Patient-centered factors associated with orthodontic treatment success: a scoping review

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the available literature on pretreatment factors, from a patient-centered perspective, that predict successful orthodontic treatment. Systematic and unrestricted searches were conducted across the electronic MEDLINE, Embase, Web-of-Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and LILACS/Bireme databases. Grey literature was also searched to identify potential studies. Qualitative assessments of the role of patient-centered pretreatment factors in orthodontic treatment success (adherence, satisfaction, and discontinuation rates) were evaluated and synthesized. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. A total of sixteen studies were included. Three main domains related to the patient emerged as positive predictors of orthodontic treatment success: previous patterns of social behavior, attitudes of parents/caregivers, and reasonable motivation. Certain personality traits were associated with both positive and negative levels of adherence and treatment satisfaction. The evidence did not support the notion that the impact of malocclusion on aesthetic self-perception could serve as an indicator of cooperation, satisfaction, or discontinuation rates related to orthodontic treatment. Positive social behavior patterns and parental/caregiver attitudes, along with realistic prior motivation toward treatment goals, were found to be reliable predictors of orthodontic treatment success. Additionally, some personality traits were found to be associated with successful treatment outcomes. However, the evidence did not support the impact of malocclusion on self-perceived aesthetics as an indicator of compliance and satisfaction levels with orthodontic treatment.

The Impact of Orthodontic Treatment on Body Weight Due to Change in Dietary Habits

Background Orthodontic treatment, while primarily focusing on correcting dental alignment and occlusion, has been increasingly validated for its potential impact on broader aspects of oral health and general well-being: its potential influence on body weight. While the mechanical effects of orthodontic appliances are well documented in the literature, their potential behavioral impact on weight loss remains underexplored. Beyond its primary role in correcting dental alignment, our study has unveiled a lesser-known benefit: its potential to aid in weight reduction among individuals who have already struggled through conventional methods. Orthodontic treatment is a surprising yet successful intervention in the field of weight management. Often known only for its use in correcting dental malalignments, our research has revealed an additional benefit: it can help people who have struggled to do so with other conventional methods lose weight. Orthodontic treatment accomplishes the same goals more quickly and with few side effects. In addition to highlighting the aesthetic and functional benefits of orthodontics, this growing body of knowledge also presents orthodontics as a novel solution for individuals struggling with weight issues. In exploring the mutually beneficial relationship between orthodontic care and weight loss, we looked at a way to achieve both improved overall health and fitness along with dental alignment. Since obesity is associated with a notably higher risk of negative health outcomes, losing weight not only helps you feel better about yourself but also improves your general health and wellness. This study explores the relationship between orthodontic treatment and reduction in weight among patients undergoing treatment at Sardar Begum Dental College. Its primary objective is to assess and compare changes in body weight among the said patients. Methodology This observational prospective study was carried out at the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sardar Begum Dental College, Peshawar. Every patient gave their informed consent and expressed their willingness for participation in the study. An online sample size calculator (OpenEpi) was used. The confidence level was set to 95% with a margin of error of ±5%, and the sample size calculated was 150. The patients were chosen using a convenient sampling technique. The patients' weights were recorded on the days of bonding (T0) and one month (T1), two months (T2), and three months (T3) following bonding. Data was processed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Since the data was not normally distributed, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied. Results The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that body weight was significantly reduced one month, two months, and three months after bonding. The body weight on the day of bonding (median=48.200; n=150) was compared to the body weight after one month (median=47.800; n=150), resulting in a statistically significant decrease (z=-9.480; p=0.000) with a large effect size (r=-0.547). The analysis shows a significant decrease in body weight after one month of orthodontic bonding, with a large effect size indicating a substantial impact of the orthodontic treatment on body weight. Conclusion Fixed orthodontic treatment appears to have an impact on body weight, i.e., weight is reduced after the first, second, and third months of bonding.

Patient adherence in orthodontics: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Patient adherence is a key factor in achieving orthodontic treatment success. Despite an evolution in orthodontic healthcare, no recent comprehensive reviews are available on patient adherence in orthodontics. This scoping review provides an evidence-based overview of the literature available on multiple aspects of patient adherence in orthodontics, during both active treatment as well as during the retention phase. Knowledge gaps identified in the literature are listed.

