Comparative assessment of two-phase class II treatment with Activator or Bionator followed by fixed appliances: A retrospective controlled before-and-after study.

AIM: Two-phase treatment for children with Class II malocclusion with several functional appliances is still performed by many orthodontists, while the Activator and the Bionator appliances are two of the most popular ones. Aim of this study was to compare the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of treatment with these two appliances. METHODS: Class II children treated with Activator or Bionator in the first phase, followed by a phase of fixed appliances were included. Skeletal and dentoalveolar parameters were assessed from lateral cephalograms and analysed with linear regressions at 5%. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients (mean age 10.0 years; 47% female) were included. During the first phase, Bionator increased less the SNB (difference in mean treatment-induced changes [MD] -0.7°; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.3 to -0.2°; P=0.01) and decreased less the ANB angle (MD 0.6°; 95% CI 0 to 1.1°; P=0.03) compared to Activator. Activator slightly increased the facial axis and Bionator reduced it (MD -1.6°; 95% CI -2.3 to -0.8°; P<0.001). Compared to Activator, the Bionator retroclined more the upper incisors (MD -2.4°; 95% CI -4.6 to -0.2°; P=0.03) and increased more the interincisal angle (MD 2.9°; 95% CI 0.5 to 5.4°; P=0.02). After the second phase (6.2 years after baseline), the only differences were a reduced facial axis (MD -1.3°; 95% CI -2.2 to -0.3°; P=0.008) and an increased maxillary rotation (MD 0.9°; 95% CI 0 to 1.8°; P=0.04) with Bionator compared to Activator. CONCLUSION: Similar dentoalveolar effects were seen overall with two-phase treatment with either appliance, with Bionator being associated with more vertical increase compared to Activator.

Clinical evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Driven Remote Monitoring technology for assessment of patient oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to clinically evaluate the accuracy of Dental Monitoring's (DM) artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis and oral hygiene notification algorithm in identifying oral hygiene and mucogingival conditions. METHODS: Twenty-four patients seeking orthodontic therapy were monitored by DM oral hygiene protocol during their orthodontic treatment. During the bonding appointment and at each of 10 subsequent adjustment visits, a total of 232 clinical oral examinations were performed to assess the presence of the 3 oral hygiene parameters that DM monitors. In each clinical timepoint, the subjects took an oral DM scan and received a notification regarding their current oral status at that moment in time. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated to evaluate AI and clinical assessment of plaque, gingivitis, and recession. RESULTS: A total of 232 clinical time points have been evaluated clinically and by the DM AI algorithm. For DM's AI detection of plaque and calculus, gingivitis, and recession, the sensitivity was 0.53, 0.35, and 0.22; the specificity was 0.94, 0.96, and 0.99; and the accuracy was 0.60, 0.49, and 0.72, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DM's oral hygiene notification algorithm has low sensitivity, high specificity, and moderate accuracy. This indicates a tendency of DM to underreport the presence of plaque, gingivitis, and recession.

Evaluation of pharyngeal airway space after orthodontic extraction treatment in class II malocclusion integrating with the subjective sleep quality assessment.

Orthodontic treatment with premolar extractions is typically used to relieve dental crowding and retract anterior teeth for lip profile improvement. The aim of the study is to compare the changes in regional pharyngeal airway space (PAS) after orthodontic treatment with Class II malocclusion and to identify the correlations between questionnaire results and PAS dimensions after orthodontic treatment. In this retrospective cohort study, 79 consecutive patients were divided into normodivergent nonextraction, normodivergent extraction, and hyperdivergent extraction groups. Serial lateral cephalograms were used to evaluate the patients' PASs and hyoid bone positions. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and STOP-Bang questionnaire were used for sleep quality evaluation and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk assessment, respectively, after treatment. The greatest airway reduction was observed in hyperdivergent extraction group. However, the changes in PAS and hyoid positions did not differ significantly among three groups. According to questionnaire results, all three groups had high sleep quality and low risk of OSA, with no significant intergroup differences. Moreover, pretreatment-to-posttreatment changes in PAS were not correlated with sleep quality or risk of OSA. Orthodontic retraction with premolar extractions nither exhibit significant reduction in airway dimensions nor increase their risk of OSA.

Assessment of orthodontic treatment needs in patients with ß-thalassemia major and sickle cell disease.

