Radiation exposure during orthodontic treatment: risk to children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate radiation risk to children and adolescents during orthodontic treatment by retrieving number and type of radiographs from the patient records. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radiographs, along with justifications for radiation exposure, were obtained retrospectively from the patient records of 1,790 children and adolescents referred to two Swedish orthodontic clinics. Data were grouped according to treatment stage: treatment planning, treatment, and follow-up. Estimated risk was calculated using the concept of effective dose. RESULTS: Each patient had received around seven radiographs for orthodontic purposes. The most common exposures during treatment planning were one panoramic, one lateral, and three intraoral periapical radiographs. A small number of patients received a tomographic examination (8.2%). Few justifications for treatment planning and follow-up, but more in the actual treatment stage, had been recorded. The most common examinations were to assess root resorption and the positions of unerupted teeth, or simply carry out an unspecified control. The estimated risk of developing fatal cancer was considered low. The radiation risk from orthodontic treatment was equivalent to about 5-10 days of natural background radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents sometimes undergo multiple radiographic examinations, but despite the low radiation burden, accumulated radiation exposure should be considered and justified in young patients.

Temporomandibular Disorders and Orthodontics: how to conduct a screening examination? / Dysfonctionnements temporo-mandibulaires et orthodontie : comment conduire un examen de dépistage ?

Introduction: Common Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) involve the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joints, and/or their associated structures. Clinical manifestations can vary, including sounds (cracking, crepitus), pain, and/or dyskinesias, often corresponding to a limitation of mandibular movements. Signs or symptoms of muscular or joint disorders of the masticatory system may be present before the initiation of orthodontic treatment, emerge during treatment, or worsen to the point of stopping treatment. How do you screen for common TMD in orthodontic treatment? Materials and Methods: The main elements of the interview and clinical examination for screening common TMD in the context of orthodontic treatment are clarified and illustrated with photographs. Moreover, complementary examinations are also detailed. Results: A clinical screening form for common TMD is proposed. A synthetic decision tree helping in the screening of TMD is also presented. Conclusion: In the context of an orthodontic treatment, the screening examination for common TMD includes gathering information (interview), a clinical evaluation, and possibly complementary investigations. The orthodontist is supported in this approach through the development of a clinical form and a dedicated synthetic decision tree for the screening of TMDs. Systematically screening for common TMD before initiating orthodontic treatment allows the orthodontist to suggest additional diagnostic measures, implement appropriate therapeutic interventions, and/or refer to a specialist in the field if necessary.

Introduction: Les dysfonctionnements temporo-mandibulaires (DTM) concernent les muscles masticateurs, les articulations temporo- mandibulaires et/ou leurs structures associées. Les manifestations cliniques peuvent être diverses : bruits (craquements, crépitements), algies et/ou dyscinésies correspondant le plus souvent à une limitation des mouvements mandibulaires. Or, des signes ou symptômes de troubles musculaires ou articulaires de l'appareil manducateur peuvent être présents avant le début de la prise en charge orthodontique, voire apparaître en cours de traitement ou s'aggraver au point de remettre en question la poursuite du traitement engagé. Comment conduire un dépistage de DTM communs dans le cadre d'une prise en charge orthodontique ? Matériel et méthodes: Les éléments essentiels de l'entretien et de l'examen clinique d'un dépistage des DTM communs dans le cadre d'une consultation d'orthodontie sont clarifiés et illustrés à l'aide de photographies. Le recours aux examens complémentaires a également été détaillé. Résultats: Une fiche clinique de dépistage des DTM communs est proposée. Un arbre décisionnel synthétique aidant au dépistage des DTM est présenté. Conclusion: Dans le cadre d'une consultation d'orthopédie dento-faciale, l'examen de dépistage des DTM communs inclut un recueil d'informations (entretien), une évaluation clinique et éventuellement des examens complémentaires. L'orthodontiste est soutenu dans cette démarche par la création d'une fiche clinique et d'un arbre décisionnel synthétique dédiés au dépistage des DTM. Effectuer systématiquement un dépistage des DTM communs avant d'initier un traitement orthodontique permettra à l'orthodontiste de proposer des moyens diagnostiques supplémentaires si nécessaire, et de mettre en place la prise en charge adéquate et/ou de référer à un spécialiste du domaine pour démarrer le traitement orthodontique dans les meilleures conditions.

