Quality evaluation of the available Internet information regarding pain during orthodontic treatment

Objective:To investigate the quality of the data disseminated via the Internet regarding pain experienced by orthodontic patients.Materials and Methods:A systematic online search was performed for ‘orthodontic pain’ and ‘braces pain’ separately using five search engines. The first 25 results from each search term–engine combination were pooled for analysis. After excluding advertising sites, discussion groups, video feeds, and links to scientific articles, 25 Web pages were evaluated in terms of accuracy, readability, accessibility, usability, and reliability using recommended research methodology; reference textbook material, the Flesch Reading Ease Score; and the LIDA instrument. Author and information details were also recorded.Results:Overall, the results indicated a variable quality of the available informational material. Although the readability of the Web sites was generally acceptable, the individual LIDA categories were rated of medium or low quality, with average scores ranging from 16.9% to 86.2%. The orthodontic relevance of the Web sites was not accompanied by the highest assessment results, and vice versa.Conclusions:The quality of the orthodontic pain information cited by Web sources appears to be highly variable. Further structural development of health information technology along with public referral to reliable sources by specialists are recommended.     

Can the intra-examiner variability of Little's Irregularity Index be improved using 3D digital models of study casts?

Objectives

To compare contact point displacement measurements, used to determine the Little's Irregularity Index (LII) score on study casts and digital models of study casts by an independent examiner.

Methods

The contact point displacement measurements of the six maxillary anterior labial teeth were measured on ten study casts using digital callipers and their associated digital models using Creo Parametric software on five occasions following scanning using a LAVA Chairside Oral Scanner (LCOS) three-dimensional (3D) intra oral scanner. Means, standard deviations and coefficients of variation (CoV) were determined, data analyses (Pearson's correlation coefficients (PCCs) and Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs)) and statistical analyses (three and two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and Independent Sample Student's t-tests) were carried out (p < 0.05).

Results

Significant positive correlations for the contact point displacement measurements were evident between all measurement time points for the study casts (r > 0.978; p < 0.0001 and ICC > 0.910; p < 0.0001) and the digital models (r > 0.963; p < 0.0001 and ICC > 0.986; p < 0.0001). The CoV results showed that the contact point displacement measurement data from the digital models was more reproducible than the study casts. Of the 50 Independent Sample Student's t-tests, 21 significant increases (p < 0.042) were reported in contact point displacement measurements <2.9 mm for the digital models compared with the study casts.

Conclusion

The use of 3D digital models can improve the reliability of LII measurements by reducing the subjectivity associated with choosing the anatomic tooth contact points and the awkwardness of measuring the contact point displacements on study casts using a cumbersome calliper technique.

Clinical significance

Intra-examiner variability in the measurement of LII is still evident with digital models suggesting that either improved software specifically aimed at the orthodontic community be identified or a new method for measuring anterior incisor crowding be sought.     

Effect of water contamination on the shear bond strength of self-ligating brackets

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of water contamination on the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) score of self-ligating brackets.Materials and methodsOne conventional bracket and three different self-ligating brackets were bonded onto 160 bovine permanent mandibular incisors, divided randomly into 8 groups. For each type of bracket, 20 samples were bonded on dry enamel and 20 after water contamination. After 24 h, all specimens were tested for SBS using an Instron Universal Testing Machine, and ARI scores were evaluated.ResultsAll groups showed clinically adequate SBSs. Quick brackets bonded onto dry enamel showed significantly higher SBSs than all other groups tested, whereas the lowest shear strength values were recorded for Step, Quick, and Damon 3MX brackets bonded onto contaminated enamel and for Damon 3MX onto dry enamel. Frequency distribution of ARI Scores showed a prevalence of ARI “2” and “3” for all the groups tested.ConclusionsWater contamination reduces the SBS of self-ligating brackets, but significant differences have been found only for Quick brackets. All groups showed a significant higher frequency of ARI Score of “2” and “3”.     

