Influence of elastomeric and steel ligatures on periodontal health during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Metallic and elastomeric ligatures are widely used in orthodontics to secure the archwire within the bracket slots, but elastomeric ligatures have traditionally been associated with increased microbial colonization, which could adversely affect periodontal health.

AIM

This systematic review compares the periodontal effects of elastomeric and steel ligatures used for orthodontic fixed appliances.

METHODS

Unrestricted literature search of 7 databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Virtual Health Library) up to July 2023 were performed for randomized / non-randomized clinical studies on humans comparing the two ligation methods during fixed-appliance therapy. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment with the Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 or the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool, random-effects meta-analyses of Mean Differences (MD) or Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were carried out, followed by assessment of certainty of existing evidence with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies (3 randomized / 8 non-randomized) with 354 patients (mean age 14.7 years and 42% male) were included. No statistically significant differences were seen for plaque index (5 studies; SMD = 0.48; 95% CI = -0.03 to 1.00; P = 0.07), gingival index (2 studies; MD = 0.01; 95% CI = -0.14 to 0.16; P = 0.89), probing pocket depth (2 studies; MD = 0; 95% CI = -0.17 to 0.16; P = 0.97), or Streptococcus mutans counts (4 studies; SMD = 0.40; 95% CI=-0.41 to 1.20; P = 0.21). Elastomeric ligatures were associated with moderately increased total bacterial load (3 studies; SMD = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.76; P = 0.03). Confidence in these estimates was low in all instances due to the inclusion of non-randomized studies with high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing low quality evidence indicates that ligature method does not seem to influence the periodontal health during fixed treatment, even if elastomeric ligatures are associated with a moderate increase of bacterial load.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42023444383).

Periodontal considerations during orthodontic intrusion and extrusion in healthy and reduced periodontium

In patients with advanced periodontal disease, pathological tooth migration may occur, which may require subsequent orthodontic treatment for both aesthetic and functional purposes. When planning orthodontic treatment mechanics, intrusive or extrusive forces are frequently indicated. Understanding tissue reactions during these movements is essential for clinicians when devising a comprehensive orthodontic-periodontal treatment plan. This knowledge enables clinicians to be fully aware of and account for the potential effects on the surrounding tissues. The majority of our understanding regarding the behavior of periodontal tissues in both healthy and compromised periodontal conditions is derived from animal studies. These studies offer the advantage of conducting histological and other assessments that would not be feasible in human research. Human studies are nevertheless invaluable in being able to understand the clinically relevant response elicited by the periodontal tissues following orthodontic tooth movement. Animal and human data show that in dentitions with reduced periodontal support, orthodontic intrusion of the teeth does not induce periodontal damage, provided the periodontal tissues do not have inflammation and plaque control with excellent oral hygiene is maintained. On the contrary, when inflammation is not fully controlled, orthodontic intrusion may accelerate the progression of periodontal destruction, with bacterial plaque remnants being displaced subgingivally, leading to further loss of attachment. Orthodontic extrusion, on the other hand, does not seem to cause further periodontal breakdown in dentitions with reduced periodontal support, even in cases with deficient plaque control. This is attributed to the nature of the tooth movement, which directs any plaque remnants coronally (supragingivally), reducing the risk of adverse effects on the periodontal tissues. This specific type of tooth movement can be leveraged to benefit periodontal conditions by facilitating the regeneration of lost hard and soft periodontal tissues in a coronal direction. As a result, orthodontic extrusion can be employed in implant site development, offering an advantageous alternative to more invasive surgical procedures like bone grafting. Regardless of the tooth movement prescribed, when periodontal involvement is present, it is essential to prioritize periodontal therapy before commencing orthodontic treatment. Adequate plaque control is also imperative for successful outcomes. Additionally, utilizing light orthodontic forces is advisable to achieve efficient tooth movement while minimizing the risk of adverse effects, notably root resorption. By adhering to these principles, a more favorable and effective combined orthodontic-periodontal approach can be ensured. The present article describes indications, mechanisms, side effects, and histological and clinical evidence supporting orthodontic extrusion and intrusion in intact and reduced periodontal conditions.

