Impact of clear aligner therapy on masticatory musculature and stomatognathic system: a systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions

BACKGROUND

Clear aligner therapy has gained popularity as a minimally invasive orthodontic treatment option. However, its impact on the masticatory musculature and the stomatognathic system is an area of growing interest, as it involves the adjustment of occlusion and tooth movement. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess and synthesise existing evidence regarding the influence of clear aligner therapy on the masticatory musculature and the stomatognathic system.

METHODS

An exhaustive search was performed on electronic databases that adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Clinical studies that evaluated the impact of patients receiving aligner orthodontic treatment on the muscles of the mastication and stomatognathic systems were included. A standardised data extraction form was devised for relevant variables. Two reviewers extracted the data variables. ROB-2 was used for bias evaluation in the selected studies.

RESULTS

A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria. The wearing of clear aligners significantly impacted the muscles of mastication. Muscle activity and discomfort showed a significant alteration in the initial days of appliance placement. but this observation was temporary, with no significant changes thereafter in subsequent follow-up. Bite force reduction was also noted. All the studies evaluated showed good methodological quality.

CONCLUSION

The review found that aligned orthodontic treatment may have a variable impact on muscles of mastication, with a potential for initial exacerbation of symptoms followed by possible improvement. However, due to the limited number of studies and their heterogeneous nature, further robust research is recommended to fully understand the relationship between aligned orthodontic treatment and masticatory muscles.

Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Three Different Materials as Barriers to Coronal Microleakage in Root-Filled Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Aim

To compare the sealing ability of three different materials when used as postendodontic restoration barriers to coronal microleakage in root-filled teeth.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, 60 single-rooted mandibular premolars with single canals were selected. After endodontic treatment was done with protaper files, they were divided into three groups of 20 teeth each, which were restored with Zirconomer (Group I), Hi-Dense (Group II), and Surefil composite (Group III), respectively. After storing in artificial saliva for 10 days, all teeth were then immersed in Rhodamine 6G fluorescent dye. Teeth were then sectioned buccolingually in a longitudinal direction. The coronal microleakage was measured in both halves under a fluorescence microscope and images were taken with a digital camera. Data obtained from the study in the form of scoring as per specific criteria was subjected to statistical analysis.

Result

Results of the study showed that the minimum amount of coronal microleakage was seen in Group II restored with Hi-Dense followed by Group III restored with Surefil Composite and the maximum amount of coronal microleakage was seen in Group I restored with Zirconomer.

Conclusion

On the basis of the results of the present study, it may be concluded that Hi-Dense showed better coronal sealing ability in access cavities. Surefil composite exhibited coronal microleakage less than Zirconomer but more than Hi-Dense.

Unveiling Mysteries of Quid-Induced Lichenoid Reactions: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lichenoid reactions occur exclusively in people who chew tobacco, areca nut, or both, in raw or any manufactured or processed form. The lesion is described as a lichen-planus-like lesion and is termed as quid-induced lichenoid reaction (QILR). In this cross-sectional study, amongst 935 quid consumers, 82 patients were diagnosed with QILR and it was seen that 65 patients used processed forms of tobacco and areca nut. Thereby, it could be concluded that QILR might occur because of flavors used in processing of tobacco and areca nut.

How Mental Health Correlates with Subjective Oral Health Status: A Cross-Sectional Study among a Group of University Students

AIM

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between subjective oral health status and mental illness in a group of university students in Riyadh City of Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A self-report questionnaire collected data on demographics, subjective oral health and mental health. The Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scales were administered. Students' participation was voluntary. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

RESULTS

A total of 614 students participated in the study, 45.28% (n = 278) were males and 54.72% (n = 336) were females. Oral health status was assessed, and most participants rated their oral health status as good 53.75% (n = 330). This study also assessed mental health among the participants and found that 50.49% (n = 310) of students were suffering from different degrees of depression. Approximately, 46.74% (n = 247) of students reported experiencing certain degrees of generalized anxiety disorder. Mental disorders were significantly correlated with subjective oral health status, since participants who rated their oral health as poor or very poor tended to have higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. In conclusion, the findings showed a notable relationship between mental disorders and subjective oral health status among a group of university students. Therefore, the results can be used to help improve service provision, which would ultimately enhance students' mental health.

Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy with adjunct photodynamic therapy on periodontal and glycemic statuses in prediabetic patients with periodontal disease

OBJECTIVE

Studies have shown that non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) helps reduce periodontal inflammation and glycemic levels in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus; however, the role of NSPT with adjunct photodynamic therapy on glycemic status and periodontal parameters in prediabetic patients remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of NSPT with and without adjunct PDT on periodontal and glycemic statuses in prediabetic patients with periodontal disease.

METHODS

Prediabetic (Group-1) and non-diabetic (Group-2) patients diagnosed with periodontal inflammation were included. In both groups, patients were randomly assigned to test and control-groups. In the test- and control groups, patients underwent NSPT with and without adjunct PDT, respectively. The following parameters were assessed at baseline and at four weeks' follow-up: plaque index (PI); gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Collection of demographic data and assessment of full mouth marginal bone loss was performed at baseline. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

At baseline, there was no difference in PI, GI and PD among patients with and without prediabetes. At 3-weeks' follow up there was no difference in PI, GI and PD among patients without prediabetes. PI (P < 0.01), GI (P < 0.01) and PD (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the control-group compared with the test-group at 3-weeks' follow-up in patients without prediabetes. The HbA1c levels were significantly higher in patients with prediabetes throughout the study duration compared with individuals without prediabetes.

CONCLUSION

One session of NSPT with or without PDT reduce periodontal inflammation but do not influence glycemic levels in prediabetic patients.