Where do we go from here? Northcroft Memorial Lecture 2010

Abstract

The article aims to identify some of the challenges for future training of orthodontics and subsequently the delivery of orthodontic care. Clearly, in any aspect of future prediction, the precision is simply that of an art. However, it is hoped that some of the reported bibliography will allow those that wish to, the opportunity to look further. The global economy is undergoing a significant period of rationalization and luxury items such as Orthodontics may become less publicly funded. In order to maintain the specialty as one in which clinicians are appropriately trained, there needs to be a reconsideration of the way in which education is delivered and assessment assured. This presentation will identify possible challenges and identify a strategy to consider, construct and deliver a rational way forward in a positive way that ensures that the strengths of how the profession has developed are maintained.     

Root resorption diagnosed with cone beam computed tomography after 6 months of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance and the relation to risk factors

Objectives:To investigate root resorption after 6 months of active orthodontic treatment and its relation to possible risk factors.Materials and Methods:Ninety-seven patients (10–18 years) with a Class I malocclusion and crowding treated with fixed appliance and premolar extractions were examined with cone beam computed tomography before and after 6 months of active treatment. The exposure covered all teeth from first molar to first molar in both jaws. The Malmgren index was used to evaluate the degree of root resorption. Irregular root contour (score 1) was seen in most teeth already before active treatment, and therefore resorptions were registered only as score 2 (<2 mm, minor resorption) or higher.Results:Minor root resorption was noted in 10% of the patients and severe root resorption, >2 mm (score 3) was found in four patients. Root resorption was more frequently seen in the upper jaw, especially the incisors. There was no statistically significant correlation of root resorption with any of the selected risk factors.Conclusions:After 6 months of treatment, clinically significant resorption was diagnosed in 4% of the patients, ie, in 96% of the patients the radiographic examination did not reveal any significant information. The selected risk factors did not have any impact on the amount of resorption after 6 months of active treatment.     

USE OF CERVICAL VERTEBRAL DIMENSIONS FOR ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN GROWTH

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether skeletal maturation using cephalometric radiographs could be used in a Brazilian population.

Material and Methods:

The study population was selected from the files of the Oral Radiological Clinic of the Dental School of Piracicaba, Brazil and consisted of 128 girls and 110 boys (7.0 to 15.9 years old) who had cephalometric and hand-wrist radiographs taken on the same day. Cervical vertebral bone age was evaluated using the method described by Mito and colleagues in 2002. Bone age was assessed by the Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3) method and was used as a gold standard to determine the reliability of cervical vertebral bone age. An analysis of variance and Tukey''s post-hoc test were used to compare cervical vertebral bone age, bone age and chronological age at 5% significance level.

Results:

The analysis of the Brazilian female children data showed that there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between cervical vertebral bone age and chronological age and between bone age and chronological age. However no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found between cervical vertebral bone age and bone age. Differently, the analysis of the male children data revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between cervical vertebral bone age and bone age and between cervical vertebral bone age and chronological age (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

The findings of the present study suggest that the method for objectively evaluating skeletal maturation on cephalometric radiographs by determination of vertebral bone age can be applied to Brazilian females only. The development of a new method to objectively evaluate cervical vertebral bone age in males is needed.     

六味地黄丸对成人口腔正畸的辅助作用

目的 了解六味地黄丸对成人口腔正畸的辅助作用.方法 选取2005年9月至2011年2月广东省中医院珠海医院正畸治疗的60例患者,完全随机分为试验组（30例）和对照组（30例）.2组均使用标准方丝弓技术进行矫治,试验组同时服用六味地黄丸治疗,每次8丸,每日3次,8d为1个疗程.正畸结束后评价2组疗效情况.结果 试验组牙周袋深度、附着丧失、牙龈退缩等牙龈情况与正畸移动速度与对照组比较[（1.1±0.6）mm比（1.6±0.7）mm,（0.3±0.2）mm比（0.7±0.3）mm,（0.7±0.3）mm比（1.0±0.5）mm,（2.1±0.6）mm/月比（1.6±0.5）mm/月],差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）.结论 六味地黄丸可减少牙周袋深度,减少附着丧失,牙龈退缩,加快正畸移动速度,对成人患者口腔正畸具有良好的辅助治疗效果.     