Resorptions and orthodontics / Résorptions et orthodontie

Introduction: It's generally accepted that one of the risks associated with orthodontic treatment is apical root resorption, even though this may occur outside orthodontic treatment. In any case, it causes root shortening. Orthodontists are probably the only dental surgeons who use the inflammatory process as a therapeutic tool. They need to be aware of the risk factors for root inflammation. Along with recurrence, leukemia and periodontal problems, resorption is one of the "inconveniences" of orthodontics, which, if not inevitable, must at least be minimized. Material and Method: At present, the orthodontic literature on root resorption provides some clues as to the factors associated with the onset, severity and management of root resorption, although the complexity of this phenomenon does not allow us to arrive at a clear and unequivocal consensus. For this reason, it is important to identify potential risk factors for resorption, to take them into account before/during and after treatment, and to know what attitude to adopt in the event of resorption appearing, all in order to minimize this phenomenon, as everyone agrees that it can be a source of harm and stress for both patient and practitioner. Conclusion: There are still many grey areas in our understanding of the phenomenon, including how the elements of orthodontic treatment influence orthodontic resorption. Irreversible in nature, resorption can be sufficiently extensive to cast doubt on the benefit of successful orthodontic treatment.

Introduction: Il est généralement admis que l'un des risques associés au traitement orthodontique est la résorption radiculaire apicale même si elle peut se produire en dehors de tout traitement orthodontique. Quoi qu'il en soit, elle provoque le raccourcissement radiculaire. Les orthodontistes sont sans doute les seuls spécialistes de la chirurgie dentaire qui utilisent le processus inflammatoire en tant que moyen thérapeutique. Ils doivent connaître les facteurs de risque de cette inflammation sur la racine. La résorption fait partie, au même titre que la récidive, les leucomes et les problèmes parodontaux, des « inconvénients ¼ de l'orthodontie qui, à défaut d'être inévitables, doivent au moins être minimisés. Matériels et méthode: Actuellement, la littérature orthodontique sur la résorption radiculaire fournit quelques pistes sur les facteurs associés à l'apparition, la gravité et la gestion de la résorption radiculaire, même si la complexité de ce phénomène ne nous permet pas d'en dégager un consensus clair et équivoque. Pour cette raison, il est important d'identifier les facteurs de risque de résorption potentiels pour en tenir compte avant/pendant et après le traitement et connaître l'attitude à adopter en cas d'apparition de résorptions, tout ceci afin de minimiser ce phénomène, car tout le monde s'accorde sur le fait qu'elle peut être source de préjudice et de stress pour le patient et le praticien. Conclusion: De nombreuses zones d'ombres subsistent dans la compréhension du phénomène, notamment sur comment les éléments du traitement orthodontique influencent la résorption orthodontique. De nature irréversible, la résorption peut être suffisamment étendue pour jeter un doute sur le bénéfice apporté au succès du traitement orthodontique.

Attractive combinations of female gingival displays, buccal corridor sizes, and facial heights according to orthodontists, dentists, and laypeople of different ages and sexes: a psychometric study.

