Clinical and preclinical evidence on the bioeffects and movement-related implications of photobiomodulation in the orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been demonstrated as a non-invasive and painless technique with great potential to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, there is a great inconsistency among PBM protocols and reported outcomes, probably due to the poor translatability of preclinical knowledge into early clinical practice. Hence, this review aims to fill this gap by establishing the state-of-the-art on both preclinical and clinical applications of PBM, and by comprehensively discussing the most suitable stimulation protocols described in the literature. This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases using a combination of keywords. Only studies written in English were eligible and no time limit was applied. A total of 69 studies were selected for this review. The revised literature describes that PBM can effectively reduce orthodontic treatment time and produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. We found that PBM of 640 ± 25, 830 ± 20 and 960 ± 20 nm, delivered at a minimum energy density per irradiation point of 5 J/cm2 daily or every other day sessions is robustly associated with increased tooth movement rate. Pain relief seems to be achieved with lower irradiation doses compared to those required for OTM acceleration. For the first time, the bioeffects induced by PBM for the acceleration of OTM are comprehensively discussed from a translational point of view. Collectively, the evidence from preclinical and clinical trials supports the use of PBM as a coadjuvant in orthodontics for enhancing tooth movement and managing treatment-associated discomfort. Overall, the revised studies indicate that optimal PBM parameters to stimulate tissue remodelling are wavelengths of 830 ± 20 nm and energy densities of 5-70 J/cm2 applied daily or every other day can maximize the OTM rate, while lower doses (up to 16 J/cm2 per session) delivered in non-consecutive days seem to be optimal for inducing analgesic effects. Future research should focus on optimizing laser parameters and treatment protocols customized for tooth and movement type. By fine-tuning laser parameters, clinicians can potentially reduce treatment times, improve patient comfort and achieve more predictable outcomes, making orthodontic care more efficient and patient-friendly, thus consolidating PBM usage in orthodontics.

Biomodulation effects induced by ultrasound stimulation in periodontal cells implicated in orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review.

Accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is increasingly important for shorter treatment times, which reduces periodontal risks, root resorption and dental caries. Techniques to accelerate OTM focus on stimulating bone remodelling by enhancing osteoclast and osteoblast activity and include both surgical and non-surgical methods. The therapeutic potential of ultrasounds is highly recognized among many medical areas and has shown promising results in modulating bone remodelling and inflammation phenomena. This systematic review aims to collect and analyse the current scientific in vitro and ex vivo evidence on ultrasound stimulation (US) bioeffects in cells implicated in tooth movement. This review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Sixteen articles were selected and included in this review. The revised studies suggest that US of 1.0 and 1.5 MHz, delivered at 30 mW/cm2, 10 to 30 min daily over three to 14 days seems to be effective in promoting osteoclastogenic activity, while US of 1.5 MHz, 30 to 90 mW/cm2, in 5- to 20-min sessions delivered daily for 5 to 14 days exhibits the potential to stimulate osteogenic activity and differentiation. Previous research yielded varied evidence of the effectiveness of US in orthodontics. Future animal studies should employ the recommended US parameters and investigate how distinct protocols can differentially impact tissue remodelling pathways. The knowledge arising from this review will ultimately potentiate the application of US to accelerate OTM in the clinical setting.

Effects of Vibration on Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Clinical and In Vivo Studies: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to assess the impact of high (>30 Hz) and low (≤30 Hz) frequency vibrations on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Several articles were collected through a systematic search in the databases MEDLINE and SCOPUS, following PRISMA methodology and using a PICO question. Relevant information on selected articles was extracted, and the quality of each study was assessed by the quality assessment tools EPHPP, ROBINS-1 and STAIR. Out of 350 articles, 30 were chosen. Low-frequency vibrations did not seem to accelerate OTM with aligners or fixed appliances, despite some positive outcomes in certain studies. Conversely, high-frequency vibrations were linked to increased aligner change, tooth movement, and space closure with fixed appliances. In vivo studies reported favourable results with high-frequency vibrations (60 Hz to 120 Hz), which stimulate bone biomarkers, facilitating alveolar bone remodelling. The results suggest that high-frequency vibration effectively speeds up orthodontic tooth movement, showing promise in both in vivo and clinical studies. Larger-scale research is needed to strengthen its potential in orthodontics.

