Accelerated orthodontic treatment - what's the evidence?

An evaluation of root resorption associated with the use of photobiomodulation during orthodontic treatment with clear aligners: a retrospective cohort pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the change in tooth root volume using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a group of patients treated concurrently with clear aligners and an adjunctive photobiomodulation (PBM) device.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort pilot study included the records of 32 consecutively treated clear aligner patients (23 female, 9 male) from the private practice of one orthodontist. The PBM group (n = 16) used the device once per day for 5 minutes per arch and was compared with a matched control group (n = 16). A semiautomated segmentation technique was used to obtain tooth volume of anterior teeth from CBCT imaging prior to (T0) and during or immediately following (T1) orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. The change in root volume between time points was assessed.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the pre- and posttreatment root volumes of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, regardless of which intervention group the patient belonged to (P > .05). There was also no difference in the mean percentage change in root volume between clear aligner patients in this study who were treated with the PBM device compared with a matched control group (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Clear aligner patients in this study who changed their aligners every 3 to 5 days and used adjunctive photobiomodulation therapy did not experience clinically relevant orthodontically induced external root resorption. Due to the small sample size and measurement error in the root segmentation process, the results should be interpreted with caution.

Gingiva Mesenchymal Stem Cells Normoxic or Hypoxic Preconditioned Application Under Orthodontic Mechanical Force on Osterix, Osteopontin, and ALP Expression

OBJECTIVES

 The aim of this article was to investigate Osterix, ALP, and osteopontin expression in the compression and tension sides of alveolar bone after the application of normoxic/hypoxic-preconditioned GMSCs in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) induced with OMF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Forty-eight healthy, young male rabbits were divided into four groups: [-] OMF; [+] OMF; OMF with GMSCs normoxic-preconditioned; and OMF and GMSCs hypoxic-preconditioned. The central incisor and left mandibular molar in the experimental animals were moved, the mandibular first molar was moved mesially using nickel titanium (NiTi) and stainless steel ligature wire connected to a 50 g/mm2 light force closed coil spring. Allogeneic application of normoxic or hypoxic-preconditioned GMSCs was used in as many as 106 cells in a 20 µL phosphate buffered saline single dose and injected into experimental animals' gingiva after 1 day of OTM. On days 7, 14, and 28, all experimental animals were euthanized. Osterix, ALP, and osteopontin expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

 Osterix, ALP, and osteopontin expressions were significantly different after allogeneic application of hypoxic-preconditioned GMSCs than normoxic-preconditioned GMSCs in the tension and compression of the alveolar bone side during OMF (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 Osterix, ALP, and osteopontin expressions were significantly more enhanced post-transplantation of GMSCs with hypoxic-preconditioning than after transplantation of normoxic-preconditioned GMSCs in rabbits (O. cuniculus) induced with OMF.

Photobiomodulation in Orthodontics: Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy for Faster Tooth Movement

Accelerated orthodontics has revolutionized traditional dental practices by employing innovative techniques to expedite tooth movement and enhance treatment outcomes. Among these advancements, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a promising adjunctive method that offers a non-invasive and efficient approach to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. By harnessing the power of low-level lasers, LLLT aims to stimulate cellular activity, promote bone remodeling, and reduce treatment duration, thereby revolutionizing the landscape of orthodontic care. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of action, methods, efficacy, advantages, limitations, and future scope of LLLT, uncovering its transformative impact on the field of accelerated orthodontics.

Bioelectricity in dental medicine: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Bioelectric signals, whether exogenous or endogenous, play crucial roles in the life processes of organisms. Recently, the significance of bioelectricity in the field of dentistry is steadily gaining greater attention.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review aims to comprehensively outline the theory, physiological effects, and practical applications of bioelectricity in dental medicine and to offer insights into its potential future direction. It attempts to provide dental clinicians and researchers with an electrophysiological perspective to enhance their clinical practice or fundamental research endeavors.

METHODS

An online computer search for relevant literature was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, with the keywords "bioelectricity, endogenous electric signal, electric stimulation, dental medicine."

