Comparison of the effectiveness of piezocision-aided canine retraction augmented with micro-osteoperforation: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of micro-osteoperforation (MOP) on the rate of piezocision-aided canine retraction (CR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The split-mouth study included 25 participants at the stage of commencing CR. The participants received flapless piezocision bilaterally at T0 (0 months) and MOP only on one side at T3 (3 months). The quadrant that received MOP at T3 served as the intervention, whereas the other quadrant served as the control. The primary outcome was the rate of CR, assessed using digital models. The angular change (AC) of the canine and the change in the buccal cortical bone thickness (BCBT) from before to after CR were also assessed using cone beam computed tomography. RESULTS: The rate of CR was 0.82 ± 0.39 mm/month in the control quadrant vs 0.75 ± 0.44 mm/month in the intervention quadrant (P > .05). The AC of the canine was 2.00° ± 0.88° in the control quadrant vs 1.98° ± 0.86° in the intervention quadrant (P > .05). The crestal bone gain was 0.50 mm in the control quadrant vs 0.28 mm of bone loss in the intervention quadrant. The bone thickness at a 3-mm height was increased by 0.11 mm in the control quadrant vs a 0.29-mm decrease in the intervention quadrant. The bone thickness at a 6-mm height was decreased by 0.12 mm in the control quadrant vs a 0.15-mm decrease in the intervention quadrant. However, none of the changes or group differences in bone height or thickness were statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The periodic activation of a piezocision-aided CR site using MOP had no significant positive effect on the rate of CR, angulation of the canine, or changes in BCBT.

Virtual Schooling in Dental Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education: A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey.

Aim The purpose of this survey was to appraise the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of dental undergraduate and postgraduate students in India towards virtual learning and provide an improved understanding of practicing this learning strategy as a complementary tool for the evolution of dental education. Materials and methods A cross-sectional, closed-ended, multiple-choice online questionnaire was distributed on a national scale to undergraduate and postgraduate dental students throughout India. The questions focused on the choice of virtual platforms, learning methods, duration of classes, mental health, pros and cons, and approach to virtual education as a complementary tool in the future. The survey was distributed in the form of a web-based link and quick-response (QR) code via various social platforms. Descriptive statistics was performed to compile the data. Results  A total of 2130 students (1318 undergraduate and 812 postgraduate students) participated in the study. The study found that 81.1% of the undergraduate and 92.5% of the postgraduate students were exposed to virtual learning. Zoom and Google Meet were the most widely used platforms for online education. The most common mode of virtual learning was webinars conducted by subject faculties. Ease, comfort of access, and flexibility of time were the most common advantages, while internet connectivity issues along with negative psychological impact are a few common drawbacks. The concept of blended learning was most preferred by the students.  Conclusion Undergraduate and postgraduate students showed good knowledge and a positive attitude to virtual schooling and preferred a hybrid model of instruction.

Vacuum-Formed Retainers Versus Lingual-Bonded Retainers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Stability of Treatment Outcomes in Orthodontically Treated Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed at analyzing the literature comparing vacuum-formed retainers and lingual-bonded retainers for maintaining treatment stability and periodontal health and evaluating retainer failure and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. Only randomized controlled trials were involved. Risk of bias was evaluated using Risk of Bias 2 Tool. Meta-analysis was performed and certainty of evidence was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials were included for qualitative analysis and 2 studies were included for quantitative analysis. Two studies concluded that lingual-bonded retainers were more effective than vacuum-formed retainers in maintaining treatment stability. Two studies had a high risk of bias and 3 studies had some concerns. No statistically significant difference in Little's Irregularity Index (standard mean difference = -0.10; P value = .61), inter-canine width (standard mean difference = 0.66; P value = .09), inter-molar width (standard mean difference = 0.08; P value = .85), arch length (standard mean difference = -0.18; P value = .60) between the 2 retainers was noted. Periodontal status and retainer failure rate (odds ratio= 2.28; P value = .23) were similar in both retainers. Patient discomfort, soreness, and speech difficulty were more with vacuum-formed retainers and oral hygiene maintenance was easier with vacuum-formed retainers. CONCLUSION: A very low-level certainty of evidence suggests that both vacuum-formed retainers and lingual-bonded retainers were equally effective in maintaining treatment stability. Periodontal status and retainer failures were similar in both retainers. Vacuum-formed retainers were better for oral hygiene maintenance but were associated with discomfort, soreness, and speech difficulty than lingual-bonded retainers.

Palatal plane inclination on vertical growth pattern among Indians.

The skeletal discrepancies in the vertical dimensions can either lead to a long face or a short face. The palatal plane inclination is one such contributing factor. The study sample comprised of 15 lateral cephalograms collected between the time period of June 2019 - March 2020 with 5 cephalograms belonging to skeletal Class I, II and III respectively. The inclination angle and mandibular plane angle were measured using the FACAD software. The obtained results were tabulated and statistically analysed using Pearson's correlation test to determine the correlation between the two variables. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the skeletal malocclusions with a p value of 0.011. Thus, palatal plane inclination is not a major contributing factor for vertical growth pattern and it is suggestive of a multifactorial influence.

Correlation between mandibular third molar and mandibular incisor crowding: A retrospective CBCT-based study.

Background. Late mandibular incisor crowding is a fairly common phenomenon experienced by growing adults. The etiology of late mandibular incisor crowding, however, is controversial and inconclusive. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between mandibular third molar and mandibular incisor crowding using Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. Methods. The study consisted of 40 samples of CBCT images divided into two groups (n=20). Group A comprised CBCT images without third molars, and group B included CBCT images with third molars. The images were observed in the axial view and manually marked to calculate the amount of crowding using Little's irregularity index. The obtained values were statistically analyzed using Pearson's correlation test. SPSS 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results. The results showed a positive correlation between the mandibular third molars and mandibular incisor crowding, which was significant (P = 0.033). The mean Little's irregularity index score for groups A and B were 4.26 and 6.799, respectively (P = 0.033). Conclusion. The positive correlation between the two groups suggests an association between the mandibular third molars and mandibular incisor crowding.