Long-term stability of regenerative periodontal surgery and orthodontic tooth movement in stage IV periodontitis: 10-year data of a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of regenerative treatment of intra-bony defects in combination with consecutive orthodontic therapy (OT) in stage IV periodontitis.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with a total of 256 intra-bony defects were analyzed after regenerative surgery followed by OT initiated 3 months later. Changes in radiographic bone level (rBL) and probing pocket depths (PPD) were evaluated after 1 year (T1), final splinting (T2), and 10 years (T10).

RESULTS

Mean rBL gain was significant with 4.63 mm (±2.43 mm) after 1 year (T1), 4.19 mm (±2.61 mm) at final splinting (T2), and 4.48 mm (±2.62 mm) after 10 years (T10). Mean PPD was significantly reduced from 5.84 mm (±2.05 mm) at baseline to 3.19 mm (±1.23 mm) at T1, to 3.07 mm (±1.23 mm) at T2, and to 2.93 mm (±1.24 mm) at T10. Pocket closure (PPD ≤ 4 mm) was achieved in 90% of all defects. Tooth loss amounted to 4.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this retrospective study design, these 10-year findings suggest that in motivated and compliant patients with stage IV periodontitis and in need of OT an inter-disciplinary treatment can lead to favorable and stable long-term results.

Complications and treatment errors involving periodontal tissues related to orthodontic therapy

In this review, typical clinical complications involving periodontal tissues are illustrated that can be encountered in conjunction with orthodontic therapy (OT). Special considerations are given for various clinical scenarios, such as the patient presenting in periodontal health, with periodontitis, or with mucogingival conditions. While some of the complications are seen as common side effects of OT, other, more severe, problems that could have been avoided may be viewed as treatment errors. Recommendations are made on how to prevent these complications, based on the currently available evidence, on clinical practice guidelines, and on expert opinion. In conclusion, while there are several areas in which OT can have unwanted adverse effects on periodontal/mucogingival conditions, there is also great potential for synergies, offering opportunities for close cooperation between the two specialties (periodontics and orthodontics) for the benefit of patients affected by tooth malpositioning and/or periodontal or mucogingival problems.

Does orthodontic treatment using clear aligners and fixed appliances affect periodontal status differently?

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, and prospective or retrospective cohort. The protocol of the study was registered in advance on PROSPERO.

DATA SOURCES

An electronic search in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library was conducted by two independent authors up to September 2022. Additionally, OpenGrey and www.greylit.org were searched for gray literature, whereas ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for detecting any relevant unpublished data.

STUDY SELECTION

The review question was defined in PICOS format as follows: population (P), patients undergoing orthodontic therapy; intervention (I), orthodontic therapy with clear aligner (CA); comparison (C), orthodontic therapy with fixed appliances (FA); outcome (O), periodontal health status and development of gingival recession; studies (S), randomized clinical trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, and retrospective or prospective cohort studies. Cross-sectional studies, case series, case reports, studies without a control group, and studies with less than 2 months follow-up were excluded.

DATA ANALYSIS

Periodontal health status was assessed as a primary outcome and it was measured in terms of pocket probing depth (PPD), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BoP). Gingival recession (GR) was assessed as secondary outcome, and was measured as the development or progression of GR, shown by the apical migration of the gingival margin occurring between pre- and post-orthodontic treatment. Each periodontal index was assessed in three-time points; short-term (2-3 months from baseline), mid-term (6-9 months from baseline), and long-term (12 months or more from baseline). A descriptive analysis of included articles was performed. Pairwise meta-analyses were conducted to compare outcomes assessed in FA and CA groups and were only performed when studies reported similar periodontal indices at similar follow-ups.