RESULTS

Eventually, 288 documents were included for review. The variance in ion concentration between the interior and exterior of the cell membrane, referred to as transmembrane potential, forms the fundamental basis of bioelectricity. Transmembrane potential has been established as an essential regulator of intercellular communication, mechanotransduction, migration, proliferation, and immune responses. Thus, exogenous electric stimulation can significantly alter cellular action by affecting transmembrane potential. In the field of dental medicine, electric stimulation has proven useful for assessing pulp condition, locating root apices, improving the properties of dental biomaterials, expediting orthodontic tooth movement, facilitating implant osteointegration, addressing maxillofacial malignancies, and managing neuromuscular dysfunction. Furthermore, the reprogramming of bioelectric signals holds promise as a means to guide organism development and intervene in disease processes. Besides, the development of high-throughput electrophysiological tools will be imperative for identifying ion channel targets and precisely modulating bioelectricity in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioelectricity has found application in various concepts of dental medicine but large-scale, standardized, randomized controlled clinical trials are still necessary in the future. In addition, the precise, repeatable and predictable measurement and modulation methods of bioelectric signal patterns are essential research direction.

Does leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) cause long term acceleration in the rate of canine retraction? A split-mouth, two-arm parallel group, randomized control trial

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of maxillary canine retraction for a period of 5 months.

METHODS

A split-mouth study was conducted on 16 subjects (9 males and 7 females; age range 17-25 years; mean age, 21.85±2.45 years) who required therapeutic extraction of bilateral maxillary first premolars. After the initial leveling and alignment, L-PRF plugs were placed in a randomly selected extraction socket (Experimental Group), and the other side served as a control (Control Group). Canine retraction was carried out by the activation of nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed-coil springs delivering 150 g of force. The rates of canine movement, canine rotation, tipping, root resorption, and molar movement were assessed at monthly intervals for five months (T0-T5). Pain, swelling and discomfort accompanying the procedure were assessed using a Likert scale.

RESULTS

The study revealed a significant increase in the rate of canine movement on the experimental side in the first two months, and significant molar anchorage loss was observed only in the first month for control side. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding canine rotation, tipping, probing depth, root resorption, and pain perception.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of L-PRF plugs in extraction sockets considerably enhanced the rate of canine movement only in the first two months, and long-term efficacy was not observed in this study.

Three-dimensional analysis of root changes after orthodontic treatment for patients at different stages of root development

INTRODUCTION

We investigated changes in the roots of maxillary incisors at different stages of root development after fixed-appliance treatment using cone-beam computed tomography.

METHODS

Data from 52 subjects receiving fixed-appliance treatment were collected retrospectively. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: mixed dentition group (aged 7-10 years; root development stage: Nolla eighth-10th; n = 16), early permanent dentition group (aged 12-18 years; root development stage: Nolla 10th; n = 20), and adult group (aged 18-35 years; root development stage: Nolla 10th; n = 16). Changes in root lengths and volume of the maxillary central incisors were measured using pretreatment and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography.

RESULTS

The root lengths and volumes of maxillary central incisors in the mixed dentition group significantly increased after orthodontic treatment (P >0.05). No significant differences were found when comparing the final root length and volume of the mixed dentition group with the pretreatment maxillary incisor values of the early permanent dentition group (P >0.05). The early permanent dentition group showed a significant decrease in root length (P <0.05), and both the root length and volume of the adult group significantly decreased after treatment (P <0.05). The differences in root length and volume reduction between the 2 groups were not significant (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontic treatment had no significant negative impact on the continued root development of incomplete roots with two-thirds root formation. Both the early permanent dentition and adult groups exhibited root resorption after orthodontic treatment. It seemed age was not a factor that resulted in significant root resorption during routine orthodontic leveling and alignment treatment once the roots were fully developed.

Clinical management and infection control protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is considered a highly infectious and life threatening disease.

OBJECTIVE

The present paper aims to evaluate various aspects of preventive measures and clinical management of the scheduled visits for orthodontic patients to the dental clinics during the outbreak of COVID-19, and to assess how orthodontists dealt with this challenge.

METHODS

Orthodontists in private and public clinics were invited to fill a questionnaire that addressed infection control protocols and concerns about clinical management of patients in the clinics during the pandemic. Frequncies and percentages of the responses were obtained and compared using Chi-square tests.

RESULTS

About 77% of those working in private clinics, and 63% of those working in private and governmental clinics performed room disinfection following each patient. In case of patients needing urgent management and have active infection, 56% of the participants provided care under high infection control measures; on the contrary, 64% provided symptomatic intervention including orthodontic wax, analgesics and sometimes mouthwash.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the orthodontic treatments. All pre-cautionary measures have to be made available in the clinic in order to minimize the spread of viral infection with continuous dental health care training.