INTRODUCTION: Esthetics plays a crucial role in orthodontics and many other dental and medical fields. To date, no study has assessed the combined effects of the 3 facial features 'facial height, gingival display (GD), and buccal corridor size (BC)' on facial/smile beauty. Therefore, this study was conducted for the first time. METHODS: In this psychometric diagnostic study, beauty of 27 randomized perceptometric images of a female model with variations in facial heights (short, normal, long), gingival displays (0, 2, 4, 6 mm), and buccal corridor sizes (2%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) were evaluated by 108 judges (36 orthodontists, 36 dentists, 36 laypeople) using a 5-scale Likert scale (1 to 5). Combined effects of facial heights, GDs, BCs, judges' sexes, ages, and jobs, and their 2-way interactions were tested using a mixed-model multiple linear regression and a Bonferroni test. Zones of ideal features were determined for all judges and also for each group using repeated-measures ANOVAs and the Bonferroni test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Judges' sex but not their age or expertise might affect their perception of female beauty: men gave higher scores. The normal face was perceived as more beautiful than the long face (the short face being the least attractive). Zero GD was the most attractive followed by 4 mm; 6 mm was the least appealing. BCs of 15% followed by 10% were the most attractive ones, while 25% BC was the worst. The zone of ideal anatomy was: long face + 0mm GD + 15% BC; normal face + 2mm GD + 15% BC; long face + 2mm GD + 15% BC; normal face + 0mm GD + 15% BC. CONCLUSIONS: Normal faces, zero GDs, and 15% BCs may be the most appealing. Facial heights affect the perception of beauty towards GDs but not BCs.

Post-graduation career pathways: a nationwide survey among dental students in Germany.

OBJECTIVES: Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) has to compete with other specialties for the best candidates. With the upcoming change of generations (Z and Alpha) and the movement toward gender parity of dentistry, understanding changing preferences and misconceptions is essential. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted by the German-Association-of-Oral-and-Maxillofacial-Surgery (DGMKG) across German dental schools. The survey collected demographic data, academic background, and career aspirations, with a focus on OMFS. The dental student survey results were compared to a survey given to OMFS Specialists. RESULTS: 637 dental students, mainly female (70%), from 30 German universities participated. 27% had defined career aspirations post-graduation, with self-employment and academia being popular choices. 67% were unsure. Specializations leaned towards restorative dentistry (41%), orthodontics (36%), and prosthodontics (31%). While 73% showed interest in surgical practices, 20% were attracted in specializing in OMFS. Of those averse to OMFS, 78% cited long training duration as the deterrent, 12% were put off by perceived unattractive working hours. Other reasons included negative undergraduate experiences, scarcity of part-time positions, and perceived inadequate earnings. CONCLUSION: Accurate data is crucial for career decisions. OMFS societies must proactively share accurate information and guide students. OMFS offers family-friendly hours, and while its training might be longer than dental specialties, it is on par with other surgical professions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dental students consistently regard OMFS as commendable career path. To guarantee sustained OMFS expertise, it is imperative to nurture this interest through dedicated academic mentorship and innovative education, thereby solidifying their professional direction.

Satisfaction of orthodontic Post-CCST training: A survey of trainee perceptions.

INTRODUCTION: This survey was undertaken as a second part to 'Barriers to Post-CCST training in orthodontics: A survey of trainee perceptions'. Recruitment of Post-CCST trainees in certain areas of the country has attracted concerns as it has become increasingly difficult. This survey was undertaken to assess trainee satisfaction with Post-CCST training and to look at possible ways to improve trainee satisfaction and make Post-CCST training more desirable. METHODS: The Training Grades Group (TGG) committee of the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) produced an online survey that was sent to all TGG members and newly qualified consultants in May 2021. All Post-CCSTs who entered training between February 2017 and October 2020, were asked to complete the survey. RESULTS: There were 37 respondents, which gave a response rate of 62%. While 61% of respondents were satisfied with their Post-CCST training, 17% were 'neither satisfied or dissatisfied' and 6% were either 'dissatisfied' or 'very dissatisfied'. Of the 37 respondents, 25 (67%) would apply for Post-CCST training again, 6 (16%) would not and 6 (16%) did not answer this question. When asked for possible suggestions for improvements to Post-CCST training to encourage greater satisfaction, the responses could be grouped into the following themes: Part-time training; Teaching; Time commitment; Salary; and Experience. CONCLUSION: In general, respondents were satisfied with Post-CCST training. There was a significant range of positive and negative responses to various aspects of training including multidisciplinary team clinic preparation, support, supervision and management experience. Suggestions for improvements echo the barriers to Post-CCST training survey.