Patients suffering from hemoglobinopathies may suffer from pathogic dental and orofacial features. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment in patients with ß-thalassemia major (BTM) and sickle cell disease (SCD). The study was conducted on 311 blood transfusion-dependent patients with BTM or SCD and 400 healthy individuals aged 10 to 16. The types of malocclusion were evaluated based on Angle's classification and Dewey's modification, and their oral habits were recorded using a questionnaire. The need for orthodontic treatment was assessed through the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), and the data were compared with normal participants. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need-Dental Health Component (IOTN-DHC) assessment showed that patients had a higher prevalence of objective need for treatment (IOTN grades 4 and 5) compared to healthy children. The prevalence of class II malocclusion was significantly higher in patients. Patients showed significantly less Angle's Class I malocclusion compared to normal participants. Oral habits were presented in 61%, 64.15% and 62.4% of normal participants, BTM and SCD patients, respectively. The higher prevalence of Angle's class II malocclusion and higher percentage of IOTN grade 4 and 5 among BTM and SCD patients reveal the importance of early orthodontic assessment and intervention in children with BMT and SDC.

Which orthodontic retention protocol should I implement? A critical assessment of a randomised controlled trial.

Trial design A single-centre two-arm parallel group randomised controlled trial.Objectives To assess differences in dental stability, patient perceptions and compliance and retainer failures in adolescents treated with vacuum-formed retainers (VFR) compared with those receiving bonded canine-to canine retainers after five years in retention.Methods In total, 104 eligible adolescents treated with fixed appliances in both jaws in a Swedish orthodontic clinic were randomised to two retention protocols. The intervention protocol consisted of a VFR covering all erupted teeth in the maxilla and a VFR in the mandible covering first premolar to first premolar. The controls received a VFR in the maxilla covering all erupted teeth and a bonded retainer wire to the lingual surfaces of the canines. The primary outcomes were various dental stability measures assessed at: debond (T1); six months (T2); 18 months (T3); and after five years (T4) in retention. Generalised estimating equations were used to quantify the effect of the different interventions on these outcome measures. One operator assessed all outcomes and participants could not be blinded. For the secondary outcomes, the perception and compliance with the retention protocols were assessed and the prevalence and rationale of retainer failure at T4. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03070444) and the research project was supported by the Centre for Research and Development, Region Gävleborg, Sweden.Results Of the 104 randomised patients, 30 were not available at T4, leaving 35 patients in the intervention and 39 in the comparator group. An intention-to-treat analysis was used to impute outcomes for the missing patients. Post-treatment changes at T4 were small in both jaws. In the maxilla, the Little's Irregularity Index (LII) increased similar in both retention groups (median difference: 0.3 mm). In the mandible, the median difference for the LLI in the bonded retainer group was 0.1 mm compared with 0.6 mm in VFR group. In both retention protocols, the overjet remained stable, the overbite increased and the arch lengths continued to decrease. Intercanine and intermolar width remained stable in the mandible. Intermolar width decreased significantly in the maxilla. No differences in satisfaction were found between retention protocols after five years. Also, 72% of patients had stopped or rarely wore the VFR appliances at T4. Besides some retainer failures in both groups, no serious adverse effects associated with the retainers were reported.Conclusions Most post-treatment changes in both retention protocols were small in both jaws, except for the anterior alignment in the mandible, which was more stable in the bonded retainer group. This difference is possibly not related to the retention technique but to the poor compliance with the VFRs and the inclusion of adolescents only. Satisfaction with both protocols was similar.

