The Assessment of 3D Digital Models Using GOSLON Yardstick Index: Exploring Confounding Factors Responsible for Unfavourable Treatment Outcome in Multi-Population Children With UCLP.

To evaluate dental arch relationship (DAR) using GOSLON Yardstick and also to explore the association between multiple factors (age, gender, UCLP types, UCLP side, Family history of cleft, family history of Class III malocclusion, techniques of cheiloplasty, techniques of palatoplasty) and DAR in children unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) in different populations. Two hundred fifty-five laser scanned 3D digital models (LS3DM) of UCLP children (5-12 years) from Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan were included. The intra- and inter-examiner agreements were evaluated by kappa statistics, to compare the GOSLON mean score between the populations and to explore the responsible factors that affect DAR, one way ANOVA, and crude logistic regression analysis was used, respectively. The mean GOSLON score was 2.97; 3.40 and 3.09 in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, respectively. Twenty seven, 40, and 30 subjects were in unfavourable (category rating 4 and 5) groups in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, respectively. A significant association was found between techniques of palatoplasty (p = 0.03; p = 0.04 and p = 0.04 in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, respectively) and unfavourable DAR. Different cheiloplasty techniques (p = 0.04) and gender (p = 0.03) also exhibited noteworthy associations with unfavourable DAR in the Bangladeshi population. Bardach techniques of palatoplasty were significantly associated with unfavourable DAR in all three populations. Moreover, male UCLP and modified Millard techniques of cheiloplasty were also associated with unfavourable DAR in the Bangladeshi population.

3D and 4D printing in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery: Printing techniques, materials, and applications.

3D and 4D printing are cutting-edge technologies for precise and expedited manufacturing of objects ranging from plastic to metal. Recent advances in 3D and 4D printing technologies in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery enable dentists to custom design and print surgical drill guides, temporary and permanent crowns and bridges, orthodontic appliances and orthotics, implants, mouthguards for drug delivery. In the present review, different 3D printing technologies available for use in dentistry are highlighted together with a critique on the materials available for printing. Recent reports of the application of these printed platformed are highlighted to enable readers appreciate the progress in 3D/4D printing in dentistry.