Consistency of orthodontic treatment decisions relative to diagnostic records

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how incremental information obtained from different types of diagnostic records contributes to the determination of orthodontic treatment decisions. Pretreatment records of 57 orthodontic patients were assessed by five orthodontists who were part-time faculty members and also in private practice. This sample consisted of dental school orthodontic patients who had Class II malocclusions and included patients at three different dental developmental stages. The following diagnostic records were used: study models (S), facial photographs (F), a panoramic radiograph (P), a lateral cephalogram (C), and its tracing (T). Five combinations of diagnostic records were presented to the orthodontists in the following sequence: (1) S; (2) S + F; (3) S + F + P; (4) S + F + P + C; and (5) S + F + P + C + T. The simultaneous interpretation of all diagnostic records (S + F + P + C + T) was used as the "diagnostic standard." There was a diagnostic standard for each of the patients and for each of the orthodontists. The diagnostic standard was achieved: (1) S = 54.9%, (2) S + F = 54.2%, (3) S + F + P = 60.9%, and (4) S + F + P + C = 59.9%. Thus, in a majority of cases (55%), study models alone provided adequate information for treatment planning, and incremental addition of information from other types of diagnostic records made small differences.     

口腔正畸临床摄影技术要点和进展

影像资料是口腔正畸不可或缺的临床资料,与牙牙合模型以及X线片一样已在正畸医生的临床工作中起着不可或缺的作用。口腔正畸学科是口腔学科中较早引入临床摄影的,这与口腔正畸不仅关注牙齿排列与咬合关系,而且在矫治设计与临床治疗中同样重视患者面部的美学特征密切相关。并且建立了比较公认的摄影内容和摄影技术。本文讨论了口腔正畸学科临床摄影的内容、特点、一般规律、规范性要求,以及与其他学科在摄影方面的不同之处,并且详细介绍了正畸患者面像和牙合像摄影的注意事项。     

Orthodontic treatment in the early mixed dentition: is this the optimum time to start care?

The age at which children should start orthodontic treatment has been debated amongst orthodontists for many decades. Orthodontists can agree on what is a quality orthodontic result, but disagree as to how and when to best obtain this result Some orthodontists contend that starting treatment in the primary dentition is the most effective means of orthodontic care. Other orthodontists would prefer to begin in the early or late mixed dentition. Still others would rather postpone treatment until the permanent dentition at approximately age 12. This article will evaluate the pros and cons of initiating treatment at different ages.     

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??Dental photographs are essential parts of clinic data in orthodontics??which offer important information for diagnosis??treatment planning and follow-up. Dental photography was introduced to orthodontics much earlier than other dental specialty. It makes valuable attribution to soft tissue analysis. In orthodontics??close attention is focused on not only occlusion but also soft tissue harmony. For this??standard dental photography has been set up for orthodontic purpose. This article mainly discussed characteristics and standard of orthodontic photography??including the “photograph set” preferred by most orthodontists??key points in extra-oral photographs and intra-oral photographs and help tips for successful photographs.     

A study of the harmonious profile in facial esthetics. Part 1. Descriptive statistics.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a harmonious profile and normal occlusion, differences between good and poor groups, and the characteristics of a good group from normal occlusion group and after orthodontic treatment groups. The sample included 60 subjects with normal occlusion (normal subjects) and 88 after orthodontic treatment subjects (orthodontic subjects). Evaluators were 20 students and 20 orthodontists from Tokyo Dental College. For the purpose of profile evaluation, normal and orthodontic subjects were classified into 3 groups (good, mediocre, and poor) based in their external profile lines. Lateral Roentgen-cephalograms were used to measure hard and soft tissues. Mean values and Student's t-test were calculated statistically. RESULTS: 1. The frequencies of the good and poor subjects were similar in both normal subjects and orthodontic subjects. When considering the mediocre group, however, the normal subjects were more likely to have a better profile than the other subjects. 2. There were differences in hard tissues between the good group and the poor group in both the normal subjects and the orthodontic subjects, but only slight differences in soft tissues. 3. In the good groups of both normal and orthodontic subjects (all subjects), the edges of the upper and lower central incisors and upper and lower lips retruded, the ratio of upper facial height to total facial height was greater and the chin region was thicker than in the poor group. Additionally, in the good group of normal subjects, the maxilla protruded and the anteroposterior difference between the maxilla and mandible was larger.     