Study on the role of nano antibacterial materials in orthodontics (a review) / Estudo sobre o papel dos materiais nanoantibacterianos na ortodontia

Nanoparticles (NPs) are insoluble particles with a diameter of fewer than 100 nanometers. Two main methods have been utilized in orthodontic therapy to avoid microbial adherence or enamel demineralization. Certain NPs are included in orthodontic adhesives or acrylic resins (fluorohydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, SiO2, TiO2, silver, nanofillers), and NPs (i.e., a thin layer of nitrogen-doped TiO2 on the bracket surfaces) are coated on the surfaces of orthodontic equipment. Although using NPs in orthodontics may open up modern facilities, prior research looked at antibacterial or physical characteristics for a limited period of time, ranging from one day to several weeks, and the limits of in vitro studies must be understood. The long-term effectiveness of nanotechnology-based orthodontic materials has not yet been conclusively confirmed and needs further study, as well as potential safety concerns (toxic effects) associated with NP size.

Nanopartículas (NPs) são partículas insolúveis com diâmetro inferior a 100 nanômetros. Dois métodos principais têm sido utilizados na terapia ortodôntica para evitar a aderência microbiana ou a desmineralização do esmalte: NPs são incluídas em adesivos ortodônticos ou resinas acrílicas (fluoro-hidroxiapatita, fluorapatita, hidroxiapatita, SiO2, TiO2, prata, nanopreenchimentos) e NPs são revestidas nas superfícies de equipamentos ortodônticos, ou seja, uma camada fina de TiO2 dopado com nitrogênio nas superfícies do braquete. Embora o uso de NPs em ortodontia possa tornar acessível modernos recursos, pesquisas anteriores analisaram as características antibacterianas ou físicas por um período limitado de tempo, variando de 24 horas a várias semanas, por isso devem ser compreendidos os limites dos estudos in vitro. A eficácia de longo prazo de materiais ortodônticos com base em nanotecnologia ainda não foi confirmada de forma conclusiva, o que exige mais estudos, bem como potenciais preocupações de segurança (efeitos tóxicos) associadas ao tamanho da NP.

Factors influencing treatment outcomes assessed by the American Board of Orthodontics Objective Grading System (ABO-OGS).

BACKGROUND: Treatment outcomes can be influenced by various factors. This study aimed to determine the association between predisposing patient- and treatment-related factors (demographic, cephalometric parameters, skeletal relationships, Discrepancy Index (DI), extractions, treatment type and duration) and treatment outcomes measures according to the American Board of Orthodontics Objective Grading System index (ABO-OGS). METHODS: Completed cases (N = 100) were included in this cross-sectional study. One calibrated examiner assessed DI, pretreatment lateral cephalometric parameters and ABO-OGS. Patient data, including sex, age, types of malocclusion, extractions, treatment type, and duration, were also collected. Intraexaminer reliability for each measurement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficients. Multiple linear regression analysis, using the backward elimination method with a significance level (α) of 0.05, was used to determine which factors significantly influenced the ABO-OGS score. RESULTS: From the study, the overall mean ABO-OGS score was 11.36 points. Factors influencing the ABO-OGS score were pretreatment Wits values (p value = .000), L1-NB (°) (p value = .023) and treatment duration (p value = .019). Subjects with lower negative values of Wits and L1-NB (°) tended to have higher ABO-OGS scores. Additionally, the ABO-OGS score tended to be higher for subjects with longer treatment times. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of treated subjects had satisfactory orthodontic treatment outcomes assessed by the ABO-OGS. The pretreatment severity of skeletal discrepancies determined by the Wits parameter, the degree of retroclined lower incisors and longer treatment duration negatively impacted the treatment outcomes.

