RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate educational impact of game-based learning (GBL) in orthodontic education. METHODS: A systematic search was undertaken across four databases (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and Google Scholar) to identify relevant articles published from January 2000 to December 2023. Additionally, the reference lists of identified literature were examined to further search for relevant literature. The last search was performed on 28 January 2024. RESULTS: Following the article selection process, seven articles were included in this systematic review, comprising four randomized control trials and three questionnaire surveys. Six articles were assessed to have a moderate risk of biases, whereas one research exhibited a low risk of bias. GBL interventions assessed in five articles were designed in digital format, while one study implemented evaluated traditional learning, and another employed a card game format. Two RCTs indicated a greater effectiveness of GBL in enhancing learner performance compared to traditional learning methods, while one article found no significant difference. Across all articles, positive perceptions of GBL were consistently highlighted at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. CONCLUSION: This systematic review supports the potential of GBL in orthodontic education. The implementation of GBL is recommended to integrate entertaining and educational elements, fostering learner performance within engaging learning environments. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that the overall quality of evidence is limited, primarily due to the moderate risk of biases identified in six of the included articles. Consequently, further high-quality experimental studies are required to validate the effectiveness of GBL in orthodontic education.
RESUMEN
This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical behaviors of thermoformed and 3D-printed retainers with different thicknesses. Thermoformed retainers (Duran) and 3D-printed retainers (Dental LT Clear V2 and NextDent Ortho Flex) were fabricated at thicknesses of 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mm. Five samples of each material were subjected to compression, tensile, and flexural testing with the universal testing machine (Instron Ltd., Buckinghamshire, England). The results revealed that the mechanical behaviors were significantly influenced by thickness in each type of material. The increased thickness tended to increase strength and modulus in all three tests. However, Dental LT Clear V2 and Duran showed that flexural strength and modulus were inversely related to thickness. The compressive test revealed significantly greater compressive resistance in 3D-printed groups, except for the NextDent Ortho Flex at 0.5 mm. The tensile test showed that Dental LT Clear V2 at all thicknesses demonstrated significantly higher tensile strength and modulus, while NextDent Ortho Flex was significantly lowest at any thickness in tensile and flexural properties. In conclusion, the thickness significantly influenced the mechanical behaviors of the 3D-printed retainers. The 0.75 mm thickness of Dental LT Clear V2 could be considered as an alternative to fabricated retainers due to its similar mechanical properties compared with the thermoformed material.