Assessment of orthodontic treatment efficacy of Clarity Aligners using the Peer Assessment Rating index and the American Board of Orthodontics Cast-Radiograph Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: 3M Oral Care Solutions (St Paul, Minn) has recently introduced Clarity Aligners into the market. This cohort study evaluated the orthodontic treatment efficacy of this clear aligner system using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index and the American Board of Orthodontics Cast-Radiograph Evaluation (CR-Eval). METHODS: Pretreatment and posttreatment dental models of 87 subjects who had undergone orthodontic treatment using Clarity Aligners in both arches to align their teeth to a target setup were independently evaluated by 4 examiners using the PAR index and the American Board of Orthodontics CR-Eval. Changes in CR-Eval and PAR scores from pretreatment to posttreatment were calculated, with PAR score reductions also expressed as percentages. RESULTS: Treatment with Clarity Aligners reduced the CR-Eval scores from 39.05 ± 14.98 to 30.34 ± 8.76, resulting in a statistically significant difference of 8.76 ± 11.45 between pretreatment and posttreatment scores. Similarly, aligner treatment reduced the weighted PAR scores from 13.40 ± 9.26 to 5.80 ± 4.84, resulting in a statistically significant difference of 7.50 ± 7.56 between pretreatment and posttreatment scores. The overall median PAR reduction was 53%, with 94% of the subjects having reduced PAR scores after treatment. Seventy-eight percent of subjects had >30% PAR reduction, 57% had >50% PAR reduction, and 33% had >70% PAR reduction. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that Clarity Aligners may be an effective treatment modality in mild to moderate malocclusions.

Malocclusion complexity and orthodontic treatment need in children with autism spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the malocclusion complexity and orthodontic treatment need among children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) referred for orthodontic treatment by quantifying the Discrepancy Index (DI) and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental records of 48 ASD and 49 non-ASD consecutive patients aged between 9 and 18 years (median age 13.0 years) referred for orthodontic treatment were reviewed and compared. The Discrepancy Index (DI) was quantified to determine the malocclusion complexity, and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), including the Dental Health Component (IOTN-DHC) and Aesthetic Component (IOTN-AC), was quantified to determine the orthodontic treatment need. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, Pearson chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U tests, and several univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The statistical analysis used descriptive analysis, Pearson chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The results show that both malocclusion complexity (DI, p = 0.0010) and orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC, p = 0.0025; IOTN-AC p = 0.0009) were significantly higher in children with ASD. Furthermore, children with ASD had a higher prevalence of increased overjet (p = .0016) and overbite (p = .031). CONCLUSIONS: Malocclusion complexity and orthodontic treatment need are statistically significantly higher among children with ASD than children without ASD, independent of age and sex. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Children with autism may benefit from visits to a dental specialist (orthodontist) to prevent, to some extent, developing malocclusions from an early age.

Did the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic affect orthodontic treatment outcomes? A clinical evaluation using the objective grading system and Peer Assessment Rating index.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the treatment outcome of patients whose orthodontic treatment was completed before or during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS: Pretreatment and posttreatment models of 100 patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances were evaluated using the peer assessment rating (PAR) index. Posttreatment models and panoramic radiographs were measured and scored with the objective grading system (OGS). All patients had their treatment plans before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, but the orthodontic treatment finishing date was before (prepandemic: group 1, n = 50) or during (pandemic: group 2, n = 50) the pandemic. Intergroup comparisons were tested with an independent samples t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Chi-square test statistics and Fisher exact test were used to compare categorical variables. RESULTS: Significant higher posttreatment weighted maxillary alignment score was found in group 2. However, no significant difference was found between the groups concerning the mean total weighted PAR reduction (29.8 ± 9.9 vs 25.6 ± 8.7) and posttreatment total weighted PAR scores (1 vs 2). The PAR index score improvement (%) was similar between the groups (93.7 ± 7.1 vs 89.9 ± 13.0). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups for the total OGS score (32 vs 33). A lower score for marginal ridge height (4 vs 3) and a higher score for buccolingual inclination (7 vs 11), and a lower score for occlusal relationship (3 vs 1) were found in group 2. Canceled appointments (1.1 ± 0.7 vs 4.8 ± 1.6) and the number of missed appointments (0.6 ± 0.5 vs 1.1 ± 0.8) were statistically higher in group 2, whereas the total number of appointments (27.3 ± 8.8 vs 21.8 ± 5.4) were statistically less. The treatment duration was comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced and irregular appointments during the pandemic resulted in significantly higher posttreatment weighted maxillary alignment and worsening of the buccolingual inclination. However, the PAR score improvement, total OGS score, and treatment duration were not affected.

