Efficiency of mixed and rigid occlusal stabilization splints: Randomized clinical trial.

Occlusal stabilization splints are the most common treatment for controlling the deleterious effects of sleep bruxism. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost, mixed occlusal splint (MOS) compared to that of a rigid splint. A randomized clinical trial was performed on 43 adults of both sexes with possible sleep bruxism and satisfactory dental conditions. They were divided into rigid occlusal splint (ROS) (n = 23) and MOS (n = 20) groups. Masticatory muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain intensity (visual analog scale), quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), indentations in the oral mucosa, anxiety, and depression (HADS), number of days of splint use, and splint wear were evaluated. All variables were evaluated at baseline (T0), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12) after splint installation (T0), and splint wear was evaluated at T6 and T12. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, non-parametric Friedman's analysis of variance for paired samples and pairwise multiple comparisons, Pearson's chi-square test, two-proportion z-test, non-parametric McNemar's and Cochran's Q, and Wilcoxon tests were used (p < 0.05). In both groups, there was a decrease in TMJ pain and pain intensity over time and improvements in the quality of life scores. At T6, there was a higher rate of splint wear in the MOS group than in the ROS group (p = 0.023). The MOS showed a higher rate of wear than the rigid splint but had similar results for the other variables. Therefore, the use of a mixed splint appears to be effective in controlling the signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism.

Evaluation of the impact of orthodontists' smile with malocclusions on social media and professional credibility.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed laypeople's perceptions of orthodontist credibility based on malocclusions and whether these views affect their choice to seek treatment. Eye-tracking technology and questionnaires were utilized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five lay raters, through eye tracking and a questionnaire, assessed 12 images of orthodontists with malocclusions. Malocclusions were categorized by the Index Of Treatment Need (IOTN) as grade 1 (near ideal), 3 (anterior crowding), and 5 (with diastemas). Fixation points were recorded, and credibility was gauged via questionnaires. A Mentimeter word cloud was generated. RESULTS: IOTN 1 orthodontists were viewed as more credible than IOTN 3 (p < 0.001) and 5 (p < 0.001). Raters were more willing to receive treatment from IOTN 1 orthodontists. The focus for IOTN 1 was between eyes and mouth, while IOTN 3 and 5 were on the mouth. "Crooked teeth" and "spacing" were predominant in word clouds for IOTN 3 and 5. CONCLUSION: Orthodontists with an IOTN grade 1 rating were perceived as more competent, reliable, and professional, thus making it more likely for laypeople to choose them as their preferred providers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The smiles of professionals play a significant role in laypeople's decision to choose them as their orthodontist, and strategic utilization of social media can effectively deliver health information to a larger audience in a faster and more direct manner.

Efficiency of mixed and rigid occlusal stabilization splints: Randomized clinical trial

Abstract Occlusal stabilization splints are the most common treatment for controlling the deleterious effects of sleep bruxism. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost, mixed occlusal splint (MOS) compared to that of a rigid splint. A randomized clinical trial was performed on 43 adults of both sexes with possible sleep bruxism and satisfactory dental conditions. They were divided into rigid occlusal splint (ROS) (n = 23) and MOS (n = 20) groups. Masticatory muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain intensity (visual analog scale), quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), indentations in the oral mucosa, anxiety, and depression (HADS), number of days of splint use, and splint wear were evaluated. All variables were evaluated at baseline (T0), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12) after splint installation (T0), and splint wear was evaluated at T6 and T12. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, non-parametric Friedman's analysis of variance for paired samples and pairwise multiple comparisons, Pearson's chi-square test, two-proportion z-test, non-parametric McNemar's and Cochran's Q, and Wilcoxon tests were used (p < 0.05). In both groups, there was a decrease in TMJ pain and pain intensity over time and improvements in the quality of life scores. At T6, there was a higher rate of splint wear in the MOS group than in the ROS group (p = 0.023). The MOS showed a higher rate of wear than the rigid splint but had similar results for the other variables. Therefore, the use of a mixed splint appears to be effective in controlling the signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism.

