Acceptance of orthodontic miniscrews as temporary anchorage devices

Patient's Perspective on Miniscrews During Orthodontic Treatment-A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

During orthodontic treatment, undesirable reciprocal forces are generated during tooth movement, which explains the use of anchorage strategies to minimise their harmful effects through intra and/or extraoral appliances. Miniscrews are intraoral devices used for temporary skeletal anchorage. Miniscrews are small-sized intraoral devices used for temporary skeletal anchorage and are easy to place and remove. However, some studies refer to adverse effects such as inflammation, pain, and discomfort. This systematic review aims to synthesise the available evidence on the use of miniscrews during orthodontic treatment from the patient's perspective. The literature search was conducted using various databases MedLine through PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, and EMBASE. A search was also carried out in the grey literature. The search terms used were "Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures," "mini-implant," "Mini Dental Implant," "Miniscrew," and "microimplant." Cochrane risk of bias tools was used to assess the quality of included studies. Patients tend to overestimate the pain inherent in this procedure. The insertion of micro implants is more accepted than the tooth extraction procedure, with less postoperative pain reported. The location, surgical technique, and type of anaesthesia used in the placement of miniscrews influence levels of discomfort. Additionally, the execution of a good surgical technique and the clinician's communication skills are factors that influence patient satisfaction and positive perception. The most frequent outcome reported is pain and discomfort, which varies depending on its location (less with mini interradicular screws than with extra-alveolar screws). Most patients are satisfied or very satisfied with this application.

Comparative efficacy of pharmaceutical (Ibuprofen) and non-pharmaceutical (photobiomodulation, and chewing gum) interventions for pain reduction after elastomeric separator placement in orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial

This study compared the efficacy of pharmaceutical (ibuprofen) and non-pharmaceutical (photobiomodulation and chewing gum) interventions for pain reduction after elastomeric separator placement in orthodontic patients. This 3-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted on 90 orthodontic patients. The level of anxiety and pain threshold of patients were measured at baseline using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and an algometer, respectively. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 30; equal number of males and females). In the laser group, 940 nm diode laser (Epic X, Biolase, USA, 12.35 J/cm2 energy density and 300 mW power in continuous-wave mode., The cross-sectional area of the laser handpiece tip was 1.7 cm2.) was irradiated to the buccal and lingual surfaces for 35 s each, prior to placement of separators. In the gum group, the patients were asked to chew a piece of sugar-free gum immediately after the placement of separators and repeat every 8 h for 5 min for one week in case of pain. In the ibuprofen group, patients received 400 mg ibuprofen (Hakim Pharmaceuticals, Tehran, Iran) after the placement of separators and were asked to take one tablet every 8 h for one week in case of pain. The pain score was recorded using the Modified McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). The normality of data distribution was analyzed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. ANOVA was applied to compare age, and the Chi-square and Monte Carlo Chi-square tests were used to compare gender and patient responses to the questions among the groups. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the pain score at different time points and among the three groups. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 19 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) at 0.05 level of significance. Data analysis in this study had an intention to treat approach. Although the pain score was slightly lower in ibuprofen and gum groups, the difference among the three groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). 'Repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant effect of method of pain reduction on pain score (F = 1.520, P = 0.225). Time had a significant effect on pain score (F = 20.310, P < 0.001). The interaction effect of time and pain reduction method on pain score was not significant (F = 0.737, P = 0.651). patients experienced a lower level of pain in the ibuprofen and chewing gum groups, the difference in pain score was not significant among the three groups (P = 0.225). patients experienced a higher level of pain at 12 and 24 hours after the placement of separators in all groups. Considering the comparably equal analgesic efficacy of this modalities, non-pharmaceutical interventions can be used for pain reduction of elastomeric separator. The study protocol was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20210927052611N1). Date of registration 2022/03/14.

