Accuracy and characteristics of cephalometric software programs for outcome prediction of orthognathic treatments: A review

Objectives: Several software programs have been designed for outcome prediction of orthodontic and surgical treatments. This study aimed to review the accuracy and characteristics of cephalometric software programs for outcome prediction of orthognathic surgeries.Methods: This study reviewed studies that compared cephalometric software programs in terms of accuracy and characteristics for outcome prediction of orthognathic surgeries. The results of studies regarding some two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) software programs for this purpose were collected and reported.Conclusion: Use of diagnostic software programs for prediction of treatment outcome is an inseparable part of orthognathic treatment. Some studies have reported acceptable diagnostic accuracy of these software programs and their optimal efficacy for guiding the patients towards accepting or rejecting a treatment. However, using the manual technique to demonstrate the outcome of orthognathic treatment is still efficacious. Several factors such as updating the primary versions, their compatibility with the new operating systems, education and customer service are important in continuation of use of these software programs

Computational design and engineering of polymeric orthodontic aligners

Transparent and removable aligners represent an effective solution to correct various orthodontic malocclusions through minimally invasive procedures. An aligner-based treatment requires patients to sequentially wear dentition-mating shells obtained by thermoforming polymeric disks on reference dental models. An aligner is shaped introducing a geometrical mismatch with respect to the actual tooth positions to induce a loading system, which moves the target teeth toward the correct positions. The common practice is based on selecting the aligner features (material, thickness, and auxiliary elements) by only considering clinician's subjective assessments. In this article, a computational design and engineering methodology has been developed to reconstruct anatomical tissues, to model parametric aligner shapes, to simulate orthodontic movements, and to enhance the aligner design. The proposed approach integrates computer-aided technologies, from tomographic imaging to optical scanning, from parametric modeling to finite element analyses, within a 3-dimensional digital framework. The anatomical modeling provides anatomies, including teeth (roots and crowns), jaw bones, and periodontal ligaments, which are the references for the down streaming parametric aligner shaping. The biomechanical interactions between anatomical models and aligner geometries are virtually reproduced using a finite element analysis software. The methodology allows numerical simulations of patient-specific conditions and the comparative analyses of different aligner configurations. In this article, the digital framework has been used to study the influence of various auxiliary elements on the loading system delivered to a maxillary and a mandibular central incisor during an orthodontic tipping movement. Numerical simulations have shown a high dependency of the orthodontic tooth movement on the auxiliary element configuration, which should then be accurately selected to maximize the aligner's effectiveness

Dental Software Classification and Dento-Facial Interdisciplinary Planning Platform

Objective: Despite all advantages provided by the digital workflow, its application in clinical practice is still more focused on device manufacturing and clinical execution than on treatment planning and communication. The most challenging phases of treatment, comprehensive planning, diagnosis, risk assessment, and decision-making, are still performed without significant assistance from digital technologies. This article proposes a new dental software classification based on the digital workflow timeline, considering the moment of patient\u27s case acceptance as key in this classification, and presents the ideal software tools for each phase. Clinical Considerations: The proposed classification will help clinicians and dental laboratories to choose the most appropriate software during the treatment planning phase and integrate virtual plans with other software platforms for digitally guided execution. A dento-facial interdisciplinary planning platform virtually simulates interdisciplinary clinical procedures and assists in the decision-making process. Conclusions: The suggested classification assists professionals in different phases of the digital workflow and provides guidelines for improvement and development of digital technologies before treatment plan acceptance by the patient. Clinical Significance: Three-dimensional interdisciplinary simulations allow clinicians to visualize how each dental procedure influences further treatments. With this treatment planning approach, predictability of different procedures in restorative dentistry, orthodontics, implant dentistry, periodontal, and oral maxillofacial surgery is improved. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LL

Robotics in Dentistry : A Narrative Review

Background: Robotics is progressing rapidly. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the basic and applied research status of robotics in dentistry and discusses its development and application prospects in several major professional fields of dentistry. Methods: A literature search was conducted on databases: MEDLINE, IEEE and Cochrane Library, using MeSH terms: [“robotics” and “dentistry”]. Result: Forty-nine articles were eventually selected according to certain inclusion criteria. There were 12 studies on prosthodontics, reaching 24%; 11 studies were on dental implantology, accounting for 23%. Scholars from China published the most articles, followed by Japan and the United States. The number of articles published between 2011 and 2015 was the largest. Conclusions: With the advancement of science and technology, the applications of robots in dental medicine has promoted the development of intelligent, precise, and minimally invasive dental treatments. Currently, robots are used in basic and applied research in various specialized fields of dentistry. Automatic tooth-crown-preparation robots, tooth-arrangement robots, drilling robots, and orthodontic archwire-bending robots that meet clinical requirements have been developed. We believe that in the near future, robots will change the existing dental treatment model and guide new directions for further development

