padrão esquelético vertical e ao sexo, sendo que ambos explicaram 43,6% das variações. A sínfise basal mostra espessura individual, é maior no sexo masculino e verticalmente curta com a idade. O tecido mole do mento não está necessariamente relacionado ao tamanho do padrão esquelético subjacente e aumenta com a idade, mesmo na idade adulta. Conclusões: A sínfise e os tecidos circundantes são influenciados pelo sexo, idade e padrões sagitais e verticais, que atuam de forma diferenciada nas porções alveolar, basal e de tecidos tegumentares. Os padrões esqueléticos sagitais e verticais são a associação mais forte na inclinação da sínfise alveolar, enquanto o sexo e a idade atuam na posição vertical da sínfise e na espessura dos tecidos tegumentares.

Biostatistics: essential concepts for the clinician

ABSTRACT Introduction: The efficiency of clinical procedures is based on practical and theoretical knowledge. Countless daily information is available to the orthodontist, but it is up to this professional to know how to select what really has an impact on clinical practice. Evidence-based orthodontics ends up requiring the clinician to know the basics of biostatistics to understand the results of scientific publications. Such concepts are also important for researchers, for correct data planning and analysis. Objective: This article aims to present, in a clear way, some essential concepts of biostatistics that assist the clinical orthodontist in understanding scientific research, for an evidence-based clinical practice. In addition, an updated version of the tutorial to assist in choosing the appropriate statistical test will be presented. This PowerPoint® tool can be used to assist the user in finding answers to common questions about biostatistics, such as the most appropriate statistical test for comparing groups, choosing graphs, performing correlations and regressions, analyzing casual, random or systematic errors. Conclusion: Researchers and clinicians must acquire or recall essential concepts to understand and apply an appropriate statistical analysis. It is important that journal readers and reviewers can identify when statistical analyzes are being inappropriately used.

RESUMO Introdução: A eficiência dos procedimentos clínicos é baseada em conhecimentos práticos e teóricos. Inúmeras informações diárias estão ao alcance do ortodontista; porém cabe a esse profissional saber selecionar o que realmente tem impacto na prática clínica. A Ortodontia baseada em evidências acaba exigindo que o clínico conheça os fundamentos da bioestatística para compreender os resultados das publicações científicas. Tais conceitos também são importantes aos pesquisadores para um correto planejamento e análise dos dados. Objetivo: O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar, de forma clara, alguns conceitos essenciais da bioestatística que auxiliem o ortodontista clínico na compreensão da pesquisa científica para uma prática clínica baseada em evidências. Além disso, será apresentada uma versão atualizada do tutorial para auxílio na escolha do teste estatístico adequado. Essa ferramenta em PowerPoint® pode ser empregada para auxiliar o usuário a encontrar respostas para dúvidas comuns sobre bioestatística, como o teste estatístico mais adequado para comparar grupos, escolha de gráficos, realizar correlações e regressões, análises de sobrevivência e dos erros aleatório e sistemático. Conclusão: Pesquisadores e clínicos devem adquirir ou relembrar conceitos essenciais para compreender e aplicar uma análise estatística apropriada. É importante que os leitores e revisores de periódicos possam identificar quando análises estatísticas estão sendo utilizadas de forma inadequada.

Association between tooth agenesis and cancer: a systematic review

Abstract The congenital absence of multiple teeth may share the same genetic background of the development of some types of cancer. Objective: This systematic review aimed to investigate the possible association between dental agenesis and cancer, and the perspective of agenesis as an early predictor for cancer risk. Methodology: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and OpenGrey were searched and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool. The GRADE tool was used to evaluate the certainty of the evidence. Results: Six studies met the eligibility criteria. A positive co-occurrence between ovarian cancer and hypodontia was found in two articles. Three studies evaluated the association between dental agenesis and colorectal cancer and only one showed common genes for these conditions. One paper found individuals with hypodontia had a higher risk of family history of cancer. Five studies had a fair quality and one a good quality. The certainty of evidence was classified as very low. Conclusion: Notwithstanding the limited scientific evidence, there may be a possible association between dental agenesis and cancer due to genes involved in both conditions. Agenesis of multiple teeth could be an early indicator of cancer risk. Nevertheless, studies with a better level of evidence are needed to confirm this possible association.

