Is there any difference between conventional, passive and active self-ligating brackets? A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

AIM: To test the null hypothesis that there was no difference in treatment efficiency between therapies undertaken with conventional (CBs), passive self-ligating (PSLBs) or active self-ligating (ASLBs) brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed in 3 data bases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) from their origin up to January 2019. Additional references were hand searched. Search was strictly restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and split-mouth design studies (SMDs). RCTs and SMDs were initially processed separately and subsequently combined in a network meta-analysis. The following variables were evaluated: treatment duration, number of visits, occlusal outcomes, alignment rate, transverse arch dimensional changes, incisor position modification, rate of space closure, anchorage loss, bond failure, root resorption, perception of discomfort during the initial phase of alignment, time to ligate in or to untie an archwire, periodontal variables, quality of life. RESULTS: On 229 papers, 30 RCTs and 9 SMDs were finally included in this study. Out of 85 comparisons, 16 only revealed statistically significant differences. It was quicker to untie and ligate an 0.014 NiTi arch from/in 6 ASLBs anterior ceramic brackets compared to 6 ceramic CBs. It was also more painful to insert and remove an 0.019×0.025 SS wire in/from PSLB's brackets compared to CB's attachments. Compared to conventional brackets, there was less maxillary incisor proclination with PSLBs in non-extraction cases. Moreover, there was less bleeding on probing 4-5 weeks after bonding with PSLBs compared to CBs brackets. The only significant difference between ASLBs and PSLBs was that alignment was 10 days faster with active self-ligating braces compared with passive self-ligating braces even if treatment duration between ASLBs and PSLBs was not significantly different. The network meta-analysis revealed that IMPA was greater in extractions cases with CBs compared with both ASLBs (+2,5°) and PSLBs (+1,6°). CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of the studied variables did not show any significant differences between the three types of brackets. The most significant findings were that it was quicker to insert and remove archwires from ASLBs compared to CBs, and it was more painful to insert and remove an 0.019×0.025" stainless steel wire in/from PSLBs compared to CBs. The major difference between ASLBs and PSLBs was that alignment was 10 days faster with active self-ligating braces compared with passive self-ligating braces even if treatment duration between ASLBs and PSLBs was not significantly different. Most of the claims put forward by the suppliers were not substantiated by our network meta-analysis.

How do general dental practitioners perceive and deal with orthodontic bonded retainers?

INTRODUCTION: Long-term follow-up and management of orthodontic bonded retainers require a strong collaboration between orthodontists and general dental practitioners (GDPs). This study aimed to evaluate if Eastern French GDPs were aware of bonded retainers' complications and side effects and if they were willing to take part in their long-term follow-up. METHODS: Two-hundred and eighteen randomly selected GDPs were invited to answer an online questionnaire. The initial sections covered their experience and management with bonded retainers. In the final sections, GDPs were asked their opinion on the responsibility for long-term follow-up of patients wearing fixed retainers and on the mutual communication between orthodontists and GDPs. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: Response rate was 32.6% (n = 71). The vast majority of GDPs were familiar with loose retainers, but only 45.2% were willing to repair them. Respondents offering orthodontic services on a regular basis were more likely to insert retainers and repair loose or broken retainers (P < 0.001). Approximately 18.6% of GDPs were aware of third-order side effects encountered with unintentionally active retainers bonded to all 6 anterior teeth. For 88.8% of GDPs, permanent retention was justified, whereas 90% of the dentists refused to be responsible for long-term supervision of fixed retainers. In addition, 67.1% were interested in further training on orthodontic retention, and 92.9% would appreciate clinical guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about the harmful side effects of bonded retainers was evaluated as insufficient among surveyed GDPs. Long-term follow-up of patients wearing bonded retainers raises issues that should be addressed globally by enhancing mutual communication, practitioners' education, and patients' involvement.

Relationship between European postgraduate programme accreditation and national research output: The case of the Network of Erasmus-Based European Orthodontic Postgraduate Programmes (NEBEOP) in orthodontics. A bibliometric study.

