Prevalence and factors influencing bullying among Egyptian schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of bullying among schoolchildren and to study the correlation between bullying and a specific type of malocclusion, self-esteem, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), the need for orthodontic treatment and socioeconomic status. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Low, middle and high socioeconomic group schools in the same educational district in Cairo, Egypt. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 324 Egyptian schoolchildren aged 11-14 years. METHODS: Validated questionnaires were used to assess self-reported bullying frequency and intensity, self-esteem and OHRQoL. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used to assess the orthodontic treatment need and the participants' occlusion was classified according to the British Standard Incisors (BSI) classification. RESULTS: Bullying was found to be prevalent in 61.7% of the sample. Regression analysis revealed that participants with a Class II division 1 incisor relationship had the highest odds ratio (OR) for predicting bullying (OR = 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38-2.15). Being bullied was significantly associated with lower self-esteem (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.13-0.78), worse OHRQoL (OR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.95-3.15) and a high need for orthodontic treatment, as determined by the IOTN Dental Health Component score (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.05-1.95) and IOTN Aesthetic Component score (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.12-1.88). Moreover, participants in high and middle socioeconomic groups had a lower OR for predicting bullying than those in the low socioeconomic group (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.13-0.54). CONCLUSION: The bullying prevalence among Egyptian schoolchildren aged 11-14 years was very high. The prevalence of bullying was higher in schoolchildren with higher orthodontic treatment need and Class II division 1 incisor relationship. Bullying was correlated to poor self-esteem as well as poor OHRQoL. In addition, low socioeconomic status was found to be a potential predictor for bullying.

Evaluation of the efficiency of computerized algorithms to formulate a decision support system for deepbite treatment planning.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a newly constructed computer-based decision support system (DSS) on the basis of artificial intelligence technology and designed to plan treatment for patients with a deep overbite. METHODS: With the help of information technology, a DSS was developed specifically for treatment planning of deepbite malocclusion. The program inputs were the components and the contributing factors used commonly by the orthodontic clinicians in deepbite diagnosis. The program outputs were the treatment planning options for deepbite treatment. A total of 357 decisions made by the algorithm were evaluated for accuracy by comparing them to the actual treatment changes of 51 patients with a well-treated deepbite. RESULTS: The decisions made by the algorithm were precise, with 94.4% having a very good agreement with actual treatment changes determined using Cohen's kappa coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: The constructed DSS was shown to be an efficient tool for planning treatment of deep overbite malocclusion in the permanent dentition; thus, the artificial intelligence could be used to formulate a customized plan for orthodontic clinicians.

Three-dimensional imaging for indirect-direct bonding.

The aim of this article is to introduce a new concept of bracket positioning with special consideration to root axes. Cone-beam computed tomography imaging and computer-aided manufacturing were used to produce stereolithographic trays for indirect-direct bonding.

Corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics using piezosurgery versus rotary instruments: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics (CFO) using piezosurgery versus conventional rotary instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy adult male mongrel dogs of comparable age with a complete set of permanent dentition with average weights between 13-17 kilograms were used. CFO using conventional rotary instruments versus piezosurgery was performed on each dog in a split mouth design. For every dog, mandibular 2nd premolar retraction on each side was attempted after extracting 3rd premolars followed by corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics using conventional rotary surgical burs on the left side and an ultrasonic piezosurgery system on the right side of the same animal. Intraoral measurements of the rate of tooth movement were taken with a sliding caliper. Measurements were performed by the same operator at the time of surgery (appliance delivery) and every month for six months. The dogs were sacrificed after six months from initiation of tooth movement to evaluate the amount of tooth movement for both conventional rotary and piezosurgery corticotomy techniques. RESULTS: A statistically significantly higher mean amount of tooth movement for conventional rotary instrument versus the piezosurgery corticotomy technique was observed at all time intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth movement was 1.6 times faster when CFO was done using conventional rotary instruments as compared to a piezosurgery device.

Virtual techniques for designing and fabricating a retainer.

The purpose of this article was to report a procedure for using 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography imaging, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, and rapid prototyping to design and produce a retainer.