RESULTS

12 studies (3 RCTs, 8 prospective cohort studies, 1 retrospective cohort study) were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which, 8 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). A total of 612 patients (321 treated with buccal FA and 291 with CA) were assessed. Results from meta-analyses favored CA in regards to PI, demonstrating a significant difference in the mid-term follow-up (number of studies = 4, standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.94 to -0.03, I2 = 99%, P = 0.04). There was a tendency to report better GI values with CA, specifically in long-term (number of studies = 2, SMD = -0.46 [95% CI, -1.03 to 0.11], I2 = 96%, P = 0.11). However, no statistical significance between the two treatment modalities was shown for any follow-up intervals (P > 0.05). As for PPD, the long-term follow-up showed statistical significance favoring CA (SMD = -0.93 [95% CI, -1.06 to 0.7], P < 0.0001), whereas short- and mid-term follow-ups did not show significant differences between FA and CA. Overall, patients treated with CA showed better values of BoP and less GR when compared to patients treated with FA.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence is still not enough to conclude the superiority of clear aligner therapy in terms of periodontal status during orthodontic treatment compared to fixed appliances.

Effects of chlorhexidine use on periodontal health during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Proper oral hygiene and absence of periodontal inflammation is pre-requisite for orthodontic treatment. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is an established oral antiseptic used in the treatment of periodontal disease, but its role in orthodontic therapy is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of adjunct use of CHX-containing products in maintaining gingival health among orthodontic patients with fixed appliances.

SEARCH METHODS

Five databases were searched without limitations up to August 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing Gingival Index (GI) (primary outcome), Plaque Index (PI), Bleeding Index (BI), or Pocket Probing Depth (PPD).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were done independently in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analyses of mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were conducted, followed by sensitivity and Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty RCTs (1001 patients) were included assessing CHX-containing mouthwashes (n = 11), toothpastes (n = 2), gels (n = 3), or varnishes (n = 4) compared to placebo/control (n = 19) or sodium fluoride-products (n = 4). In the short-term, CHX-containing mouthwash was associated with lower GI (n = 9; MD = -0.68; 95% CI = -0.97 to -0.38; P < 0.001; high quality), lower PI (n = 9; MD = -0.65; 95% CI = -0.86 to -0.43; P < 0.001; high quality), lower BI (n = 2; SMD = -1.61; 95% CI = -2.99 to -0.22; P = 0.02; low quality), and lower PPD (n = 2; MD = -0.60 mm; 95% CI = -1.06 to -0.14 mm; P = 0.01; low quality). No considerable benefits were found from the use of CHX-gel or CHX-varnish in terms of GI, PI, or PPD (P > 0.05/low quality in all instances). Use of a CHX-containing toothpaste was more effective in lowering PI (Heintze-index) than adjunct use of fluoride-containing mouthwash (n = 2; MD = -5.24; 95% CI = -10.46 to -0.02; P = 0.04), but not GI (P = 0.68) or BI (P = 0.27), while sensitivity analyses indicated robustness.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunct use of CHX mouthwash during fixed-appliance treatment is associated with improved gingival inflammation, plaque control, and pocket depths, but caution is warranted and recommendations about CHX use during orthodontic treatment of children/adults should consider the heterogeneous patient response, cost-effectiveness, and potential adverse effects.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration (CRD42021228759).

Periodontal therapy for localized severe periodontitis in a patient receiving fixed orthodontic treatment: a case report