Cost analysis of two types of fixed maxillary retainers and a removable vacuum-formed maxillary retainer: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increased interest in conducting healthcare economic evaluations. Also, orthodontic treatments have gathered focus from an economic point of view, however orthodontic research seldom examines both clinical and economic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the costs of three retention methods: a bonded retainer to the maxillary four incisors, a bonded retainer to the maxillary four incisors and canines, and a removable vacuum-formed retainer (VFR) in the maxilla. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in costs for the three types of retention methods. TRIAL DESIGN: Three-arm, parallel group, single-centre, randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety adolescent patients, 54 girls and 36 boys, treated with fixed or removable retainers in the maxilla, were recruited to the study. The patients were randomized in blocks of 30, by an independent person, to one of three groups: bonded multistranded PentaOne (Masel Orthodontics) retainer 13-23, bonded multistranded PentaOne (Masel Orthodontics) retainer 12-22, and removable VFR. A cost analysis was made regarding chair time costs based on the costs per hour for the specialist in orthodontics, and material costs plus any eventual costs for repairs of the appliance. Changes in Little's irregularity index and in single contact point discrepancies (CPDs) were measured on digitalized three-dimensional study casts. Data were evaluated on an intention-to-treat basis. The analysis was performed at 2 years of retention. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in costs between the maxillary fixed retainers and the VFRs was found, however, the material and emergency costs were significantly higher for the VFR compared with the bonded retainers. All three retention methods showed equally effective retention capacity, and no statistically significant differences in irregularity or CPDs of the maxillary anterior teeth in the three groups was detected. LIMITATIONS: It was a single-centre trial, and hence less generalizable. Costs depended on local factors, and consequently, cannot be directly transferred to other settings. CONCLUSIONS: All three retention methods can be recommended when considering costs and retention capacity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04616755.

Orthodontic treatment demand in young adolescents - Are parents familiar with their children's desires and reasons?

AIM: To assess the levels of agreement between parents and adolescents about young adolescents' orthodontic treatment demand and to what extent is treatment demand conditioned by family and psychosocial impacts and oral function. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study included 221 adolescents (11-14 years, 54% female) and their parents. A 5-point scale was used to assess orthodontic treatment demand. Adolescents self-administered the Child Perceptions Questionnaire, and parents self-administered the Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire and Family Impact Scale. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need Dental Health Component (IOTN DHC) was used for determining malocclusion severity. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Cohen's kappa coefficient were used for the assessment of agreement between two informants. RESULTS: The parent-child agreement on children's orthodontic treatment demand was weak, concording in 67.4% of cases. The most common reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment derive from the emotional (EW) and social well-being domains for both informants. In linear regression, the adolescent's reporting of impaired EW and IOTN DHC was the only significant linear predictor of orthodontic treatment demand. CONCLUSION: Parents cannot correctly assess the orthodontic treatment demand of their children. Impaired EW is the most significant self-reported determinant of adolescents' demand for orthodontic treatment. Family relationships and parental perspective have a low influence.

Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scoring of cleft patients treated within a regional cleft centre in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE: To assess static occlusal outcomes for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) and cleft palate (CP) managed within a UK Regional Cleft Service and to compare with previously published Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scores from a non-cleft population of patients treated within a UK consultant-led hospital service. DESIGN: Retrospective multicentre study. SETTING: Eight orthodontic hospital units within the Spires Cleft Service, UK. PARTICIPANTS: Patients born with CLP or CP between 1985 and 1995 treated within the service. METHODS: Patients were assigned to groups by cleft type and whether they were treated by orthodontics only or a combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. PAR was recorded before and after treatment from study models. RESULTS: Data were collected for 171 patients included in the study. Median pre-treatment PAR was 42 and post-treatment 11. Median percentage change in PAR for all patients was 73%, although 12% of cleft patients had a PAR improvement that was worse or no different. Median change in PAR score was 71% for those treated with orthodontics only and 83% for those who had an osteotomy. Median PAR improvement for those treated with orthodontics only was 73% in the cleft lip group, 77% in the CP group, 66% in the unilateral CLP group and 53% in the bilateral CLP group. Median pre- and post-treatment PAR for the cleft group was higher and PAR reduction lower than those published for non-cleft patients. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate high severity of malocclusion, complexity of orthodontic treatment and difficulty in achieving an ideal static occlusion for cleft patients. If PAR is to be used to assess orthodontic outcomes in cleft patients the findings of this study should be considered. A higher proportion of cases are likely to be classed as 'worse or no different', and a lower percentage change will be expected.