Digitization and validation of the open bite checklist manifesto: a step toward artificial intelligence.

OBJECTIVES: To introduce and validate newly designed computer software to aid in the diagnosis of anterior open bite (AOB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The software was constructed based on the algorithm of a standardized open bite checklist, which considered skeletal, dental, and soft tissue components, as well as smile characteristics. Feeding the software with this input yielded a digital form output (DFO) in the guise of a diagnostic report characterizing the AOB phenotype, contributing components, severity, associated problems, and functional factors. For validation, DFO was compared to a conventional form output (CFO), created in a standardized manner according to expert opinions. Agreement between the DFO and CFO in terms of AOB phenotype was the primary outcome, while the secondary outcome was the number of missing diagnostic components in either method. RESULTS: Percentage of agreement between CFO and DFO was 82.2%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.78, which is considered a good level of agreement. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of missing diagnostic components in CFO and level of disagreement, which rendered the DFO more reliable. CONCLUSIONS: Newly constructed software represents an efficient and valid diagnostic tool for AOB and its contributing components. There was good agreement between CFO and DFO, with the latter being more comprehensive and reliable. The algorithm built in the software can be used as the basis for a future artificial intelligence model to aid in the diagnosis of AOB.

Evaluation of anchorage loss after en masse retraction in orthodontic patients with maxillary protrusion using friction vs frictionless mechanics: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate anchorage loss after en masse retraction in bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion patients using friction vs frictionless mechanics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion needing extraction of upper first premolars and en masse retraction with maximum anchorage were included in this two-arm, parallel, single-center, single-blinded randomized clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio using fully sealed opaque envelopes. Friction group retraction utilized elastomeric power chain between miniscrews and hooks crimped mesial to upper canines on 17 × 25 stainless steel archwire. Frictionless group used customized T-loop springs loading upper first molars indirectly anchored to miniscrews. Activation was every 4 weeks until full retraction. The primary outcome assessed was anchorage loss evaluated at cusp tip and root apex of the first molar. First molar rotation, incisor tip and torque, and root resorption of anterior teeth were evaluated on digital models and cone beam computed tomography taken before and after space closure. RESULTS: Anchorage loss at crown of first molar was significantly more in frictionless group by 2.1 mm (95% CI = -0.4 to 3.5), (P = .014), while there was no significant difference in anchorage loss at root apex between groups. Significant mesial in molar rotation of 6.672° (95% CI = 12.2-21.2), (P = 0.02) was greater in the frictionless group. Both groups showed comparable tip, torque, and root resorption values. No severe harms were reported. There was mild gingival overgrowth and inflammation in the frictionless group due to T-loop irritation. CONCLUSIONS: Extra anchorage considerations are needed during en masse retraction when frictionless mechanics is implemented as higher anchorage loss and molar rotation were detected. No difference in tip, torque, and root resorption was observed.

Volumetric changes of the nose and nasal airway 2 years after tooth-borne and bone-borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.

This study aimed to assess the effects of bone-borne and tooth-borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion on the volumes of the nose and nasal airway 2 yr after maxillary expansion. This prospective cohort study included 32 patients with transverse maxillary hypoplasia. Expansion was performed with a tooth-borne distractor (Hyrax) in 19 patients and with a bone-borne distractor [transpalatal distractor (TPD)] in the remaining 13. Cone beam computed tomography scans and three-dimensional (3D) photographs of the face were acquired before treatment and 22 ± 7 months later, and were used to evaluate the volumes of the nose and nasal airway. Nasal volume increased by 1.01 ± 1.6% in the Hyrax group and by 2.39 ± 2.4% in the TPD group. Nasal airway volume increased by 9.7 ± 5.6% in the Hyrax group and by 12.9 ± 12.7% in the TPD group. Changes in the nasal volume and in the nasal airway volume between the pre- and post-treatment measurements were statistically significant, whereas differences between the treatment groups were not; 22 months after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, the increases in the nasal volume and in the nasal airway volume were comparable between tooth-borne and bone-borne devices.