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic treatment involves movement of teeth by compression and resorption of the alveolar bone using orthodontic forces. These movements are closely linked to the interactions between the teeth and the periodontal tissues that support them. Owing to an increase in adults seeking orthodontic treatment, orthodontists increasingly encounter patients with periodontal diseases, in whom orthodontic treatment is contraindicated. In rare cases, periodontitis may develop after treatment initiation. However, no approach for treating periodontitis after the initiation of orthodontic treatment has been established. Here, we present an approach for managing localized severe periodontitis manifesting after initiating orthodontic treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 32-year-old Japanese woman was referred to the Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery by an orthodontist who observed symptoms of acute periodontitis in the maxillary molars that required periodontal examination and treatment. A detailed periodontal examination, including oral bacteriological examination, revealed localized severe periodontitis (stage III, grade B) in the maxillary left first and second molars and in the mandibular right second molar. After consultation with the orthodontist, the orthodontic treatment was suspended based on the results of the bacteriological examination to allow for periodontal treatment. Full-mouth disinfection was performed with adjunctive oral sitafloxacin. Periodontal and bacteriological examinations after treatment revealed regression of the localized periodontitis with bone regeneration. Thereafter, orthodontic treatment was resumed, and good progress was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontists should recognize the risk of acute severe periodontitis in young adults. Asymptomatic patients with localized severe periodontitis may clear a screening test before orthodontic treatment but develop acute symptoms with bone resorption during orthodontic treatment. Therefore, patients requiring orthodontic treatment should be examined by their family dentist or a periodontist to rule out periodontal issues that may impede orthodontic treatment. The patients should also be informed of age-related risks. Further, periodontists, family dentists, and orthodontists who treat adults should be informed about periodontitis and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. In patients who develop periodontitis after orthodontic treatment initiation, temporary interruption of orthodontic treatment and aggressive periodontal intervention may facilitate recovery.

Orthodontic treatment in periodontally compromised patients: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the literature on aggressive and chronic periodontitis and orthodontics to clarify the therapy-relevant aspects of orthodontic treatment with altered biomechanics in periodontally compromised dentition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature searches were conducted in the electronic databases "PubMed" and "DIMDI" using the keywords "aggressive periodontitis AND ortho*," "aggressive periodontitis AND orthodontics," "chronic periodontitis AND ortho*," and "chronic periodontitis AND orthodontics" for the publication period from January 1990 to July 2022. In addition, a manual search was carried out in the selected trade journals "Community Dental Health," "European Journal of Oral Sciences," and "Parodontologie." Human clinical trials were included, whereas animal experimental studies, case reports, and reviews were generally excluded. The appropriate studies were selected, and the relevant data was tabulated according to different parameters, regarding the study design, the study structure, and the conduct of the study.

RESULTS

A total of 1067 articles were found in the preliminary electronic search. The manual search and review of all related bibliographies resulted in an additional 1591 hits. After the first screening, 43 articles were classified as potentially relevant and reviewed in their original form. After the suitability test, 5 studies with a total of 366 participants were included in the final evaluation. These included one randomized controlled trial and four low-evidence intervention studies. The studies were conducted in two university hospitals and three private practices. All participants underwent scaling and root plaining and periodontal surgery before the orthodontic treatment started. Mean probing pocket depth reduction before and after the interdisciplinary treatment was analyzed in all the included studies; mean difference in clinical attachment level in four of the studies was also included. All participants were enrolled in a continuous recall system. In all studies, orthodontic therapy in periodontally compromised patients improved function and esthetics, resulting in lower probing depths and clinical attachment gains.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontic treatment can be used for patients with reduced periodontal support to stabilize clinical findings and improve function and esthetics. The prerequisite for this is a profound knowledge of altered biomechanics and an adapted interdisciplinary treatment approach. Due to the large heterogeneity of the included studies and their limited methodological quality, the results obtained in this review must be considered critically. Further randomized controlled long-term studies with comparable study designs are necessary to obtain reliable and reproducible treatment results.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Patients with periodontal impairment can be successfully treated with orthodontics as part of interdisciplinary therapy. Orthodontic treatment has no negative impact on the periodontium; if minimal, controlled forces are used under non-inflammatory conditions.

The effects of orthodontic treatment on personal dental expenditures in South Korea: a follow-up study using Korean health panel survey

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effects of orthodontic treatment on cumulative out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures for up to 8 years and the factors contributing to changes in individual OOP dental expenses.