Assessing the reliability of ChatGPT: a content analysis of self-generated and self-answered questions on clear aligners, TADs and digital imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that is already part of our reality, and this is an opportunity to understand how it can be useful in interacting with patients and providing valuable information about orthodontics. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the accuracy of ChatGPT in providing accurate and quality information to answer questions on Clear aligners, Temporary anchorage devices and Digital imaging in orthodontics. METHODS: forty-five questions and answers were generated by the ChatGPT 4.0, and analyzed separately by five orthodontists. The evaluators independently rated the quality of information provided on a Likert scale, in which higher scores indicated greater quality of information (1 = very poor; 2 = poor; 3 = acceptable; 4 = good; 5 = very good). The Kruskal-Wallis H test (p< 0.05) and post-hoc pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni correction were performed. RESULTS: From the 225 evaluations of the five different evaluators, 11 (4.9%) were considered as very poor, 4 (1.8%) as poor, and 15 (6.7%) as acceptable. The majority were considered as good [34 (15,1%)] and very good [161 (71.6%)]. Regarding evaluators' scores, a slight agreement was perceived, with Fleiss's Kappa equal to 0.004. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT has proven effective in providing quality answers related to clear aligners, temporary anchorage devices, and digital imaging within the context of interest of orthodontics.

The Esthetics of the Nasolabial Fold and Age in the Elderly Via Eye-Tracking.

Background: Facial aging is associated with the loss of soft tissue fullness. Perioral signs of facial aging can add years to individuals' appearances and even affect their facial expressions in smiling and nonsmiling images. Aims: To evaluate the influence of the nasolabial fold on the visual perception of esthetics and age in the elderly, eye-tracking and a visual analog scale were used. Material and Methods: This study applied a cross-sectional study using 40 laypeople. Facial images of an elderly woman were modified to include facial expression lines such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines with no folds, intermediate, and accentuated depths folds. Eye tracking was implemented to measure the average number of fixations. Heat maps and dot maps were generated using eye-tracking software. A visual analog scale of attractiveness and age perception questionnaire were also incorporated into the study. Statistical analysis was performed using a significance of (P<0.05). Results: The majority of visual attention was paid to the eye and mouth areas. In the images with no folds, the right eye attracted a greater degree of fixation. In the images in which nasolabial folds were accentuated, the mouth area served as an area of high fixation. No statistical difference was observed between the groups in which smiling images were viewed. Nonsmiling images demonstrated significant differences between groups for variables including time until first fixation, complete fixation time, and number of fixations on the eyes and hemifaces. Old age and diminished attractiveness were associated with attenuated nasolabial folds, especially in nonsmiling images. Conclusion: The facial lines and expressions of elderly female individuals were assessed by laypeople using eye-tracking, showing that the deeper one's nasolabial folds, the more aged and less attractive one appears, especially in nonsmiling images. Smiling pictures were perceived to be more attractive and youthful; these perceptions should be considered in the search for improved esthetic results, whether in dental or facial esthetic treatments.

Assessment of awake bruxism and oral mucosa indentation in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucosa indentations can be signs of awake bruxism (AB) in adults, but this association has not yet been verified in adolescents. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of AB in adolescents and determine whether there is an association between AB and oral mucosa indentation. METHODS: This study enrolled 66 high school students, mean age of 16.9 (±0.54) years. Clinical inspection was performed to assess the presence or absence of tongue, cheek and lip mucosa indentation. AB was assessed by the Ecological Momentary Assessment method using the WhatsApp mobile app. Messages were sent 15 times a day, 7 days, between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM at random times to choose one of the five oral behaviours: teeth contact, teeth clenching, teeth grinding, mandible bracing and relaxed jaw muscles. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test for independent samples, Friedman test for paired samples, Friedman pairwise multiple comparisons non-parametric test, Pearson's chi-squared tests, and z-test of comparisons between two proportions were performed (p < .05). RESULTS: During the week the frequency of AB behaviours was 56.20%, teeth contact was the most frequent (37.68% ± 22.26%), significantly more frequent than other AB behaviours; there was a greater frequency of cheek indentation (27.27%) and no difference between genders in oral behaviours and indentations (p > .05). A higher frequency of AB behaviours was observed in individuals with a greater frequency of cheek indentation (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Teeth contact and cheek indentation were the most frequent conditions among adolescents and AB behaviours are associated with this indentation.