AIMS: To assess in each European country the correlation between the number of Network of Erasmus-Based European Orthodontic Postgraduate Programmes (NEBEOP) members and orthodontic research activity. Secondary objectives were to describe and quantify Europe's orthodontic research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles published between 2014 and 2018 in 4 major orthodontic journals (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, European Journal of Orthodontics, The Angle Orthodontist, Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research) and oral presentation abstracts of five European Orthodontic Society (EOS) congresses were analysed. For each European country, the total number of orthodontic programmes and NEBEOP memberships were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed, and Spearman correlation coefficients and risk ratios were calculated. RESULTS: 2039 articles and 261 oral presentation abstracts were included. Correlation coefficients between national number of publications, oral presentations, sum of these, all adjusted for population, and number of NEBEOP members in each country were 0.64, 0.65 and 0.62, respectively. Risk ratios were all above 1 and statistically significant for number of NEBEOP memberships per country, indicating positive associations with national orthodontic research productivity. Europe accounted for 30.5% of publications and 68.6% of oral presentations at EOS congresses during this period. European orthodontic research was not evenly distributed, since 9 countries were responsible for around 80% of the output. CONCLUSIONS: A positive association was found between number of NEBEOP programmes and national research activity. These results could be an additional argument to support similar pan-European initiatives and guidelines for postgraduate education, not only in orthodontics but in all other dental specialties.

[Are self-ligating brackets more efficient than conventional brackets ? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled and split-mouth trials]. / Les attaches auto-ligaturantes sont-elles plus efficaces que les attaches conventionnelles ? Méta-analyse d'essais contrôlés randomisés et d'études en bouche fractionnée.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare self-ligating brackets (SLBs) considered as a whole to conventional brackets (CBs). An electronic search was performed in three databases (PubMed, MEDLINE via Web of Science, Cochrane Library) from their origin up to June 2017. Additional articles were hand searched from January 2006 to June 2017. This meta-analysis was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and split mouth design studies (SMDs). No distinction was made between active and passive SLBs. The following variables were investigated : treatment duration, number of visits, alignment rate, rate of space closure, perception of discomfort during the initial phase of treatment, pain experience during wire insertion or removal, bond failure rate, time to ligate in or to untie an archwire, periodontal indices, occlusal outcomes, transverse arch dimensional changes and root resorption. 25 RCTs and 9 SMDs were finally selected. It was more painful to insert or remove a 0.019× 0.025 SS archwire in/from SLBs. It was significantly quicker to insert or remove an archwire from SLBs. There was less bleeding on probing with SLBs 4 or 5 weeks after bonding. All other variables did not exhibit any significant difference between SLBs and CBs. Out of the 31 comparisons between self-ligating and conventional brackets, 9 only revealed statistically significant differences. This meta-analysis contradicts most of the promotional statements put forward by the distributors.

First premolar extractions in an adolescent presenting a Class I biprotrusion malocclusion with skeletal Class II: A case report.

This case report shows the orthodontic treatment of four first premolar extractions of a 14-year-old teenager presenting a dental Class I malocclusion with a severe retrognathic mandible. It reflects conflicting views on objectives between the orthodontist who takes into account the facial balance and the patient who only desires a tooth alignment.

Prevalence and risk factors of root resorption of adjacent teeth in maxillary canine impaction, among untreated children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess in maxillary canine impaction cases both the prevalence of root resorption of adjacent teeth among untreated children and adolescents, and its associated risk factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects (mean age 12.2 years; SD 1.9; range 8-17 years) with 83 displaced maxillary canines and without any past or ongoing orthodontic treatment were included in this study. The presence of root resorption was evaluated on images from a single cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) unit. Potential risk factors were measured on the CBCT images and on panoramic reconstructions of the 3D data sets. The sample was characterized by descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regressions were performed to predict root resorption. RESULTS: Root resorption of at least one adjacent tooth was detected in 67.5 per cent of the affected quadrants. It was found that 55.7 per cent of the lateral incisors, 8.4 per cent of the central incisors, and 19.5 per cent of first premolars were resorbed. Of the detected resorptions, 71.7 per cent were considered slight, 14.9 per cent moderate, and 13.4 per cent severe. Contact between the displaced canine(s) and the adjacent teeth roots was the only identified statistically significant risk factor, all teeth being considered (odds ratio [OR] = 18.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.26-756, P < 0.01). An enlarged canine dental follicle, a peg upper lateral, or an upper lateral agenesis were not significantly associated with root resorption of adjacent teeth, nor were age nor gender. CONCLUSIONS: Root resorption of adjacent teeth was detected in more than two-thirds of a sample of sixty untreated children and adolescents.