METHODS

The data of adults aged ≥19 years, 218 with experience of orthodontic treatment (OT group) and 654 without experience of orthodontic treatment (non-OT group) were extracted from the Korea Health Panel Survey between 2009 and 2017 using the propensity score matching method. The total personal OOP expenditure for dental care incurred after orthodontic treatment in the OT group and that incurred in the matched non-OT group were calculated. Since dependent variables, cumulative dental expenditures, were continuous with excess zeros, Tweedie compound Poisson linear models were used to explore the influence of orthodontic treatment experience and demographic and socioeconomic factors, including private insurance, on per capita OOP dental expenditures.

RESULTS

The OT group had socioeconomic characteristics distinct from those of general dental patients. The Box-Cox transformed per capita OOP expenditures for dental care in the OT group were lower than those in the non-OT group (P < 0.05). When all covariates were held constant, the non-OT group spent 1.4-times more on OOP dental expenditures, but this was not statistically significant (P > 0.1). The data from those with higher incomes revealed the opposite trend (P < 0.05), while the other covariates were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontic treatment had no positive or negative effect on future oral care use. This finding is similar to the inconsistent results of previous clinical studies on oral health and orthodontic treatment.

The Effect of Vitamin D3 on the Alignment of Mandibular Anterior Teeth: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objectives

To investigate the effect of vitamin D₃ level on the alignment of mandibular anterior teeth in adults and explore the associated root resorption and pain perception. Trial Design. Multicentre, double blinded randomized clinical trial. Subjects and Methods. Adult patients aged 18–30 years, with moderate mandibular incisor crowding [Little's Irregularity index (LII) 3–6 mm], needing nonextraction treatment with fixed orthodontic appliance, were randomly allocated into two groups with 1 : 1 allocation ratio. In the 1^st group (normal vitamin D₃ level group [ND₃G]), vitamin D level was measured and corrected to normal before starting orthodontic treatment, while in the 2^nd group [control group (CG)] the vitamin D level was kept unknown until completion of the alignment phase. Outcome measures included mandibular incisor crowding using LII, orthodontically induced root resorption (OIRR), and pain perception. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the duration of treatment, the effectiveness of alignment, and OIRR between groups, while differences in pain perception were analysed by Mann–Whitney U-test (P < 0.05).

Results

Out of 87 patients recruited from four centres, 33 patients were randomly allocated into two groups (17 patients to ND₃G and 16 patients to CG). Time elapsed for the complete alignment of the mandibular incisor crowding was one month shorter in ND₃G (23.532% faster), and the improvement percentage was significantly higher in all periods when compared to the CG. The amount of OIRR was not significantly different between groups; however, pain during the first three days of alignment was significantly less in ND₃G.

Conclusions

Having optimal vitamin D₃ level reduced the alignment time and pain associated with orthodontic treatment, but it had no role in reducing OIRR. Registration. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 12^th April 2021 (registration number: NCT04837781).

Taxonomic Analysis of Oral Microbiome during Orthodontic Treatment

Background

Orthodontic appliances induce significant changes in the oral microbiome, but this shift in microbial composition has not been well established by the available evidence yet.

Objectives

To perform a systematic review of existing literature in order to assess the taxonomic microbial changes in orthodontic patients during Fixed Appliance Treatment (FAT) and Clear Aligner Treatment (CAT), using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Search Methods and Selection Criteria. The search for articles was carried out in PubMed, including articles published in English until May 2021. They included every human study report potentially relevant to the review. Data Collection and Analysis. After duplicate study selection and data extraction procedures according to the PICOS scheme, the methodological quality of the included papers was assessed by the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care Criteria for Grading Assessed Studies (SBU) method.

Results

The initial search identified 393 articles, 74 of which were selected by title and abstract. After full-text reading, six articles were selected according to inclusion criteria. The evidence quality for all the studies was moderate.

