3D scanners in orthodontics—Current knowledge and future perspectives—A systematic review

Background: Nowadays the use of intraoral scanners has become a routine practice in orthodontics. It allows the introduction of many treatment innovations. One should consider to what extent intraoral scanners have influenced the everyday orthodontic practice and in what direction should the further research in this field be conducted. This study is aimed to systematically review and synthesize available controlled trials investigating the accuracy and efficacy of intraoral scanners for orthodontic purpose to provide clinically useful information and to direct further research in this field. Methods: A literature search of free text and MeSH terms was performed by using MedLine (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science and Embase. The search engines were used to find studies on application of intraoral scanners in orthodontics (from 1950 to 30 September 2020). The following keywords were used: “intraoral scanners AND efficiency AND accuracy AND orthodontics”. Results: The number of potential identified articles was 71, including 61 from PubMed, two from Scopus, three from Web of Science and five from Embase. After removal of duplicates, 67 full-text articles were analyzed for inclusion criteria, 16 of them were selected and finally included in the qualitative synthesis. Conclusions: There are plenty of data available on accuracy and efficacy of different scanners. Scanners of the same generation from different manufacturers have almost identical accuracy. This is the reason why future similar research will not introduce much to the orthodontics. The challenge for the coming years is to find new applications of digital impressions in the orthodontic practice

Attachments for the orthodontic aligner treatment—State of the art—A comprehensive systematic review

Background: In recent years the burden of aligner treatment has been growing. However, the sole use of aligners is characterized by limitations; thus attachments are bonded to the teeth to improve aligner retention and tooth movement. Nevertheless, it is often still a challenge to clinically achieve the planned movement. Thus, the aim of this study is to discuss the evidence of the shape, placement and bonding of composite attachments. Methods: A query was carried out in six databases on 10 December 2022 using the search string (“orthodontics” OR “malocclusion” OR “Tooth movement techniques AND (“aligner*” OR “thermoformed splints” OR “invisible splint*” AND (“attachment*” OR “accessor*” OR “auxill*” AND “position*”). Results: There were 209 potential articles identified. Finally, twenty-six articles were included. Four referred to attachment bonding, and twenty-two comprised the influence of composite attachment on movement efficacy. Quality assessment tools were used according to the study type. Conclusions: The use of attachments significantly improves the expression of orthodontic movement and aligner retention. It is possible to indicate sites on the teeth where attachments have a better effect on tooth movement and to assess which attachments facilitate movement. The research received no external funding. The PROSPERO database number is CRD42022383276

Diagnostic drama. Use of ICDAS II and fluorescence-based intraoral camera in early occlusal caries detection: A clinical study

Background: Early diagnosis of occlusal caries is of paramount importance for a minimally invasive approach in dentistry. The aim of the present in vivo clinical prospective study was to compare the diagnostic outcomes of visual subjective evaluation between the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) and an intraoral fluorescence-based camera (VistaCam iX Proof, Dürr Dental, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany) for the detection of pits and fissures in early caries lesions of posterior teeth. Methods: The study included 1011 posterior teeth in 255 patients aged 13–20 years (mean age 16 ± 2.2 years). Two blinded operators evaluated all the occlusal surfaces and the first assigned an ICDAS-II code, while the second assessed the VistaCam score: sound enamel (score 0–1.2); initial enamel decay (score 1.2–1.5); dentine caries (score 1.5–3). Results: Some 283 (28%) of the assessed teeth were ICDAS-II code 0; 334 (33%) code 1; 189 (18.7%) code 2; 176 (17.4%) code 3; and 29 (2.9%) code 4. The level of agreement between the two procedures was expressed by using Cohen’s and Fleiss’ kappa statistics and performing McNemar’s test. VistaCam assessed in 513 (50.7%) sound enamel; in 292 (28.9%) initial enamel decay; and in 206 (20.4%) dentine caries. Conclusions: This comparative study showed a poor agreement between the two diagnostic methods, especially between ICDAS-II 0, 1 and 2 codes and fluorescence assessments.publishedVersio

Long-term effectiveness of treating dentin hypersensitivity with bifluorid 10 and futurabond U: a split-mouth randomized double-blind clinical trial