METHODS

The protocol for this scoping review was registered in the Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EC6QD ). Electronic databases and reference lists of relevant studies were searched up to 9 February 2023. The inclusion criteria were studies investigating any form of patient adherence in orthodontics published in English from 2006 onwards. The exclusion criteria were studies investigating adherence in the following patients: those with an intellectual or physical disability that could affect their ability to coincide with their therapist's recommendations and advice, those with oral cleft and craniofacial conditions, and those treated solely for obstructive sleep apnoea. Non-peer-reviewed studies and case reports were also excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 3284 articles were identified, 60 of which met the criteria for final inclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no conclusive evidence on which factors have a significant impact on patient adherence and how patient adherence can be promoted. The degree of patient adherence is generally not compared to achieved treatment results or stability of treatment results, making it difficult to provide clear statements about the impact of the degree of adherence on desired treatment results or orthodontic stability.

Long-term (≥ 15 years) outcome quality after Class II:1 bionator or Herbst multibracket appliance treatment : A comparison

PURPOSE

To compare the long-term outcome quality (≥ 15 years) of Class II:1 treatment using either a bionator (BIO) or a Herbst-multibracket appliance (HMB).

METHODS

Patients who underwent functional treatment during the ideal treatment period for the respective approach (prepuberty vs. peak/postpeak) were assessed. Inclusion criteria were overjet ≥ 4 mm, skeletal Class II and availability of study casts from before, after and ≥ 15 years after treatment. The study casts were assessed using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index and standard orthodontic cast measurements.

RESULTS

During treatment, PAR score, overjet and sagittal occlusal relationship improved significantly in all groups. Long-term, there was a significant increase of incisor irregularity in the upper (HMB) and lower (BIO) arch and a significant decrease of lower arch width 3 - 3 (BIO). PAR score, overjet, and sagittal occlusal relationship remained stable long-term. Intergroup comparisons revealed significant differences between the BIO and HMB groups in terms of lower arch width (6 - 6), upper and lower arch width (3 + 3/3 - 3) as well as sagittal molar relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

The achieved improvement in PAR score, overjet, and sagittal occlusion remained comparably stable long-term in all groups. The long-term changes are probably a consequence of natural aging.

Impact of initial lip competence on the outcome of class II functional appliances therapy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the impact of initial lip position on class II functional appliance therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 34 class II division 1 patients (23 females, 19 males; mean age 12.4 ± 0.9 years) that met the inclusion criteria (> ½ class II molar relationship, overjet > 6 mm, ANB > 4°, neutral or horizontal growth pattern, cervical vertebral maturation stage (CVMS) II - III, mean wear-time > 10 h/day) were consecutively divided into two groups (lip incompetence (LI); lip competence (LC)). All patients were treated with the Sander bite jumping appliance (BJA). Wear time was microelectronically measured. Lateral cephalograms were taken at the beginning (T0) and after 1 year of treatment (T1). An untreated class II group served as a control (CG). Inter-group comparisons were determined with Mann-Whitney U tests for independent samples.

RESULTS

Significant skeletal treatment effects were found in both treated groups when compared to the CG with significantly more pronounced mandibular skeletal effects in the LI than in the LC group (mandibular base length p < 0.001, composite mandibular base length p < 0.001, condylar head growth p = 0.002, co-pg p < 0.00, go-pg p = 0.003, reduction of the ANB angle p = 0.009, and Wits appraisal p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The more pronounced mandibular effects in the LI group were composed of the functional orthopedic effect plus harmonization of the lip competence.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Functional harmonization of lip incompetence with BJA enhances mandibular growth stimulation. Lip incompetence seems to impede mandibular growth and its harmonization seems to be a preventive approach.

Orthodontic Compliance Assessment: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to determine whether the type of removable appliance, as well as the age and sex of the patient, may affect the extension or reduction of wear time by assessing the correlation between the mean actual and orthodontist-recommended wear times.

METHODS

Randomised case control trials, cohort studies, case series, observational studies, reviews, and retrospective analyses were identified. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The electronic databases Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were reviewed, and 542 articles were obtained, of which 31 were qualified for qualitative synthesis. The data from 1674 participants were collected and a weighted average was determined for the mean wear time of each appliance.

RESULTS

Regardless of the type of extra- or intraoral appliances, mean wear time was shorter than recommended, although patients using intraoral appliances cooperated more. The best compliance was noted for Schwarz appliances (73.70%) and plate retainers (85%). There was no evidence of an influence of patients' age and sex on compliance during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The considerable inconsistency and imprecision of articles could affect the reliability of the results. Previous studies analysing the effectiveness of treatment with removable appliances based on an arbitrarily assumed average wear time need to be revised in order to verify the actual wear time with the use of microsensors.