Conclusions

Orthodontic treatment seems to transiently affect the composition of subgingival microbiome, although not salivary, maintaining a stable microbial diversity. Different results were found in the shift of microbiome between plaque and saliva, depending on the type of orthodontic treatment. This review should be interpreted with some caution because of the number, quality, and heterogeneity of the included studies.

Effect of periodontal-orthodontic treatment of teeth with pathological tooth flaring, drifting, and elongation in patients with severe periodontitis: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Aim

To assess the beneficial and adverse effects on the dental and periodontal issues of periodontal–orthodontic treatment of teeth with pathological tooth flaring, drifting, and elongation in patients with severe periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Nine databases were searched in April 2020 for randomized/non‐randomized clinical studies. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk‐of‐bias assessment, random‐effect meta‐analyses of mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed, followed by subgroup/meta‐regression analyses.

Results

A total of 30 randomized and non‐randomized clinical studies including 914 patients (29.7% male; mean age 43.4 years) were identified. Orthodontic treatment of pathologically migrated teeth was associated with clinical attachment gain (−0.24 mm; seven studies), pocket probing depth reduction (−0.23 mm; seven studies), marginal bone gain (−0.36 mm; seven studies), and papilla height gain (−1.42 mm; two studies) without considerable adverse effects, while patient sex, gingival phenotype, baseline disease severity, interval between periodontal and orthodontic treatment, and orthodontic treatment duration affected the results. Greater marginal bone level gains were seen by additional circumferential fiberotomy (two studies; MD = –0.98 mm; 95% CI = –1.87 to −0.10 mm; p = .03), but the quality of evidence was low.

Conclusions

Limited evidence of poor quality indicates that orthodontic treatment might be associated with small improvements of periodontal parameters, which do not seem to affect prognosis, but more research is needed.

Effect of orthodontic therapy in periodontitis and non-periodontitis patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis

AIM

To answer these PICO questions: #1: In adult patients with malocclusion, what are the effects of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) on clinical attachment level (CAL) changes in treated periodontitis patients with a healthy but reduced periodontium compared to non-periodontitis patients? #2: In adult patients with treated periodontitis and malocclusion, which is the efficacy of skeletal anchorage devices compared to conventional systems in terms of orthodontic treatment outcomes?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seven databases were searched until June 2020 looking for randomized, non-randomized trials and case series. Mean effects (ME) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies with high risk of bias were included. PICO#1: In 26 patients without periodontitis and in 69 treated periodontitis patients, minimal changes in periodontal outcomes were reported after orthodontic therapy (p>0.05). A significant CAL gain (mm) (ME=3.523; 95% CI [2.353; 4.693]; p<0.001) was observed in 214 patients when periodontal outcomes were retrieved before a combined periodontal and orthodontic therapy. PICO#2: Orthodontic variables were scarcely reported and objective assessment of the results on orthodontic therapy were missing.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a small number of low-quality studies, in non-periodontitis and in stable treated periodontitis patients, OTM had no significant impact on periodontal outcomes.

Regenerative periodontal surgery and orthodontic tooth movement in stage IV periodontitis: A retrospective practice-based cohort study

AIM

Evaluation of the effectiveness of regenerative treatment of intra-bony defects in combination with consecutive orthodontic tooth movements in stage IV periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 526 intra-bony defects in 48 patients were analysed after regenerative therapy using collagen-deproteinized bovine bone mineral with or without collagen membrane or enamel matrix derivative followed by orthodontic tooth movement initiated 3 months after surgery. Changes in radiographic bone levels (BL) and probing pocket depths (PPD) were evaluated after 1 year and up to 4 years.

RESULTS

Tooth loss amounted to 0.57%. Mean BL gain was 4.67 mm (±2.5 mm) after 1 year and 4.85 mm (±2.55 mm) after up to 4 years. Mean PPD was significantly reduced from 6.00 mm (±2.09 mm) at baseline to 3.45 mm (±1.2 mm) after 1 year, and to 3.12 mm (±1.36 mm) after 2-4 years. Pocket closure (PPD ≤4 mm) was accomplished in 87% of all defects. Adjunctive antibiotic therapy did not show any statistically significant impact on treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of this retrospective study design, the findings suggest that the combination of regenerative treatment and consecutive orthodontic tooth movements resulted in favourable results up to 4 years.