Background: The definition of dental hypersensitivity is “pain derived from exposed dentin in response to chemical, thermal tactile or osmotic stimuli which cannot be explained as arising from any other dental defect or disease”. One of the treatments proposed is tubular occlusion. The aim of this in vivo split-mouth randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a in-office application of a fluoride varnish (Bifluorid 10) and a bonding resin (Futurabond U) in adults with dentin hypersensitivity. Material and methods: A total of 180 teeth were treated with Bifluorid 10 and 160 with Futurabond U. Outcome measurements were taken one or two weeks before treatment, at baseline at the application days, at 1 week and at 1–6 months after first treatment. Results: Both treatments reduced pain intensity. Bifluorid 10 and Futurabond U have similar efficacy in reducing SCHIFF-measured pain reduction, while Bifluorid 10 is significantly more efficient for VAS-measured pain reduction, mainly due to long-term pain reduction. Patient age has a significant negative influence on pain reduction, while the influence of patient gender and BEWE of the tooth is insignificant. Conclusions: Bifluorid 10 and Futurabond U are effective in the treatment of dental hypersensitivity. The RCT was registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) #NCT04813848

Facial and oral manifestations following COVID-19 vaccination: a survey-based study and a first perspective

(1) Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The development of effective and safe vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has been extremely fast. The list of orofacial adverse effects of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines based on the clinical trials are reported to be rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the facial and oral manifestations of COVID-19 vaccination using a survey-based study. (2) Methods: The questionnaire was developed using Google Forms and sent anonymously to a total of 700 subjects (medical personnel) in Poland, Italy, and other EU countries. (3) Results: 223 people answered the questionnaire, mainly vaccinated with BNT162b2. Only 3.1% and 5.4% experienced oral and facial symptoms, respectively. General diseases presence and age have significant influence on the probabil- ity of oral symptoms occurrence after the second dose. Facial symptoms are correlated with general disease; autoimmune pathologies and age, at first and second dose, respectively. Gender, smoking and regular medication intake have significant influence on the probability of taking an absence day. Gender, age, and smoking have a significant influence on the duration of symptoms after second dose. (4) Conclusions: Based on the results of this preliminary survey, there is no observed significant correlation between vaccine administration for COVID-19 and facial and oral manifestations

Attachments for the Orthodontic Aligner Treatment—State of the Art—A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: In recent years the burden of aligner treatment has been growing. However, the sole use of aligners is characterized by limitations; thus attachments are bonded to the teeth to improve aligner retention and tooth movement. Nevertheless, it is often still a challenge to clinically achieve the planned movement. Thus, the aim of this study is to discuss the evidence of the shape, placement and bonding of composite attachments. Methods: A query was carried out in six databases on 10 December 2022 using the search string (“orthodontics” OR “malocclusion” OR “Tooth movement techniques AND (“aligner*” OR “thermoformed splints” OR “invisible splint*” AND (“attachment*” OR “accessor*” OR “auxill*” AND “position*”). Results: There were 209 potential articles identified. Finally, twenty-six articles were included. Four referred to attachment bonding, and twenty-two comprised the influence of composite attachment on movement efficacy. Quality assessment tools were used according to the study type. Conclusions: The use of attachments significantly improves the expression of orthodontic movement and aligner retention. It is possible to indicate sites on the teeth where attachments have a better effect on tooth movement and to assess which attachments facilitate movement. The research received no external funding. The PROSPERO database number is CRD42022383276

Problemy związane z jamą ustną i zgryzem u dzieci urodzonych przedwcz

Wcześniak to dziecko urodzone przedwcześnie - między 23. a 37. tygodniem ciąży. Jest to bardzo różnorodna grupa dzieci, obejmująca zarówno te, które są skrajnie niedojrzałe i trudne do utrzymania przy życiu, jak i te, które rodzą się blisko terminu porodu. Problemy medyczne, pielęgnacyjne i rokowanie co do przyszłego rozwoju różnią się w zależności od tego, jak bardzo przedwcześnie nastąpił poród. Każdy wcześniak wymaga opieki wielu specjalistów, nadzorowania rozwoju i wyrównywania zaburzeń dotyczących zdrowia fizycznego i psychicznego aż do wieku szkolnego. Książka Dziecko urodzone przedwcześnie. Pierwsze lata życia ma charakter interdyscyplinarny, obejmujący całościowo problemy zdrowotne związane z wcześniactwem. Rozdziały wstępne przedstawiają zagadnienie wcześniactwa jako problem społeczny, organizacyjny, finansowy, medialny. Kolejne rozdziały omawiają zagadnienia medyczne, związane z poszczególnymi narządami i układami m.in.: kardiologiczne, pulmonologiczne, okulistyczne, laryngologiczne, endokrynologiczne, neurologiczne, psychiatryczne, gastroenterologiczne, nefrologiczne itd. Ważną częścią publikacji są rozdziały dotyczące opieki psychologicznej oraz fizjoterapeutycznej. Autorami poszczególnych rozdziałów są wybitni specjaliści, którzy na co dzień zajmują się diagnostyką i leczeniem dzieci przedwcześnie urodzonych i mają dużą wiedzę teoretyczną i praktyczną w tej dziedzinie, opartą na najnowszych standardach. Oddajemy Państwu tę publikację mając nadzieję, że będzie ogromnym ułatwieniem w pracy lekarzy pediatrów, ale także węższych specjalistów w pediatrii, którzy zajmują się leczeniem wcześniaków