Access and financial impacts of public orthodontic provision on global health systems: integrative review / Acesso e impactos financeiros da provisão ortodôntica pública nossistemas de saúde mundiais: revisão integrativa / Acceso e impactos financieros de la provisión pública de ortodoncia en los sistemas de salud globales: revisión integradora

Introduction:The supply of public orthodontic services is still unable to meet the demand for treatment of malocclusions. The resources available are sometimes mismanaged and significant financial impacts contribute to limited access to the services. Objective:To carry out an integrative review regarding the access and financial impacts of public orthodontic service among the various health systems worldwide, considering social inequalities and the referral and counter-referral systems for services. Methodology:A survey was conducted using the BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde / Virtual Health Library), PubMed, and Cochrane databases, including articles available from 1970 to 2019, which elucidated the guiding question "How does access work and what are the financial impacts of the provision of orthodontic services in different public health systems worldwide?". Results:211 articles were found, of which 20 were analyzed. The chronological distribution was relatively uniform. The topic 'access to orthodontic services' was most frequently reported and there was a predominance of studies addressing the provision of treatment for children and adolescents. Conclusions:There are significant financial impacts and demographics have a strong influence on access to services. The provision of orthodontic treatments by the private sector predominates, preventive approaches are scarce, and an optimization in the use of available resources is necessary. Primary Care has much to contribute in increasing access, reducing costs, and making the referral / counter-referral system effective (AU).

Introdução:A oferta de serviços ortodônticos públicos ainda não consegue suprir a demanda de tratamento de má oclusões. Os recursos disponíveis, por vezes, mal alocados e os impactos financeiros significativos contribuem para a restrição do acesso aos serviços.Objetivo:Realizar uma revisão integrativa pertinente ao acesso e aos impactos financeiros da provisão ortodôntica pública nos diversos sistemas de saúde mundiais, sob a luz das iniquidades sociais e dos sistemas de referência e contrarreferência de serviços.Metodologia:Foi realizado um levantamento nas bases de dados BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde), PubMed e Cochrane Reviews, incluindo os artigos disponíveis no período de 1970 a 2019, que elucidavam a questão norteadora "Como se dá a provisão de serviços ortodônticos nos diversos sistemas públicos de saúde mundiais?".Resultados:Foram encontrados 211 registros, dos quais 20foram analisados. A distribuição temporal foi relativamente uniforme. A temática "acesso aos serviços ortodônticos" foi mais frequentemente relatada e houve um predomínio de estudos abordando a oferta de tratamentos a crianças e adolescentes. Conclusões:Há impactos financeiros significativos e os determinantes sociais exercem forte influência sobre o acesso aos serviços. Predomina a oferta de tratamentos ortodônticos pelo setor privado, abordagens preventivas são escassas e é necessária uma otimização no uso de recursos disponíveis. A Atenção Básica tem muito a contribuir para aumento do acesso, diminuição de custos e efetivação do sistema dereferência/contrarreferência dos serviços (AU).

Introducción: La provisión de servicios públicos de ortodoncia aún no puede satisfacer la demanda de tratamientos de maloclusión. Los recursos disponibles a veces están mal asignados y los impactos financieros significativos contribuyen a restringir el acceso a los servicios.Objetivo: Realizar una revisiónintegradora pertinente al acceso y los impactos económicos de la provisión pública de ortodoncia en los diferentes sistemas de salud a nivel mundial, a la luz de las inequidades sociales y los sistemas de derivación y contrarreferencia de servicios.Metodología: Se realizó una encuesta en las bases de datos de la BVS (Virtual Health Library), PubMed y Cochrane Reviews, incluidos los artículos disponibles desde 1970 hasta 2019, que dilucidó la pregunta orientadora "¿Cómo es la prestación de servicios de ortodoncia en los diferentes sistemas públicos?".Resultados: Se encontraron 211registros, de los cuales se analizaron 20.La distribución temporal fue relativamente uniforme. El tema "acceso a servicios de ortodoncia" fue el que se informó con mayor frecuencia y hubo un predominio de estudios que abordan la provisión de tratamientos a niños y adolescentes.Conclusiones: Hay impactos económicos significativos y los determinantes sociales tienen una fuerte influencia en el acceso a los servicios. Predomina la oferta de tratamientos de ortodoncia por parte del sector privado, los abordajes preventivos son escasos y es necesario optimizar el uso de los recursos disponibles. La Atención Primaria tiene mucho que contribuir para aumentar el acceso, reducir costos e implementar el sistema de derivación / contrarreferencia de servicios (AU).