Do platelet concentrates accelerate orthodontic tooth movement?: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Surgical techniques in orthodontics have received widespread attention in recent years. Meanwhile, biomaterials with high molecular content have been introduced, such as platelet concentrates (PCs), which may accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and reduce periodontal damage. The present systematic review aimed to answer the following PICO question: "In patients in whom orthodontic surgical techniques are performed (P), what is the effectiveness of using PCs over the surgical site (I) when compared to not placing PCs (C) to achieve faster tooth movement (O)?"

METHODS

A search was performed in 6 databases. The criteria employed were those described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses declaration. The present review included studies with a control group that provided information about the influence of PCs on the rate of OTM.

RESULTS

The electronic search identified 10 studies that met the established criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The included studies were very diverse, making it difficult to draw convincing conclusions. However, a tendency was observed for OTM to be accelerated when PCs were used as an adjuvant for canine distalization after premolar extraction when distalization was started in the same session. Likewise, studies seem to indicate an association between PC injection and the amount of canine retraction. However, it is not possible to affirm that the use of PCs in corticotomy shortens the overall treatment time, as this question has not been studied adequately.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42021278542.

Platelet-rich derivatives for accelerating the rate of orthodontic tooth movement - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to report on the effects of using platelet-rich derivatives on the rate of tooth movement.

Material and Methods:

Both electronic and manual searches were performed with specific eligibility criteria based on population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design. Risk of bias (RoB) assessment was done using the Cochrane RoB tool 2, the data were pooled and analyzed using review manager 4.5, and certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection, data extraction, and analysis. Nine studies were included for qualitative analysis and two of them were subjected to meta-analysis.

Results:

The standard mean difference for the rate of canine distal movement with platelet-rich derivatives was not significantly higher than controls at any of the time intervals (P > 0.0001). Rotation of canines, molar mesialization, and pain scores were not affected by the administration of platelet-rich derivatives for accelerating tooth movement. A moderate to high RoB was noted in the included studies and the certainty of the available evidence as assessed by the GRADE approach was moderate.

Conclusion:

The included studies presented with high heterogeneity and more high-quality studies with strict protocols are needed. Even though individual studies report significant acceleration of tooth movement following administration of PR derivatives, moderate certainty of evidence suggests no acceleratory effect on tooth movement.

Effect of mini-implant facilitated micro-osteoperforations on the alignment of mandibular anterior crowding: A randomised controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of mini-implant assisted micro-osteoperforations (MI-MOPs) in the alignment of mandibular anterior teeth, and to explore the intervention's associated pain perception (PP) and root resorption (RR) in adults treated by fixed appliance.

DESIGN

Multicentre, two-arm and single-blinded randomised clinical trial.

SETTING

College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescents (mean age = 18.97 years) undergoing non-extraction orthodontic therapy for the management of mandibular anterior crowding.

METHODS

A total of 33 participants (mean age = 18.97 years) undergoing non-extraction orthodontic therapy for the management of moderate mandibular anterior crowding were allocated to the experimental (MI-MOPs, n = 17) or control groups (non-MI-MOPs, n = 16). A series of lower study models were obtained at week 4 (T1), week 8 (T2) and week 12 (T3) in the MI-MOPs group and continued to week 16 (T4) and week 20 (T5) in the non-MI-MOPs group, with all models analysed digitally. Periapical radiographs (PA) were taken before commencing treatment (T0) and T3. Participants were asked to complete a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) daily during the first week of treatment.

RESULTS

At T0, the mean Little irregularity index (LII) was 5.1 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.95-5.23) with no statistically significant difference between groups (P = 0.766). At T1, T2 and T3, t-test showed statistically significant differences in the LII (P < 0.05) in favour of the MI-MOPs group; mean differences (MD) were -1.16mm (95% CI = -1.36 to -0.96), -1.77 mm (95% CI = -1.93 to -1.59) and -1.58 mm (95% CI = -1.67 to -1.48), respectively. Mean treatment time from baseline to final alignment was 10.41 weeks (95% CI = 9.92-10.89) in the MI-MOPs group and 16.62 weeks (95% CI = 16.11-17.13) in the non-MI-MOPs groups, which was statistically significant (MD -6.21 mm, 95% CI = -6.88 to -5.53, P < 0.05). Conversely, Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no significant differences in terms of PP and RR between the groups (P > 0.05). The participants in the MI-MOPs group experienced a higher degree of RR (P < 0.05) secondary to intervention. No other significant adverse events were reported during the trial.