What is the impact of patient attributes, implant characteristics, surgical techniques, and placement location on the success of orthodontic mini-implants in young adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) address challenges in traditional orthodontic anchorage like patient compliance and precision, showing significantly improved clinical outcomes, particularly for cases requiring maximum anchorage.

Materials and Methods

A systematic electronic search was performed in five research databases, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2023. The ROBINS-I tool from the Cochrane Bias Methods Group assessed the risk of bias. Data analysis included categorical and numerical variables, with categorical variables analyzed using Cohen's method in a random effects model to account for variability. Sensitivity and heterogeneity were evaluated using a 'leave-one-out' approach and theI 2 statistic, respectively. At the same time, publication bias was checked using Egger's test, with findings presented through Forest and Funnel plots. Numerical variables were subjected to weighted regression analysis.

Results

Examination of 15 studies involving 1981 patients and 3272 orthodontic mini-implants identified key factors affecting implant stability. Failure rates varied significantly, influenced by factors such as the characteristics and insertion site of the orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs), patient-specific variables, and operator experience. Notably, the insertion site and implant characteristics like size did not significantly affect failure rates, but there was a negative correlation between the magnitude of force applied and failure rates.

Conclusion

The success of orthodontic mini-implants is broadly consistent across patient demographics and is not significantly impacted by gender or age, though failure rates were higher in males and when implants were placed in the maxilla. These findings suggest that higher applied forces might reduce failure rates.

Clinical Significance

This review underlines mini-implant efficacy across varied patient demographics, emphasizing the importance of site selection, jaw location, and force application in enhancing success rates and guiding tailored treatment strategies.PROSPERO ID CRD42023411955.

Mini-Implant Insertion Using a Guide Manufactured with Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing in an Adolescent Patient Suffering from Tooth Eruption Disturbance

Due to dental diseases, anatomical restrictions, and mixed dentition, the reduction in the number of teeth and the displacement of tooth germs pose challenges in orthodontic treatment, limiting anchorage options. The presented case demonstrates an advanced treatment solution using digital CAD/CAM-technologies and medical imaging for the creation of a mini-implant template. A 12-year-old male patient experiencing delayed tooth eruption, multiple impacted germs, and maxillary constriction underwent intraoral scanning and CBCT. Utilizing coDiagnostiXTM Version 10.2 software, the acquired data were merged to determine the mini-implant placement and to design the template. The template was then manufactured through stereolithography using surgical-guide material. Mini-implants were inserted using the produced appliance, enabling safe insertion by avoiding vital structures. Surgically exposed displaced teeth were aligned using a Hyrax screw appliance anchored on the mini-implants for rapid palatal expansion (RPE) and subsequently used as fixed orthodontics to align impacted teeth. The screw was activated daily for 10 weeks, resulting in a 7 mm posterior and 5 mm anterior maxillary transversal increase. Skeletal anchorage facilitated simultaneous RPE and tooth alignment, ensuring accuracy, patient safety, and appliance stability. The presented case shows a scenario in which computer-aided navigation for mini-implant positioning can enhance precision and versatility in challenging anatomical cases.

Pain perception and expectation related to interradicular mini-implants insertion: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the expectation and perception of pain reported by patients before and after the installation of interradicular mini-implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic search was performed in six databases. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomized controlled clinical trials (nRCTs); studies using mini-implants in the interradicular region; assessment of pain intensity by visual analogue or numerical scale. The risk of bias assessment was based on the Rob 2 tool and Robins-I.

RESULTS

A total of 1566 articles were retrieved, and 21 met the eligibility criteria. Six were classified as high risk, one as critical and the other one as uncertain, according to the Robins-I tool. In articles evaluated by the Rob2 tool, ten were classified as serious risk and three as moderate risk. A meta-analysis was also performed. Weighted means were calculated among the studies using the random-effects model and forest plots were generated. Heterogeneity was assessed through the Q test and I2 statistics. It was observed, with moderate evidence, that on a scale of 0 to 10, the pain expectation (effect size 4.75) is higher than that effectively pain generated by the procedure (effect size 1.94).

