Norwegian Orthodontists' Experience and Challenges With Treatment of Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate

Background:

Patients born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) have orthodontic treatment challenges due to maxilla deficiency, malocclusions, and dental abnormalities. In Norway, orthodontic treatment is done by centralized CL/P teams. Due to traveling restrictions, this treatment might be done locally in the future. The experience of Norwegian community orthodontists in managing such patients has not been investigated previously.

Objective:

To assess Norwegian orthodontists’ management of patients with CL/P and need for further education.

Material and Methods:

All orthodontists in Norway were sent a questionnaire about their experience, challenges, and knowledge and asked about their need of further theoretical education and clinical training in the management of patients with CL/P.

Results:

Norwegian orthodontists’ standard of knowledge of CL/P treatment is adequate. However, few respondents have treated a high number of cleft patients. Eighty-six percent of the participants believed that treating CL/P patients involves challenges, such as time-consuming treatment and technical difficulties. Increased perceived need for more education was revealed among participants stated unpreparedness during education (4 folds), encountered challenges, and lack of knowledge (almost 3 folds).

Conclusions:

The study revealed that community orthodontists in Norway lack experience and acknowledged the challenges in treating patients with CL/P. Most of the respondents perceived a need for additional education and clinical training to treat CL/P patients competently. The findings suggested more focus on patients with CL/P management in the curricula and more collaboration between centralized CL/P teams and community orthodontists.

An 8-10 Year Follow-up of Denture Satisfaction and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life with Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures

PURPOSE

To report changes in denture satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in edentulous patients treated with two-implant mandibular overdentures (IODs) over a follow-up of 8 to 10 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a follow-up of a previous study carried out between 1997 and 2005. The patients were originally randomly divided into one group receiving IODs and another group who had their conventional mandibular dentures relined (RCD group). The RCD group was offered and received IODs at the 2-year follow-up. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire containing demographics, 15 variables related to denture satisfaction, and 20 questions from the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20). Changes over time were analyzed using multilevel linear models for denture satisfaction and multilevel ordinal regression analyses for OHIP-20 variables. Comparisons between groups were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal and t test for metric data.

RESULTS

Disregarding patients who passed away during follow-up, the 29 responders represented a response rate of 76%. The degree of denture satisfaction and the OHIP-20 scores remained high and stable in the IOD group over the 10-year observation period for all but one variable. The same factors showed only a modest improvement in the RCD group for the first 2 years; however, during the subsequent 8 years of the observation period (after receiving IODs), denture satisfaction and OHIP-20 scores improved to the same level as the original IOD group.

CONCLUSION

The positive effect on denture satisfaction and OHRQoL of edentulous patients treated with two-implant mandibular overdentures remained unchanged 8 to 10 years after treatment.

"I smile, but Without Showing My Teeth": The Lived Experience of Cleft, Lip, and Palate in Adults

Objective:

To explore and describe the experience of growing up with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) in adults.

Design:

Face-to-face interviews. Giorgi’s phenomenological method was used for analysis.

Participants:

Twenty-one (mean age: 40.8 years) adults treated for unilateral CLP during childhood and adolescence participated in the study.

Results:

Growing up with CLP meant to become aware of bodily otherness. The possible reactions from peers early in life complicated the striving for inclusion outside the close family. Being self-confident, clever in school, physically fit, and having trusted friends represented barriers against teasing and bullying. Nevertheless, the reflected image, in mirrors, windows, and photos, reminded the participants of the objectifying looks from others and often led to bodily adjustments that persisted into adulthood. The trajectory of treatment was not questioned during childhood, and the participants accepted the decisions on care made by experts and parents. Although problems related to the cleft could persist or return after the termination of ordinary treatment, a more hesitant view on the possible benefits of additional surgery was typical in adulthood.