Comparison of Upper Central Incisor Torque in the ClinCheck® with and without CBCT Integration: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Controlling root movement is one of the greatest challenges in orthodontic treatment with aligners, like Invisalign® aligners. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) integration into ClinCheck®, enabling bone and root visualisation, allows a more accurate follow-up of the teeth position. This study aims to compare torque measurements of the upper central incisors with and without CBCT and relate them to the upper incisor inclination and facial biotype. In a sample of 70 teeth, torque measurements were obtained by importing images into AutoCAD® software (version 2024). The angle between the tooth's long axis with CBCT duplicate and the tooth's long axis without CBCT was obtained to assess the difference. Statistically significant differences between torque measurements with and without CBCT were found, as well as between these measurements and the inclination of the upper incisors. No statistically significant differences were found among the facial biotypes. The average values of 27.8° ± 3.4° and 21.5° ± 3.2° were obtained for the angle between the axes. Torque without CBCT was lower than torque with CBCT, for the same tooth. The angle between the axes had a similar mean for both teeth. CBCT integration into ClinCheck® allows for a more correct torque measurement.

Biological alterations associated with the orthodontic treatment with conventional appliances and aligners: A systematic review of clinical and preclinical evidence.

Background&objectives: Mechanical forces applied during an orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) propel several biochemical and molecular responses in the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Here, we compile the existing clinical and preclinical evidence on these biological changes, aiming to provide a comprehensive discussion on the influence of the mechanical parameters of the OTM in the biological profile of the periodontium. Material and methods: This systematic integrative review was conducted according to PICOS strategy and PRISMA guidelines. A bibliographic search was performed in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) to find research articles published until 2023 and written in English. This search resulted in a total of 2279 publications, which were independently assessed by two evaluators using appropriate tools. Results: Forty-six studies were selected for this review. These revealed that compression, and stretching of the periodontal ligament fibers and cells are observed in the initial phase of the OTM. Specifically, on the tension side, high levels of IL-1ß, OPG, and TIMPs are identified. On the compression side, an increase of RANKL, RANK, and MMPs levels predominate. Conclusion: This paper describes the release profile of common biomarkers according to the orthodontic protocol, suggesting the most appropriate parameters to keep the teeth and their supporting structures healthy. Overall, this manuscript provides a better understanding of the OTM-associated biological phenomena, also highlighting the importance of early evaluation of oral health, and thus it contributes as a fundamental basis for the development of more effective and safe orthodontic treatments with conventional appliances and aligners.

The Relationship between Personality Profiles and the Esthetic Perception of Orthodontic Appliances.

Introduction: In orthodontics, patients' esthetic expectations involve the final esthetic result as well as the treatment's appliance choice. Personality traits can influence patients' perception, treatment modality selection, expectations, compliance, and satisfaction with the treatment outcome, although there are very few studies on this interconnection between personality and orthodontic appliances. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between personality traits and the esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: The online questionnaire is composed of three parts: (1) sociodemographic variables; (2) questions on the esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances; (3) general personality assessment via the NEO-FFI. A total of 461 questionnaires were accepted. Results: There were statistically significant differences between laypeople and professionals related to assessing smiles and the need for orthodontic treatment. Laypeople identified a statistically significant relationship between personality traits and orthodontic appliances, in which esthetic perception is associated with high traits of agreeableness and openness. Neuroticism is most associated with orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, which are the most conventional. Conclusions: Professionals tend to have a more critical judgment than laypeople as far as esthetics is concerned. Personality traits play an important role in esthetic perception and may influence orthodontic treatment.

Clear Aligners and Miniscrews in a Scissor Bite Adult Treatment.