CONCLUSION

Pain expectation was greater than that actually generated by the procedure, being almost non-existent 7 days postoperatively.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study may help the clinician to reassure the patient regarding the sensations that could be experienced during and after the installation.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the cortical and cancellous bone density and thickness for miniscrew insertion: a CBCT study of interradicular area of adults with different facial growth pattern

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the density and the thickness of the cortical and the cancellous bone at selected inter-radicular areas in subjects with different facial growth patterns using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in order to choose the optimal area for miniscrew insertion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 150 CBCT scans, 45 scans were included in the study. The subjects were categorized into three groups based on their skeletal growth pattern according to SN-GoMe angle and facial height index. Cortical and cancellous bone density and thickness were measured at the selected inter-radicular areas.

RESULTS

Compared to the other two groups, the hyperdivergent group had thinner cortical bone in the anterior region of the maxilla between the central and the lateral incisors on the buccal side at 4 mm from the alveolar crest (P-value: 0.012) and on the palatal side at 7 mm from the alveolar crest (P-value: 0.030). Cancellous bone density values in these areas were higher in subjects with hypodivergent and hyperdivergent growth pattern. Furthermore, in hyperdivergent group less dense cortical bone in the posterior region of the maxilla on the palatal side between the second premolar and the first molar (p-value: 0.020) and on the buccal side between the first molar and the second molar (p-value: 0.038 & 0.047) was observed. No significant differences were found in the mandible between the three groups. No significant differences were found between the male and the female subjects.

CONCLUSION

Hyperdivegents presented thinner cortical bone in the anterior of the maxilla between the central and the lateral incisors. Less dense cortical bone was found between maxillary second premolar and first molar on the palatal side and also between the maxillary first molar and the second molar on the buccal side in this group too. Normal showed higher density values in the posterior of the maxilla compared to the other two groups. No significant differences were found among three groups in mandible.

The Use of Questionnaires in Pain Assessment during Orthodontic Treatments: A Narrative Review

Pain is a complex multidimensional feeling combined with sensorial and emotional features. The majority of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment report various degrees of pain, which is perceived as widely variable between individuals, even when the stimulus is the same. Orthodontic pain is considered the main cause of poor-quality outcomes, patients' dissatisfaction, and lack of collaboration up to the interruption of therapy. A deep understanding of pain and how it influences a patient's daily life is fundamental to establishing proper therapeutic procedures and obtaining the correct collaboration. Because of its multifaced and subjective nature, pain is a difficult dimension to measure. The use of questionnaires and their relative rating scales is actually considered the gold standard for pain assessment. Choosing the most appropriate instrument for recording self-reported pain depends on a patient's age and cognitive abilities. Although several such scales have been proposed, and a lot of them are applied, it remains uncertain which of these tools represents the standard and performs the most precise, universal, and predictable task. This review aims to give an overview of the aspects which describe pain, specifically the pain experienced during orthodontic treatment, the main tool to assess self-perceived pain in a better and more efficient way, the different indications for each of them, and their correlated advantages or disadvantages.

Revisiting the Complications of Orthodontic Miniscrew

Miniscrew has been used widely as an effective orthodontic anchorage with reliable stationary quality, ease of insertion and removal techniques, immediate or early loading, flexibility in site insertion, less trauma, minimal patient cooperation, and lower price. Nonetheless, it is not free of complications, and they could impact not only the miniscrew success rate but also patients’ oral health. In this article, literature was searched and reviewed electronically as well as manually to evaluate the complications of orthodontic miniscrew. The selected articles are analyzed and subcategorized into complications during and after insertion, under loading, and during and after removal along with treatment if needed according to the time. In addition, the noteworthy associated factors such as the insertion and removal procedures, characteristics of both regional and local anatomic structures, and features of the miniscrew itself that play a significant role in the performance of miniscrews are also discussed based on literature evidence. Clinicians should notice these complications and their related factors to make a proper treatment plan with better outcomes.