Orthodontists' views on indications for and timing of orthodontic treatment in Finnish public oral health care

The aim of this study was to analyse the variation in the views of Finnish orthodontists on the indications for orthodontic treatment, timing of orthodontic assessment, and treatment methods used. The views were elicited by a questionnaire that was sent to all 146 specialist orthodontists under 65 years of age living in Finland in 2001. The response rate was 57 per cent. The association between an orthodontist's experience and timing of treatment was tested by Fisher's exact test. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the demographic characteristics of orthodontists and the tendency to start Class II division I treatment early. Most orthodontists recommended that the first assessment of occlusion should be carried out before 7 years of age. A crossbite was mentioned as the most frequent indication for treatment in the primary and early mixed dentition, and a severe Class II division I malocclusion with an increased overjet as the most frequent indication in the late mixed dentition. Most respondents preferred early treatment, but there was a wide variation in the choice of appliances and in the timing of treatment of malocclusions other than crossbite and Class II malocclusions. A quadhelix, headgear, and the eruption guidance appliance were the most frequently used appliances in early treatment, with fixed appliances being most frequently used during the late mixed and permanent dentition phase. Orthodontists working full time in municipal health centres tended to prefer early treatment more often than those working part-time or outside health centres. There was no statistically significant association between an orthodontist's experience and timing of Class II division I and Class III treatment (P = 0.142 and P = 0.296, respectively). The preference for an early start in Class II division I treatment might be related to differing professional decisions, but no explaining factors could be found in the regression analysis.     

Evaluation of the peer assessment rating (PAR) index as an index of orthodontic treatment need.

The need for orthodontic treatment has an objective component based on occlusal traits and a subjective component based on the esthetic impact of the occlusion. An occlusal index that measures the objective deviation from normal or ideal occlusion might be sufficient to mirror the subjective opinion of orthodontists about treatment need. The objective of this study was to determine whether the American (US) and United Kingdom (UK) weightings of the peer assessment rating (PAR) index are valid instruments with which to determine treatment need. Fifteen orthodontists rated the need for orthodontic treatment of 170 casts. Their collective decision was compared with the PAR value for the cast determined by a calibrated examiner. A range of suggested treatment cutoff points from the literature was used to generate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and optimized cutoff points. The cutoff points were 17 for both the US PAR and the UK PAR, and sensitivity, specificity, and kappa were 92%, 86%, and 0.77 for the US PAR and 92%, 89%, and 0.80 for the UK PAR. The area under the ROC curve was 97% for the US PAR and the UK PAR. Both the US PAR and the UK PAR scores were excellent predictors of orthodontic treatment need as determined by a panel of orthodontists. An occlusal index used to measure deviation from normal or ideal occlusion might perform as well as indexes of treatment need in predicting orthodontists' evaluations of treatment need.     

Comparison of perception of necessity of orthodontic treatment between orthodontists and dentists at dental check-ups with DAI

