Late-forming supernumerary teeth: A case series.

The aim of this case series was to illustrate the development of late-forming supernumerary teeth (LFST) and highlight the implications for orthodontic treatment. There are limited studies relating to the aetiology, prevalence and treatment of LFST and the cases presented here demonstrate the management of LFST within a tertiary care centre. Five cases are presented, which show various presentations and chronological ages in the development of LFST. This case series emphasises the significance of maintaining a low threshold for suspecting LFST in patients where supernumerary teeth have previously been identified. It also highlights the importance of regular clinical and radiographic reviews. Timely identification can help prevent complications and optimise treatment outcomes.

The awareness and usage of orthodontic apps and social media by orthodontists in the UK: A questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness and usage of mobile apps and social media among orthodontic clinicians to support patients with orthodontic treatment, support the professional development of orthodontists, and identify any relevant apps and social media platforms currently recommended to patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. SETTING: United Kingdom. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and distributed to members of the British Orthodontic Society (BOS). To increase the response rate, the questionnaire was circulated at three time points between January and March 2020. RESULTS: A total of 149 orthodontists responded to the questionnaire (15% response rate) with 113 orthodontists completing all questions (11.4%). Of those who answered, 81% (n = 111) had been qualified for >10 years, 35% worked in practice (n = 48), 34% worked in a hospital (n = 47) and 26% worked in both hospital and practice (n = 36). The results indicated that 20% of clinicians (n = 22) used apps to support patients and 33% (n = 37) reported using apps for professional purposes. Brush DJ appeared to be the most popular patient focused app (39%, n = 18) whereas the IOTN (17%, n = 8), Invisalign (17%, n = 8) and Dental Monitoring apps (9%, n = 4) were the most popular clinician-focused apps. With regard to social media, 53% (n = 60) of respondents reported that they used social media to communicate generic orthodontic information and promote their practice to patients. The most commonly used social media platforms were Facebook and Instagram. Of respondents, 96% expressed a willingness to recommend an evidence-based mobile app to patients if available, and 88% were willing to recommend an evidence-based social media platform. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic clinicians are utilising mobile apps and social media to support both patients and their own professional development. There is a willingness to increase the use of evidence-based platforms and apps to support patients.

Orthodontic apps: An assessment of content accuracy and validity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the content accuracy of orthodontic treatment information in patient-focused apps. DESIGN: A cross-sectional review study. SETTING: Orthodontic apps available on the UK Android and Apple App Stores. METHODS: Apps identified in a previous research study and those identified via a questionnaire of specialist orthodontists were assessed for accuracy of content utilising an evidence-based checklist. The checklist covered five main orthodontically relevant themes and 32 codes with respective items. RESULTS: The accuracy of information content for 16 patient-focused apps was assessed. Eight apps provided information related to orthodontic treatment and handling emergencies. Five apps were reminder apps and a small number (n = 3) contained games and timers for toothbrushing and aligners. With regard to the accuracy of information content, only two apps contained information across all five themes of the evidence-based checklist. Only one app received a score of 'fair - excellent' under the oral hygiene theme; interestingly, this app was the most commonly used patient-focused app. Eight apps containing orthodontic treatment information scored poorly as they had inaccurate information on handling emergency situations. None of the apps were deemed excellent with regard to accuracy of information content. CONCLUSION: The orthodontic mobile apps assessed in this study mostly contained information of poor accuracy. Therefore, there is a need for high-quality apps with credible information supported by evidence to be developed.

Is visual imagery ability higher for orthodontic students than those in other disciplines? A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect visual imagery may have on career choice among current university students across a range of subjects and disciplines. SETTING: University College London (UCL), UK. DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. PARTICIPANTS: The study compared four main groups of UCL students: current students at the Slade School of Fine Art; UCL Eastman Dental Institute; UCL Bartlett School of Architecture; and the Faculty of Laws. METHOD: A questionnaire based on the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) was distributed along with questions regarding demographic information. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the VVIQ scores across the four included Schools/Faculty: The Slade School of Fine Art; UCL Bartlett School of Architecture; Faculty of Laws; and UCL Eastman Dental Institute, F(3,219) = 2.160, P = 0.094. There were also no significant differences in the scores for the Eastman (M = 60.21, SD = 13.58) and the three other Schools/Faculty (M = 62.87, SD = 10.96); t(-1.317) = 221, P = 0.189, and no significant difference in the scores for the Orthodontic students (M = 60.80, SD = 13.39) and the remaining other included students (M = 61.44, SD = 9.68); t(-0.232) = 221, P = 0.817. Aphantasia was uncommon in this sample, with a prevalence of 0.9%. A positive correlation was found between age group and total VVIQ score, with older participants scoring higher on the VVIQ. Women were significantly more likely to say that their ability to visualise had affected their career choice than male respondents. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between the VVIQ scores across the four included Schools/Faculty. Visual imagery ability did not differ in dental or orthodontic students in comparison to other student groups. Further work is needed to replicate these findings in more diverse samples.