CONCLUSION

This trial found that combining MI-MOPs with non-extraction-based fixed orthodontic therapy in adults mildly shortens the duration of the alignment phase. RR should be monitored throughout the treatment when using MI-MOPs (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04778241).

Orthodontic loading activates cell-specific autophagy in a force-dependent manner

INTRODUCTION

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) relies on bone remodeling and controlled aseptic inflammation. Autophagy, a conserved homeostatic pathway, has been shown to play a role in bone turnover. We hypothesize that autophagy participates in regulating bone remodeling during OTM in a force-dependent and cell type-specific manner.

METHODS

A split-mouth design was used to load molars with 1 of 3 force levels (15, 30, or 45 g of force) in mice carrying a green fluorescent protein-LC3 transgene to detect cellular autophagy. Fluorescent microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses were used to evaluate autophagy activation and its correlation with force level. Cell type-specific antibodies were used to identify cells with green fluorescent protein-positive puncta (autophagosomes) in periodontal tissues.

RESULTS

Autophagic activity increased shortly after loading with moderate force and was associated with the expression of bone turnover, inflammatory, and autophagy markers. Different load levels resulted in altered degrees of autophagic activation, gene expression, and osteoclast recruitment. Autophagy was specifically induced by loading in macrophages and osteoclasts found in the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Data suggest autophagy participates in regulating bone turnover during OTM.

CONCLUSIONS

Autophagy is induced in macrophage lineage cells by orthodontic loading in a force-dependent manner and plays a role during OTM, possibly through modulation of osteoclast bone resorption. Exploring the roles of autophagy in OTM is medically relevant, given that autophagy is associated with oral and systemic inflammatory conditions.

A study of the COVID-19 pandemic's knowledge and impact on ongoing fixed orthodontic treatment in adults

Background:

Due to the characteristics of dental practices and hospitals, all dental professionals, including orthodontists, are at an elevated peril of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If adequate safety actions are not taken, cross-contamination risk among dentists, orthodontists, and patients can be extremely high. For orthodontic patients, a high level of cognizance and consideration of the COVID-19 epidemic is required. The goal of this study was to assess adult patients' knowledge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its impact on their continuing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional in addition to a descriptive survey of 100 adult patients enduring fixed orthodontic treatment was done. All of the candidates were over the age of 18 years and were in lockdown due to the COVID-19 epidemic, with no therapy available.

Results:

Among the patients, 35% were male and 65% were female; 22.3% were unaware that the COVID-19 virus unfurls speedily in a dental setting; 64.8% were unquestionably keen to disclose their status and undertake pretreatment screening; 71.3% were undeniably prepared to stick to stringent appointment timings for passable sanitization of the clinical area; 70% believed that skipping appointments all through the COVID-19 pandemic would be costly; 70% believed that skipping appointments during the pandemic would prolong the treatment; and 59% thought of financial burden.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 cross-infection was not known to all adult orthodontic patients. The vast majority were aware of the situation and eager to follow infection-prevention guidelines. COVID-19 had a psychological and financial impact on patients' perceptions of overall orthodontic therapy.

Efficacy of micro-osteoperforation of the alveolar bone by using mini-screw for acceleration of maxillary canine retraction in young adult orthodontic patients: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial

AIM

Acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) can decrease the rate of complications. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of micro-osteoperforation (MOP) of the alveolar bone for acceleration of OTM by using mini-screws.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This split-mouth randomized clinical trial evaluated 25 patients (11 females, 14 males, 16-25 years) with class II division I malocclusion who required canine retraction following the extraction of maxillary first premolar. The patients received similar orthodontic treatment at both sides with MOP on one side (MOP group) and no MOP on the other side (control side). Allocation of MOP to the side of jaw was random using Random Allocation Software in 1:1 distribution and equal numbers. Blinding was not applicable. The rate of canine movement was measured monthly for 5 months and considered as the main outcome. The degree of canine tipping was measured at the end of the intervention as the secondary outcome. All measurements were repeated for 12 patients by the two observers and the intra- and inter-examiner correlation coefficients were found to be 0.946 and 0.925, respectively. Data were analysed by paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (11 females, 14 males, 16-25 years) were evaluated. No significant difference was found between the two groups at different time points in the rate of canine movement (P>0.05). The degree of canine tipping in the MOP group was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.34±3.11° versus 7.08±3.70°; P=0.040). Gender had no significant effect on OTM in any group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MOP could not accelerate canine retraction but decreased the degree of canine tipping.