Immunorthodontics: PD-L1, a Novel Immunomodulator in Cementoblasts, Is Regulated by HIF-1α under Hypoxia

Recent studies have revealed that hypoxia alters the PD-L1 expression in periodontal cells. HIF-1α is a key regulator for PD-L1. As hypoxia presents a hallmark of an orthodontically induced microenvironment, hypoxic stimulation of PD-L1 expression may play vital roles in immunorthodontics and orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR). This study aims to investigate the hypoxic regulation of PD-L1 in cementoblasts, and its interaction with hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression. The cementoblast (OCCM-30) cells (M. Somerman, NIH, NIDCR, Bethesda, Maryland) were cultured in the presence and absence of cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl2). Protein expression of PD-L1 and HIF-1α as well as their gene expression were evaluated by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Immunofluorescence was applied to visualize the localization of the proteins within cells. The HIF-1α inhibitor (HY-111387, MedChemExpress) was added, and CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid targeting HIF-1α was transferred for further investigation by flow cytometry analysis. Under hypoxic conditions, cementoblasts undergo an up-regulation of PD-L1 expression at protein and mRNA levels. Silencing of HIF-1α using CRISPR/Cas9 indicated a major positive correlation with HIF-1α in regulating PD-L1 expression. Taken together, these findings show the influence of hypoxia on PD-L1 expression is modulated in a HIF-1α dependent manner. The HIF-1α/PD-L1 pathway may play a role in the immune response of cementoblasts. Thus, combined HIF-1α/PD-L1 inhibition could be of possible therapeutic relevance for OIIRR prevention.

Comparison of objective wear time between monoblock and twin-block appliances measured by microsensor

OBJECTIVES

To assess the objective compliance levels in skeletal Class II patients with mandibular retrognathia wearing monoblock and twin-block appliances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective clinical study was conducted with 30 patients between 10 and 15 years old who were equally divided into two study groups. Group 1 was treated with monoblock, and group 2 was treated with twin-block appliances. The patients were instructed to wear their appliance for 15 hours per day. Wear times were monitored by a microsensor. (TheraMon; MCTechnology, Hargelsberg, Austria) for an average of six appointments. Patients were also instructed to record their wear times on a chart, and this record was admitted as subjective wear time. Statistical analysis was performed with the data derived from both the patients' charts and the monitoring records.

RESULTS

The mean wear time by the patients was 10.67 ± 3.93 hours, which was less than the 15 hours prescribed by the orthodontist, with no difference between the two appliances (P > .05). The regular use rate, which included the days with a wear time of 8 hours or more per day, was 75%. Compliance levels decreased by 35% throughout the six control appointments. Patients declared that their wear time was more than their objective wear time by an average of 3.76 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their different designs, there was no significant difference between the monoblock and twin-block appliances in terms of compliance.

Effectiveness of removable appliances with temperature sensors in orthodontic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Patient compliance during orthodontic treatment is one of the factors that most affects success in the final result. The use of removable appliances is frequent at an early age and the monitoring of its use is essential to assess the collaboration of the patient. The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of microsensors included in removable appliances during orthodontic treatment or in the retention phase to enable a reliable and individualized follow-up of the patient.

SEARCH METHODS

The article search was carried out in various electronic databases and journals without any language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies using microsensors into removable appliances were selected with the key selection criterion of a minimum follow-up of 4 weeks.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The quality of the studies included was evaluated using the Cochrane scale for the randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for control-case, cohort, and transversal studies. The mean of the differences with a 95% confidence interval was expressed for the continuous data.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine full-text articles were analysed and included in the qualitative synthesis. In general, the mean daily wear time of removable appliances measured objectively was less than the time that the professional had predetermined.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of microsensors as an objective measurement method enhances communication and boosts confidence in the orthodontist-patient relationship. More random clinical studies with temperature sensors are needed to establish to what extent they influence the orthodontic outcome.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42019120525).

The impact of obesity on orthodontic treatment outcome in adolescents: a prospective clinical cohort study

INTRODUCTION

This prospective clinical cohort study investigated the potential influence of obesity on orthodontic treatment outcome.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of adolescent patients undergoing routine fixed appliance treatment were recruited into normal-weight or obese groups based upon body mass index (BMI) centile and followed up until the completion of treatment. Primary outcome was treatment duration, and secondary outcomes included treatment outcome (occlusal change measured using peer assessment rating [PAR]), appointment characteristics, and compliance measures.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients mean age 14.8 (1.6) years were included in the final analysis. The normal-weight group included 23 patients with mean BMI 19.4 (2.4) kg/m2 and the obese group 22 patients with mean BMI 30.5 (3.8) kg/m2. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between groups, except for BMI and pre-treatment PAR. The normal-weight group had a mean pre-treatment PAR of 25.6 (8.3) and the obese 33.3 (11.8) giving the obese group a more severe pre-treatment malocclusion (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in treatment duration between groups (P = 0.36), but obese patients needed less time per each additional baseline PAR point compared to normal weight (P = 0.02). Obese patients also needed less appointments compared to normal-weight patients (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences between groups for appointment characteristics or compliance. Finally, obese patients were more likely to experience a great PAR reduction than normal-weight patients (relative risk = 2.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.2-4.2; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in treatment duration between obese and normal-weight patients. Obesity does not appear to be a risk factor for negative orthodontic treatment outcome with fixed appliances.