Scissor bite does not correct spontaneously. It gradually worsens by overeruption, negatively affecting masticatory function. It is intended with this manuscript to evaluate the different treatment strategies to correct this malocclusion in adult patients, exploring treatment with clear aligners, bite ramps, and MS (miniscrews), especially in this case of a patient with unilateral right scissor bite, with high dental compensation in the three planes of space, asymmetrical sagittal dental position, overeruption on the scissor bite condition, and a high mandibular arch constriction and maxillary expansion. A comprehensive literature research was performed from 2002 until March 2023. PubMed and BVS databases were used, with the following keywords: "scissor bite OR brodie bite" AND "malocclusion" AND "treatment OR correction OR therapeutics". Since correcting skeletal asymmetries after the growth completion is challenging, adult patient cases often involve a combined orthodontic-surgical approach. In the present clinical case, the severe limitations to decompensating tooth positions for a surgical treatment, with the necessity to perform lower asymmetric extraction and a must longer orthodontic treatment, were the major reasons to avoid the surgical approach, after the scissor bite correction. In spite of this, the efficiency of the clear aligners and auxiliaries like bite ramps, MS, and elastics in successfully correcting a complex scissor bite in an adult patient was demonstrated, with significant esthetic and functional commitment, demonstrated by the case reliability PAR (peer assessment rating) index.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in muscular dystrophies: looking ahead.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is an established tool for risk stratification in several cardiomyopathies, and its role in muscular dystrophies (MuD) looks promising. We sought to assess how CMR performs in predicting cardiac events in a real cohort of MuD patients. A prospective single-center study with the enrollment of consecutive adult MuD patients referred to cardiac screening from 2012 to 2018 with the collection of clinical and CMR data. During follow-up (FUP), major adverse cardiac events were considered a composite of device implantation, ventricular tachycardia (VT), hospitalization due to heart failure, and death. Sixty-five patients were included (mean age of 32±16, 51% female); the majority had myotonic dystrophy (34; 52.3%); most were asymptomatic (60; 92.3%) and at sinus rhythm (64; 98.5%). CMR was abnormal in 23 (43.3%) patients: left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) <55% was found in 7 patients, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was present in 23 patients, mainly intra-myocardial or subepicardial (10 and 8 patients, respectively). During a median FUP of 77 months (interquartile range: 33), there were 7 deaths, 8 implanted devices, and one sustained VT. LVEF<55% and the presence of LGE were associated with the occurrence of all events (log rank test, p=0.002 and p=0.045, respectively). LVEF<55% was associated with a 6-fold higher risk of events (crude hazard ratio of 6.15; 95% confidence interval of 1.65-22.93), that remained significant after adjusting for LGE presence (adjusted hazard ratio of 4.81, 95% confidence interval of 1.07-15.9). In our cohort, CMR LVEF<55% and the presence of LGE were significantly associated with adverse events during follow-up, reinforcing the role of this technique on risk stratification of MuD populations.

Influence of Ultrasound Stimulation on the Viability, Proliferation and Protein Expression of Osteoblasts and Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts.

Among the adjunctive procedures to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), ultrasound (US) is a nonsurgical form of mechanical stimulus that has been explored as an alternative to the currently available treatments. This study aimed to clarify the role of US in OTM by exploring different stimulation parameters and their effects on the biological responses of cells involved in OTM. Human fetal osteoblasts and periodontal ligament fibroblasts cell lines were stimulated with US at 1.0 and 1.5 MHz central frequencies and power densities of 30 and 60 mW/cm2 in continuous mode for 5 and 10 min. Cellular proliferation, metabolic activity and protein expression were analyzed. The US parameters that significantly improved the metabolic activity were 1.0 MHz at 30 mW/cm2 for 5 min and 1.0 MHz at 60 mW/cm2 for 5 and 10 min for osteoblasts; and 1.0 MHz at 30 mW/cm2 for 5 min and 1.5 MHz at 60 mW/cm2 for 5 and 10 min for fibroblasts. By stimulating with these parameters, the expression of alkaline phosphatase was maintained, while osteoprotegerin synthesis was induced after three days of US stimulation. The US stimulation improved the biological activity of both osteoblasts and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, inducing their osteogenic differentiation.

Optimization of a Photobiomodulation Protocol to Improve the Cell Viability, Proliferation and Protein Expression in Osteoblasts and Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts for Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment.