Assessment of the need for orthodontic treatment in a peruvian sample using the dental aesthetic index / Necesidad de tratamiento ortodóntico en una muestra peruana mediante el índice estético dental

Introduction: The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) is considered an essential tool in the association of the aesthetic and clinical elements of occlusion. It plays a key role in the timely and essential orthodontic treatment. Objective: to determine the orthodontic treatment required in students of a Peruvian public institution using the DAI. Material and Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out during the months of June to July 2016 in a Peruvian educational institution. The sample consisted of 120 students. The use of the DAI allowed to assess the orthodontic treatment required, through the 10 occlusal conditions and regression indicators that constitute a linear formula, with the following components: no treatment required, elective treatment, desirable treatment, and priority treatment, according to the severity of the malocclusion as normal, defined, severe, and very severe, respectively. Results: 53.3% (64) of the students required priority orthodontic treatment due to presenting DAI=43.03. Between the ages of 12-14 years, 56.7% (34), 8.3% (5), and 28.3% (17) required priority, desirable, and elective orthodontic treatment, respectively. The need for priority orthodontic treatment was more prevalent in females accounting for 57.6% (38). 95% (57) of the students from rural areas required orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: The need for orthodontic treatment in a Peruvian sample using the Dental Aesthetic Index was priority orthodontic treatment, mostly in females with ages ranging between 12-14 years.

Introducción: El Índice Estético Dental (DAI) es considerada una herramienta indispensable en la aso-ciación de los elementos estéticos y clínicos de la oclusión, influyendo directamente en el tratamiento de ortodoncia oportuno y requerido. Objetivo: determinar el tratamiento de ortodoncia requerido en estudiantes de una institución pública peruana haciendo uso del DAI. Material y Métodos: Estudio de diseño descriptivo, observacional, con corte transversal, ejecutado durante los meses junio a julio de 2016, en una institución educativa peruana. La muestra fueron 120 estudiantes. La observación mediante el uso del instrumento DAI permitió valorar el tratamiento de ortodoncia requerido, mediante las 10 condiciones oclusales e indicadores de regresión que constituyen una fórmula lineal, con categorías de: No requiere tratamiento, tratamiento electivo, trata-miento deseable, tratamiento prioritario, de acuerdo a la severidad de la maloclusión presente como oclusión normal, definida, severa y muy severa, respectivamente. Resultados: Estudio de diseño descriptivo, observacional, con corte transversal, ejecutado durante los meses junio a julio de 2016, en una institución educativa peruana. La muestra fueron 120 estudiantes. La observación mediante el uso del instrumento DAI permitió valorar el tratamiento de ortodoncia requerido, mediante las 10 condiciones oclusales e indicadores de regresión que constituyen una fórmula lineal, con categorías de: No requiere tratamiento, tratamiento electivo, tratamiento deseable, tratamiento prioritario, de acuerdo a la severidad de la maloclusión presente como oclusión normal, definida, severa y muy severa, respectivamente. Conclusion: La necesidad de tratamiento ortodóntico en una muestra peruana mediante el Índice Estético Dental fue tratamiento de ortodoncia prioritario, predominando el género femenino entre los 12 -14 años.

Comparison of 2 Invisalign tray generations using the Peer Assessment Rating index.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to establish if there is a significant difference in effectiveness between 2 generations of Invisalign trays in terms of Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) score reduction for finished patients from a graduate orthodontic clinic. METHODS: Forty-five pretreatment and posttreatment patients treated with the previous Invisalign material and 49 pretreatment and posttreatment patients treated with SmartTrack material were scored using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. Both groups were controlled for initial weighted PAR score, age, gender, and treatment time. The 2 generations were compared in regard to absolute reduction, percent reduction, and great improvement in PAR score. RESULTS: The mean absolute reduction in weighted PAR score between the groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.526). The mean percent reduction in weighted PAR score between the groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.210). The proportion of great improvement between the groups was not significant (P = 0.526). Only 6 of the 8 components of occlusion had enough variation to be modeled. An absolute reduction in unweighted PAR score was not significantly different between the groups for maxillary anterior alignment, overjet, or mandibular anterior alignment (P = 0.996, 1.000, and 0.114, respectively). Percent reduction in unweighted PAR score was not significantly different between the 2 groups for an anteroposterior, overbite, or transverse (P = 1.000, 1.000, and 1.000, respectively) relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that both generations of Invisalign aligners improved the malocclusion to a similar degree according to the PAR index. Patient-centric benefits of SmartTrack aligner should also be considered by the provider.