Forced-eruption time for palatally impacted canines treated with and without ostectomy-decortication technique

Objectives:To compare forced-eruption times for palatally impacted canines treated with and without the ostectomy-decortication technique and to assess the influence of palatally impacted canine pretreatment position and angle on forced-eruption time.Materials and Methods:The sample was composed of 118 patient-subjects with 151 palatally impacted canines treated with the ostectomy-decortication technique (n = 72) and without (n = 79). The orthopantomogram radiographs (OPGs) were analyzed for palatally impacted canine angle and horizontal and vertical position. Recovery time was measured from the start of forced eruption until the canine was within ±1 mm of final dental arch position.Results:The time of forced canine eruption with ostectomy-decortication technique was significantly shorter than without (6.6 vs 21.0 months). Pretreatment canine position significantly increased forced-eruption time in the ostectomy-decortication group but not in the control sample.Conclusions:Forced-eruption time of palatally impacted canines using the ostectomy-decortication technique was 3.2 times more rapid than without. Forced-eruption time increased significantly as a function of pretreatment palatally impacted canine position severity in the ostectomy-decortication group but not in the control.     

Active implementation strategy of CONSORT adherence by a dental specialty journal improved randomized clinical trial reporting

ObjectiveTo describe a novel CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) adherence strategy implemented by the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO) and to report its impact on the completeness of reporting of published trials.Study Design and SettingThe AJO-DO CONSORT adherence strategy, initiated in June 2011, involves active assessment of randomized clinical trial (RCT) reporting during the editorial process. The completeness of reporting CONSORT items was compared between trials submitted and published during the implementation period (July 2011 to September 2013) and trials published between August 2007 and July 2009.ResultsOf the 42 RCTs submitted (July 2011 to September 2013), 23 were considered for publication and assessed for completeness of reporting, seven of which were eventually published. For all published RCTs between 2007 and 2009 (n = 20), completeness of reporting by CONSORT item ranged from 0% to 100% (Median = 40%, interquartile range = 60%). All published trials in 2011–2013, reported 33 of 37 CONSORT (sub) items. Four CONSORT 2010 checklist items remained problematic even after implementation of the adherence strategy: changes to methods (3b), changes to outcomes (6b) after the trial commenced, interim analysis (7b), and trial stopping (14b), which are typically only reported when applicable.ConclusionTrials published following implementation of the AJO-DO CONSORT adherence strategy completely reported more CONSORT items than those published or submitted previously.     

牙齿正畸中直丝弓矫治器与自锁托槽矫治器的效果比较

目的 比较牙齿正畸中直丝弓矫治器与自锁托槽矫治器的应用效果。方法 选取2017年6月~2018年9月我院收治的94例牙齿正畸患者作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为对照组和研究组,每组47例。对照组选用直丝弓矫治器治疗,研究组选用自锁托槽矫治器治疗,比较两组治疗前后龈沟液含量、龈沟液炎性因子水平、牙周指标水平与治疗总有效率。结果 治疗后,研究组龈沟液含量、前列腺素E2、肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素1β水平依次为（4.87±0.93）mg、（52.64±4.71）pg/ml、（2.84±0.31）g/L、（35.18±2.34）g/L,分别低于对照组的（6.16±1.02）mg、（60.25±4.43）pg/ml、（3.39±0.27）g/L、（39.64±2.51）g/L,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;治疗后,研究组菌斑指数、龈沟出血指数、牙龈退缩指数、牙周探诊深度、临床附着丧失依次为（0.48±0.28）%、（0.79±0.28）%、（0.79±0.36）%、（2.21±0.83）mm、（1.96±1.42）mm,分别低于对照组的（0.67±0.27）%、（1.08±0.32）%、（0.53±0.33）%、（2.82±0.89）mm、（3.02±1.31）mm,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。研究组治疗总有效率（97.87%）高于对照组（82.98%）,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 与直丝弓矫治器相比,牙齿正畸中自锁托槽矫治器的应用效果更确切,局部炎症反应更轻,且可进一步改善牙周组织。