The current overview of the devices of temporary anchorage placed on the palatal bone: CBCT study

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are frequently applied to different anatomic areas with different protocols to increase skeletal effects and anchorage in orthodontic treatment planning. It has been reported in many literatures that primary stability for orthodontic TADs is significant for long-term survival rate. For this reason, different areas of the palatal region, which has many indications, have been widely used in the studies. In this evaluation where bone quality and thickness are important, density, bone thickness, and fractal dimension (FD) on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) will provide more predictable clinical results. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone thickness, density, and FD in the palatal region of the first, and second premolars, and first molars. There was a remarkable difference (p < 0.05) between the parameters of FD, thickness and density of bone in the identified areas in the palatal region. In terms of thickness and FD, the 1st premolar region had significantly higher values than the other regions (p < 0.05). In terms of density, the values in the right 1st molar and right 1st premolar regions were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The 1st premolar region is an ideal site for placement of palatal TADs. CBCT-assisted preliminary evaluation of FD value, bone density, and thickness may increase clinical success when selecting the location of TADs to be applied to the palatal bone.

The past and present research at the University of Sydney’s Discipline of Orthodontics

The University of Sydney’s Discipline of Orthodontics has been actively pursuing research in the areas of root resorption, sleep apnea, magnets in orthodontics, implants, acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), and remote monitoring (RM). Our research has shed light on many specific factors that influence orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR). We also explored the effects of some of the most discussed acceleration interventions on OTM and OIIRR, such as vibration, micro-osteoperforations, piezocision, low-level laser therapy, light emitting diode, light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, and pharmacological substances. Further, we have researched into maximizing orthopedic treatment outcomes of maxillary deficient children with use of intraoral force application with utilization of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expander. We are currently trialing use of RM to facilitate orthodontic services in the public dental clinics.

Influence of low-level-laser therapy on the stability of orthodontic mini-screw implants. A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The influence of low-level-laser therapy (LLLT) on the stability of orthodontic mini-screw implants (MSIs) has not been systematically reviewed.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to assess the influence of LLLT on the stability of orthodontic MSIs.

METHODS

An unrestricted search of indexed databases was performed.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the influence of LLLT on orthodontic MSI stability.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently performed study retrieval and selection, and data extraction. The risk of bias (RoB) of individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB Tool for RCTs. Meta-analyses were performed separately for RCTs using periotest and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) to measure MSI stability; and a random effects model was applied. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the time-points of MSI stability evaluation. The quality of available evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Initially, 1332 articles were screened. Six RCTs with a split-mouth design were included. The periotest was used in 4 RCTs and 2 RCTs used RFA to measure MSI stability. All RCTs had a low RoB. Subgroup analyses based on periotest indicated that MSIs treated with LLLT had significantly higher stability than untreated MSIs at 21 and 30 days [weighted mean difference (MD) = -2.76, confidence interval (CI): [-4.17, -1.36], P-value = 0.0001) and at 60 days (weighted MD = -3.47, CI: [-4.58, -2.36], P < 0.00001); and the level of certainty was high. Subgroup analyses based on RFA showed higher stability of MSIs treated with than without LLLT at 56 and 60 days (standardized MD = 0.82, CI: [0.32, 1.32], P = 0.001), and at 70 and 90 days (standardized MD = 0.86, CI: [0.36, 1.36], P = 0.0007); and the level of certainty was moderate.

LIMITATIONS

Due to limited number of relevant studies, it was not possible to perform sensitivity analysis, subgroup analyses for patient and intervention-related characteristics, and reporting biases assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of LLLT on the secondary stability of MSIs placed in patients undergoing OT remains debatable.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42021230291).