What you read is what you get: Are orthodontic randomized clinical trials correctly titled?

INTRODUCTION: Because of their importance in health care research, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) should be correctly labeled in the title to ensure it reflects the methodologic standards undertaken. This study aimed to assess whether orthodontic RCTs are correctly titled RCTs, and trial characteristics that influence correct labeling in titles were explored. METHODS: Orthodontic RCTs published between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2020 in 7 orthodontic journals were identified. For a trial to be considered an RCT, random allocation sequence generation and allocation concealment mechanisms should be reported in the study methodology. Trial characteristics at the RCT level were extracted, and frequency distributions were calculated for the included trial characteristics. A 2-stage continuation ratio ordinal logistic regression model was used to assess associations between the dependent variable (non-RCT, unclear, RCT) and the trial characteristics. RESULTS: One-hundred and seventy-three RCTs were analyzed. Of these, 112 (64.7%) were assessed as true RCTs, with 109 (64.1%) correctly labeled as RCTs. The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO) published the most trials that were correctly labeled as RCTs (90.5%). In the adjusted model, the type of journal influenced the correct labeling, with all journals compared with AJODO having lower odds of correct RCT classification. Multicenter trials were associated with higher odds of being correctly labeled as an RCT. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with previous investigations, the correct labeling of orthodontic RCTs in the title of the report has improved substantially. The type of journal and multicenter trials influenced the correct labeling of a trial as an RCT. The number and odds of RCTs being correctly labeled as RCTs were higher in trials published in AJODO.

Pre-eruptive coronal resorption of unerupted molar teeth in orthodontic patients.

Pre-eruptive coronal resorption (PCR) is a rare phenomenon affecting unerupted permanent teeth. The aetiology of PCR is unknown and is often detected as an incidental finding. The prognosis of affected teeth can be extremely variable and may involve multidisciplinary management. The lower second permanent molars are commonly affected. The following is a description of three clinical cases of PCR affecting lower permanent molars in orthodontic patients.

Oral Cancer Treatment Through the Ages: Part 2.

PURPOSE: Understanding how oral cancer treatment evolved can pave the way for future management. The literature holds an expansive collection of historical findings regarding oral cancer, yet the authors were unable to find a comprehensive review of oral cancer treatment throughout the ages. MATERIALS: A thorough literature review was carried out using multiple scientific databases and languages, as well as examination of historical archives. Articles were included for their relevance and their findings were assimilated. RESULTS: Part two of this article considers the development of specific surgical concepts relating to head and neck cancer over the previous two centuries, including neck dissection and reconstruction, as well as exploration of non-surgical cancer therapies. CONCLUSION: This paper demonstrates historical landmarks made in oral cancer treatment and the prominent figures who pioneered them, confirming that head and neck cancer surgeons of today have valuable lessons to learn from their previous counterparts.

Oral Cancer Treatment Through the Ages: Part 1.

PURPOSE: Understanding how oral cancer treatment evolved can pave the way for future management. The literature holds an expansive collection of historical findings regarding oral cancer, yet the authors were unable to find a comprehensive review of oral cancer treatment throughout the ages. METHODS: A thorough literature review was carried out using multiple scientific databases and languages, as well as examination of historical archives. Articles were included for their relevance and their findings were assimilated. RESULTS: Part one of this article reveals a rich history of oral cancer treatment commencing in ancient times, with discussion of Egyptian, Greek and Roman practices, and travelling through the age of discovery to arrive at the dawn of scientific medicine in the 19th century. CONCLUSION: Part one demonstrates how fundamental concepts of oral cancer were discovered, and the significant impact medical innovation had on the success of oral cancer treatment.