Plaque Index, Oral Hygiene Habits, and Depressive Symptomatology as Predictors of Clinical Attachment Loss: A Pilot Study

Background. The effect of depressive symptomatology on periodontitis is not clear in its path of action. Objective. To test a model to predict clinical attachment loss by direct effect of the dental plaque accumulation, which is a direct effect of worse oral hygiene habits and an indirect effect of greater depressive symptomatology. Methods. Three incidental samples were collected: 35 dental patients with periodontitis, 26 mental health patients with depressive symptomatology, and 29 people from the general population. The Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Oral Hygiene Habits Scale were applied. Plaque index and clinical attachment loss were assessed. Path analysis was used to test the model. The parameters were estimated by the maximum-likelihood method. Results. Depressive symptomatology had no direct effect on oral hygiene habits nor an indirect effect (mediated by oral hygiene habits) on the plaque index in any of the 3 samples. Oral hygiene habits had a large-size direct effect on plaque index and a medium-size indirect effect on clinical attachment loss in the general population sample. The plaque index had a direct effect on clinical attachment loss with a large effect size in general population sample and with a medium effect size in dental patients and depressive symptomatology patients. Conclusion. The model shows that dental plaque accumulation has a direct effect on clinical attachment loss in the 3 samples, and oral hygiene habits have an indirect effect on attachment loss mediated by dental plaque accumulation only in the general population sample. However, depressive symptomatology is not a relevant variable.

Class II:2 malocclusion-prevalence and progression of labial gingival recessions during Herbst-Multibracket appliance treatment

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence, incidence, and changes in magnitude of labial gingival recessions (LGR) in class II:2 patients during Herbst-Multibracket appliance (Herbst-MBA) treatment (Tx) plus retention.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All class II:2 patients of the Department of Orthodontics, University of Giessen, Germany who completed Herbst-MBA Tx (mean pre-Tx age 15.6 years). The cohort had undergone a Herbst phase (mean 8.1 months) as well as a subsequent MBA phase (mean 14.4 months). Study casts were evaluated from pre-Tx and after Herbst-MBA Tx plus ≥ 24 months of retention.

RESULTS

Ratable pre-Tx and post-retention study casts (total observation period 53.5 ± 10.3 months) were available from 94 out of 173 patients. No significant difference existed regarding pre-Tx LGR data between patients with and without complete records. The prevalence for teeth with LGR ≥ 0.5 mm was 1.4% pre-Tx respectively 6.7% post-retention. The highest values of up to 5.3% (pre-Tx) and 20.2% (post-retention) were determined for the upper first premolars and lower central incisors. Incidence values of 4.7% (all teeth) and up to 14.9% (upper first right premolars) respectively 11.1% (lower central incisors) were calculated (LGR ≥ 0.5 mm). The overall LGR mean magnitudes were 0.01 mm pre-Tx respectively 0.06 mm post-retention.

CONCLUSIONS

For the prevalence of LGR ≥ 0.5 mm an average increase of 5.3% was determined during ≈ 4.5 years of Herbst-MBA Tx plus retention. The highest incidence was seen for lower central incisors and upper right premolars (11.1/14.9%). The overall LGR mean magnitude increased by 0.05 mm.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Herbst-MBA Tx is a common approach for class II:2 malocclusions. Very little, however, is known regarding LGR development in respective patients.