Contemporary Role and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies play a significant role and significantly impact various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, sciences, and smart cities. AI has the potential to improve the quality of patient care and treatment outcomes while minimizing the risk of human error. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the dental industry, just like it is revolutionizing other sectors. It is used in dentistry to diagnose dental diseases and provide treatment recommendations. Dental professionals are increasingly relying on AI technology to assist in diagnosis, clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and prognosis prediction across ten dental specialties. One of the most significant advantages of AI in dentistry is its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, providing dental professionals with valuable insights to enhance their decision-making processes. The purpose of this paper is to identify the advancement of artificial intelligence algorithms that have been frequently used in dentistry and assess how well they perform in terms of diagnosis, clinical decision-making, treatment, and prognosis prediction in ten dental specialties; dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine and pathology, oral & maxillofacial radiology, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and digital dentistry in general. We will also show the pros and cons of using AI in all dental specialties in different ways. Finally, we will present the limitations of using AI in dentistry, which made it incapable of replacing dental personnel, and dentists, who should consider AI a complimentary benefit and not a threat.

A service evaluation of the multidisciplinary team approach to hypodontia.

Introduction Patients with hypodontia can be seen by a multidisciplinary team clinic (MDT) for treatment planning at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester (UDHM). The MDT consists of orthodontics, restorative dentistry and oral surgery colleagues.Aims and methods A retrospective case-note analysis was conducted on 558 hypodontia patients seen on Manchester Hypodontia Clinic (MHC) between 2016-2022 to assess service utilisation and treatment planning outcomes.Results The average age of patients attending the MHC was 16 (range 8-50). The distribution of mild, moderate and severe hypodontia in the sample was 28%, 37% and 35%, respectively. Most common treatments proposed were fixed appliances, extractions, implants and resin-bonded bridges. Out of 558 patients seen for consultation on the MHC, 365 (65%) were accepted for treatment. The average number of visits for treatment was 15.5 (range: 1-55). The average number of did not attend/was not brought appointments, patient cancellations and hospital cancellations were 0.8, 1.4 and 1.8, respectively.Conclusion Hypodontia patients referred to UDHM are triaged by consultants in orthodontics or restorative dentistry, and if MDT planning is required, they are booked onto the MHC. There are sufficient patients with complex cases of moderate and severe hypodontia to justify a regular MDT hypodontia clinic.

Artificial intelligence in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery: a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles.

BACKGROUND: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery has gained significant attention in recent years. However, there is a lack of bibliometric reports that analyze the academic literature in this field to identify publishing and citation trends. By conducting an analysis of the top 100 most-cited articles on AI in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery, we aim to unveil popular research topics, key authors, institutions, countries, and journals in this area. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in the Web of Science (WOS) electronic database to identify the top 100 most-cited articles on AI in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Publication and citation data were obtained and further analyzed and visualized using R Biblioshiny. The key domains of the 100 articles were also identified. RESULTS: The top 100 most-cited articles were published between 2005 and 2022, contributed by 458 authors, with an average citation count of 22.09. South Korea emerged as the leading contributor with the highest number of publications (28) and citations (595), followed by China (16, 373), and the United States (7, 248). Notably, six South Korean authors ranked among the top 10 contributors, and three South Korean institutions were listed as the most productive. International collaborations were predominantly observed between the United States, China, and South Korea. The main domains of the articles focused on automated imaging assessment (42%), aiding diagnosis and treatment planning (34%), and the assessment of growth and development (10%). Besides, a positive correlation was observed between the testing sample size and citation counts (P = 0.010), as well as between the time of publication and citation counts (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of AI in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery has shown remarkable progress, particularly in the domains of imaging analysis, diagnosis and treatment planning, and growth and development assessment. This bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the top-cited articles and the trends of AI research in this field.

