Simplifying two-vector mechanics calculations for challenging tooth movements.

The purpose of this article was to describe a simple graphical driven method for determining the necessary two-vector mechanics (TVM) as an alternative solution to the ideal or single force. In orthodontics, some tooth movements are difficult to achieve, mainly because of the impossibility of getting the point of application for the necessary force system. Given two points in biomechanically accessible areas, adding together two vectors applied to those points will result in an equivalent force system. The method was developed based on previous research, 3,880 hypothetical cases were analyzed to determine the trends between the resulting forces and their relative locations. A graphical driven TVM method (GTVM) for establishing the necessary TVM is presented in a manner that combine different procedures from the traditional method that simplify the analysis and may allow the user to perform more complex orthodontic cases making easier to compare systems of force equivalents.

Stress distribution for mandibular extra-alveolar anchorage at different angles and force magnitudes: a finite element study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution in cortical and cancellous bones and within the screw when a stainless steel extra-alveolar screw (EA-S) is inserted into the retromolar region of the mandible using the finite element method (FEM). The stress values in the EA-S were highest at 60° with horizontal (shear) force and lowest at 90° with axial force. In the bones (cortical and cancellous), the stress value was greatest at 90° with horizontal force. Greater stability of the screw may be achieved by tilting it to the force when horizontal loads are applied.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists toward Teledentistry.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a new scenario for dental practice, and teledentistry (TD) is a field of relevance for dentists. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the knowledge, practices, and expectations of dentists toward TD and its association with sociodemographic variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to dentists in Colombia as part of global research on the impact of COVID-19 on dentistry. The core questionnaire included 5 additional questions on TD that were added by the Colombian research team in 5 domains about TD: Q1, knowledge; Q2, practices; Q3, expectations; Q4, usefulness; and Q5, reimbursement. Sociodemographic variables were also measured. The questionnaire was validated in a pilot test and administered via digital media. Descriptive and bivariate analysis for sociodemographic and TD variables were done. For the evaluation of the chances of a determined answer, an ordinal multinomial logistic regression (Q1 and Q2) and binomial logistic regression (Q3 and Q5) analyses were made. RESULTS: In total, 5,370 dentists answered the survey (women: 3,878; mean age: 45 y). The response rate of the survey was 16.84%. Knowledge and practice of TD before the COVID-19 pandemic were both low (25.75% and 12.42%, respectively); however, since the beginning of the current pandemic, knowledge increased by 62.72% and practice by 42.53%. Some 93.1% of respondents considered that TD could be useful in their clinical practice, and 59.55% would consider practicing it after the pandemic. A high number of dentists (88.58%) did not charge for these services. Logistic regressions showed significant differences according to sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on TD, increasing knowledge and practice significantly. Dentists expect to continue practicing TD in the future. However, some geographical, technological, and attitudinal barriers need to be broken down to increase daily use of TD. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: This article provides an overview about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the knowledge and attitudes about teledentistry (TD) in general dentists and both clinical and nonclinical specialists. Although some barriers to the use of TD continue, this pandemic brought with it a new scenario for dental practice, which must be implemented through training for professionals to increase its use.