Conclusions:

In retrospect, growing up with a unilateral CLP was found to have been an unquestioned part of the adult participants’ childhood, a burden that they feared would, to some extent, also be passed to their own children. However, the CLP had not prevented them from achieving goals and satisfaction in life. The occurrence of persisting psychological, functional, and esthetic challenges in adults suggests the need for an individualized, lifelong, and multidisciplinary perspective on CLP follow-up.

Patient experience following iliac crest-derived alveolar bone grafting and implant placement

Background

The objective of this study was to assess patient-reported outcomes such as satisfaction and quality of life after advanced alveolar bone augmentation with anterior iliac crest grafting and implant treatment in orally compromised patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional retrospective cohort study included 59 patients (29 women and 30 men) with major functional problems, who underwent advanced alveolar augmentation with autologous iliac bone grafts during a 10-year period (2002–2012).

The self-administered questionnaire included 36 validated questions related to (1) demographics, (2) perceived general and oral health, (3) donor site and hospitalization, (4) status of implants and/or prosthesis, and (5) oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 44 patients: 24 women and 20 men (response rate, 74.6%). Most patients reported good tolerance of the operative iliac bone harvesting (85%) and implant (90%) procedures. Post-operative pain at the donor site was reported by 38%, lasting 18.1 ± 16.1 days. An average of 4.3 ± 3.5 days of hospitalization and 20.2 ± 18.5 days of sick leave was reported. The overall satisfaction with prosthetic reconstruction was 90.5%. OHRQoL was reported with a mean Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) score of 8.4.

Conclusion

Favorable OHRQoL and satisfaction were reported after advanced reconstruction of alveolar ridges with iliac crest-derived grafting and implants in severely compromised patients. However, this treatment requires substantial resources including hospitalization and sick leave.

The bone regeneration capacity of 3D-printed templates in calvarial defect models: A systematic review and meta-analysis

3D-printed templates are being used for bone tissue regeneration (BTR) as temporary guides. In the current review, we analyze the factors considered in producing potentially bioresorbable/degradable 3D-printed templates and their influence on BTR in calvarial bone defect (CBD) animal models. In addition, a meta-analysis was done to compare the achieved BTR for each type of template material (polymer, ceramic or composites). Database collection was completed by January 2018, and the inclusion criteria were all titles and keywords combining 3D printing and BTR in CBD models. Clinical trials and poorly-documented in vivo studies were excluded from this study. A total of 45 relevant studies were finally included and reviewed, and an additional check list was followed before inclusion in the meta-analysis, where material type, porosity %, and the regenerated bone area were collected and analyzed statistically. Overall, the capacity of the printed templates to support BTR was found to depend in large part on the amount of available space (porosity %) provided by the printed templates. Printed ceramic and composite templates showed the best BTR capacity, and the optimum printed template structure was found to have total porosity >50% with a pore diameter between 300 and 400 µm. Additional features and engineered macro-channels within the printed templates increased BTR capacity at long time points (12 weeks). Although the size of bone defects in rabbits was larger than in rats, BTR was greater in rabbits (almost double) at all time points and for all materials used. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study, we reviewed the factors considered in producing degradable 3D-printed templates and their influence on bone tissue regeneration (BTR) in calvarial bone defects through the last 15 years. A meta-analysis was applied on the collected data to quantify and analyze BTR related to each type of template material. The concluded data states the importance of 3D-printed templates for BTR and indicates the ideal design required for an effective clinical translation. The evidence-based guidelines for the best BTR capacity endorse the use of printed composite and ceramic templates with total porosity >50%, pore diameter between 300 and 400 µm, and added engineered macro-channels within the printed templates.

Cell therapy induced regeneration of severely atrophied mandibular bone in a clinical trial

Background

Autologous grafting, despite some disadvantages, is still considered the gold standard for reconstruction of maxillofacial bone defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone regeneration using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in a clinical trial, a less invasive approach than autologous bone grafting. This comprehensive clinical trial included subjects with severe mandibular ridge resorption.