Malocclusion Impact Scale for Early Childhood (MIS-EC): development and validation

Abstract: This study aimed to develop and validate the Malocclusion Impact Scale for Early Childhood (MIS-EC), a malocclusion-specific measure of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children aged 3-5 years and their parents/caregivers. A pool of items was analysed to identify those relevant to the assessment of the impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL. Dental professionals and mothers of children with and without malocclusion rated the importance of these items. The final version of the MIS-EC was evaluated in a cross-sectional study comprising 381 parents of children aged 3-5 years to assess construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Twenty-two items were identified from item pooling. After item reduction, eight items were chosen to constitute the MIS-EC, in addition to two general questions. The MIS-EC demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79 for the Child Impact section and 0.53 for the Family Impact section), and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.94), floor effect was 55.7% and ceiling effect 0%. MIS-EC scores indicating worse OHRQoL were significantly associated with the presence of malocclusion (p < 0.05). The MIS-EC is reliable and valid for assessing the impact of malocclusion on the OHRQoL of preschool children and their parents/caregivers.

Stainless steel or titanium mini-implants?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether there was a difference in success rates when stainless steel (SS) was compared to titanium mini-implants (MIs) in orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Google Scholar, Clinical Trials, and OpenGray were searched without restrictions. A manual search was also performed in the references of the included articles. Studies comparing the success rate between SS and titanium MIs were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions) Tool or RoB 2.0 according to the study design. The level of evidence was assessed through GRADE (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). RESULTS: Six studies met the eligibility criteria. One study was a randomized clinical trial that evaluated extraalveolar MIs, and nonrandomized trials examined interradicular MIs. The RCT presented a low RoB, two nonrandomized trials presented a moderate risk, and three presented a high risk. The quality of the evidence was high for the randomized clinical trial and moderate for the nonrandomized trials. Most studies found no difference between materials, with good success rates for both (SS, 74.6%-100%; titanium: 80.9%-100%) and only one study, with a high RoB, showed a higher success rate with titanium MIs (90%) when compared with SS (50%). A quantitative analysis was not because of the great heterogeneity among the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Although limited, the current evidence seems to show that the material used is not a major factor in the success rate of MIs. Because it has a lower cost than titanium and presents similar clinical efficiency, SS is a great material for orthodontic MIs.

Prognosis for the impacted lower third molars: Panoramic reconstruction versus tomographic images.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional accuracy study was to compare panoramic reconstruction (PR) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images, which are used to establish the prognosis for impacted mandibular third molars in relation to professional decision making. STUDY DESIGN: Images of 10 patients who had undergone cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination were selected, resulting in 2 distinct groups of images, with 10 in each group: PR and MPR. To check prognostic accuracy, 2 images from each group were randomly selected and reinserted into the sample, totaling 24 images. A questionnaire was completed by 54 professionals: 27 orthodontists and 27 oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs). Data were evaluated by using the χ2 and McNemar's tests and Kappa statistics at P < .05. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences when isolated PR images were compared with MPR images by orthodontists (P = .72) or OMFSs (P = .45). However, there were significant differences in the professional decision regarding the prognosis for impacted teeth, where OMFSs indicated the need for more extractions compared with orthodontists (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences between PR and multiplanar CBCT images with regard to the determination of the prognosis for impacted mandibular third molars. However, there was a difference in the decision making between the different specialties.