The effect of social media on patient acceptance of temporary anchorage devices

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between the use of social networking sites (SNSs) on patient perceptions, acceptance, and expectations of treatment using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and to compare differences between patients from the United Kingdom and Brazil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional questionnaires were administered to 39 participants at orthodontic practices in the United Kingdom and Brazil about patients' use of SNSs, exposure to TADs on SNSs, and thoughts on extractions, jaw surgery, or TADs as treatment options.

RESULTS

UK patients prefer for clinicians to have SNS profiles (P = .022). Most UK and Brazilian patients want to see their clinician's work online (76.7%) and use SNSs to get information about treatment options (76.6%). There was a statistically significant difference in Brazilian patients' acceptance of TADs as a treatment option compared with UK patients, particularly if it meant avoiding extractions (P = .002), avoiding jaw surgery (P = .004), or reducing treatment time (P = .010). Knowledge of TADs was greater in Brazilian patients (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients use SNSs to obtain information about treatments and prefer clinicians to have social media accounts. Patients exposed to TADs on SNSs are more likely to accept them as an orthodontic treatment option. UK patients have less knowledge of TADs and are therefore less sure to consider TADs as an option. Brazilian patients are more confident in considering the use of TADs. Clinicians should consider increasing their social media presence to accommodate patients' expectations and acceptance of TADs.

Orthodontic bone screws: A quick update and its promising future

Orthodontic bone screws (OBSs) provide intraoral anchorage by penetrating oral mucosa and seating firmly in basilar bone (BB). Retromolar (prosthetic-type) implants introduced the extra-alveolar (E-A) concept for BB anchorage to move teeth throughout the alveolar process, but the clinical procedures were complex and expensive. Titanium alloy (Ti) miniscrews placed in inter-radicular (I-R) alveolar bone are more convenient and provide some tooth movement potential, but multiple screws are usually required and the devices often interfere with the path of tooth movement. The advantages of BB anchorage and the convenience of miniscrew are combined into the E-A OBS system. These miniscrews are relatively large in diameter (2 mm), and strong (stainless steel), which are placed intraorally in the BB of the infra-zygomatic crest (IZC) and mandibular buccal shelf (MBS). E-A OBSs provide osseous anchorage to retract the dentition and/or rotate either arch. Recovery of impactions is effectively managed with lever arm springs anchored with IZC or MBS bone screws. An emerging frontier is BB anchorage for correcting severe malocclusions with clear aligners. Since the osseous-anchored mechanics are complementary, fixed appliances and clear aligners can be used individually or in tandem to resolve a broad variety of malocclusions. This report summarizes current concepts for conservatively managing complex malocclusions such as severe crowding, skeletal discrepancies, asymmetries and impactions with the OBS system.

Anatomical consideration for optimal position of orthodontic miniscrews in the maxilla: a CBCT appraisal

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic miniscrews are commonly used as temporary anchorage devices. Bone thickness and bone depth are important factors when placing miniscrews. There are no studies to assess the maxillary bone thickness for optimum miniscrew placement in a Saudi population.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the proximity of the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity in areas where miniscrews are usually inserted using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional.

SETTING

Department of maxillofacial radiology in a Saudi dental school.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using CBCT images, we measured the distance between the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity to the palatal bone, buccal intra-radicular and infrazygomatic crest areas. Mean values (SD) were compared at various locations, including by gender, and correlation with age was calculated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Mean bone thickness at commonly used sites for orthodontic miniscrew placements in the maxilla. Secondary outcome was the insertion angle in the infrazygomatic crest area.

SAMPLE SIZE

CBCT images of 100 patients (50 males and 50 females).