Diode laser in orthodontics: clinical applications and perspectives / Le laser diode en orthodontie : applications cliniques et perspectives

Introduction: The diode laser, which appeared at the end of the last century, is becoming more and more important in the various dental specialties, more particularly in orthodontics where the first publications date back to 2004. Today it has become an indispensable instrument for the orthodontist, who can make his patients benefit from this technology and its essential contribution both in terms of ablative treatment and photobiomodulation. Materials and methods: The article will describe all the current applications of the diode laser in orthodontics, including the new perspectives that it can generate. Results: Through the bibliography, we were able to identify the main surgery and photobiomodulation actions according to the different pathologies and our desired orthodontic treatments. We have not developed the different protocols in an exhaustive way. Conclusion: There are certainly still many applications of laser in our specialty that are not sufficiently developed or known.

Introduction: Le laser diode, apparu à la fin du siècle dernier, prend de plus en plus d'importance au sein des différentes spécialités odontologiques, plus particulièrement en orthodontie où les premières publications datent de 2004. Aujourd'hui, il est devenu un instrument indispensable pour l'orthodontiste, qui peut faire bénéficier ses patients de cette technologie et de son apport essentiel tant sur le plan ablatif que pour la photobiomodulation. Matériels et méthodes: L'article décrira toutes les applications actuelles du laser diode en orthodontie, y compris les nouvelles perspectives qu'il peut engendrer. Résultats: A travers la bibliographie, nous avons pu recenser les principales actions ablatives et de photobiomodulation en fonction des différentes pathologies et de nos traitements orthodontiques souhaités. Nous n'avons pas développé les différents protocoles de manière exhaustive. Conclusion: Il existe certainement encore de nombreuses applications du laser dans notre spécialité qui ne sont pas suffisamment développées ou connues.

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.

A retrospective three-dimensional study of the mandibular growth during preoperative orthodontics in late adolescent patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: The mandible's ongoing development presents a contraindication for combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mandibular stability before and after preoperative orthodontic treatment in late adolescent patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and to investigate the most appropriate time to start preoperative orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 58 adolescents, aged between 15 and 21 years, with skeletal Class III malocclusion; the adolescents underwent CT scans at the beginning (T1) and the end (T2) of preoperative orthodontic treatment. The CT data were analyzed using ITK-SNAP and 3D Slicer software, and the effects of age and gender on mandibular development were investigated. RESULTS: In these 58 patients, there were no significant local bone alterations in the condyle and anterior chin point between T1 and T2 and no significant changes in the mandibular branch height, mandibular body length, condylar distance, and mandibular angle distance (p>0.05). The mandibular growth at the angel of mandible was statistically significant (p<0.05), but it was not clinically significant because the mean value of the growth was small (right: 0.416±0.986 mm, left: 0.328±0.886 mm). No effect of age and gender on mandibular development was observed. CONCLUSION: The mandibular morphology was stable during preoperative orthodontic treatment in patients at the late adolescent stage. This study provides evidence for the possibility of early implementation of preoperative orthodontics.

European inequalities and similarities in officially recognized dental specialties.

BACKGROUND: Although the European Economic Space usually acts in a united and organized way, several main differences are found regarding the type and number of dental specialties all around this group of member states. The aim of the study is to analyse the inequalities and similarities existing between 21 European countries, highlighting the number and types of recognized dental specialties. METHODS: Available official documents and webpages from 20 out of the 30 countries of which the European Economic Space is comprised plus the United Kingdom (UK), were analysed to obtain reliable data referred to dental specialties. Differences were tested with the Lorentz curve and Gini test. Additionally, a Cluster analysis was performed to obtain groups of countries with a similar pattern in the number and type of dental specialties. RESULTS: Up to a total of 15 different specialties are officially recognized in all the analysed countries. Orthodontics (90%) and Oral Surgery (81%) are the two most frequently recognized specialties. The total global degree of inequality of the analysed countries was 40.2%. Cluster analysis differentiated three different main groups of countries according to the number and type of dental specialties. CONCLUSIONS: The situation of dental specialties in the area of the EES plus the UK exhibits an unequal organization. Cluster analysis showed 3 main clusters of countries with a similar pattern of dental specialties.

What does the Dentists Act say about orthodontic treatment choice?