Methods of Analysis of the Nasal Profile: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

The nose is the most prominent structure of the face, influencing facial appearance and profile. Orthodontists have an awareness of facial structures, including nasal morphology, when diagnosing and treatment planning. Maxillofacial surgeons influence facial profile by bimaxillary surgery, improving facial aesthetics and harmony. The aim of this review was to summarize the available methods of analysing nasal morphology and profile, and to assess their complexity. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase using the following search terms: “nasal profile analysis”, “nasolabial angle”, and “nasal profile cephalometric” in order to select studies providing knowledge on correlations between occlusion and nasal development, differences between skeletal classes, ethnic variability, and differences between the sexes. Studies concerning genetic disorders were excluded. Finally, 17 full-text papers were analysed, which pertained to nasolabial angle, or facial profile including the nose. Data concerning methods, ethnic group, reference landmarks used, and measurements made were extracted and placed in tables. Numerous methods of nasal profile analysis can be found in the literature. These methods describe various numbers of parameters, which have influence on facial aesthetic. Nasal parameters are correlated to skeletal class and nasolabial angle, positions of upper incisors, and maxillary inclination

Influence of primary palatal surgery on craniofacial morphology in patients with cleft palate only (CPO)—systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract: Background: Cleft palate only (CPO) is the second most prevalent cleft type. Both the cleft and palatal scarring may affect craniofacial growth. The aim of this systematic review was to sum- marize scientific evidence on effect of palatal surgery on craniofacial morphology in CPO. Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed, PMC, WoS, Scopus, Embase, using the keywords: “cleft palate” AND (“craniofacial morphology” OR “cephalometric analysis”) NOT “lip” with inclusion and ex- clusion criteria ensuring confident, direct comparison between study groups. The quality assess- ment was performed with Arrive’s scale for radiologic examinations. Results: Of 713 potential arti- cles, 19 were subjected to qualitative analysis and 17 to meta-analysis, which confirmed reduced SNA in unoperated CPO versus non-cleft individuals. No scientific evidence was found directly assessing the effect of surgery on craniofacial morphology. The negative effect of palatal surgery was seen indirectly: in treated CPO versus non-cleft, the size effect of SNA is bigger than in un- treated CPO versus non-cleft. A high heterogeneity came from a few non-European publications. Conclusions: CPO is associated with sagittal maxillary deficiency resulting both from the cleft and from primary surgery, disregarding cleft severity in operated CPO patients. Ethnic differences in- fluence craniofacial morphology in CPO. This research received no external funding. Study protocol number in PROSPERO database: CRD42021268957

What causes failure of fixed orthodontic retention? - systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies

Background: Orthodontic retention aims to maintain optimal teeth positions after active treatment. The stability is affected by numerous factors, including patients' individual features, thus retention should be adjusted in the most optimal way. Bonding a retainer makes retention less dependent on patient's compliance. Questions arise: What wire or fiber splint type provides the best treatment stability? What materials should be used to bond the wire or fiber splint? Should be the bonding procedure be direct or indirect? The aim of the study is to assess and synthesize available controlled trials investigating failures of fixed retainers. Methods: Literature searches of free text and MeSH terms were performed in Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and PubMed Central in order to find studies, referring to failures of fixed retention (12th February 2021). The keywords were: ("orthodontic retainers AND failure AND wire"). The framework of this systematic review according to PICO was: Population: orthodontic patients; Intervention: fixed orthodontic retainer bonding; Comparison: Different protocols of fixed orthodontic retention applied; Outcomes: failure rate, survival rate. Three different specific scales from the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook were used, according to each study type. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effectiveness of retention using fiber reinforced composite and multistranded steel wire. Results: The search identified 177 potential articles: 114 from PubMed, 41 from Scopus, 20 from Web of Science and 2 from Embase. After excluding studies inconsistent with selection criteria, 21 studies were included and subjected to qualitative analysis. The main outcome investigated was failure rate. This systematic review has some potential limitations due to the heterogeneity of design between included studies. Conclusions: No retainer is proved to guarantee a perfect stability of dental alignment. The retainer should be bonded to all adherent teeth, preferably with additional use of bonding resin. No wire or fiber splint present superior characteristics concerning failure rate. Fiber reinforced composite retention is more sensitive to operator skills, and with imperfect bonding technique, failure rate is much higher. During the first 6 months after bonding retainer the patient should be under frequent control. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO database with the number CRD42021233406