Three-dimensional evaluation of soft tissue changes in the orofacial region after tooth-borne and bone-borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.

OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to three-dimensionally assess soft tissue changes in the orofacial region following tooth-borne and bone-borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 40 skeletally mature patients with transverse maxillary hypoplasia. A tooth-borne distractor (Hyrax) was used for expansion in 25 patients. In the remaining 15, a bone-borne distractor (transpalatal distractor, TPD) was used. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired before treatment (T0) and 22 months later (T1). 3D models were constructed from CBCT data and superimposed using voxel-based matching. Distance maps between the superimposed 3D models were computed to evaluate the degree of skeletal and soft tissue changes in the maxillary region. RESULTS: Distance maps showed negative distances (mean -1.25 (±1.5) mm) in the middle of the upper lip, indicating posterior repositioning of this area. The cheek region showed positive changes (mean 1.66 (±1.1) mm), reflecting the underlying increase in maxillary width. There was no significant difference between the two groups in all measured distances (p > 0.05). Retro-positioning of the upper lip accompanied skeletal remodeling in the anterior alveolar region at a mean ratio of 88 %, while the cheek region followed 32 % of the alveolar expansion. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue changes following SARME include posterior repositioning of the upper lip and increased projection of the cheek area. These changes were comparable between bone-borne and tooth-borne appliances. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides clinicians with more information over the expected orofacial soft tissue changes following SARME.

Skeletal maturation in different anteroposterior and vertical skeletal growth patterns in female subjects.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present work was to study the sequence of skeletal maturation in the various anteroposterior and vertical skeletal growth patterns and to detect whether differences existed between them. METHODS: Cephalograms of 861 growing and adolescent female patients were traced to categorize the subjects into 9 skeletal patterns. Each subject was assigned a skeletal maturational stage. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni test were used to detect differences in the onset of the three growth stages (prepubertal, pubertal and postpubertal) between the 9 groups. The same statistical methods were used to detect differences between the mean ages at the three growth stages within each group. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the mean ages of pubertal and postpubertal growth stages between the 9 skeletal patterns. However, class III growers had a significantly earlier onset of prepubertal growth (10.25 ± 1.56 years) when compared to that of class II high angle cases (11.11 ± 1.67 years; P < 0.01). Also, significant differences were found between the mean ages at the three growth stages within the groups. CONCLUSION: A map was created defining the sequence of skeletal maturation for each skeletal growth pattern. This map defines clinically relevant differences in the starting time points and the optimum intervals of growth modification for each skeletal growth pattern.

Implant-supported canine retraction using different reactivation intervals of elastomeric chains: A CBCT-based split-mouth randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontists attempt to maximize treatment efficiency regarding time, tooth position and adverse effects. A new approach, not yet explored, is the activation frequency. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this split-mouth randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of reactivation intervals on the efficiency of tooth movement. METHODS: Thirty eight patients having a Class I malocclusion with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion or severe crowding, Class II with mandibular deficiency or Class III, requiring first premolar extraction and canine retraction were recruited. Elastomeric chains producing 150g were replaced every two, four, six or eight weeks. There were 36, 37, 36, and 36 quadrants randomly allocated to these groups, respectively. The canine retraction rate was the primary outcome. Canine tipping, rotation, and root resorption and pain were the secondary outcomes. Only the outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment. RESULTS: The average total movement for the 6 months was 5.14, 5.31, 2.79 and 3.85 mm for the two-week, four-week, six-week and eight-week reactivation intervals, respectively. Root resorption was significantly higher in the two-week and four-week groups. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: The canine retraction rate, tipping, rotation and pain were similar in 2, 4, 6 and 8-week activation intervals groups. Longer reactivation intervals show less root resorption. The trial protocol was not pre-registered. The study was self-funded.

Deep overbite malocclusion: analysis of the underlying components.