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) age for the sample was 25.4 (6.5) years with no significant difference between males and females. In the palate, the distance to the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus was greater anteriorly and decreased significantly posteriorly (P<.001). Buccally, the interdental bone depth was significantly greater between the second premolar and first molar (11.96 mm) compared to between the central and lateral incisors (7.53 mm, P<.001). The mean bone thickness of the infrazygomatic crest area at a 45° insertion angle was 4.94 mm compared to 3.90 at a 70° insertion angle (P<.001). No correlation was found between age and bone thickness.

CONCLUSION

The distance to the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus was greater in the anterior than posterior areas. There is minimal risk of injuring the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity using the buccal approach. Caution is needed when placing miniscrews in the infrazygomatic crest area.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional study from one center; hence, findings cannot be generalized to other populations.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

Risk factors for orthodontic mini-implants in skeletal anchorage biological stability: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

The reason of the biological stability loss of mini-implants is still a matter of discussion between dentistry professionals. The main objective of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to analyze the risk factors that prejudice this loss. A search was made in the electronic databases Pubmed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane, in addition a manual search was made too in Grey Literature (Opengrey). No limits were set on the year of publication or language. The inclusion criteria were: studies in humans treated with fixed appliances with mini-implants, where the risk factors for secondary stability were evaluated for a minimum of 8 weeks. After eliminating duplicate studies and assessing which ones achieve the inclusion criteria, a total of 26 studies were selected for the qualitative synthesis, 18 of them were included in the quantitative synthesis. Common risk variables were compared in all of them. Analyzing the forest and funnel plots, statistically significant differences were obtained only for location, the upper maxilla having lower risk than the mandible with an odds ratio of 0.56 and confidence interval of 0.39 to 0.80. Prospective studies under controlled conditions should be required in order to obtain a correct assessment of the variables analyzed.

Levels of TGF-β1 in peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid

The peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid is analogous to gingival crevicular fluid, and its contents reflect the state of inflammation and health during the life of the miniscrews in the mouth. The stability of MSI is fundamental to its role as an anchorage. This study aimed to evaluate transforming growth factor-beta one (TGF-β1) of the peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid (PMICF), on implant insertion, pre- and post-loading of MSIs to find a clue to their role in the stability of MSI. Fifty-two MSIs sites were placed in the mouths of 13 patients aged 12-26 years undergoing orthodontic treatment. PMICF was collected using micro-pipettes at T1 (day 0, 1 h after MSI implantation), T2 (day 1), T3/baseline (day 21, preloading of MSI), T4 (day 21, 1 h post loading), T5 (day 22, 1 day post loading), T6 (day 43, 3 weeks post loading). The levels of TGF-β1 were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data were subjected to statistical analysis. Of the 52 MSIs, 20 MSIs failed at T3. In the case of successful MSIs, the TGF-β1 levels were found to monotonously decrease from T1 (~1400 pg/mL) until T3 (~700 pg/mL) and saturate thereafter. In the case of failed MSIs, the levels of TGF-β1 at various time periods were approximately constant and of much lower value than corresponding time periods of successful MSIs. This study highlights the role of TGF- β1 in bone metabolism around miniscrew reflecting the state of inflammation from 1 h post-implantation.

Bone and cortical bone characteristics of mandibular retromolar trigone and anterior ramus region for miniscrew insertion in adults

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate bone depth, cortical bone thickness, and vestibulolingual bone dimension of the mandibular retromolar trigone and anterior ramus region to evaluate what are its most suitable sites for miniscrew insertion in adults.

METHODS

The sample included cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) records of 60 adult subjects retrospectively evaluated. All CBCT examinations were performed with the use of an i-CAT CBCT scanner (Imaging Sciences International). Each exam was converted into DICOM format and processed with the use of Osirix Medical Imaging software. On reproducible sagittal scan views, bone depth and cortical bone thickness were evaluated on specific lines parallel and at a 45° angle to the occlusal plane, and at 3 mm and at 6 mm distance from it. Vestibulolingual bone dimension was computed in 4 different cross-section scans and at 3 different levels of depth (0, 6, and 11 mm).