PurposeThe aims of this study were to examine the gaps in the perception of the necessity of orthodontic treatment between orthodontists and dentists, and identify the items influencing perception using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).Materials and methodsBoth dentists and orthodontists assessed the necessity of orthodontic treatment in the 693 junior and senior high school students, and orthodontists examined the occlusion of the students with DAI. The data were analyzed with Student's t-test, Bonferroni multiple comparison test and decision analysis.ResultsIn the orthodontist’ perception, clearly significant differences were observed in all DAI items between necessary and unnecessary groups. However, maxillary missing teeth, mandibular missing teeth, spacing and diastema did not show a clear difference in the dentists’ perception. In the comparison of perception between orthodontists and dentists, crowding, largest anterior maxillary irregularity and largest mandibular irregularity showed significant differences. Decision analysis demonstrated that crowding was the most important item for both orthodontists and dentists.ConclusionThere were two types of gaps in the perception of the necessity of orthodontic treatment. The first one is an individual difference among the dentists, which is related to the evaluation of missing teeth and space in the dental arches. The other is recognized as gaps in the perception between orthodontists and dentists, which are related to the amounts of crowding. It is important to realize the difference of perception and improve the mutual understanding to prevent overlooking malocclusion.     

Preventing and treating white-spot lesions associated with orthodontic treatment: a survey of general dentists and orthodontists

BackgroundThe authors investigated the prevention and treatment of white-spot lesions (WSLs) during and after orthodontic therapy from the perspective of general dentists and orthodontists.MethodsThe authors administered a cross-sectional survey to general dentists (n = 191) and orthodontists (n = 305) in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.ResultsSixty-nine percent of general dentists and 76 percent of orthodontists recommended in-office fluoride treatment for patients with severe WSLs immediately after orthodontic treatment. Sixty-nine percent of general dentists reported that they had treated WSLs during the previous year, and 37 percent of orthodontists reported that they had removed braces because of patients' poor oral hygiene. Sixty percent of orthodontists referred patients with WSLs to general dentists for treatment. Eighty-five percent of orthodontists responded that they encouraged patients to use a fluoride rinse as a preventive measure. More than one-third of general dentists indicated that severe WSLs after orthodontic treatment could have a negative effect on their perception of the treating orthodontist.ConclusionsWSLs are a common complication of orthodontic treatment and their presence can result in a negative perception of the treating orthodontist by the patient's general dentist.Clinical implicationsGeneral dentists and orthodontists should work together to prevent the development of WSLs in their patients. Treatment with fluoride supplements and motivating and training patients to practice good oral hygiene will help achieve this goal. Treatment after debonding should include the topical application of low concentrations of fluoride.     

Measuring Beliefs about Orthodontic Treatment: A Questionnaire Approach

Objectives : Few studies have examined what parents and orthodontists expect from and value about orthodontic treatment. In this study, we designed and tested a questionnaire to outline what drives consumer demand for children's orthodontic care. Further, we present data from the questionnaire to illustrate how expectations and values pertaining to orthodontic treatment relate to sociodemographic variables. Methods : Subjects were 220 Pennsylvania orthodontists and 220 parents at a university orthodontic clinic who were administered a questionnaire designed to assess what parents and orthodontists value about and expect from orthodontic treatment. Items for the questionnaire were developed via a qualitative, telephone interview process. Data were analyzed using factor analysis and reliability analysis for scale development, and analysis of variance for preliminary validity assessment. Results : Through factor analysis, the questionnaire was reduced from 84 to 52 items, and eight scales were examined: expected treatment benefits, expected treatment risks (short- and long-term), expected treatment inconveniences, value of treatment benefits, value of risks (short- and long-term), and value of treatment inconveniences. For parents, the reliability for all scales was in the acceptable range. For orthodontists, only the “short-term risks” scale failed to attain an acceptable reliability. Preliminary validity was assessed through examining relationships between demographic variables and subscale scores. For parents, income, father's education level, and sex of respondent were related to treatment expectations and values. For orthodontists, age, sex, and patient volume were related to treatment values. Conclusions : The questionnaire developed in the present study was found to be practical and reliable for use with providers and consumers of orthodontic care and can be used to explore factors affecting the demand for orthodontic care. Implications of possible unrealistic treatment expectations on the part of orthodontists and parents also are discussed.     