Numerous pieces of evidence have supported the therapeutic potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) to modulate bone remodeling on mechanically stimulated teeth, proving PBM's ability to be used as a coadjuvant treatment to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, there are still uncertainty and discourse around the optimal PBM protocols, which hampers its optimal and consolidated clinical applicability. Given the differential expression and metabolic patterns exhibited in the tension and compression sides of orthodontically stressed teeth, it is plausible that different types of irradiation may be applied to each side of the teeth. In this sense, this study aimed to design and implement an optimization protocol to find the most appropriate PBM parameters to stimulate specific bone turnover processes. To this end, three levels of wavelength (655, 810 and 940 nm), two power densities (5 and 10 mW/cm2) and two regimens of single and multiple sessions within three consecutive days were tested. The biological response of osteoblasts and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts was addressed by monitoring the PBM's impact on the cellular metabolic activity, as well as on key bone remodeling mediators, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANK-L), each day. The results suggest that daily irradiation of 655 nm delivered at 10 mW/cm2, as well as 810 and 940 nm light at 5 mW/cm2, lead to an increase in ALP and OPG, potentiating bone formation. In addition, irradiation of 810 nm at 5 mW/cm2 delivered for two consecutive days and suspended by the third day promotes a downregulation of OPG expression and a slight non-significant increase in RANK-L expression, being suitable to stimulate bone resorption. Future studies in animal models may clarify the impact of PBM on bone formation and resorption mediators for longer periods and address the possibility of testing different stimulation periodicities. The present in vitro study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of specific PBM protocols to promote osteogenic and osteoclastogenesis responses and therefore its potential to stimulate bone formation on the tension side and bone resorption on the compression side of orthodontically stressed teeth.

Intra- and inter-examiner reliability for diagnostic criteria of temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) - axis 1: assessment in a sample of students

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the intra- and inter-examiner reliability when using the DC/TMD axis 1 and verify the replicability and validity of the data obtained.Methods: The sample comprised 30 volunteers (students) of the Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde Norte (Portugal). The calibration process consisted of a volunteer selection, theoretical and practical training, data collection, and agreement calculation. Examiners received proper previous training. Three dental practitioners applied the questionnaire (T1) and re-examined all the participants one week later (T2). To measure the degree of inter and intra-examiner agreement, multiple Kappa coefficients were obtained when nominal or ordinal variables were involved. When the correspondence between quantifiable variables was assessed, Pearson correlation coefficients and their statistical significance were replicated.Results: Regarding opening patterns, a strong overall agreement was obtained, only showing discrepancies in left-assisted and unassisted maximum openings (from -0.034 to -0.370 and -0.630 to -0.933, respectively). A high level of inter-examiner agreement during TMJ noise during the opening assessment was obtained, only displaying variations in clicks (Kappa -0.423 to 0.757). Protrusion movement showed negative kappa and weaker agreement of all measurements (Kappa between -0.034 and -0037). Small discrepancies were obtained from palpation assessment (left lateral pole- Kappa -0.034).Conclusion: There was no discernible and persistent difference in the amount of agreement among the three examiners, demonstrating that all three examiners were capable of participating in data collecting by employing the DC/TMD questionnaire. The findings indicated nearly perfect intra- and inter-examiner concordance scores.

Pulmonary valve replacement in tetralogy of Fallot - who and how?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pulmonary regurgitation is the most common complication in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients. Severe chronic pulmonary regurgitation can be tolerated for decades, but if not treated, it can progress to symptomatic, irreversible right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. We investigated clinical associations with pulmonary valve replacement among patients with significative pulmonary regurgitation and how interventional developments can change their management. METHODS: All adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who were followed at an adult CHD Clinic at a single centre from 1980 to 2022 were included on their first outpatient visit. Follow-up was estimated from the time of correction surgery until one of the following events occurred first: pulmonary valve replacement, death, loss to follow-up or conclusion of the study. RESULTS: We included 221 patients (116 males) with a median age of 19 (18-25). At a median age of 33 (10) years old, 114 (51%) patients presented significant pulmonary regurgitation. Among patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation, pulmonary valve replacement was associated with male gender, older age at surgical repair, and longer QRS duration in adulthood. Pulmonary valve replacement was performed in 50 patients, including four transcatheter pulmonary valve implantations, at a median age of 34 (14) years. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary regurgitation affects a large percentage of tetralogy of Fallot adult patients, requiring a long-term clinical and imaging follow-up. Sex, age at surgical repair and longer QRS are associated with the need of PVR among patients with significative pulmonary regurgitation. Clinical practice and current literature support TPVI as the future gold standard intervention.