The influence of fluoxetine on orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic use of fluoxetine on the amount of orthodontic tooth movement and tissue changes in rats. A total of 192 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: S, 0.9% saline solution; F, 20 mg/kg of fluoxetine; SM, 0.9% saline solution with orthodontic movement; and FM, 20 mg/kg of fluoxetine with orthodontic movement. After 30 days of daily saline or fluoxetine administration, an orthodontic device (25cN) was used to mesially displace the first molar in animals of the groups SM and FM. The animals were euthanized 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after placement of the orthodontic appliances and animals of groups S and F were euthanized at the same time. The assessment of tooth movement was made in gypsum castings, the collagen neoformation was assessed by polarization microscopy, the number of osteoclasts and root resorption were evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and presence of hyalinized areas was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Fluoxetine did not affect the amount of tooth displacement, percentage of collagen, number of osteoclasts, and presence of hyalinized areas (P>0.05). There was a higher frequency of root resorption areas in the FM group than in the SM group only on the second day (P<0.05). The findings of this study show that chronic use of 20 mg/kg fluoxetine does not affect the amount of tooth movement, collagen neoformation, number of osteoclasts, or hyalinized areas and does not affect root resorption until the last day of orthodontic movement.

Treatment of Class II malocclusion with anterior open bite and posterior crossbite with the aid of mini-implants in a patient with Down syndrome: Clinical case report.

OBJECTIVE: We report the orthodontic treatment of a class II malocclusion with anterior open bite and posterior crossbite in a patient with Down syndrome (DS) treated with mini-implants. METHODS: Treatment began with rapid maxillary expansion with a Haas appliance, followed by dental alignment and leveling with a fixed appliance and the correction of class II dental relationships with the use of orthodontic mini-implants associated with a sliding jig. RESULTS: The results obtained at the end of the treatment were satisfactory, with improvements in occlusion, including bite closure; maxillary expansion; and the correction of dental relationships. CONCLUSION: When well-planned, orthodontic treatment in a patient with DS achieves satisfactory results from a skeletal, occlusal, and facial perspective.

Predictors of perceived stress and quality of life amongst dental master and doctoral students.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify predictors of perceived stress and quality of life (QoL) amongst dental master and doctoral students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with Brazilian students as participants (n = 707). The following instruments were administered: Perceived stress scale (PSS), the WHOQOL-BREF and a socio-demographic questionnaire. A linear regression model was estimated. RESULTS: The results showed that female was associated with higher scores of PSS and lower scores of QoL. A negative correlation was observed between PSS and all four domains of QoL. Multivariate analysis revealed that the set of selected variables partially explained the variability of PSS score (28%) and the four QoL domains: physical (52%), psychological (62%), social relationships (25%) and environment (37%). The variable number of children, hours of sleep, concurrent work and study, leisure time and physical activity practice were associated with positive changes on QoL, whilst PSS and medication intake with negative. Lower PSS score was associated with the variables age, hours of sleep, leisure time and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that perceived stress and medication intake due to study are important predictors of lower QoL in dental master and doctoral students, especially in the psychological domain. More hours of sleep, leisure time and physical activity improved both QoL and perceived stress scores and might be feasible coping strategies for these outcomes in this population.