Attitude of Chinese orthodontists towards the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVE: To determine the attitude of some Chinese orthodontists towards the relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 25 orthodontists, in six public hospitals (Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, China), were asked to complete a 10-item questionnaire concerning orthodontics/TMD. RESULTS: 84% of orthodontists often asked their patients about the signs and symptoms of TMD before orthodontic treatment and 92% reported examining the TMJ region. 76% of orthodontists thought orthodontic treatment may possibly lead to a greater incidence of TMD, while 84 per cent claimed that orthodontic treatment might prevent TMD. Methods of orthodontic treatment, patient's age, and occlusal interference were regarded as risk factors leading to increased incidence of TMD. CONCLUSIONS: Some Chinese orthodontists realise the importance of the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD. Most thought that unsuitable orthodontic treatment might increase the development of TMD and that orthodontic treatment could prevent TMD.     

正畸治疗过程中影响转矩的因素

正畸治疗后牙齿的转矩关系到患者牙齿的美观、稳定和咬合,各种矫治技术中影响转矩控制的因素一直是临床医生讨论的重点.良好的转矩控制能使牙齿获得正常的唇舌向倾斜和良好的曲线.临床上,正畸治疗的牙齿转矩角度受多种因素的影响,如牙冠唇面形态、冠根角、轴倾角和临床冠中心高度等.另外,托槽的预设角度、粘接高度和弓丝的材质等也会对其产...     

正畸疼痛的临床与基础研究进展

疼痛是正畸治疗过程中的常见症状,不仅影响正畸治疗的最终效果,而且影响患者是否接受正畸治疗的意愿。资料显示,95%的正畸患者出现过不同程度的疼痛症状。如何消除或减轻正畸疼痛,确保正畸矫治效果,改善口腔医疗服务质量,已成为越来越多的正畸医师和患者关注的问题之一。本文总结了正畸治疗中疼痛的表现、特点及可能的机制,并分析比较了目前临床上常用的镇痛措施,旨在进一步明确正畸疼痛的外周神经机制,为临床提供切实可行的疼痛缓解方案。     

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目的预测骨性安氏Ⅲ类错患者正颌外科手术术后的面部软组织侧貌,分析侧貌美观评价的差异,为正畸治疗和正颌外科手术方案的设计提供参考。方法选择中国医科大学口腔医学院正畸科2005年2月收治的骨性安氏Ⅲ类错患者1例。模拟正颌外科手术的设计方案,对术前正畸去代偿后的侧貌照片及头颅定位侧位片进行图片叠合处理,上颌硬组织以术前影像为基准,分别前移0、2、4、6、8mm,软组织按相应比例移动,下颌后退至正常覆、覆盖关系,生成5张面部侧貌图片。选择3组评分者:医生组(正畸及正颌外科医生,41名)、口腔本科生组(中国医科大学口腔医学专业本科生,44名)和患者组(骨性Ⅲ类错畸形患者,20例)。对术前及预测的共6张图片(图2a、2b、2c、2d、2e、2f)进行随机排序,由高到低评分,比较所有图片的评分差异以及评分者性别对评分结果的影响。结果 6张图片的得分差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05),评分由高到低的顺序为:图2c、2d、2a、2f、2b、2e。3组间及不同性别评分者的评分结果比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论比较评分者对术后预测图片的评价结果,直面型满意度最高,凸面型其次,凹面型最低;评价结果不受性别影响。     

League tables for orthodontists

The aim of this study was to explore the complexities in constructing league tables purporting to measure orthodontic clinical outcomes. Eighteen orthodontists were invited to participate in a cost-effectiveness study. Each orthodontist was asked to provide information on 100 consecutively treated patients. The Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) was used to assess treatment need, complexity, and outcome prior to, and on completion of, orthodontic treatment. The 18 orthodontists were ranked based on achieving a successful orthodontic outcome (ICON score less than or equal to 30) and the uncertainty in both the success rates and rankings was also quantified using confidence intervals. Successful outcomes were achieved in 62 per cent of the sample (range 19-94 per cent); four of the 18 orthodontists failed to achieve more than a 50 per cent success rate. In developing league tables, it is imperative that factors such as case mix are identified and accounted for in producing rankings. Bayesian hierarchical modelling was used to achieve this and to quantify uncertainty in the rankings produced. When case mix was taken into account, the four with low success rates were clearly not as good as the top four performing orthodontists. League tables can be valuable for the individual orthodontist, groups of orthodontists, payment/insurance agencies, and the public to enable informed choice for orthodontic provision but must be correctly constructed so that users can have confidence in them.     

