Progress in Orthodontics

The role of orthodontists in the multidisciplinary management of obstructive sleep apnea
Faber J, Mota A, Ho LI and Darendeliler MA
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to a range of adverse outcomes from reduced quality of life to serious health risks, including cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality.
Age-stratified assessment of orthodontic tooth movement outcomes with clear aligners
Chaluparambil M, Abu Arqub S, Kuo CL, Godoy LDC, Upadhyay M and Yadav S
This study compared the achieved tooth movement to that predicted in the preliminary simulated digital treatment plan between adults and teenagers.
Seeking orderness out of the orderless movements: an up-to-date review of the biomechanics in clear aligners
Li J, Si J, Xue C and Xu H
Although with increasing popularity due to aesthetic appeal and comfort, clear aligners (CAs) are facing challenges in efficacy and predictability. Advancement in the underlying biomechanical field is crucial to addressing these challenges. This paper endeavors to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the biomechanics of CA and enlightening biomechanics-based improvements on treatment strategies.
Breaking a dogma: orthodontic tooth movement alters systemic immunity
Klein Y, David E, Pinto N, Khoury Y, Barenholz Y and Chaushu S
The prevailing paradigm posits orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) as primarily a localized inflammatory process. In this study, we endeavor to elucidate the potential ramifications of mechanical force on systemic immunity, employing a time-dependent approach.
Prevalence of psychosocial findings and their correlation with TMD symptoms in an adult population sample
Iodice G, Michelotti A, D'Antò V, Martina S, Valletta R and Rongo R
Some studies suggested an association between Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and psychosocial status, but most of them are focused on samples of patients looking for treatment or present limits of sample representativeness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychosocial status in a large sample of adult population, further than to assess its association to TMD symptoms, oral behaviours, and self-reported facial trauma.
Comparison of AI-assisted cephalometric analysis and orthodontist-performed digital tracing analysis
Bor S, Ciğerim SÇ and Kotan S
The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate three AI-assisted cephalometric analysis platforms-CephX, WeDoCeph, and WebCeph-with the traditional digital tracing method using NemoCeph software.
Polymerization kinetics of 3D-printed orthodontic aligners under different UV post-curing conditions
Manoukakis T, Nikolaidis AK and Koulaouzidou EA
The purpose of the study was to measure the degree of conversion (DC) of direct-printed aligners (DPA) that were post-cured under ambient and nitrogen atmosphere at specific time intervals and investigate the kinetics of polymerization reaction of this material.
Relationship between craniofacial skeletal patterns and anatomic characteristics of masticatory muscles: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Togninalli D, Antonarakis GS and Papadopoulou AK
The anatomic characteristics of the masticatory muscles differ across craniofacial skeletal patterns.
Classification of cervical vertebral maturation stages with machine learning models: leveraging datasets with high inter- and intra-observer agreement
Kanchanapiboon P, Tunksook P, Tunksook P, Ritthipravat P, Boonpratham S, Satravaha Y, Chaweewannakorn C and Peanchitlertkajorn S
This study aimed to assess the accuracy of machine learning (ML) models with feature selection technique in classifying cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMS). Consensus-based datasets were used for models training and evaluation for their model generalization capabilities on unseen datasets.
Integrated bioinformatic analysis of protein landscape in gingival crevicular fluid unveils sequential bioprocess in orthodontic tooth movement
Chen Y, Mei L, Qian Y, Zhou X, Zhao Z, Zheng W and Li Y
The biological mechanisms driving orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) remain incompletely understood. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is an important indicator of the periodontal bioprocess, providing valuable cues for probing the molecular mechanisms of OTM.
Evaluating the efficiency of mandibular molar protraction using Herbst appliances versus temporary anchorage devices: a retrospective case-controlled study
Taneja IZ, Zhai G, Kravitz ND, Dischinger B, Johnston M, Kau CH and Lamani E
Mandibular second premolar agenesis is a common problem in orthodontics and is often treated in conjunction with maxillary counterbalancing extractions. However, in cases without maxillary crowding or dental protrusion, space closure may pose challenges leading to compromised occlusal results or patient profile. Multiple techniques have been described to treat these patients; nevertheless, there is a paucity of data comparing effectiveness of space closure utilizing various anchorage techniques. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Herbst device during mandibular molar protraction and compare it to the use of temporary anchorage device (TADs) in patients with mandibular second premolar agenesis.
Mechanically induced M2 macrophages are involved in bone remodeling of the midpalatal suture during palatal expansion
Li L, Zhai M, Cheng C, Cui S, Wang J, Zhang Z, Liu J and Wei F
Palatal expansion is a common way of treating maxillary transverse deficiency. Under mechanical force, the midpalatal suture is expanded, causing local immune responses. This study aimed to determine whether macrophages participate in bone remodeling of the midpalatal suture during palatal expansion and the effects on bone remodeling.
KAT6A/YAP/TEAD4 pathway modulates osteoclastogenesis by regulating the RANKL/OPG ratio on the compression side during orthodontic tooth movement
Tan K, Wang J, Su X, Zheng Y and Li W
Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a dynamic equilibrium of bone remodeling, involving the osteogenesis of new bone and the osteoclastogenesis of old bone, which is mediated by mechanical force. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLCSs) in the periodontal ligament (PDL) space can transmit mechanical signals and regulate osteoclastogenesis during OTM. KAT6A is a histone acetyltransferase that plays a part in the differentiation of stem cells. However, whether KAT6A is involved in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis by PDLSCs remains unclear.