Effect of light-emitting diode-mediated photobiomodulation on extraction space closure in adolescents and young adults: A split-mouth, randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

This split-mouth trial aimed to examine the effects of light-emitting diode (LED)-mediated photobiomodulation compared with no photobiomodulation on maxillary canine distalization.

METHODS

Twenty participants (10 males and 10 females; aged 11-20 years) requiring bilateral extraction of maxillary first premolars were included from the Sydney Dental Hospital waiting list. After premolar extractions, leveling, and alignment, canines were retracted on 0.020-in stainless steel wires with coil springs delivering 150 g of force to each side. Each patient's right side was randomly assigned to experimental or control using www.randomisation.com, and allocation concealment was performed with sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. The experimental side received 850 nm wavelength, 60 mW/cm² power, continuous LED with OrthoPulse device (Biolux Research Ltd, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) for 5 min/d. For the control side, the device was blocked with opaque black film. Patients were reviewed at 4-week intervals for force reactivation and intraoral scanning over 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the amount of tooth movement, and secondary outcomes were anchorage loss and canine rotation, all measured digitally. Blinding for study participants and the treating clinician was not possible; however, blinding was done for the measurements by deidentifying the digital scans. Linear mixed models were implemented for the data analysis.

RESULTS

Nineteen participants concluded the study. Data analysis showed that the treatment × time interaction was not significant, suggesting no difference in space closure (unstandardized regression coefficient [b], 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.05 to 0.29; P = 0.17), canine rotation (b, 0.21; 95% CI, -0.82 to 1.25; P = 0.69), and anchorage loss (b, -0.01, 95% CI, -0.28 to 0.26, P = 0.94). No harms were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily 5-minute application of LED did not result in clinically meaningful differences during extraction space closure compared with no LED application.

REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000652471).

PROTOCOL

The protocol was not published before trial commencement.

FUNDING

This research was funded by the Australian Society of Orthodontists Foundation for Research and Education.

Level of Knowledge, Understanding, and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Continuing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment in Adults: A Questionnaire Study

Objectives:

To evaluate the level of knowledge, understanding, and impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on adult patients regarding their ongoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Subjects and Methods:

A cross-sectional and descriptive survey was conducted on 108 adult patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at GSL Dental College (GSLDC), India. All the candidates were aged 18 years and above, who were in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and devoid of treatment.

Results:

Among the patients 43.5% were male and 56.5% were female; 22.3% were not at all aware that the COVID-19 virus spreads quickly in a dental setup; 64.8% were definitely willing for their status disclosure and to undergo pretreatment screening; 71.3% were definitely willing to adhere to strict appointment timings for adequate sanitization of the clinical area; 60.2% thought that missed appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic would prolong their overall orthodontic treatment and affect their treatment outcome; and 51.9% were financially affected due to the pandemic.

Conclusions:

Not all adult orthodontic patients were in knowledge of COVID-19 cross infection. The majority were in a state of understanding and willing to follow infection-eradicating protocols. Patients’ view on overall orthodontic treatment was altered due to the psychological and financial impact of COVID-19.

Effect of micro-osteoperforations on rate of space closure by mini-implant supported maxillary anterior en-masse retraction: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Micro-osteoperforations is one of the non-invasive surgical techniques used in attempt to accelerate OTM. Conflicting reports on its effectiveness has been reported in the literature.

Objectives

The objectives of this trial were to investigate the effect of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of space closure and on molar anchorage loss during mini-implant supported maxillary anterior en-masse retraction.

Trial design

A single center, parallel arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted.

Method

Sixty, male and female subjects (age range 16-25 years) having Class I bimaxillary protrusion or Class II div 1 malocclusion, who required fixed mechanotherapy with either upper 1st premolar or all four 1st premolar extractions were allocated into two groups using 1:1 allocation ratio. The allocation was done by block randomization method with a block size of 6. In the experimental group, 5 MOPs per side were performed only once just before the en-masse anterior retraction. Mini-screws were placed in order to obtain maximum anchorage. Impressions were taken every month till 4 months and rate of space closure was measured on 3D study models.