Should one theory of dentistry be allowed to predominate over another in a profession that has a monopoly? This question is traced to the original Dentists Act of 1878, which was set up as a result of the dental reform movement which sought to prevent unqualified dentists from practising. A report into the 'extent and gravity of the evils connected with the practice of dentistry and dental surgery by persons not qualified under the Dentists Act' published in 1919 showed that the original Act had been unsuccessful in this respect, which led to the 1921 Act. The 1919 Report and the current Dentists Act of 1981 both refer to and support this contention. Can a licensed monopoly be justified in excluding the practice of expansion in non-extraction functional jaw orthopaedics while accepting conventional extraction orthodontics? This is especially so, as there is an expanding evidence base to support expansion in functional jaw orthopaedics.

Harnessing the Power of PAOO and Invisalign: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Orthodontic Care.

The present article explores the benefits of combining periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) with Invisalign for optimal orthodontic treatment outcomes. PAOO is an interdisciplinary dental technique that minimizes complications and accelerates tooth movement while enhancing various orthodontic treatments. In conjunction with Invisalign, PAOO provides a discreet and comfortable solution for patients seeking to improve their smile. The study presents two challenging cases successfully treated using this combined approach, emphasizing the technique's potential to reduce treatment times and improve orthodontic outcomes. The interdisciplinary approach of PAOO ensures long-term success and stability by preserving periodontal structures and addressing potential bony defects. By incorporating bone grafting materials, PAOO helps prevent common concerns in traditional orthodontic treatments, such as bony defects and gingival recession. Furthermore, the combination with Invisalign offers a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable treatment experience, allowing patients to maintain their self-esteem and confidence throughout the treatment. Despite the potential advantages, dental professionals must manage patient expectations and address potential complications to ensure the best possible results. Overall, the integration of PAOO and Invisalign demonstrates a viable alternative for patients who do not want to proceed with orthognathic surgery, enhancing patient satisfaction and overall treatment outcomes.

The influence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on orthodontic treatment decisions in children and adolescents. Part 1: OSA phenotypes, treatment temporality and reciprocal effects on growth / L'influence du syndrome d'apnées obstructives du sommeil sur la décision thérapeutique orthodontique chez l'enfant et l'adolescent. Partie 1 : Phénotypes du SAOS, temporalité des traitements et effets réciproques sur la croissance

Introduction: Pediatric OSAS is a complex condition, comprising a plurality of clinical signs, complicated by the phenomena of growth. Its etiology is dominated by the hypertrophy of lymphoid organs, but obesity and certain craniofacial and neuromuscular tone abnormalities also contribute. Material and Method: The authors summarize the interrelations between pediatric OSAS endotypes, phenotypes and orthodontic anomalies. They report clinical practice recommendations on the multidisciplinary management of pediatric OSAS and define the place and timing of orthodontics. Results: There is an indication for treatment of pediatric OSAS for an OAHI greater than 5/h, regardless of comorbidity, as well as for symptomatic children, whose OAHI is between 1-5/h. The first line of treatment is adenotonsillectomy, but it does not always normalize the OAHI. Complementary treatments are often necessary: early orthodontics (rapid maxillary expansion, myofunctional appliances), oral reeducation, as well as the management of obesity and allergies. Careful watching, without treatment is possible for mild cases with few symptoms, as pediatric OSAS tends to resolve naturally with growth. Discussion: The therapeutic approach is stratified, depending on the severity of OSAS and the child's age. In terms of orthodontic repercussions, obesity is associated with earlier maturation and some facial morphological differences, while oral hypotonia and nasal obstruction can alter facial growth, promoting mandibular hyperdivergence and maxillary deficiency. Conclusion: Orthodontists are in a privileged position for the detection, follow-up and certain treatments of OSAS.