Prevalence and characteristics of and risk factors for impacted teeth with ankylosis and replacement resorption - a retrospective, 3D-radiographic assessment
Nemec M, Garzarolli-Thurnlackh G, Lettner S, Nemec-Neuner H, Gahleitner A, Stavropoulos A, Bertl K and Jonke E
Large variation in the prevalence of ankylosis and replacement resorption (ARR) is reported in the literature and most studies have relatively small patient numbers. The present retrospective study aimed to provide an overview on prevalence, location of, and associated risk factors with ARR based on a large sample of computed tomography (CT) / cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of impacted teeth. The results should allow clinicians to better estimate the risk of ARR at impacted teeth.
What could be the role of genetic tests and machine learning of AXIN2 variant dominance in non-syndromic hypodontia? A case-control study in orthodontically treated patients
Alhazmi N, Alaqla A, Almuzzaini B, Aldrees M, Alnaqa G, Almasoud F, Aldibasi O and Alshamlan H
Hypodontia is the most prevalent dental anomaly in humans, and is primarily attributed to genetic factors. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with hypodontia, genetic risk assessment remains challenging due to population-specific SNP variants. Therefore, we aimed to conducted a genetic analysis and developed a machine-learning-based predictive model to examine the association between previously reported SNPs and hypodontia in the Saudi Arabian population. Our case-control study included 106 participants (aged 8-50 years; 64 females and 42 males), comprising 54 hypodontia cases and 52 controls. We utilized TaqMan Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and allelic genotyping to analyze three selected SNPs (AXIN2: rs2240308, PAX9: rs61754301, and MSX1: rs12532) in unstimulated whole saliva samples. The chi-square test, multinomial logistic regression, and machine-learning techniques were used to assess genetic risk by using odds ratios (ORs) for multiple target variables.
Obstructive sleep apnea: What is an orthodontist's role?
Kazmierski RH
The American Association of Orthodontists white paper on obstructive sleep apnea and orthodontics remains the most authoritative statement on the topic. This was produced in 2019 due to increasing orthodontic interest in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the lack of formal guidelines for orthodontists. Since the white paper's release, advocacy for contrarian ideas and practices remain. Orthodontists are sometimes acting as primary care providers for OSA. Procedures appropriate only for screening are sometimes being used for diagnosis. The side effects of effective treatments such as mandibular advancement devices need further consideration. Also, research has clarified the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of treatments such as palatal expansion.
Clear aligner therapy practices among orthodontists practicing in Canada
Miranda E Paulo D, Moreira-Santos LF, Tavares MC, Weir T, Meade MJ and Flores-Mir C
The acceptability and preference for clear aligner therapy (CAT) has been increasing among orthodontists, but there is still a lack of consensus regarding CAT best practices. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate CAT practices among orthodontists practicing in Canada.
Alendronate treatment rescues the effects of compressive loading of TMJ in osteogenesis imperfecta mice
Chen PJ, Mehta S, Dutra EH and Yadav S
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder of connective tissue caused by mutations associated with type I collagen, which results in defective extracellular matrix in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage and subchondral bone. TMJ is a fibrocartilaginous joint expressing type I collagen both in the cartilage and the subchondral bone. In the present study the effects of alendronate and altered loading of the TMJ was analyzed both in male and female OI mice.
Effects of fasudil on glial cell activation induced by tooth movement
Chen W, Qu Y, Liu Y, Zhang G, Sharhan HM, Zhang X, Zhang K and Cao B
Orthodontic pain affects the physical and mental health of patients. The spinal trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (SPVC) contributes to the transmission of pain information and serves as a relay station for integrating orofacial damage information. Recently, glial cells have been found to be crucial for both acute and maintenance phases of pain. It has also been demonstrated that rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors can manage different pain models by inhibiting glial cell activation. Here, we hypothesized that orthodontic pain is related to glial cells in the SPVC, and Fasudil, a representative rho/rock kinase inhibitor, can relieve orthodontic pain by regulating the function of glial cells and the related inflammatory factors. In this study, we constructed a rat model of tooth movement pain and used immunofluorescence staining to evaluate the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the release of related cytokines and the expression of pain-related genes in the SPVC. Simultaneously, we investigated the effect of Fasudil on the aforementioned indicators.
Influence of elastomeric and steel ligatures on periodontal health during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Hussain U, Campobasso A, Noman M, Alam S, Mujeeb R, Shehzad S and Papageorgiou SN
Metallic and elastomeric ligatures are widely used in orthodontics to secure the archwire within the bracket slots, but elastomeric ligatures have traditionally been associated with increased microbial colonization, which could adversely affect periodontal health.
Estimating mandibular growth stage based on cervical vertebral maturation in lateral cephalometric radiographs using artificial intelligence
Shoari SA, Sadrolashrafi SV, Sohrabi A, Afrouzian R, Ebrahimi P, Kouhsoltani M and Soltani MK
Determining the right time for orthodontic treatment is one of the most important factors affecting the treatment plan and its outcome. The aim of this study is to estimate the mandibular growth stage based on cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) in lateral cephalometric radiographs using artificial intelligence. Unlike previous studies, which use conventional CVM stage naming, our proposed method directly correlates cervical vertebrae with mandibular growth slope.