Methods

The study included 11 subjects aged 52–79 years with severe mandibular ridge resorption. Bone marrow cells were aspirated from the posterior iliac crest and plastic adherent cells were expanded in culture medium containing human platelet lysate. The MSCs and biphasic calcium phosphate granules as scaffolds were inserted subperiosteally onto the resorbed alveolar ridge. After 4–6 months of healing, new bone formation was assessed clinically and radiographically, as were safety and feasibility. Bone at the implant site was biopsied for micro-computed topography and histological analyses and dental implants were placed in the newly regenerated bone. Functional outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed after 12 months.

Results

The bone marrow cells, expanded in vitro and inserted into the defect together with biphasic calcium phosphate granules, induced significant new bone formation. The regenerated bone volume was adequate for dental implant installation. Healing was uneventful, without adverse events. The patients were satisfied with the esthetic and functional outcomes. No side effects were observed.

Conclusions

The results of this comprehensive clinical trial in human subjects confirm that MSCs can successfully induce significant formation of new bone, with no untoward sequelae. Hence, this novel augmentation procedure warrants further investigation and may form the basis of a valid treatment protocol, challenging the current gold standard.

Trial registration

EudraCT, 2012-003139-50. Registered on 21 August 2013. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 02751125. Registered on 26 April 2016.

CAD/CAM milled complete removable dental prostheses: An in vitro evaluation of biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and surface roughness

This study compared the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and surface roughness of a pre-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin for CAD/CAM complete removable dental prostheses (CRDPs) and a traditional heat-polymerized PMMA resin. Two groups of resin substrates [Control (RC): conventional PMMA; Test (RA): CAD/CAM PMMA] were fabricated. Human primary osteoblasts and mouse embryonic-fibroblasts were cultured for biocompatibility assays. Mechanical properties and surface roughness were compared. ANOVA revealed no difference between the resin groups in the biocompatibility assays. RA demonstrated a higher elastic modulus (p=0.002), young's modulus (p=0.002), plastic energy (p=0.002), ultimate strength (p=0.0004), yield point (p=0.016), strain at yield point (p=0.037), and toughness (p<0.0001); while RC displayed a higher elastic energy (p<0.0001). Laser profilometry concluded a rougher surface profile (p<0.0001) for RA. This study concluded that the tested CAD/CAM resin was equally biocompatible and presented with improved mechanical properties than the traditional heat-polymerized PMMA resin used in the fabrication of CRDPs.

Denture wearer's perception of ambient care. Part 2. Analyses of data

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate to what extent denture wearers were satisfied with the ambient care (care) received.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A study sample of 117 completely edentulous and 56 partially edentulous patients, who had received their dentures in the period 1997-2005 at Bergen School of Dentistry, completed a questionnaire containing eight specific items regarding different aspects of care, each with two positive (a and b) and two negative (c and d) categories, and four global items. The care items, including confidence in the dental team, information, waiting time and cost, constitute the Ambient Care Scale; the global items were concerned with overall care, satisfaction with dentures, self-reported oral and general health.

RESULTS

Between 91-100% of Ambient Care Scale responses were in the two positive categories. The completely edentulous group was significantly more satisfied than the partially edentulous group regarding several Ambient Care Scale items and oral health. Also, ratios between categories b and a showed systematic higher degrees of satisfaction for the completely edentulous group than the partially edentulous group. Fifty-six per cent in the completely edentulous group and 36% in the partially edentulous group were very satisfied, i.e. with ≥ 6 of 8 possible responses in category a. Analysis of the very satisfied showed that the highest degrees of satisfaction for both groups were found regarding students and staff, the lowest regarding cost and waiting times.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient satisfaction with care was very high. Completely edentulous patients were systematically more satisfied than partially edentulous ones.

