Nasolabial appearance in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients: A comparison of aesthetics using two scoring systems: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess nasolabial aesthetics in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip, with or without cleft palate (UCL ± P) using two scoring systems. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care government hospital. PATIENTS: Photographic records of 91 patients with complete UCL ± P from the age group of 5-18 years (mean age = 13.2 ± 3.14 years) were included. METHOD: A panel of three orthodontists with varying experience in cleft management rated nasolabial aesthetics using two scoring systems, that is Asher Mc-Dade index (AMAI) and Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale (CARS). Intraclass correlation coefficient, Fleiss' kappa and Cronbach's alpha were used to measure the internal consistency amongst three raters and Spearman-Brown formula was used for measuring overall reliability. Time required for assessment of each photograph was compared with ANOVA. RESULTS: Overall, both AMAI and CARS showed high reliability and outcome assessment with good inter-rater reliability and internal consistency, when used independently by orthodontists having varied experience. Statistically significant difference was present in time taken for assessment of nasolabial aesthetics with CARS index (8.75 ± 1.65 seconds) as compared to AMAI (18.62 ± 3.49 seconds). CONCLUSION: Asher Mc-Dade index and CARS are equally reliable and consistent for the assessment of nasolabial aesthetics in patients with UCL ± P. However, considerably less time was taken for the assessment using CARS index as compared to AMAI. The use of CARS index is recommended for the initial assessment and screening of patients by orthodontists using two dimensional photographs.

Comparative evaluation of nasolabial appearance of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients by professional, patient and layperson using 2 aesthetic scoring systems: A cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perspective of healthcare providers (orthodontists), cleft patients and laypersons in judging nasolabial aesthetics in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip, with or without cleft palate (UCL ± P) using 2 scoring systems. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care government hospital. PATIENTS: Photographic records of 100 patients with complete UCL ± P from the age group of 5-18 years (mean age-12.2 ± 3.93 years) were included in this study. METHOD: Photographic records of 100 patients with complete UCL ± P from the age group of 5-18 years were included. A panel of 3 orthodontists, 3 laypersons and 3 cleft patients rated nasolabial aesthetics using 2 scoring systems i.e. Asher-McDade index (AMAI) and Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale (CARS). Spearman's split-half reliability, Intra-class correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were computed to measure internal consistency and reliability. Inter-panel agreement between pair of groups was determined by means of Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Estimated reliability of CARS for 3 raters in each panel was in moderate agreement for orthodontists and cleft patients (0.849 and 0.810). Good repeatability and agreement were recorded with moderate to high intra-panel reliability for all parameters of both AMAI and CARS. Overall inter-panel agreement was moderate for both AMAI and CARS. Pair-wise inter-panel agreement showed a moderately positive correlation in both scales (AMAI and CARS) by cleft patients and professionals. CONCLUSION: CARS index can be reliably used for assessment of nasolabial aesthetics by cleft patients, professionals and lay persons on 2D facial photographs. Patients were more critical than clinicians and laypersons using both indices (CARS and AMAI) as they are more self-aware and conscious. Thus, a clear communication between clinician and patient regarding expectations, perception and satisfaction with surgical results is strongly recommended.