The Salzmann Index and discrepancy index correlation: Determining a threshold discrepancy index score for Medicaid approval.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare patients' Salzmann Index scores for those who applied for Medicaid orthodontic coverage in Pennsylvania with their corresponding American Board of Orthodontics discrepancy index (DI) scores to assess if there is a correlation between Salzmann and DI scores. In addition, a threshold DI score was calculated that would correspond to Medicaid coverage approval. The study intended to answer the following questions: is there a correlation of 0.7 or greater between a patient's Salzmann Index and their DI? If so, is there a particular DI score that can be used as the minimum score for approving Medicaid orthodontic coverage in the state of Pennsylvania? METHODS: Salzmann Index scores, DI scores, and approval and disapproval results for Medicaid orthodontic coverage were obtained from 104 subjects aged between 10 and 17 years. A linear regression model was generated to assess if there was a correlation between the Salzmann scores and DI scores. If a correlation coefficient of 0.7 or greater were found, a threshold Salzmann Index score would be determined for subjects who were approved for Medicaid orthodontic coverage. The threshold Salzmann score would be used in the linear regression formula to find the corresponding DI score, which would be designated as the threshold DI score for approval for Medicaid orthodontic coverage in the state of Pennsylvania. RESULTS: A Pearson correlation of 0.453 was calculated between the 104 Salzmann scores and DI scores, demonstrating a moderate correlation. With the correlation coefficient being lower than 0.7, binary logistic regressions were calculated to assess the predictability between a given Salzmann score and approval and disapproval for Medicaid orthodontic coverage. The Salzmann score had an overall 68.3% success in predicting Medicaid orthodontic coverage approval/disapproval. Of the 58 subjects that were approved for Medicaid orthodontic coverage, 46.6% had Salzmann scores equal to or greater than 25. Of the 46 subjects that were disapproved for Medicaid orthodontic coverage, 78.3% had Salzmann scores equal to or less than 24. CONCLUSIONS: With the lack of high prediction rates seen from the results of the regression models, the current system of Medicaid does not appear to show consistency for assessing the need for orthodontic treatment coverage. Multiple insurance companies that participate under Medicaid require a Salzmann score of 25 or greater for approval; however, the results show the Salzmann score is arbitrary in terms of approval and disapproval. There appear to be underlying factors apart from the Salzmann score that the Pennsylvania Medicaid system uses to justify whether a patient was approved or denied for coverage.

Comparison of orthodontic treatment need among professionals and parents in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

AIMS: This study aimed to assess parents' awareness and attitude regarding their children's malocclusion compared with professional assessments and to measure the prevalence of malocclusion among children in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study population consisted of 377 randomly selected children (aged 8-12 years) from five schools in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was used to assess parents' awareness using the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and knowledge about preventive orthodontics. A clinical examination was performed by two calibrated examiners to measure the prevalence of malocclusion using both the AC and dental health component (DHC) of IOTN. RESULTS: The most common Angle's molar relationship was Class I (78.2%), followed by Class II (17.5%) and Class III (4.2%). The DHC (score 3-5), which indicated the need for orthodontic treatment, was 55.4%. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between AC from examiners and parents, whereby the parents tended to underestimate their children's malocclusion by a factor of 1.45. Surprisingly, many parents (67.4%) lacked knowledge about preventive orthodontics. CONCLUSIONS: Class I malocclusion was most prevalent among children in the area of Dammam. A moderate percentage (55.4%) of the study subjects required treatment based on the DHC. Based on the lack of knowledge about preventive orthodontics in the majority of parents in our study, it is recommended that oral health-promoting programs be implemented to improve the awareness of malocclusion in the region.