INTRODUCTION: A deepbite malocclusion should not be approached as a disease entity; instead, it should be viewed as a clinical manifestation of underlying discrepancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the various skeletal and dental components of deep bite malocclusion, the significance of the contribution of each, and whether there are certain correlations between them. METHODS: Dental and skeletal measurements were made on lateral cephalometric radiographs and study models of 124 patients with deepbite. These measurements were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: An exaggerated curve of Spee was the greatest shared dental component (78%), significantly higher than any other component (P = 0.0335). A decreased gonial angle was the greatest shared skeletal component (37.1%), highly significant compared with the other components (P = 0.0019). A strong positive correlation was found between the ramus/Frankfort horizontal angle and the gonial angle; weaker correlations were found between various components. CONCLUSIONS: An exaggerated curve of Spee and a decreased gonial angle were the greatest contributing components. This analysis of deepbite components could help clinicians design individualized mechanotherapies based on the underlying cause, rather than being biased toward predetermined mechanics when treating patients with a deepbite malocclusion.

The efficiency of mandibular mini-implants in reducing adverse effects of class II elastics in adolescent female patients: a single blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Excessive proclination of lower incisors and other undesirable consequences usually result from the use of class II elastics during orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to attempt to limit the adverse effects of class II elastics by the use of mini implants placed in the mandibular arch in adolescent class II female patients. METHODS: The sample comprised 28 patients, (a mean age of 15.66 ± 2 years for intervention group and 15.1 ± 2.2 years for conventional group) with one-fourth or one-half unit class II canine relationship. The sample was divided into two equal groups. Randomization was carried out by a computer sequence generator with a 1:1 allocation ratio. In the intervention group, the mini implants were inserted between the lower second premolar and first molar, while the conventional group underwent regular class II elastics therapy. The active elastics treatment time was 8 months for both groups. Results were assessed by measurements from pre- and post-elastics lateral cephalometric radiographs. RESULTS: The change in L1 inclination (0.97 ± 0.92°) and L1 AP position (0.31 ± 0.63 mm) did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups, but a statistically significant difference was found in the U1 retroclination (5.23 ± 1.92°) and U1 distal movement (4.05 ± 1.4 mm) [P ˂ 0.001] and [P ˂ 0.05] respectively in favor of the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Mini-implants in conjunction with class II elastics had no skeletal effect, mainly dentoalveolar and it did not prevent the proclination of lower incisors. There was more distal movement in the upper incisors in the skeletal anchorage group which helped in enhancing the camouflaging of class II malocclusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registered "FUE.REC (10)/10-2018" at the FUE registration council for clinical trials/IOP Orthodontic Program October 2018.

Comprehensive comparison of canine retraction using NiTi closed coil springs vs elastomeric chains.

OBJECTIVES: To compare canine retraction using NiTi closed coil springs vs elastomeric chains comprehensively in a split-mouth randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The canines in 64 quadrants were randomly retracted into the first premolar extraction spaces using NiTi closed coil springs or elastomeric chains, in the maxilla and mandible. The retraction force was 150 g. Cone beam computed tomography scans and study models were obtained before the start of canine retraction and 6 months later. The rate and total amount of canine retraction, canine rotation, tipping, and root resorption were evaluated. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate patients' pain experience. RESULTS: The two methods were statistically similar for dental changes, rate of canine retraction, and root resorption. However, patients reported significantly more days of pain with the elastomeric chain compared to the NiTi closed coil springs. CONCLUSIONS: Within the constraints of the current study, using either NiTi closed coil springs or elastomeric chains as force delivery systems for canine retraction results in no significant difference in the rate of canine retraction, tipping, rotation, or root resorption. Pain experience during retraction using elastomeric chains is more significant yet needs further investigation.

Four curious cases of cone-beam computed tomography.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become popular, and its many inherent advantages are indisputable. Nevertheless, CBCT is prescribed cautiously because the radiation dosage is higher than that of conventional radiography. When and to what extent should CBCT be prescribed for orthodontic patients? The purpose of this article is to present 4 curious cases in which a considerable discrepancy was found between the conventional panoramic radiograph and the CBCT view. Is it time to spare patients an unnecessary conventional panoramic radiograph and shift to CBCT for all patients?