Effect of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and expression of various biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcome of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of maxillary canine retraction and its correlation with the levels of Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and RANKL:OPG in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during comprehensive orthodontic treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen females who required all 1st premolars extraction for the correction of their class I bimaxillary protrusion malocclusions were included. The L-PRF plugs were placed in the experimental side 1st premolar extraction sockets. Canine retraction was performed by sliding mechanics. Canine retraction was assessed from the maxillary study models prepared just before the extraction (T0) and then at 1 week (T1), 2 weeks (T2), 4 weeks (T3), and 8 weeks (T4) after the 1st premolar extraction and placement of L-PRF plugs. The concentrations of RANKL and OPG in the GCF were evaluated at T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4. RESULTS: In experimental sides, the amount of canine retraction was statistically more during the T0-T1, T1-T2, and T2-T3 periods. The mean concentration of RANKL at T1, T2, and T3 was significantly more in the experimental sides. The mean concentration of OPG was significantly less in the experimental sides at T2, T3, and T4. The RANKL:OPG was significantly more in the experimental sides at T1, T2, T3, and T4. No significant correlation was found between amount of canine retraction and concentration of RANKL and OPG and RANKL to OPG ratio in GCF. CONCLUSIONS: The L-PRF accelerated the rate of maxillary canine retraction by 0.28 mm over an 8-week period. The L-PRF favored the local osteoclastogenesis by enhancing the RANKL and suppressing the OPG concentrations. There was no significant correlation between the rate of maxillary canine retraction and expression of RANKL, OPG, and RANKL:OPG in GCF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Clinical Trials Registry of India (Reg. No. CTRI/2020/10/028390, Date-13.10.2020).

Ethical principles in dental healthcare: Relevance in the current technological era of artificial intelligence.

In the current technological era, dental practitioners are faced with various ethical challenges, highlighting the importance of bioethics in this healthcare discipline. The rise of artificial intelligence has recently sparked a debate regarding the privacy of patient data. While the advancements may offer innovative treatment options, their long-term effects may not be fully understood, raising questions about the responsible implementation of such methods. Thus, conscientious and ethical AI use in dentistry encompasses that patients be notified about how their data is used and also about the involvement of AI-based decision-making. This paper explores the key bioethical considerations in dental healthcare, with a focus on evidence-based AI development and use. The framework of ethical principles and guidelines provided would foster trust between the clinician and patients, while promoting the highest standards of care.

A Comparative Evaluation of Surface and Elemental Changes in Stainless Steel and Titanium Orthodontic Mini-screw Implants: A Multi-arm Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare and quantify the surface changes seen in two most commonly used orthodontic miniscrew implants (MSI) materials; titanium and stainless steel after their clinical use. METHODS: 40 MSIs (20 titanium and 20 stainless steel) were retrieved from the maxillary arch of 20 subjects (13 females and 7 males) in the age group of 18 - 27 years (mean age=22.4 ± 3.83 years) after their intended use. 40 (20 titanium and 20 stainless steel) asreceived MSIs were used as control. All the MSIs were analyzed under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for the characterization of their morphological condition (blunting of tip, surface defects and corrosion). Furthermore, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis was carried out to study the changes in surface characterization. RESULTS: When imaged using SEM, as-received Titanium and Stainless Steel MSIs demonstrated a relatively smooth surface with no surface defects. However, the retrieved titanium and stainless-steel implants showed increased surface defects (both corrosion and cracks) with the difference being statistically significant. The retrieved Titanium MSIs (115.31±24.38µm) showed 4 times more blunting compared to the retrieved Stainless-steel MSIs (29.74±8.56 µm), with the latter showing 2-3 times more surface corrosion. CONCLUSION: Clinical usage had pronounced effects on both Titanium and Stainless steel MSI alloys in terms of changes in the surface characteristics. While stainless steel MSIs are more susceptible to surface corrosion, Titanium MSIs exhibit greater alterations in the form of tipblunting and cracks in screw threads.

The challenging management of Moebius syndrome using orthodontic camouflage: A case report.

Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare congenital neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness or paralysis (palsy) of abducens and facial nerves, or other cranial nerves which may be affected. Diagnosis, treatment, and dental management of MS patients are focused on treating manifestations like malocclusion, while catering to associated extraoral (neurologic, dermatologic, ocular) complications, aiming to improve their quality of life. Here, we report the case of a 9-year-old female patient with MS who underwent orthodontic camouflage using combined orthopedic-orthodontic therapy using a high-pull chin cup and fixed orthodontic appliance to improve skeletal mal-relation and facial appearance. The outcome displayed great improvement in function and better esthetics, improving not only the patient's but also the family's quality of life. A year's follow-up showed successful maintenance of the achieved results. A multidisciplinary approach in MS not only helps in overcoming the treatment challenges but also provides great psychosocial benefits to these patients.

