Comparison of 3-dimensional postoperative dental movement in Class III surgical correction with and without presurgical orthodontic treatment

The Skeletal Stability of Combined Surgery First Approach and Clear Aligners in Skeletal Class III Malocclusion Correction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The surgery first approach (SFA) and clear aligners technique can address traditional treatment defects, such as prolonged waiting times for surgery and a less desirable facial appearance due to wire aligners. However, the curative effect of the combination remains uncertain. The randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the skeletal stability of the SFA compared to the conventional orthodontic first approach (OFA), both of which were applied with clear aligners. A total of 74 participants were randomly allocated to two groups: the SFA group (experimental) and the OFA group (control). The skeletal deviation was calculated using reconstruction models from computed tomography scans taken immediately and 6 months after surgery. The largest median deviations were detected in the y-axis of the mandible for both two groups, separately 1.36 mm in the experimental group and 1.19 mm in the control group. Apart from the maxillary yaw dimension (p = 0.005), there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of linear and angular deviation. The experimental group had an overall treatment time of 18.05 ± 2.53 months, while the control group took 22.83 ± 3.60 months (p < 0.05). Therefore, the combined surgery-first and clear aligners treatment can achieve comparable skeletal stability to the conventional approach, while also saving significant time.

Artificial Intelligence Splint in Orthognathic Surgery for Skeletal Class III Malocclusion: Design and Application

BACKGROUND

Digital splints are indispensable in orthognathic surgery. However, the present design process of splints is time-consuming and has low reproducibility. To solve these problems, an algorithm for artificial intelligent splints has been developed in this study, making the automatic design of splints accessible.

METHODS

Firstly, the algorithm and program of the artificial intelligence splint were created. Then a total of 54 patients with skeletal class III malocclusion were included in this study from 2018 to 2020. Pre and postoperative radiographic examinations were performed. The cephalometric measurements were recorded and the difference between virtual simulation and postoperative images was measured. The time cost and differences between artificial intelligent splints and digital splints were analyzed through both model surgery and radiographic images.

RESULTS

The results showed that the efficiency of designing splints is significantly improved. And the mean difference between artificial intelligent splints and digital splints was <0.15 mm in model surgery. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between the artificial intelligent splints and digital splints in radiological image analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, compared with digital splints, artificial intelligent splints could save time for preoperative design while ensuring accuracy. The authors believed that it is conducive to the presurgical design of orthognathic surgery.

Orthodontic Perspective for Face Asymmetry Correction

Facial symmetry affects the perception of facial beauty. Overall, facial harmony with an appropriate facial proportion and satisfactory midline facial symmetry are crucial factors for facial attractiveness. The role of orthodontists in correcting facial asymmetry begins with providing suitable diagnosis of the condition and identifying patients’ expectations. Through a thorough, subjective clinical evaluation of dentofacial asymmetry, the procedures for the surgical orthodontic management of facial asymmetry are discussed. The aim of this clinical review is to provide information on surgical indications for facial asymmetry, optimal treatment goals, presurgical orthodontic preparation, the surgery-first approach, three-dimensional (3D) surgical simulation, postsurgical orthodontic finishing, and treatment outcome evaluation. A comprehensive 3D diagnosis with appropriate planning, accurate transference of surgical simulation to real surgery, slight overcorrection, periodic assessment of treatment outcomes, and awareness of treatment limitations are essential to improve treatment outcomes of facial asymmetry.

The best protection is early detection

This current special issue of the Biomedical Journal provides insights in various cancer forms, and possible ways of prognostic and predictive screening. In detail we learn about lung cancer and tissue samples from ground glass opacifications, liquid biopsy through circulating tumor cells in colon cancer, transcription factor analysis in cervical cancer, and long non-coding RNAs in breast and lung cancer. A prognosis factor in individuals with acute myeloid leukemia and a rare fungal infection are determined. Challenges surrounding transplantation are elucidated, a potential biomarker for allograft dysfunction is presented, as well as a mean to save beta cells after islet transplantation. We get to know more about drug resistance in transplant recipients with tuberculosis, and also in the case of H.pylori infection. Lastly, the possibilities of cardiac shock wave therapy in simultaneous artery and renal disease is explored, we are presented with genetic factors contributing to cancer risk in arseniasis areas, and protocol recommendations for the optimal reproducibility of bladder volume in prostate cancer treatment. Three markers for detecting stages of diabetic retinopathy are covered, as well as a way to mitigate effects of lungworm secretions. Finally we get to see a novel approach for acupuncture needle material, and two management approaches for a form of skeletal malocclusion.