Shear Bond Strength of Simulated Single-Retainer Resin-Bonded Bridges Made of Four CAD/CAM Materials for Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA), treated orthodontically by space opening, requires complimentary aesthetic rehabilitation. Resin-bonded bridges (RBBs) can be equated as interim rehabilitation until skeletal maturity is achieved to place an implant-supported crown or as definitive rehabilitation in case of financial restrictions or implant contraindications. Scientific evidence of the best material must be confirmed in specific clinical situations. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials are promising versatile restorative options. This study aimed to identify a straightforward material to deliver interim or definitive RBBs for nonprepared tooth replacement in MLIA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-retainer RBB made from CAD/CAM ceramic blocks (Vita Enamic [ENA], Suprinity [SUP], and zirconia [Y-ZPT]) and a three-dimensional (3D) printed material (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS]) were evaluated by shear bond strength (SBS) and mode of failure, after adherence to an artificial tooth with RelyX Ultimate used in a three-step adhesive strategy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The load to fracture (N) was recorded, and the mean shear stress (MPa) was calculated with standard deviations (SD) for each group and compared between materials using boxplot graphics. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test was used to compare the differences (α = 0.05). A meta-analysis focusing on CAD/CAM materials evaluated the magnitude of the difference between groups based on differences in means and effect sizes (α = 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]; Z-value = 1.96). Failure mode was determined by microscopic observation and correlated with the maximum load to fracture of the specimen. RESULTS: The mean ± SD SBS values were ENA (24.24 ± 9.05 MPa) < ABS (24.01 ± 1.94 MPa) < SUP (29.17 ± 4.78 MPa) < Y-ZPT (37.43 ± 12.20 MPa). The failure modes were mainly adhesive for Y-ZPT, cohesive for SUP and ENA, and cohesive with plastic deformation for ABS. CONCLUSION: Vita Enamic, Suprinity, Y-ZPT zirconia, and 3D-printed ABS RBBs are optional materials for rehabilitating MLIA. The option for each material is conditioned to estimate the time of use and necessity of removal for orthodontic or surgical techniques.

Efficiency and Predictability of Coronal Maxillary Expansion Repercussion with the Aligners System: A Retrospective Study.

The Invisalign® system (SmartForce® G8) aims to guarantee aesthetics and provide good orthodontic treatment results. Dentoalveolar expansion is possible with clear aligners and can be used to correct dentoalveolar crossbite, resolve crowding or modify the arch shape. Despite the treatment's effectiveness, there is still disagreement among professionals concerning its true clinical potential. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and predictability of coronal tooth expansion movement in permanent dentition in patients who had completed the first phase of treatment with Invisalign® orthodontic aligners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tooth movement tables of 75 previously selected cases were analyzed in terms of dental-arch width and expansion efficiency, through the Invisalign® platform, considering the pre-treatment (T0), planned treatment (TP) and post-treatment models (T1) using ClinCheck Pro® 6.0 software. All patients were treated by an orthodontic specialist and Invisalign® Diamond Provider in a private practice (T.P.). RESULTS: Difference between T1 and T0: for each maxillary and mandibular measurement, there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-aligner treatment values. The greatest amount of expansion occurred in both the upper and the lower premolars. Difference between TP and T1: for each maxillary measurement, statistically significant differences were verified for the molar and canine. At the mandibular level, statistically significant differences were only verified in the first molar. CONCLUSIONS: The Invisalign® clear aligners are effective for simultaneous intra-arch expansion in both jaws.

Coronal Repercussions of the Maxillary Central Incisor Torque in the First Set of Aligners: A Retrospective Study.