[Aesthetic perception of the vertical position of the incisal edges of the maxillary lateral incisors in the smile arch]. / Perception esthétique de la position verticale des bords libres des incisives latérales maxillaires dans l'arc du sourire.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to assess the attractiveness in the smile arch of different vertical positions of the incisal edges of the maxillary lateral incisors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A frontal photograph of a Caucasian woman's smile was digitally modified to obtain an image with the incisal edges of the maxillary lateral incisors symmetrically tangent to the smile arch. These incisal edges were then moved vertically by 0.5 mm increments. The value was considered positive for an occlusal shift and negative for a gingival shift. Four other images were obtained by moving the incisal edges from +0.5 mm to -1.5 mm. The five images were rated on a visual analog scale by three groups of evaluators: orthodontists, dentists and laypersons. A statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Laypersons preferred first lateral incisors tangent to the smile arch, second a +0.5 mm shift, and third a -0.5 mm shift. Orthodontists and dentists preferred first a -0.5 mm shift and second a null shift. CONCLUSIONS: The aesthetic perception of the smile, as regard to the vertical relationships between the incisal edges of the anterior teeth, differs between laypersons and professionals but remains homogenous between orthodontists and dentists. The most consensual aesthetic situation, from both professionals' and laypersons' points of view, is the geometry in which the incisal edges of the maxillary lateral incisors are tangent to the smile arch.

Mechanical equilibrium of forces and moments applied on orthodontic brackets of a dental arch: Correlation with literature data on two and three adjacent teeth.

Although orthodontics have greatly improved over the years, understanding of its associated biomechanics remains incomplete and is mainly based on two dimensional (2D) mechanical equilibrium and long-time clinical experience. Little experimental information exists in three dimensions (3D) about the forces and moments developed on orthodontic brackets over more than two or three adjacent teeth. We define here a simplified methodology to quantify 3D forces and moments applied on orthodontic brackets fixed on a dental arch and validate our methodology using existing results from the literature by means of simplified hypotheses.

Experimental quantification of the mechanical forces and moments applied on three adjacent orthodontic brackets.

Orthodontic appliances deliver forces and moments that will determine movement of teeth. To analyze this latter, we developed an experimental setup to measure the mechanical forces applied on the teeth and to calculate, through a simplified theoretical analysis, the reactive forces and corresponding moments onto the brackets of three adjacent teeth. To validate the theoretical and experimental results, we use a simplified clinical situation of a maxillary canine in infraclusion and surrounded by its corresponding upper lateral incisor and first premolar. Forces are then measured experimentally and compared with the calculated results. From this, we show the specific dissymmetry of the mechanical forces on each side of the maxillary canine due to the applied mechanical forces and the undesirable induced generated moments occurring on each tooth that will directly impact the bone remodeling process and the final tooth repositioning.

[Beauty judgment: review of the literature]. / L'appréciation de la beauté : revue de littérature.