Indirect orthodontic bonding with drop-shaped hot glue tray: a simple and cost-effective technique

Despite being associated with more accuracy, the indirect bonding procedure is not yet the gold standard, probably because of sensitivity of the numerous variables that must be controlled. The aim of this article was to present a modified, standardized, and low-cost indirect bonding technique that allows this procedure to be performed successfully. The technique covers an initial clinical stage, to obtain the models; a laboratory stage, which involves placement of brackets on the models following the facial axis of the clinical crown and the labial projection of the marginal ridges of the posterior teeth and construction of transfer tray using hot glue; and a second clinical stage, to properly transfer the brackets to patient's teeth. Hot glue used to build the tray molds the teeth and perfectly adapts to the teeth, having enough stiffness to maintain their anatomy and the position of the brackets, but also presenting adequate flexibility to allow removal of the tray avoiding excessive stress over the brackets. In conclusion, the new simplified indirect bonding technique presented here provides a precise placement of brackets on the models, a cheaper way to transfer them to patient, and an easy removal of transfer tray, being a very simple and cost-effective method.

Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and distribution of malocclusion traits in a population of growing patients attending a public orthodontic service in Perugia (Italy).

AIM: Malocclusions are widespread all over the world with high prevalence values and represent a social vulnerability and health problem because of the important burden of orthodontic treatment for both families and the public health service. The Italian Ministry of Health identified the principles for priority setting in dental care, i.e. patients with IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) 4-5 and those in particular conditions of health or social vulnerability. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out to assess the IOTN and malocclusion in a population attending the public Orthodontic Health Service of Perugia (Italy) from September 2018 to February 2020. Medical charts, social income information, study models, photos and lateral cephalograms were examined to assess the orthodontic treatment need. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic health service in Italy tends to have many patients on the waiting list, while the 72% of subject under orthodontic treatment are not part of the orthodontic priority (IOTN grade 4-5). This study suggests the heath system to guarantee a priority of need for orthodontic treatment for patients with health vulnerabilities.

Comparison of cost-effectiveness and benefits of surgery-first versus orthodontics-first orthognathic correction of skeletal class III malocclusion.

The aim of this study was to compare the costs and benefits of surgery-first (SF) and orthodontics-first (OF) approaches in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion. This retrospective study recruited 54 patients who received combined orthognathic-orthodontic treatment via SF or OF approach. Data collected included orthodontic time, operating time, hospital stay, and detailed expenditures. Effectiveness was defined as quality of life, assessed by Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ-22) before and 1 year after treatment. Cost-effectiveness was measured by incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental time-effectiveness ratio (ITER). The duration of SF was shorter than that of OF, due to a reduced orthodontic time (P=0.003). The operating time was longer with SF than with OF (P=0.015). There was no significant difference in hospital stay (P=0.868), cost of hospitalization (P=0.924) or orthodontics (P=0.171), or OQLQ score (P=0.41) between the two approaches. Cost-effectiveness analyses revealed a reduction in cost of US$ 6.43/OQLQ point and reduction in time of 8.60 months/OQLQ point gained by SF versus OF. The study findings revealed that the total treatment time was significantly shorter with SF than with OF, although the two approaches did not differ significantly in terms of total cost (P=0.979). Further studies on the cost-effectiveness of the two approaches in different healthcare systems across diverse countries are warranted.

Digital assessment of direct and virtual indirect bonding of orthodontic brackets: A clinical prospective cross-sectional comparative investigation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this report is to use in orthodontic patients the methods of virtual indirect bonding and direct bonding using eye vision or loupes in order to compare their accuracy in the three dimensions of space. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Brackets were directly placed by one clinician to 18 patients with a total number of 298 permanent teeth. Then loupes were used to improve bracket positioning. Intraoral scanning of the dental arches was performed before bonding, after direct bonding and after the use of loupes. Subsequently, an orthodontic software was used to virtually indirectly bond the brackets on the first intraoral scanning taken before bonding. A three-dimensional mesh processing software was used to superimpose the three scans and to perform measurements in the mesio-distal and occlusal-gingival dimensions as well as in the mesio-distal angulation. RESULTS: Virtual indirect bonding was more accurate in bracket positioning compared to direct bonding by eye vision or using loupes in all teeth and most of the teeth groups measured. Specific teeth and locations in the dental arch areas exhibited more bonding inaccuracies in the two direct bonding groups as compared to virtual indirect bonding. The use of loupes did not significantly increase the bonding accuracy compared to direct vision. CONCLUSION: Indirect virtual bonding facilitated accurate bracket positioning compared to direct vision or with loupes direct bonding in the dimensions and angulation measured.