Coronal torque is one of the key factors in orthodontic treatment. An adequate torque value has an impact on aesthetics and soft tissue profile. The aim of this quantitative, comparative and observational longitudinal cohort study was to analyze the efficacy of the maxillary central incisor coronal torque in the Invisalign® system and evaluate the relation between coronal torque movement and patient's facial biotype. In total, 27 patients were selected. The planned movements (TP) were obtained from the Invisalign Doctor Site® using mathematical formulas that consider the T0 measurements. Pre-treatment (T0) and after full use of the first set of aligners (T1) scanners were evaluated using Geomagic® Control X TM by superimposing T0 and T1 models using a transverse plane and the long axis of the tooth crown. IBM® SPSS® software was used for statistical purposes. We found statistically significant differences between T0 and T1 in pro-inclination and retro-inclination, as well as between achieved and planned values in pro-inclination (p = 0.011). We verified that hyperdivergent clinical cases presented higher mean values of coronal torque, and hypodivergent cases presented lower values. In pro-inclination, the differences between the planned and achieved values were greater in hypodivergent cases and smaller in hyperdivergent cases. In retro-inclination, the differences between the planned and achieved values were greater in normodivergent cases and smaller in hypodivergent cases. This study highlights that inefficacy is more accentuated in pro-inclination. Aligners are an effective tool for producing coronal repercussions of torque movement, being more effective in retro-inclination.

Accuracy of Invisalign® on Upper Incisors: A Systematic Review.

The current systematic review appraises the effectiveness of the types of tooth movements performed with Invisalign® clear aligner on the maxillary incisors. An electronic literature search of published trials was performed through PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, and selected journals, from 2009 to 2020. Out of 291 references, five relevant publications were identified for analysis: four studies were performed retrospectively and one prospectively, all non-randomized. Despite the limited set of selected articles, the sample size is significant, with 148 subjects included in the reviewed studies involving the orthodontic treatment of upper incisors. We concluded that movements with the Invisalign® clear aligner on the upper incisors present distinct accuracy, possibly related with movement complexity; intrusion of the incisors has low accuracy (in some cases, 0% of accuracy was reported when the tooth extruded), while incisor extrusion exhibit some of the highest accuracy values reported in the included studies (45%-142%, when the achieved movement was greater than the predicted). Besides, axial (i.e., torque and tip) and horizontal (i.e., translation and rotation) movements are usually effective, with accuracy values between 39%-156% and 42%-79%, respectively. Overall, we determined that the efficiency of aligner to reach the desired movements in the upper incisors was low, as often refinements were required in the included studies. The use of aligner features must be more often considered to improve movement accuracy.

Scissor Bite in Growing Patients: Case Report Treated with Clear Aligners.

Scissor bite (SB.) is a rare malocclusion that is challenging to diagnose and is often associated with a retrognathic mandible and a series of functional and structural abnormalities that negatively affect the patient. This article intends to analyze the treatment approaches applied to growing patients younger than 16 years old, comparing the conventional appliances described in the literature and a clinical case treated with clear aligners with mandibular advancement (MA.). SB is primarily related to skeletal Class I and II, according to Angle classification. In the various cases analyzed, it can also be mentioned as a significant number of cases with SB of dental origin (seven of dental and four of skeletal) in young patients. In children and adolescents who still have growth potential, the therapeutic possibilities are numerous. A comprehensive literature search was manually performed from 2002 until January 2023, in PubMed and BVS databases with the following conjugated keywords: "scissor bite OR brodie bite" AND "malocclusion" AND "treatment OR correction OR therapeutics". The present case report on a young patient demonstrated the efficiency of the clear aligners with MA to correct an SB, associated with several functional and structural anomalies such as Class II division 1 with an increased overjet and overbite as well as a severe curve of Spee in a hypodivergent biotype.

Esthetic Perception of Different Clinical Situations of Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis According to Populations with Dental and Non-Dental Backgrounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Treatment of unilateral or bilateral maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is challenging, time-consuming, expensive, and requires careful treatment planning, predictability, and esthetics. This review aimed to identify differences in esthetic perception among orthodontists, general dentists, differentiated dentists, and laypersons, which may interfere with treatment options. EBSCO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar were searched using keyword pairing and a Boolean expression, "(congenitally missing OR agenesis OR hypodontia) AND (maxillary lateral incisors) AND (esthetic perception OR smile) AND (laypersons OR dental professional OR general dentist OR orthodontists)." Reviews and case studies were excluded. A total of 13 studies were selected for qualitative analysis (adapted ROBINS-I) and 11 were selected for meta-analysis (p < 0.05) after being sub-grouped into "Opening vs. Closure" and "No remodeling vs. Dental remodeling vs. Dental and gingival remodeling" groups. A meta-analysis evaluated the magnitude of the difference between groups based on differences in means and effect sizes (α = 0.05; 95% CI; Z-value 1.96), revealing that the esthetic perception of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis treatment remains controversial even among professionals. Gingival remodeling was not valued compared to isolated dental remodeling. Studies lack rigorously comparable methodologies. Discussion with the patient is pertinent in doubtful situations, as the best treatment option remains unclear, and overtreatment should be avoided.