Results

Data of 27 subjects in control (attrition ​= ​3) and 28 subjects in experimental group (attrition ​= ​2) were analyzed at the end of this trial. There was a statistically significant increase in the rate of en-masse retraction for the 1st month(p ​= ​0.001,95%CI, 0.17, 0.37 ​mm) but there was no statistically significant difference for the subsequent 2nd (p ​= ​0.450,95%CI,0.13,0.43 ​mm), 3rd(p ​= ​0.204,95%CI,0.23,0.47 ​mm) and 4th month (p ​= ​0.680,95%CI,0.21,0.41 ​mm) between experimental and control groups. There was also no difference (p ​> ​0.05) in molar anchorage loss between both groups at all time intervals.

Conclusion

Micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) did not accelerate the rate of anterior en-masse retraction over a period of 4 months; however, it temporarily increases the rate of retraction only for first month and no affect on molar anchorage.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at www.ctri.nic.in with CTRI No- CTRI/2019/03/018140).

Outcomes of clear aligner treatment with and without Dental Monitoring: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The effects of Invisalign clear aligner treatment with and without Dental Monitoring (DM) were compared for treatment duration, number of appointments, refinements and refinement aligners, and accuracy of Invisalign in achieving predicted tooth positions (aligner tracking). The null hypothesis was that there are no differences between Invisalign with and without DM in these parameters.

METHODS

A sample of 90 consecutively treated Invisalign patients (45 control, 45 DM) fitted the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Treatment duration, number of refinements, number of refinement aligners, time to first refinement, number of appointments, number of emergency visits, and accuracy of predicted tooth movement were observed for differences.

RESULTS

The 2 groups were homogeneous (P >0.05) for sample size, age, gender, Angle classification, maxillary and mandibular irregularity index, and the number of initial aligners. There was a significant (P = 0.001) reduction in the number of appointments by 3.5 visits (33.1%) in the DM group. There was also a significant (P = 0.001) reduction in the time to the first refinement (1.7 months) in the DM group. Compared with Invisalign predicted tooth positions, actual tooth positions were statistically (P <0.05) more accurate for the DM group for the maxillary anterior dentition in rotational movements and mandibular anterior dentition for buccal-lingual linear movement. Invisalign therapy without DM was closer to predicted tooth positions for the maxillary posterior dentition for the tip. None of these differences surpassed the clinically significant thresholds (>0.5 mm or >2°); however, the DM group achieved this in 1.7 fewer months.

CONCLUSIONS

DM with Invisalign therapy resulted in a reduced number of appointments by 3.5 visits (33.1%). The DM group also achieved a clinically similar accuracy in obtaining predicted tooth movements compared with the control group in 1.7 fewer months, indicating improved aligner tracking in the DM group.

Three-dimensional assessment of accelerating orthodontic tooth movement-micro-osteoperforations vs piezocision: A randomized, parallel-group and split-mouth controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) vs piezocision (Piezo) in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement in adults.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

In this randomized, single-blinded, parallel-group, split-mouth clinical trial, 24 patients aged 15-40 years were recruited.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: MOPs and Piezo groups. One side of the maxilla was allocated randomly for treatment with one of these techniques, and the other side was treated conventionally to act as a split-mouth control. The rate of canine retraction was evaluated up to 3 months by three-dimensional digital models using a conventional labial appliance. Root resorption and bone height were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography.

RESULTS

The MOPs and Piezo groups showed a significantly higher rate of tooth movement after 3 months on the experimental sides than the control sides. However, the net movements in the MOPs and Piezo groups did not reveal a higher rate of tooth movement. Similarly, the overall net movement was -0.32 ± 1.14 and -0.55 ± 0.89 mm for MOPs and Piezo, respectively (P = .606). Regarding root resorption, the overall changes in intra- or intergroup comparisons were insignificant. Decreased canine palatal bone height was reported on the experimental side of the Piezo group (P = .015) after 3 months, but the overall changes were insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of MOPs and Piezo techniques in accelerating the orthodontic canine retraction was comparable to each other, and to the conventional methods. Neither technique caused root resorption or increased vertical bone loss.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients receiving orthodontic treatment: An online questionnaire cross-sectional study

Background

The spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a major public health issue; most dental clinics were closed and millions of orthodontic patients were unable to complete their treatment. This study aimed to assess the challenges faced by patients receiving orthodontic treatment and their preferred solutions to overcoming these challenges during this pandemic.

Methods

An online questionnaire was developed and sent to patients receiving orthodontic treatment at a public or private clinic.