Assessing the reliability of ChatGPT: a content analysis of self-generated and self-answered questions on clear aligners, TADs and digital imaging

ABSTRACT Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that is already part of our reality, and this is an opportunity to understand how it can be useful in interacting with patients and providing valuable information about orthodontics. Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy of ChatGPT in providing accurate and quality information to answer questions on Clear aligners, Temporary anchorage devices and Digital imaging in orthodontics. Methods: forty-five questions and answers were generated by the ChatGPT 4.0, and analyzed separately by five orthodontists. The evaluators independently rated the quality of information provided on a Likert scale, in which higher scores indicated greater quality of information (1 = very poor; 2 = poor; 3 = acceptable; 4 = good; 5 = very good). The Kruskal-Wallis H test (p< 0.05) and post-hoc pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni correction were performed. Results: From the 225 evaluations of the five different evaluators, 11 (4.9%) were considered as very poor, 4 (1.8%) as poor, and 15 (6.7%) as acceptable. The majority were considered as good [34 (15,1%)] and very good [161 (71.6%)]. Regarding evaluators' scores, a slight agreement was perceived, with Fleiss's Kappa equal to 0.004. Conclusions: ChatGPT has proven effective in providing quality answers related to clear aligners, temporary anchorage devices, and digital imaging within the context of interest of orthodontics.

RESUMO Introdução: A Inteligência Artificial (IA) é uma ferramenta que já faz parte de nossa realidade, e esta é uma oportunidade de entendermos como ela pode ser útil na interação com os pacientes e no fornecimento de informações valiosas sobre Ortodontia. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a precisão do ChatGPT em responder a perguntas sobre Alinhadores transparentes, Dispositivos de ancoragem temporária, e Imagens digitais em Ortodontia. Métodos: 45 perguntas e respostas foram geradas pelo ChatGPT 4.0 e analisadas separadamente por cinco ortodontistas que, de forma independente, avaliaram a qualidade das informações fornecidas, usando uma escala de Likert, na qual pontuações mais altas indicavam uma maior qualidade das informações (1 = muito ruim; 2 = ruim; 3 = aceitável; 4 = bom; 5 = muito bom). Aplicou-se o teste H de Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0,05) e comparações pareadas post-hoc com correção de Bonferroni. Resultados: Das 225 avaliações dos cinco avaliadores diferentes, 11 (4,9%) foram consideradas como muito ruins, 4 (1,8%) como ruins, e 15 (6,7%) como aceitáveis. A maioria foi considerada boa [34 (15,1%)] ou muito boa [161 (71,6%)]. Com relação às pontuações dos avaliadores, percebeu-se uma leve concordância, com o Kappa de Fleiss igual a 0,004. Conclusões: O ChatGPT mostrou eficácia em fornecer respostas de qualidade para questões relacionadas a Alinhadores transparentes, Dispositivos de ancoragem temporária e Imagens digitais.

Extrações assimétricas para tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II assimétrica com aberta anterior e cruzada posterior e grande desvio da linha média superior ­ relato de caso / Asymmetric extractions for the treatment of asymmetric Class II malocclusion with anterior opening and posterior crossing and large superior midline deviation ­ case report

Resumo O objetivo desse artigo foi relatar o tratamento ortodôntico de paciente adulta com má oclusão de Classe II assimétrica, mordida aberta anterior e cruzada posterior. De posse de todos elementos diagnósticos, chegou-se ao plano de tratamento com extrações assimétricas envolvendo primeiro pré-molar superior direito (14), segundo pré-molar superior esquerdo (25), segundo pré-molar inferior esquerdo (35) e primeiro molar inferior direito (46). Com auxílio de mecânicas de elásticos e mini-implante ortodôntico associado a sliding jigs, conseguiu-se obter uma boa estética e função oclusal. Concluiu-se com a descrição desse caso clínico que extrações assimétricas se mostraram um aliado do ortodontista quando deseja dar simetria a um arco assimétrico na presença de má oclusão de Classe II com mordida aberta e cruzada posterior (AU)