Introduction: Le syndrome d'apnées obstructives du sommeil (SAOS) pédiatrique est une pathologie complexe, comportant une pluralité de signes cliniques, compliqués par les phénomènes de croissance. Son étiologie est dominée par l'hypertrophie des organes lymphoïdes, mais l'obésité, certaines anomalies cranio-faciales ou du tonus neuromusculaire y contribuent. Matériel et méthode: Les auteurs font la synthèse des interrelations entre endotypes, phénotypes du SAOS pédiatrique et anomalies orthodontiques. Ils résument les recommandations sur la prise en charge pluridisciplinaire du SAOS, définissant la place des traitements orthodontiques. Résultats: Une indication de traitement du SAOS pédiatrique existe pour un indice d'apnées/hypopnées obstructives (IAHO) supérieur à 5/h, indépendamment de comorbidité, ainsi que pour les enfants symptomatiques, avec un IAHO entre 1 et 5/h. La première ligne de traitement est l'adéno-amygdalectomie, qui ne permet pas toujours de normaliser l'IAHO. Des traitements complémentaires sont souvent nécessaires : orthodontie précoce (expansion maxillaire rapide, appareils myofonctionnels), rééducation orale/hygiène nasale, ainsi que la prise en charge de l'obésité et des allergies. Une surveillance attentive sans traitement est possible pour les cas peu sévères et peu symptomatiques, car le SAOS a tendance à se résoudre naturellement avec la croissance. Discussion: L'approche thérapeutique est stratifiée, en fonction de la sévérité du SAOS et de l'âge de l'enfant. Au niveau des répercussions orthodontiques, l'obésité est associée à une maturation plus précoce et à des différences morphologiques faciales, alors que l'hypotonie orale et l'obstruction nasale peuvent favoriser l'hyperdivergence mandibulaire et la déficience maxillaire. Conclusion: Les orthodontistes sont dans une position privilégiée pour le dépistage, le suivi et certains traitements du SAOS.

Concordance of the vestibular bone thickness at the level of point a between teleradiography and cone beam computed tomography / Concordancia del espesor óseo vestibular a nivel del punto a entre telerradiografía y tomografía computarizada de haz cónico

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the concordance of the vestibular bone thickness measured at the level of point A between Teleradiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This study consisted of a cross-sectional analytical design of concordance that evaluated the teleradiographies and CBCTs of 32 patients. The measurements were performed by three evaluators, specialists in orthodontics. Two of them measured the CBCTs and one evaluated the teleradiographs. The concordance of both tests was determined using the Concordance Correlation Coefficient. Results: When evaluating the value of the vestibular bone thickness at the level of point A between the CBCT and the teleradiography, it was observed that the mean value of the absolute difference between the two was 0.95±0.74, 95%CI [0.68­1.22], being statistically significant (p=0.0027). When the concordance between both tests was analyzed, it was observed that it was poor (CCC=0.204 95%CI [0.014­0.394]), although statistically significant (p<0.00001). Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that there is no concordance in the measurement of the vestibular bone thickness at the level of Point A between the Teleradiography and the CBCT.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la concordancia del espesor óseo vestibular medido a nivel del punto A entre la Telerradiografía y la Tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT). Materiales y Métodos: Esta investigación presentó un diseño analítico transversal de concordancia en el que se evaluaron las telerradiografías y CBCT de 32 pacientes. Las mediciones fueron realizadas por tres evaluadores especialistas en ortodoncia, dos de ellos midieron los CBCT y uno las telerradiografías. La concordancia de ambos exámenes fue medida mediante Coeficiente de Correlación de Concordancia. Resultados: Al evaluar el valor del grosor óseo vestibular a nivel del punto A entre el CBCT y la telerradiografía, se observó que el valor promedio de diferencia absoluta entre ambos fue de 0,95±0,74 IC95% [0,68­1,22], siendo estadísticamente significativas (p=0,0027). Cuando se analizó la concordancia entre ambos exámenes se observó que esta fue pobre (CCC=0,204 IC95 % [0,014­0,394]), aunque estadísticamente significativa (p<0,00001). Conclusión: Se pudo concluir que no existe concordancia en la medición del espesor óseo vestibular medido a nivel del Punto A entre la Telerradiografía y el CBCT.