Results

A total of 388 responses were analyzed: mean age 20.4 ± 4 years, 75% (291) female, and 58% (226) received their treatment at a public clinic. Of all participants, 27.3% (106) were still unable to attend their appointments and 69% (244) stated that closing of the clinic was the main reason for missing their appointments. Depending on their type of appliance, the patients faced different problems and chose multiple ways to deal with them. Most participants had fixed appliances, 84% (327), and only 21% (64) of them stated that they had no problem compared with 39% (11) and 36% (8) for removable appliance and clear aligner groups, respectively.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on orthodontic treatments. Almost every orthodontic patient had to stop attending their appointments, which put them in complicated situations and in fear of delayed treatment. Patients from a public clinic and patients with fixed appliances reported more problems than others. More attention should be giving to teleorthodontics; also orthodontists should prepare their patients to deal with some of the problems related to their appliances when possible.

Does low-frequency vibration have an effect on aligner treatment? A single-centre, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Low-frequency vibrations have been proposed as a means of accelerating tooth movement and reducing orthodontic treatment times.

OBJECTIVE

To determine any differences in the accuracy of dental movement in patients treated with a low-frequency vibration aligner protocol and/or by reducing the aligner replacement interval with respect to a conventional protocol.

DESIGN

This trial was designed as a single-centre, randomized controlled clinical trial.

METHODS

Participants: Patients (aged 27.1 ± 9.0 years) who required orthodontic treatment with aligners. Randomization: Patients were randomly allocated to three arms as determined by a computer-randomization scheme. Group A were assigned a conventional protocol (aligners replaced every 14 days); group B also used a low-frequency vibration device for 20 minutes per day; group C followed the same vibration protocol but replaced their aligners every 7 days. Blinding: The operator who performed the set-up and the one who analysed the data were blinded to the group of the patients. Outcome: Pre- and post-treatment digital models were analysed using VAM software to identify the accuracy/imprecision of dental movements. One-way analysis of variance (P < 0.05) and the Bonferroni post hoc test were used to identify any statistically significant differences between the three arms in terms of the accuracy of tooth movement versus the prescription.

RESULTS

Numbers analysed: A total of 45 patients (15 for group) were analysed (i.e. 2286 dental movements). Outcome: No statistically significant differences emerged between groups A and C in the upper arch, or among groups A, B, and C in the lower. Group B displayed significantly greater accuracy with respect to group A in upper incisor rotation (P = 0.016), and to group C in vestibulolingual (P = 0.007) and mesiodistal tipping (P = 0.029) of the upper canines, and vestibulolingual tipping of the upper molars (P = 0.0001). Harms: No adverse events or side-effects were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering all tooth and movement types of the 45 participants, the mean total imprecision was 2.1 ± 0.9 degrees, with respect to a mean prescription of 5.7 ± 2.2 degrees. There was no difference in accuracy between replacing the aligners accompanied by low-frequency vibration every 7 days and replacing them every 14 days without vibration. Moreover, low-frequency vibration seemed to improve the accuracy of a conventional protocol in terms of upper incisor rotation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The German Clinical Trials Register (DRK00015613).

Effects of micro-osteoperforations performed with Propel system on tooth movement, pain/quality of life, anchorage loss, and root resorption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) performed with Propel and other mini-screws on the rate of tooth movement, pain/discomfort, periodontal health, anchorage loss, and root resorption in patients undergoing orthodontic retraction compared to a control group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, LILACS, Google Scholar, Scopus, and OpenGrey were searched without restriction. A manual search was also carried out. Only randomized clinical trials (RCT) were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB 2.0 and the certainty of evidence through the GRADE tool.

RESULTS

Among the twelve RCTs reviewed, five used the Propel system. Overall, the RoB was classified as low (4), moderate (5), and high (3). Two RCTs with moderate and one with a low RoB using the Propel system reported mild increases on rate of tooth movement associated with MOPs. One RCT with a moderate and another with high RoB did not find a significant effect of Propel on orthodontic movement. Regarding tooth movement, a subgroup meta-analysis found no differences between control and Propel movement (95% CI = - 0.01 to 0.75) or other mini-screws (- 0.02 to 0.31) related to rate of tooth movement per month. There was no effect of MOPs on root resorption, periodontal health, anchorage loss, and a mild effect on pain and oral health related to quality of life regardless of mini-screw type. The level of certainty was graded as low for the rate of tooth movement and pain/discomfort, as moderate for anchorage loss, and high for root resorption.