Abstract The aim of this article was to report the orthodontic treatment of an adult patient with asymmetric Class II malocclusion, anterior open bite and posterior crossbite. With all the diagnostic elements in hand, the treatment plan was with asymmetrical extractions involving the upper right first premolar (14), the upper left second premolar (25), the lower left second premolar (35), and the first molar bottom right (46). With the aid of elastic mechanics and orthodontic mini-implants associated with sliding jigs, good esthetic and occlusal function were achieved. The description of this clinical case concluded that asymmetric extractions are an ally for orthodontists when they want to give symmetry to an asymmetrical arch in the presence of Class II malocclusion with open bite and posterior crossbite (AU)

O distalizador Carriere como coadjuvante no tratamento da má oclusão de Classe II, Divisão 1 / The Carriere distalizer as an adjunct in the treatment of Class II, Division 1 malocclusion

Resumo O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever o tratamento ortodôntico realizado em uma paciente de 15 anos, sexo feminino, com má oclusão Classe II, Divisão 1, com aparelho Carriere Motion 3D (ACM), seguido de aparelhos fixos completos. O exame intraoral mostrou uma má oclusão de Classe II, Divisão 1, com overbite de 1 mm e overjet de 3,5 mm. O arco superior com morfologia triangular e o mandibular parabólico, além da ausência da coroa clínica do primeiro molar inferior direito. O tratamento iniciou com a utilização simultânea do ACM e de uma contenção Essix para ancoragem do arco mandibular. Nesse período, elásticos de Classe II foram empregados durante 5 meses, obtendo-se a relação molar e canino de Classe I. Posteriormente, bráquetes metálicos MBT .022" foram utilizados em ambas as arcadas. Os resultados demonstraram estabilidade ao longo de um período de dois anos de acompanhamento, com satisfação da paciente (AU)

Abstract The aim of this case report is to describe the orthodontic treatment performed on a 15-year-old female patient, with Class II, Division 1 malocclusion, using the Carriere Motion 3D appliance (ACM) followed by full fixed appliances. The intraoral examination showed a Class II, Division 1 malocclusion, with 1 mm overbite and 3.5 mm overjet. The maxillary arch had a triangular morphology and the mandibular arch was parabolic, in addition to the absence of the clinical crown of the right mandibular first molar. Treatment began with the simultaneous use of ACM and an Essix retainer for anchoring the mandibular arch. During this period, Class II elastics were applied for 5 months, achieving Class I molar and canine relation. Subsequently, MBT .022" metal brackets were used on both arches. The results demonstrated stability over a two-year follow-up period, with patient satisfaction (AU)

The influence of fluoxetine on orthodontic tooth movement in rats

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic use of fluoxetine on the amount of orthodontic tooth movement and tissue changes in rats. A total of 192 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: S, 0.9% saline solution; F, 20 mg/kg of fluoxetine; SM, 0.9% saline solution with orthodontic movement; and FM, 20 mg/kg of fluoxetine with orthodontic movement. After 30 days of daily saline or fluoxetine administration, an orthodontic device (25cN) was used to mesially displace the first molar in animals of the groups SM and FM. The animals were euthanized 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after placement of the orthodontic appliances and animals of groups S and F were euthanized at the same time. The assessment of tooth movement was made in gypsum castings, the collagen neoformation was assessed by polarization microscopy, the number of osteoclasts and root resorption were evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and presence of hyalinized areas was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Fluoxetine did not affect the amount of tooth displacement, percentage of collagen, number of osteoclasts, and presence of hyalinized areas (P>0.05). There was a higher frequency of root resorption areas in the FM group than in the SM group only on the second day (P<0.05). The findings of this study show that chronic use of 20 mg/kg fluoxetine does not affect the amount of tooth movement, collagen neoformation, number of osteoclasts, or hyalinized areas and does not affect root resorption until the last day of orthodontic movement.