Denture wearer's perception of ambient care, part 1: validation of a preliminary scale

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate if a preliminary Ambient Care Scale (ACS), intended to measure ambient care in complete denture wearers, had acceptable reliability and validity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of 117 patients who had received complete dentures in both jaws in the period 1997-2005 at Bergen School of Dentistry completed a questionnaire containing eight items regarding the patients' relationship with the student and clinical personnel, to what extent they were informed and consulted during treatment, waiting times and cost. In addition, information was gathered regarding demographics, The Psychological General Well-Being index (WHO-5), global ambient care, satisfaction with dentures and how patients viewed their oral health.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.76 for the ACS, indicating acceptable internal consistency. From principle component analysis, three factors were extracted, correlating with ACS with coefficients of 0.72, 0.58 and 0.59, respectively. Acceptable construct validity was indicated by the fact that items were formulated by common agreement among three experienced prosthodontists, the extremely low frequency of missing data (<2%) and that ACS, as expected, was able to discriminate between patients satisfied and dissatisfied with their dentures (p = 0.005) and oral health (p = 0.042), but not between those who had high or low WHO-5 scores (p = 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

The ACS appears to have acceptable psychometric properties.

Randomized clinical trial comparing dietary intake in patients with implant-retained overdentures and conventionally relined denture

PURPOSE

This study compared the dietary intake of edentulous subjects dissatisfied with their existing mandibular complete dentures following two different prosthodontic management interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A convenience sample of 60 subjects was randomly allocated into two equal treatment modalities: relined conventional denture (RCD) or converted implant-retained overdenture (IOD). Two-year data incorporating demographics and food avoidance were recorded using a self-administered questionnaire at baseline and regular follow-up intervals. Twenty-four-hour dietary intake assessments were obtained by telephone interviews at three spaced intervals. Dietary analyses were based on nutrient values from the Norwegian Food Composition Table.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients in the IOD group and 26 in the RCD group completed the protocol. There were no statistical differences regarding dietary intake and energy distribution. Intake of protein and fat, especially saturated fat, were above Nordic recommendations, and carbohydrate intake was below. Vitamin D intake was at the recommended level, but that of vitamin C, folate, and fiber were lower than recommended. The IOD group reported significantly less avoidance of certain food items at 3 and 24 months (P < .001), better chewing ability (P < .001), and greater willingness to eat more of some food items (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences regarding food choices and nutrient intake between the IOD and RCD groups. However, the IOD group reported significantly better chewing ability, less food avoidance, and greater willingness to eat more of certain food items.

Self-reported oral health and denture satisfaction in partially and completely edentulous patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to explore variables that might influence self-reported oral health and denture satisfaction in partially and completely edentulous patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study sample was recruited from 294 patients treated with complete dentures at the Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway, between 1997 and 2005. The 172 respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding demographics, denture status, appetite, avoiding food items, satisfaction with dentures, various aspects of wearing dentures, and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20).

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 67 years; 52% were men. Sixty-seven percent of patients had complete maxillary and mandibular dentures, while 33% had a complete maxillary denture and a dentate mandible. There were no significant group differences regarding age, sex, general health, appetite, avoiding food items, chewing, speech, maxillary denture esthetics, or the OHIP-20. However, striking group differences were found in the number and nature of significant variables associated with reported oral health and denture satisfaction at all levels of analyses. Thus, oral health in the completely edentulous was associated with the OHIP-20, avoiding food items, and satisfaction with dentures, while in the partially edentulous, it was associated with maxillary denture retention and age. Similarly, satisfaction with dentures in the completely edentulous was associated with the OHIP-20, global oral health, and some clinical variables, while in the partially edentulous, it was associated with the OHIP-20 and some clinical variables. Predictors for oral health in the completely edentulous were the OHIP-20, speech, and avoiding certain food items; in the partially edentulous, they were denture retention and age. Predictors for denture satisfaction in the completely edentulous were the OHIP-20 and maxillary denture esthetics; in the partially edentulous, only maxillary denture comfort served as a predictor. Also, the completely edentulous reported better oral health and satisfaction with their dentures than the partially edentulous.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the completely and partially edentulous differ in variables associated with, and predictive for, both self-reported oral health and denture satisfaction.