CONCLUSION

A low certainty of evidence supports that MOPs performed with Propel seem to have no significant effect on the rate of tooth movement. Moreover, this intervention does not seem to cause an increase in root resorption, periodontal heath, pain/discomfort, or anchorage loss. Thus, the Propel system does not appear to produce different results from those observed for other mini-screws.

Effective Wavelength Range in Photobiomodulation for Tooth Movement Acceleration in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review

Objective: The present systematic review aims to establish an effective range of low-level laser therapy wavelengths to accelerate tooth movement in orthodontic treatments. Materials and methods: The electronic literature search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The protocol (CRD42019117648) was registered in PROSPERO. Results: According to PRISMA guidelines and after applying the inclusion criteria, nine RCTs were included. Three blind reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and evidence level of selected articles. Evidence level classification was established according to the recommendations of SIGN 50 (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 2012) and was high quality being ++, acceptable +, low quality -, unacceptable -, reject 0. Conclusions: The majority of RCTs related to accelerating the tooth movement in orthodontic treatments are ideally between 780 and 830 nm wavelengths. The average increase in speed movement calculated as a percentage of the control group in nine studies is 24%. Further studies are necessary to establish the exact dosimeter in photobiomodulation during orthodontic movement.

Corticotomy in orthodontic treatment: systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate corticotomies effects to accelerate or facilitate dental movements in different kind of orthodontic treatments.

DATA

This report followed the PRISMA Statement. A total of 9 articles were included in review.

SOURCES

Two reviewers performed a literature search up to December 2018 in four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SciELO.

STUDY SELECTION

Controlled clinical trials and randomized controlled clinical trials conducted in human patients and published during the last 10 years in English were eligible to be selected. The articles should give detailed information about the results and treatment parameters. There were no limitations established in terms of the type of malocclusion to be corrected or the type of orthodontic treatment performed.

RESULTS

The methodological quality and evidence of the selected studies was low. Most of the studies observed a statistically significant increase in the rate of dental movement, when performing alveolar corticotomies as coadjuvants of orthodontic treatment; either with the conventional technique or with piezocision. The effect of combining corticotomy with bone grafts was assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

High heterogeneity among studies made it difficult to draw clear conclusions. However, within the limitations of this review, the corticotomy procedures were able to statistically and clinically produce significant temporary decrease in orthodontic tooth movement rate. This technique does not seem to involve major complications compared to conventional orthodontic treatments.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of this technique can reduce treatment time and therefore the undesirable effects associated with prolonged treatments.

Effect of mini-screw-facilitated micro-osteoperforation on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement: a single-center, split-mouth, randomized, controlled trial

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of MOP over a 3-month period and to determine the influence of the number of perforations on the rate of canine retraction. In addition, the amount of pain and discomfort caused by the MOP method was evaluated.

Trial design

A single-center, split-mouth, triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted.

Methods

The clinical trial was conducted from December 2018 to July 2019 in the Orthodontic Clinic, Shiraz Dental School. Twenty-eight patients (range from16.3 to 35.2 years) who need fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited and randomly assigned to MOP1 and MOP2 groups. In each patient one side of the mouth worked as a control side which received no MOPs. Four months after first premolars extraction, patients in MOP1 group received 3 MOPs on the buccal surface of alveolar bone in the experimental side to accelerate canine retraction whereas patients in MOP2 group received 3 buccal MOPs and 3 palatal MOPs in the experimental side. The amount of canine retraction was measured every 28 days at three intervals on both sides of the mouth. Pain perception was also measured on the day of MOP procedure and subsequently at 24 h. Randomization was performed using online software RANDOM.ORG; the recruited patients were divided into two parallel groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio then the side of MOPs intervention in each subject was randomly determined with coin tossing. Triple blinding design was employed.

Results

The result of the intra-examiner reliability using ICC was 0.97 (P <  0.001), indicating excellent repeatability and reliability of the measurements. The baseline characteristics between the groups were similar (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the rate of canine retraction between the MOP groups and the contralateral control sides, as well as between the MOP1 and MOP2 groups (P <  0.05).

Conclusion

The MOP procedure was effective in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement, although the amount of acceleration was not clinically significant in the case of canine retraction. An increase in the number of MOPs resulted in a significant acceleration of the canine retraction.

Trial registration

The trial was registered 30 November 2018 at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20181121041713N1).