An assessment of masticatory efficiency and occlusal load distribution in adolescent patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with functional jaw orthopedics: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Functional jaw orthopaedics, produces a radical change in the occlusal scheme and the masticatory apparatus, particularly in patients with Class II malocclusion. It remains to be seen how the changes brought about by a functional appliance alter the masticatory ability of a growing child, who needs the necessary nutrition to properly grow the craniofacial region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment and Post-treatment values of masticatory efficiency and the distribution of the occlusal load at centric occlusion were evaluated and compared for 20 patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion undergoing functional jaw orthopaedics. RESULTS: Significant increase in the masticatory efficiency was seen during and after treatment (p < 0.5) There was an increase in the anterior distribution of occlusal load associated with a concomitant decrease in the posterior region at centric occlusion. CONCLUSION: Improvement in the masticatory efficiency was observed after treatment of a retrognathic mandible with functional jaw orthopaedics in the adolescent participants with Class II malocclusion. This highlights the importance of treatment with functional jaw orthopaedics, which apart from providing esthetic and functional improvement also improves the ability of a growing child to extract proper nutrition from his/her diet.

Development and validation of risk of bias tool for the use of finite element analysis in dentistry (ROBFEAD).

There has been a systematic review of studies that used FEA in dental sciences, but no adequate risk of bias (RoB) analysis technique has been developed. Therefore, the development and validation process of RoB in studies using the finite element analysis in dentistry (ROBFEAD) tool is described. In the first phase of development, the scope of the tool and possible modifications were covered, and validation was done in the second phase. The developed tool comprised 6 domains and a total of 22 guiding questions in these domains. This article proposes the development and validation of ROBFEAD, a tool for measuring RoB in finite element research in dentistry.

Reporting guidelines for in-silico studies using finite element analysis in medicine (RIFEM).

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, there are no reporting guidelines for design, conduct and reporting of Finite Element studies in health sciences. We intend to propose specific and detailed guidelines for reporting these studies. METHOD: After recognizing the need to have uniform guidelines for reporting of finite element analysis in medicine and dentistry, a group of 5 researchers working on FEA as their research area met in the summer of 2020 and drafted the methodology for the development of such guidelines. Each researcher individually made a list of major headings required for reporting these studies and met again in September 2020 to finalize the domains. Subsequently, sub headings and details were charted. The draft list of items for reporting the guidelines were presented to a larger team of 15 experts and some changes were further made based on their inputs. RESULTS: The guidelines entail seven major domains and their sub-domains, including parameters for model structure, segmentation, mesh structure, force application and model validation, etc. This checklist aims to improvise the reporting and consistency of FEA studies. CONCLUSION: We hope that the usage and adoption of these guidelines by the scientific community would result in more thoughtful and uniform documentation. Also, the confidence in the results would be enhanced through model reproducibility, reusability and accountability. The proposed guidelines were named as 'Reporting of in-silico studies using finite element analysis in medicine' and the term 'RIFEM' was used as acronym.