RESULTS

All of the considered insertion sites showed on average more than 10 mm of bone depth. Inferential statistics showed significantly (P <0.05) greater bone depth (+3 mm) in cross-sectional scans parallel to the occlusal plane compared with those at a 45° angle to it. Cortical bone thickness showed average values from 3 mm to 5 mm. Vestibulolingual bone dimension showed a significant (P <0.05) reduction (-10 mm) in the posterior region of retromolar region. No significant differences were found between subjects with and without third molars.

CONCLUSIONS

The retromolar trigone and anterior ramus region showed enough bone quantity and adequate bone quality for safe miniscrew insertion in adults.

Anchorage loss assessment of the indirect anchor tooth during adjunctive orthodontic treatment

INTRODUCTION

This study quantitatively assessed movement of anchor teeth connected to a miniscrew (indirect anchor tooth) and investigated factors affecting movement during adjunctive orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

Dental plaster models of 28 patients whose treatment included an indirect anchor tooth on one side were collected before and after treatment. The casts were digitally scanned, and 2 groups were constituted: the indirect anchor teeth (experimental group; n = 52) and the untreated teeth (control group; the first and second premolars opposing the indirect anchor tooth to which no orthodontic force was applied; n = 55). Pretreatment and posttreatment models were superimposed and the amount and direction of indirect anchor tooth movement were evaluated with the use of a univariate linear mixed model. Possible factors affecting movement of the indirect anchor tooth and its significance were also evaluated with the use of a multiple linear mixed model.

RESULTS

The indirect anchor tooth moved 0.91 ± 0.50 mm and did not exhibit significant differences in the transverse, vertical, or sagittal directions. The location of the indirect anchor tooth affected movement and the tooth moved significantly more in the mandible than in the maxilla.

CONCLUSIONS

The indirect anchor tooth can move during adjunctive orthodontic treatment and thus requires careful monitoring for occlusal changes.

Anatomic landmarks and availability of bone for placement of orthodontic mini-implants for normal and short maxillary body lengths

INTRODUCTION

Increasing numbers of orthodontic mini-implants are placed in the anterior maxilla. To our knowledge, bone levels and root proximity of patients with cephalometrically short maxillae have not been investigated before. The first, second, and third rugae were used as clinical reference lines, and the aim of this study was to measure bone availability in that area by comparing patients with short and normal maxillary body lengths.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 21 patients in each group: short maxillary body length and normal maxillary body length. The patients' study models were bisected, and the outline of the palatal contour was marked on the surface. The models were scanned, and the palatal contours were superimposed on the palatal structures of their respective initial cephalometric headfilms, and the vertical and oblique bone levels of the sagittal plane were compared using the Student t test. The level of significance was set at P <0.05.

RESULTS

Compared with maxillae of normal maxillary body length, less bone was available in maxillae of short maxillary body length. However, the differences did not reach clinical or statistical significance (P >0.05) at the third rugae.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost equivalent average bone depth at the third rugae in patients with normal and short maxillary body lengths suggests that this site can be used for 8-mm long obliquely inserted orthodontic mini-implants.

Influence of interradicular and palatal placement of orthodontic mini-implants on the success (survival) rate

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the success rates of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) placed in different insertion sites and to analyse patient and site- related factors that influence mini-implant survival.

METHODS

Three hundred eighty-seven OMIs were inserted in 239 patients for orthodontic anchorage and were loaded with a force greater than 2 N. Two different insertion sites were compared: 1. buccal inter-radicular and 2. palatal, at the level of the third palatal ruga. Survival was analysed for location and select patient parameters (age, gender and oral hygiene). The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The overall success rate was 89.1%. There were statistically significant differences between insertion sites; success rate was 98.4% for OMIs placed in the anterior palate and 71% for OMIs inserted buccal between roots (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Success rate of OMIs was primarily affected by the insertion site. The anterior palate was a more successful location compared to buccal alveolar bone.