Esthetic judgments are surely subjective, but as surely, that does not preclude them being studied objectively through rigorous scientific methods. The factual basis of a science of esthetics is not to settle whether some person or image is "objectively beautiful" but rather to determine whether some representative set or sets of individuals judge or experience him/her/it as beautiful or unattractive. The aim of this paper is to review the definitional, theoretical and methodological aspects pertaining to the perception of facial/dental attractiveness by a group of representative individuals. The first part lays down the basic principles of the perception of facial/dental attractiveness: the perception involves a jury, a field of investigation and a test providing quantitative data; the following general determinants of beauty perception are reviewed: the average morphology, the judge's cultural background, the numerology, the judge's ethnical origin. Indirect determinants are the dentition, the osseous architecture and the muscular envelope. Some disruptive factors might alter the judges' facial perception. They might be qualified as either peripheral to the face or psycho-social factors. Peripheral factors include hair style and color, skin hue, wrinkles, lips color... Psycho-social factors cover the personality of the subject being evaluated, his/her intelligence or behavior. The second part deals specifically with the methodology used to determine facial attractiveness and to correlate this latter with a specific morphology. Typically such a study aims to determine average esthetic preferences for some set of visual displays among a particular jury, given a specific task to judge esthetic quality or qualities. The sample being studied, the displays, the jury or jurys, the rating procedure must all be specified prior to collecting data. A specific emphasis will be given to the rating process and the associated morphometrics, the ultimate goal being to discriminate morphologies judged as attractive among our patients.

[Is the shape memory effect a reality for 35° Copper Ni-Ti(®)? Study by means of differential scanning calorimetry]. / L'effet mémoire de forme est-il une réalité clinique pour le 35° Copper Ni-Ti(®) ? Étude par calorimétrie différentielle à balayage.

INTRODUCTION: Copper-nickel-titanium alloys are supposed to deliver a shape memory effect: when they are brought to a low temperature phase and subjected to a plastic deformation, they should recover their initial shape by simple heating. Nickel-titanium alloys can display different crystallographic phases: martensite, austenite and an inconstant intermediate R-phase. The shape memory effect is generally associated with the transition from martensite to austenite but it could also accompany the transition from R-phase to austenite. Since oral temperatures are not compatible with a fully martensitic alloy, this study aims, for 35° Copper Ni-Ti(®), to assess the R-phase presence at oral temperatures and to verify the possibility of using the R-phase shape memory effect under clinical conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive 35° Copper Ni-Ti(®) archwires from two different batches were examined by differential scanning calorimetry with partial cycles limited to temperatures encountered within the oral cavity (from 0 °C to 50 °C). The presence of an intermediate crystallographic phase was assessed on the thermograms. The transformation temperatures were determined and the two batches were compared using the Mann-Whitney U Test. RESULTS: Upon heating, all wires transformed directly from martensite to austenite. Af (mean  = 33.5 °C, SD  = 0.8 °C) was generally below the temperature stated by the manufacturer and a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.01) was found between the two batches. CONCLUSIONS: No R-phase was detected and transformation temperatures were not constant. This study questions the supposed shape memory effect displayed by 35° Copper Ni-Ti(®) wires under clinical conditions.

Torsional superelasticity of NiTi archwires.

OBJECTIVE: To reproduce and compare the intraoral torsional behavior of 10 commonly used preformed upper NiTi 0.017 x 0.025 archwires in 0.018-slot brackets at 20 degrees C, 35 degrees C, and 55 degrees C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten upper preformed NiTi archwires were compared to a multibraided stainless steel wire. An original testing bench was used to reproduce palatal root torque applied onto an upper central incisor with a maximum value of 1540 g x mm. Ten samples of each wire type were tested at 20 degrees C, 35 degrees C, and 55 degrees C each. RESULTS: Loading and unloading at 20 degrees C revealed three categories of wires: a group of four NiTi wires of relative stiffness bereft of any superelasticity, a group of six NiTi wires displaying some horizontal plateau, and finally the stainless steel wire of lesser stiffness. Testing at the average oral temperature of 35 degrees C produced the same three categories of wires, with only 2 of 10 NiTi wires displaying a superelastic effect (Copper NiTi 35 degrees C and 40 degrees C). None of the NiTi wires was superelastic at 55 degrees C. Moments increased with temperature as the martensite was replaced by the more rigid austenite. CONCLUSION: This study showed that most NiTi wires did not exhibit in torsion the superelastic effect traditionally described in bending. The combination of straight-wire prescriptions and rectangular superelastic NiTi archwires did not provide optimal constant moments necessary to gain third-order control of tooth movement early in treatment. A braided stainless steel rectangular archwire displayed better torsional behavior at 35 degrees C than most NiTi archwires of the same dimensions.