牙合位、颌位与正畸治疗

建立美观、健康、稳定、高效的咬合,是正畸医生的治疗目标之一。然而,目前正畸治疗的咬合标准大都局限于静态牙合,对于动态牙合即功能状态下的咬合状况研究较少。某些患者在治疗中即出现牙合位与颌位不一致,或者是治疗中与治疗前其颌位不尽相同。这无疑会影响正畸治疗结果的稳定性,乃至颞下颌关节以及整个口颌系统的健康。功能牙合理论认为髁突在关节窝内发生移位是导致患者牙合位与颌位不一致、治疗后复发的主要原因。功能理论中包含了如何评价患者牙合、颌关系的手段和方法。本文主要对功能牙合理论的内容和应用方法作简单的介绍。     

颞下颌关节紊乱病的正畸考量

颞下颌关节紊乱病（TMDs）是临床较为常见的口腔疾病,表现为疼痛、弹响、开口受限和下颌运动异常等。随着生活水平的提高和医疗知识的普及,越来越多的人开始认识和接受正畸治疗。近年来,关于能否通过正畸治疗改善患者咬合并进一步改善其关节症状,以及正畸治疗能否导致TMDs的发生等问题引起了国内外学者的广泛关注。流行病学研究发现,TMDs与很多类型的错牙合均有相关性。本文从咬合和颞下颌关节功能相关性的角度出发,分析错牙合畸形和TMDs的内在联系,探讨TMDs与正畸治疗以及正畸治疗后稳定性的关系,以期为正畸临床预防和治疗TMDs提供一定的理论参考。     

Professional perceptions of the benefits of orthodontic treatment

The aim of this study was to assess general dental practitioners' and orthodontists' perceptions of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. A specially designed questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 150 general dental practitioners (GDPs) and all orthodontists in Northern Ireland (excluding hospital practitioners) with a postgraduate qualification (n = 29). There was a 93 per cent response rate by the general dental practitioners and all but one specialist practitioner returned the questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 14 visual analogue scales (VAS) whereby participants were asked to rate the importance of various possible dental health and psychosocial benefits of orthodontic treatment. In addition to the VAS, the influence of dentist variables such as number of years since qualification, orthodontic cases completed, referral rates and attendance at postgraduate lectures were examined. When ratings on the 14 dental health and psychosocial scales were examined overall, GDPs rated an improvement in self-esteem while orthodontists considered an improvement in physical attractiveness as the most important benefit of orthodontic treatment. Even though psychosocial variables received the highest ratings, examination of the mean ratings (and 95 per cent confidence intervals) revealed that some dental health factors were also rated highly by both groups. While the results do indicate an encouraging awareness of the psychosocial benefits of orthodontic treatment, they also suggest that both GDPs and orthodontists have an unrealistic expectation of the dental health gain likely to result from orthodontic treatment.     

Contribution of pretreatment radiographs to orthodontists' decision making

A study was conducted to determine the amount of diagnostic and treatment planning information gained by orthodontists when pretreatment radiographs are added to a set of orthodontic records. Thirty-nine orthodontists evaluated six test cases and formulated a diagnosis and treatment plan. Information was collected about the participants' certainty with their diagnoses and treatment plans, the impact of the radiographs, the number and type of radiographs that were selected, and the difficulty of each case. Results showed that orthodontists were approximately 75% confident of their diagnosis before reviewing any radiograph. There were 741 radiographs ordered, of which 192 produced changes to the diagnostic process. The lateral cephalometric radiograph was the most productive. Panoramic and full-mouth series were productive but provided largely duplicative information.