Bone and cortical bone thickness of mandibular buccal shelf for mini-screw insertion in adults

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the buccal bone thickness, bone depth, and cortical bone depth of the mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) to determine the most suitable sites of the MBS for mini-screw insertion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample included cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) records of 30 adult subjects (mean age 30.9 ± 7.0 years) evaluated retrospectively. All CBCT examinations were performed with the i-CAT CBCT scanner. Each exam was converted into DICOM format and processed with OsiriX Medical Imaging software. Proper view sections of the MBS were obtained for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of bone characteristics.

RESULTS

Mesial and distal second molar root scan sections showed enough buccal bone for mini-screw insertion. The evaluation of bone depth was performed at 4 and 6 mm buccally to the cementoenamel junction. The mesial root of the mandibular second molar at 4 and 6 mm showed average bone depths of 18.51 mm and 14.14 mm, respectively. The distal root of the mandibular second molar showed average bone depths of 19.91 mm and 16.5 mm, respectively. All sites showed cortical bone depth thickness greater than 2 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific sites of the MBS offer enough bone quantity and adequate bone quality for mini-screw insertion. The insertion site with the optimal anatomic characteristics is the buccal bone corresponding to the distal root of second molar, with screw insertion 4 mm buccal to the cementoenamel junction. Considering the cortical bone thickness of optimal insertion sites, pre-drilling is always recommended in order to avoid high insertion torque.

Evaluation of mini-implant sites in the posterior maxilla using traditional radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography

Objectives:

To evaluate the accuracy of using routine 2-dimensional (2D) radiographs (panoramic and periapical) when evaluating the position of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (mini-implants) in the maxilla, and to compare the results to 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from February 2014 to January 2015. Panoramic and periapical radiographs were used to examine the position of mini-implants in relation to the adjacent roots. Rating of mini-implants position was performed by 82 dentists from different specialties, using 2 D images according to the following criteria: 1) away from the root; 2) mini-implant tip appears touching the lamina dura; and 3) mini-implant overlays the lamina dura. The results were compared with CBCT findings.

Results:

There was no difference between dentists from different specialties when rating the position of the mini-implants (Cronbach’s alpha=0.956). The accuracy of the periapical images was 45.1%, while the panoramic images 33.6%. However, both panoramic and periapical radiographs were significantly inaccurate when assessing the mini-implant position when compared with the CBCT findings (p=0.0001).

Conclusion:

Three-dimensional CBCT technology allows better visualization of mini-implant placement. The use of CBCT when assessing the position of mini-implants is recommended.

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of orthodontic mini implants in clinical practice: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Numerous surveys have shown that orthodontic mini implants (OMIs) are underused in clinical practice. To investigate this implementation issue, we conducted a systematic review to (1) identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of OMIs for all potential stakeholders and (2) quantify these implementation constructs, i.e., record their prevalence. We also recorded the prevalence of clinicians in the eligible studies that do not use OMIs.

METHODS

Methods were based on our published protocol. Broad-spectrum eligibility criteria were defined. A barrier was defined as any variable that impedes or obstructs the use of OMIs and a facilitator as any variable that eases and promotes their use. Over 30 databases including gray literature were searched until 15 January 2016. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool for studies reporting prevalence and incidence data was used to critically appraise the included studies. Outcomes were qualitatively synthesized, and meta-analyses were only conducted when pre-set criteria were fulfilled. Three reviewers conducted all research procedures independently. We also contacted authors of eligible studies to obtain additional information.