Effects of autologous leukocyte-platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of maxillary canine retraction and various biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF): A split mouth randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Primary objective: To evaluate the effect of L-PRF on the rate of maxillary canine retraction. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: To validate the rate of maxillary canine retraction by identifying the levels of Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifteen females (age range, 18-25 years) with Class I bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion malocclusions were included. After levelling and alignment of maxillary arches, 1st premolars were extracted from both sides. Canines were retracted immediately after the extraction of 1st premolars in control sides and placement of L-PRF plugs in the experimental sides. The amount of canine retraction was evaluated from study models recorded before the extraction of 1st premolars (T0) and at 1-week (T1), 2-weeks (T2), 4-weeks (T3), and 8-weeks (T4) after the beginning of canine retraction by using digital model superimpositions. The concentrations of IL-1ß and TNF-α were evaluated from the GCF collected at T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4 by using commercially available human IL-1ß and TNF-α ELISA kits. RESULTS: The amount of canine retraction in the experimental sides was statistically greater during T0-T1 (P=0.038),T1-T2 (P=0.002), and T2-T3 (P=0.011) periods. Total canine retraction during T0-T4 was statistically greater in experimental sides (2.43±0.46mm) than control sides (2.08±0.28mm) (P=0.001). The concentration of IL-1ß increased significantly in the experimental sides at T1 (P=0.000),T2 (P=0.000), and T3 (P=0.032). The concentration of TNF-α increased both in the control and experimental sides, but it was statistically greater in the experimental sides compared to control sides at T1 (P=0.000) and T2 (P=0.006). A positive but not statistically significant correlation was noted between the rate of canine retraction and the concentrations of cytokines such as IL-1ß and TNF-α in GCF. CONCLUSION: Over an 8-week period, autologous L-PRF statistically accelerated the rate of maxillary canine retraction, but only by 0.35mm. This small acceleration occurred mainly in the first 4 weeks. During the following 4 weeks, the amount of canine retraction was comparable on the experimental and control sides.

Prevalence of species-specific candidiasis and status of oral hygiene and dentition among diabetic patients: A hospital-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to estimate the species-specific prevalence of oral candidiasis in diabetic individuals in India, and further find the relationship of oral carriage of Candida in diabetes with degree of diabetic control, duration of disease, type of diabetes and its effect on the status of oral hygiene status and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score. METHODOLOGY: The prospective cross-sectional study involved 900 individuals (470 diabetic and 430 non-diabetic) visiting a tertiary care hospital. Informed consent was obtained from all the individuals participating in the study. The demographic details, medical history and oral cavity examination were recorded in a specially designed proforma. Swabs were taken for microbiological evaluation for specific prevalence of Candida. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Candida in diabetics was 22.1% as compared to 9.7% in non-diabetic individuals. However, among the type 1 and type 2 diabetics, the prevalence of Candida was equally distributed as 22.6% and 20.8%, respectively. C. albicans was the most common species (97.1%), while isolated cases of other species like C. rugosa, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata were also observed. The individuals with higher glycaemic score (HbA1c >7) showed higher prevalence of oral candidiasis. Oral hygiene status was observed to be lower among diabetics as compared to non-diabetic individuals. CONCLUSION: Oral candidiasis was more prevalent in diabetic patients, and C. albicans was the most common species. The diabetics also showed higher mean DMFT with lower oral hygiene status as compared to non-diabetic individuals.

Effects of miniplate anchored Herbst appliance on skeletal, dental and masticatory structures of the craniomandibular apparatus: A finite element study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the stress distribution in the hard and soft tissue structures of craniomandibular complex during mandibular advancement with miniplate anchored rigid fixed functional appliance (FFA) using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The virtual model consisting of all the maxillofacial bones (up to calvaria), the mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was generated using the volumetric data from pre-treatment CBCT-scan of a growing patient. The masticatory muscles, other soft tissues, Herbst appliance and plate geometry were modelled mathematically. Force vectors simulating muscle contraction at rest and advanced mandibular positions, with protraction force of 8N were applied. The final model was imported into ANSYS for analysis after assigning material properties. RESULTS: The maximum von Mises stress of 11.69MPa and 11.96MPa magnitude was observed in the region of pterygoid plates and at the bone-miniplate interface respectively, with the mandibular advancement of 7mm. Stress patterns were also noted at the condylar neck. The stress values observed in the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles were of 10.42MPa and 4.16MPa magnitude, respectively. Stress was noted in the bucco-cervical region of the upper posterior teeth, but negligible change was seen on the lower anterior teeth and periodontal ligament. CONCLUSION: Miniplate Anchored Herbst Appliance brought about Class II skeletal correction in growing children as it was accompanied by minimal changes in the inclination of the lower incisors. Soft tissue structures like pterygoid muscles and discal ligaments exhibited increased stress whereas masseter muscle displayed reduction in stresses.