Do orthodontic patients develop more gingival recession in anterior teeth compared to untreated individuals? A systematic review of controlled studies

OBJECTIVE

To investigate, in an evidence-based manner, the contemporary available information regarding the development of gingival recession in the anterior teeth of orthodontically treated and age-matched untreated individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight databases were searched without restrictions from the date of coverage initiation to June 30th, 2019 (registration in PROSPERO: CRD42018080948). Studies evaluating gingival recession development following comprehensive orthodontic treatment were reviewed. Following study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, the random effects model was employed for exploratory data synthesis. The confidence in the retrieved estimates was appraised using current guidelines.

RESULTS

Finally, three studies, with a follow-up of 6 years maximum, were identified. Overall, the amount of gingival recession did not increase significantly immediately after treatment with normal occlusion. However, for some of the comparisons considered, the risk for orthodontic patients to present with labial gingival recession seemed to increase, especially during retention [mandibular incisors 6 years post-treatment: Odds Ratio: 8.81, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.93-40.07, p=0.005].

CONCLUSION

Although the amount of recession does not differ, some increase in the risk for gingival recession development in the anterior teeth may be encountered in orthodontically-treated individuals compared to untreated subjects with normal occlusion. However, these findings should be viewed cautiously until more studies of high quality become available. Good practice would suggest that it is important to identify patients at potential risk and consider the possible implications for orthodontic treatment.

Prevalence, magnitude, and incidence of labial gingival recession with Herbst-multibracket appliance treatment: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and magnitude of labial gingival recession (LGR) before and after as well as the incidence during Class II:1 Herbst-Multibracket appliance (Herbst-MBA) treatment (Tx) plus retention in a retrospective cohort study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of Class II:1 patients who completed Herbst-MBA Tx (mean pre-Tx age 14.4 years) at Department of Orthodontics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany were analyzed. Tx consisted of a Herbst phase (mean 8.1 months) and a subsequent MBA phase (mean 16.1 months). Study casts from before and after Herbst-MBA Tx plus ≥24 months of retention were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 460 pre-Tx and 222 postretention study casts were available (total observation period: 59.2 ± 14.8 months). The overall prevalence for teeth with LGR ≥0.5 mm was 1.1% pre-Tx and 5.3% postretention. The highest prevalence of up to 5.3% (pre-Tx) and 16.4% (postretention) were seen for the lower incisors. Overall, the median magnitude of LGR was 0.0 mm pre-Tx/postretention (mean: 0.05 mm/0.08 mm). Incidence values of 4.0% (all teeth) and 10.0% to 11.4% (lower central incisors) were calculated for LGR ≥0.5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of LGR ≥0.5 mm increased from, on average, 1.1% to 5.3% during ≈6 years of Herbst-MBA Tx plus retention. The highest incidence was seen in lower incisors (10.0%-11.4%). However, because of the overall mean magnitude of 0.08 mm postretention, the clinical relevance can be considered as insignificant.

Does orthodontic treatment have a permanent effect on tooth color? : A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances on the tooth color of patients.

METHODS

Nine databases were searched up to May 2017 for clinical cohort studies on the effect of fixed appliance treatment on tooth color. After elimination of duplicate studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment according to the Cochrane guidelines, random effects meta-analyses of mean differences (MD) or means and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed, followed by GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) assessment of the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Three nonrandomized and one randomized study with a total of 138 patients (46% male, 54% female) with average age of 15.7 years were included. Tooth color of treated patients was significantly altered during or after orthodontic treatment (4 studies; average of 3.2 ∆E units; 95% CI = 2.0-4.4 ∆E units), which was more than the variation among controls (1 study; MD = 1.9 ∆E units; 95% CI = 1.7-2.2 ∆E units). However, the quality of evidence was very low, due to the inclusion of nonrandomized studies, bias, and imprecision. Re-analysis of raw study data indicated that significant differences in clinically discernable treatment-induced color changes were seen between chemically and light-cured adhesives and among the various tooth categories.

CONCLUSION

Existing evidence of very low quality indicates that orthodontic treatment might be associated with alterations of tooth color, which are however not consistently clinically discernible. Treatment-induced color alterations might be dependent on bonding material and tooth type, but evidence supporting this is weak.