Is the extraction of third molars a risk factor for the temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate through a systematic review the extraction of third molars as a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: Randomized and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials where patients underwent third molar extraction and with qualitative evaluation of TMDs before and after extraction were included. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion criteria, seven nonrandomized clinical studies were included. QUIPS tool showed that four articles presented a moderate and three a high risk of bias (RoB). Six studies reported that TMDs presented higher level after removal of third molars ranging from OR, 1.81 to 2.15/RR, 2.1. However, one study showed no significant association. GRADE showed heterogeneity in relation to general results, which means that confidence in the estimated effects varied from low to moderate GRADE. The quality of clinical recommendations decreased especially due to the risk of bias in some of the included studies evaluated with the QUIPS tool. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Third molar extraction can be associated with the development of TMD signs and symptoms. Furthermore, TMD can be aggravated according to the third molar location, the degree of impaction and surgical difficulty, age, and gender. This systematic review highlights the need to perform randomized clinical trials with diagnostic criteria and standardized surgical procedures.

The ability of orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons in predicting spontaneous eruption of mandibular third molar using panoramic serial radiographs

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the skill of orthodontists and oral/maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in providing a prognosis of mandibular third molars spontaneously erupted, through follow-up panoramic analysis. Methods: 22 orthodontic patients treated without extraction, presenting spontaneously erupted mandibular third molars (n = 44) were analyzed through panoramic serial radiographs. The first panoramic radiograph was obtained just after orthodontic treatment (PR1), in patients aging from 13 to 19 years. A second panoramic radiograph (PR2), was obtained in average two years later. The radiographs were randomly analyzed by 54 specialists, 27 orthodontists and 27 OMFS, to obtain the opinion about the approach to be adopted to these teeth in PR1. Then, another opinion was collected by adding a serial radiograph (PR1+2). Results: The concordance of the answers was moderate for OMFS (Kappa 0.44; p< 0.0001) and significant for orthodontists (Kappa 0.39; p< 0.0001). In the analysis of the first radiograph (PR1) of the spontaneously erupted molars, OMFS indicated extraction in 44.5% of cases, while orthodontists indicated in 42%, with no difference between groups (p= 0.22). In PR1+2 analysis, orthodontists maintained the same level of extraction indication (45.6%, p= 0.08), while surgeons indicated more extractions (63.2%, p< 0.0001). Conclusions: Orthodontists and OMFS were not able to predict the eruption of the third molars that have erupted spontaneously. Both indicated extractions around half of the third molars. A follow-up analysis, including one more radiograph, did not improve the accuracy of prognosis among orthodontists and worsened for OMFS.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a habilidade de ortodontistas e cirurgiões bucomaxilofaciais (CBMF) em propor um prognóstico para terceiros molares inferiores. Métodos: Foram analisados 22 pacientes tratados ortodonticamente sem extração, cujos terceiros molares inferiores irrompidos espontaneamente (n= 44) foram avaliados por meio de radiografias panorâmicas seriadas. A primeira radiografia foi obtida logo após o tratamento ortodôntico (RX1), entre 13 e 19 anos de idade. A segunda radiografia (RX2) foi avaliada dois anos depois, em média. As radiografias foram analisadas aleatoriamente por 54 especialistas, 27 ortodontistas e 27 CBMFs, para obter sua opinião sobre a abordagem a ser adotada na RX1. Em seguida, outra opinião foi coletada adicionando-se a segunda radiografia seriada (RX1+2). Resultados: A concordância das respostas foi moderada para os CBMFs (Kappa = 0,44; p< 0,0001) e significativa para os ortodontistas (Kappa = 0,39; p< 0,0001). Após analisar apenas a primeira radiografia (RX1) dos molares antes deles irromperem espontaneamente, os CBMFs indicaram extração em 44,5% dos casos; enquanto os ortodontistas, em 42%, sem diferença entre os grupos (p= 0,22). Na análise de RX1+2, os ortodontistas mantiveram o mesmo nível de indicação de extração (45,6%, p= 0,08), enquanto os cirurgiões passaram a indicar mais extrações (63,2%, p< 0,0001). Conclusões: Ortodontistas e CBMFs não foram capazes de predizer a erupção de terceiros molares por meio da análise de uma única radiografia panorâmica, indicando extrações em cerca da metade dos terceiros molares examinados. Uma análise de acompanhamento, incluindo mais uma radiografia, não melhorou a precisão do prognóstico entre os ortodontistas, e piorou entre os CBMFs.