Functional characterization of a novel PRRT2 variant found in a Portuguese patient with hemiplegic migraine.

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a rare autosomal-dominant form of migraine with aura. Three disease-causing genes have been identified for FHM: CACNA1A, ATP1A2 and SCN1A. However, not all families are linked to one of these three genes.PRRT2 variants were also commonly associated with HM symptoms; therefore, PRRT2 is hypothesized as the fourth gene causing FHM. PRRT2 plays an important role in neuronal migration, spinogenesis, and synapse mechanisms during development and calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release. We performed exome sequencing to unravel the genetic cause of migraine in one family, and a novel PRRT2 variant (c.938C > T;p.Ala313Val) was identified with further functional studies to confirm its pathogenicity. PRRT2-A313V reduced protein stability, led to protein premature degradation by the proteasome and altered the subcellular localization of PRRT2 from the plasma membrane (PM) to the cytoplasm. We identified and characterized for the first time in a Portuguese patient, a novel heterozygous missense variant in PRRT2 associated with HM symptoms. We suggest that PRRT2 should be included in the diagnosis of HM.

Occlusal Changes with Clear Aligners and the Case Complexity Influence: A Longitudinal Cohort Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Clear aligners (CA) are used 22 h daily, creating a bite-block effect. This work aims to (i) analyze occlusal changes before the beginning of treatment, after the first set of CA and after the use of additional aligners; (ii) compare planned occlusal contacts with the ones obtained after the first set of CA; (iii) analyze the occlusal changes occurred after reaching the orthodontic goals after 3 months of using CA only at night; (iv) evaluate and characterize which tooth movements did not allow the treatment to be completed at the end of the first set of aligners, and finally (v) verify the possible relation between the changes in occlusal contact and areas and parameters such as case complexity and facial biotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative, comparative, and observational longitudinal cohort study design was implemented to evaluate the clinical data and the complexity levels of cases receiving CA. A non-probabilistic and convenience sample of 82 individuals was recruited. The orthodontic malocclusion traits were classified as simple, moderate, or complex corrections based on the basis of the Align® recommendations with the Invisalign® evaluation tool. According to the Invisalign® criteria, patients need only one complex problem for their case to be classified as complex. Meshlab® v. 2022.02, ClinCheck® version Pro 6.0, My-Itero® version 2.7.9.601 5d plus, and IBM® SPSS Statistics software (Statistical Program for Social Sciences), version 27.0 for Windows were the software® used. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in area and occlusal contacts number were observed from before the start of orthodontic treatment (T0) to the end of treatment (T1). The changes in the occlusal area (from T0 to T1) were statistically different between hyperdivergent (28.24 [15.51-40.91]) and hypodivergent (16.23 [8.11-24.97]) biotypes (p = 0.031). A significant difference between the hyperdivergent (4.0 [2.0-5.0]) and normodivergent (5.5 [4.0-8.0]) group was found in T1 for the anterior contacts (p = 0.044). Anterior contacts obtained were significantly higher than the planned (p = 0.037) Between T1 and T2 statistically significant increases of occlusal areas, posterior and total contacts were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusal contact and area were decreased, either at the end of the first set or after the use of additional aligners. Anterior occlusal contacts obtained were higher than planned as opposed to posterior occlusal contacts obtained. The hardest tooth movements to achieve to complete the treatment were distalization, rotation, and posterior extrusion. After completing orthodontic treatment (T1) to 3 months after (T2) using additional aligners only at night, posterior occlusal contacts were significantly increased, which could be due to the natural settling of the teeth in this period.