RESULTS

Three surveys fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Seventeen implementation constructs were identified in these studies and were extracted from a total of 165 patients and 1391 clinicians. Eight of the 17 constructs were scored by more than 50 % of the pertinent stakeholders. Three of these constructs overlapped between studies. Contacting of authors clarified various uncertainties but was not always successful. Limitations of the eligible studies included (1) the small number of studies; (2) not defining the research questions, i.e., the primary outcomes; (3) the research design (surveys) of the studies and the exclusive use of closed-ended questions; (4) not consulting standards for identifying implementation constructs; (5) the lack of pilot testing; (6) high heterogeneity; (7) the risk of reporting bias; and (8) additional shortcomings. Meta-analyses were not possible because of these limitations. Two eligible studies found that respectively 56.3 % (952/1691) and 40.16 % (439/1093) of clinicians do not use OMIs.

CONCLUSIONS

Notwithstanding the limitations of the eligible studies, their findings were important because (1) 17 implementation constructs were identified of which 8 were scored by more than 50 % of the stakeholders; (2) the various shortcomings showed how to improve on future implementation studies; and (3) the underuse of OMIs in the selected studies and in the literature demonstrated the need to identify, quantify, and address implementation constructs. Prioritizing of future research questions on OMIs with all pertinent stakeholders is an important first step and could redirect research studies on OMIs towards implementation issues. Patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, insurance companies, implant companies, and research sponsors will all be beneficiaries.

Insight into orthodontic appliance induced pain: Mechanism, duration and management

Most of the orthodontic patients experience pain during treatment and this significantly influences their attitudes and the approach towards treatment. A number of factors that influence pain response include age, gender, personal pain threshold, mood and stress level of the person, cultural differences and types of orthodontic treatment. Pain is a often overlooked subject by orthodontists, it is nevertheless important to understand the source and mechanism of the pain that occurs during treatment, as well as the methods for managing and controlling this pain. This review attempts to overview the mechanism, duration and current management strategies of orthodontic treatment.

Does low level laser therapy relieve the pain caused by the placement of the orthodontic separators?--A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Pain caused by orthodontic treatment can affect patient's compliance and even force them to terminate treatments. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate of the analgesic effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) after placement of the orthodontic separators.

METHODS

Five databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, China Biology Medicine disc (SinoMed CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for all the appropriate studies in June, 2014. Two reviewers screened the research results under our inclusion criteria and evaluated the risk of bias independently. Then the data of the included studies was extracted for quantitative analysis by the Review Manager 5.1 software.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in our meta-analysis finally. Comparing to the placebo group, the LLLT has good analgesic effect at 6 h, 1d, 2d, 3d after placement of separators which is of statistical significance. While at 2 h, 4d, 5d after the placement, the results tend to support LLLT, but not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Based on current included studies, LLLT can reduce the pain caused by the placement of separators effectively. However, because of the high heterogeneity, well designed RCTs are required in the future.

Patients' acceptance of corticotomy-assisted orthodontics

OBJECTIVE

To study patients' acceptance of corticotomy-assisted orthodontics as a treatment option.

METHODS

Adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment were asked to complete two sets of questionnaires; the first set included questions about age, sex, and level of education and general questions about orthodontic treatment; and the second set was related to the corticotomy-assisted orthodontics. Before answering the corticotomy questions, a brief description of the clinical procedure was explained and photographs of an actual procedure were shown.

RESULTS

A total of 150 subjects were approached and 129 (86%) agreed to answer the questionnaires (72 male and 57 female patients). Of these, only 3.1% did hear about corticotomy and 7.8% selected corticotomy instead of extraction. Fear from the surgery (53.2%) was the most frequent reason for not selecting corticotomy followed by fear from pain (36.9%). The acceptance of corticotomy between males and females was similar. No relationship was found between the level of education and prior knowledge of the procedure, P=0.857. Prior knowledge about corticotomy was not a factor in selecting it as a treatment option (P=0.556) to reduce the treatment time (P=0.427).

CONCLUSION

The acceptance of corticotomy-assisted orthodontics as a treatment option was low. Fear from the surgery was the main reason for not selecting it. The acceptance of corticotomy-assisted orthodontics was not related to patient's level of education or sex.