Intake of Fibre-Associated Foods and Texture Preferences in Relation to Weight Status Among 9-12 Years Old Children in 6 European Countries

Plant foods, rich in fibre, can offer textures that children find difficult to orally manipulate, resulting in low preferences but are important for a healthy diet and prevention of overweight in children. Our aim was to investigate preferences for food texture, intake of fibre-associated foods and the relation to BMI. Three hundred thirty European children (9-12 years, 54% female) indicated their texture preferences using the Child-Food-Texture-Preference- Questionnaire (CFTPQ), and their parents responded on fibre-associated food consumption and anthropometric information. BMI was significantly lower for children with higher intake of wholegrain alternatives of common foods; in addition to being significantly influenced by country and the wearing of a dental brace. Overall BMI-for-age-percentiles (BMI_pct) were negatively associated with the consumption of wholegrain cereals, white pasta and wholemeal products and positively associated with the intake of legumes and white biscuits. In males, BMI_pct were negatively associated with wholegrain products and dried fruits, and in females, positively with legume consumption. A few country-related associations were found for BMI_pct and wholegrain biscuits, seeds and nuts and refined products. No overall correlation was found between BMI_pct and the texture preference of soft/hard foods by CFTPQ, except in Austria. We conclude that this study revealed evidence of a connection between fibre-associated foods and children's BMI at a cross-cultural level and that sex is an important determinant of fibre-associated food intake and the development of overweight in childhood.

Influence of increased body mass index on orthodontic tooth movement and related parameters in children and adolescents: A systematic review of longitudinal controlled clinical studies

Objectives:

To assess the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and related parameters in children and adolescents.

Search sources:

A search of six electronic databases and manual searching were performed up to June 2019 without language and time restrictions.

Data selection:

Eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) longitudinal controlled clinical studies; (2) children and adolescents undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT); (3) no systemic diseases; (4) experimental group: patients with increased BMI; and (5) control group: patients with normal BMI.

Data extraction:

Screening, study selection and data extraction were performed; bias within studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies (ROBINS-I) tool.

Results:

Seven studies were included. One study showed that an increased BMI is associated with less wear-time of removable orthodontic appliances and one study found no significant association. One study showed that an increased BMI is associated with less cooperation during OT; however, not with the treatment results. One study reported higher pain experience during OT in adolescents with than without increased BMI. Two studies showed that increased BMI in adolescents is related to OTM, one with increased and one with decreased rates of OTM, respectively. One study reported an association between increased BMI and incidence of white spot lesions and gingivitis during OT. The ROBINS-I tool showed low to moderate risk of bias within studies.

Conclusions:

The influence of BMI on OTM and related parameters in children and adolescents remains debatable.

A cross-sectional cohort study of gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers in normal-weight and obese subjects during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of obesity on biomarker levels within lower incisor gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in subjects undergoing routine fixed appliance orthodontic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional clinical cohort study. GCF was collected from normal-weight and obese subjects at completion of alignment at least 1 month after placement of 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless-steel archwires. The primary outcome was the difference in GCF biomarker levels between groups. Secondary outcomes included differences in clinical parameters of plaque and gingival indices, unstimulated whole-mouth saliva, and GCF flow rates.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight subjects (18 male, 20 female) with a mean age of 25.6 (SD, 6.3) years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.6 (1.6) in normal-weight and 32.4 (2.2) kg/m² in obese groups were investigated. Apart from BMI (P < .0001), there were no statistically significant differences in essential demographics between groups. Significantly increased levels of the adipokine leptin (P < .009) and the tissue-remodeling biomarker matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9; P < .020) were identified in the obese cohort. For the remainder of the biomarkers, including the RANKL bone-remodeling marker and several inflammatory markers, there were no significant differences between groups. No correlation was observed between plaque index or gingival index for any GCF biomarker for either group (P = .07-1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the GCF biochemical profile of obese and normal-weight subjects undergoing fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment. Significantly increased levels of the adipokine leptin and the tissue-remodeling biomarker MMP9 were identified in the obese group. These data provide evidence of differences in GCF biochemistry between obese and normal-weight subjects undergoing fixed appliance orthodontic treatment.