Revisão narrativa de modelos finitos em alinhadores

Dissertação para obtenção do grau de Mestre no Instituto Universitário Egas MonizOrthodontics is an area of dentistry that has expanded greatly in recent years. Clear aligners have become a highly requested option in orthodontic treatment due to their aesthetics and comfort, however, the predictability of tooth movement in invisible orthodontics has always been a concern. Over the last decades new advances in modern technology have introduced finite element analysis. Finite element analysis is described as a tool that allows clinicians to recognize beforehand the changes that surface during orthodontic treatment and that may potentially furthermore affect the tooth, alveolar bone, and the periodontium. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the role of the finite element model in orthodontics, and how the predictability of this computerized method has contributed to a higher success in clear aligner technologies. A bibliographic collection will be carried out in the search engines Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, SciELO, NCBI, and Springer Nature, of scientific articles published in the last 10 years in English, Portuguese, and Spanish with the keywords: “finite elements in invisalign”, “orthodontics”, “finite elements orthodontics”, “finite elements in clear aligners”. The clear aligner market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with more patients opting for an aesthetic alternative to traditional braces. However, the success of clear aligner treatment relies heavily on aligner design and dental tooth movement predictability. Literature suggests finite element analysis is a powerful tool for simulating and analyzing the mechanical behavior of materials and structures, allowing for virtual trial and error, while minimizing the need for extensive clinical adjustments. As this technology continues to evolve, it is important for professionals to stay informed and educated on the latest advancements. By embracing these advancements, we can further enhance the benefits of clear aligner treatments and continue to provide our patients with the highest level of care.A ortodontia é uma área da medicina dentária que teve uma grande expansão nos últimos anos. Os alinhadores transparentes tornaram-se uma opção muito solicitada no tratamento ortodonticos devido à sua estética e conforto, no entanto, a previsibilidade dos movimentos dentários em ortodontia invisível sempre foi e é uma preocupação. Nas últimas décadas, novos avanços na tecnologia, introduziram a análise de elementos finitos. A análise de elementos finitos é descrita como uma ferramenta que permite aos clínicos reconhecer de antemão as mudanças que surgem durante o tratamento ortodôntico e que podem potencialmente afetar o dente, o osso alveolar e o periodonto. O sucesso do tratamento com alinhadores transparentes depende muito do design do alinhador e da previsibilidade do movimento dentário. A literatura sugere que a análise de elementos finitos é uma ferramenta poderosa para simular e analisar o comportamento mecânico de materiais e estruturas, permitindo tentativa e erro virtual, ao mesmo tempo que minimiza a necessidade de ajustes clínicos extensos. À medida que esta tecnologia continua a evoluir, é importante que os profissionais se mantenham informados e educados sobre os avanços mais recentes. Ao abraçar esses avanços, podemos aumentar ainda mais os benefícios dos tratamentos com alinhadores transparentes e continuar a fornecer aos nossos pacientes o mais alto nível de eficácia. O objetivo desta revisão narrativa é avaliar o papel do modelo de elementos finitos em ortodontia e como a previsibilidade desse método computadorizado contribuiu para um maior sucesso nas tecnologias de alinhadores transparentes. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nos motores de busca, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, SciELO, NCBI e Springer Nature, de artigos científicos publicados nos últimos 10 anos em Inglês, Português e Espanhol com as palavras-chave: “finite elements in invisalign”, “orthodontics”, “finite elements orthodontics”, “finite elements in clear aligners”

Virginia Commonwealth University Professional Bulletin

Professional programs bulletin for Virginia Commonwealth University for the academic year 2018-2019. It includes information on academic regulations, degree requirements, course offerings, faculty, academic calendar, and tuition and expenses for graduate programs

CAD/CAM in Orthodontics – A Magnanimous Journey

Orthodontics is one branch of dentistry which deals with dynamic manipulation and function of the stomatognathic system. Likewise, it has to witness the dynamic changes in its diagnosis method and treatment planning. The field of orthodontics has witnessed many revolutionary techniques and evolved enormously in terms of benefiting the patient. CAD/CAM is one promising methodology that has shown a significant impact in modern dentistry and surpassed some of the challenges an orthodontist has been facing all these years. It has changed the view through which we see the patient’s condition. The application of 3D technology allows the practitioner and patient to utilize virtual treatment planning software to better identify case objectives and visualize treatment outcomes. CAD/CAM has many applications in orthodontics, which include aids for diagnosis and treatment planning, clear aligner treatment, customized lingual appliances, customized brackets with patient-specific torque, machine-milled indirect bonding jigs, robotically bent archwires, indirect bonding systems, customization of orthodontic appliances like distalization appliance etc., Acceleration of orthodontic treatment (OT) has received growing attention in recent years, especially in adult patients. Digital workflow is the current trend in orthodontic practice and has speckled every aspect of orthodontics in terms of documentation, study casts, analysis of dental malocclusion, smile designing, treatment planning and fabrication of orthodontic appliances. The current article aimed to establish a narrative description of the digital workflow and applications of the CAD/CAM process in Orthodontics

Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Orthodontics

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an important source of three‐dimensional volumetric data in clinical orthodontics. Due to the progress in the technology of CBCT, for orthodontic clinical diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up, CBCT supply much more reliable information compared to conventional radiography. The most justified indications for the use of CBCT in orthodontics are the existence of impacted and transposed teeth. For the management of the impacted teeth, CBCT enhances the ability to localize these teeth accurately and to assess root resorption of adjacent teeth. Patients with craniofacial anomalies like cleft palate cases, the abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint contributing malocclusion, evaluation of airway morphology in obstructive sleep apnea cases, patients needing maxillary expansion or planning orthognathic surgery in severe skeletal discrepancies are also listed among the indications of using CBCT in orthodontics. CBCT is useful in identifying optimal site location for temporary skeletal anchorage device. The use of CBCT for the assessment of treatment outcomes and evaluation of cervical vertebral maturation are still controversial issues. It should be kept in mind that before using CBCT, justification and evaluation of risks and benefits are needed. In order to minimize the radiation dose, the exam should include only the areas of interest