Spontaneous changes in mandibular incisor crowding from mixed to permanent dentition: a systematic review

Expert consensus on pediatric orthodontic therapies of malocclusions in children

Malocclusion, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of three major oral diseases, profoundly impacts the dental-maxillofacial functions, facial esthetics, and long-term development of ~260 million children in China. Beyond its physical manifestations, malocclusion also significantly influences the psycho-social well-being of these children. Timely intervention in malocclusion can foster an environment conducive to dental-maxillofacial development and substantially decrease the incidence of malocclusion or reduce the severity and complexity of malocclusion in the permanent dentition, by mitigating the negative impact of abnormal environmental influences on the growth. Early orthodontic treatment encompasses accurate identification and treatment of dental and maxillofacial morphological and functional abnormalities during various stages of dental-maxillofacial development, ranging from fetal stages to the early permanent dentition phase. From an economic and societal standpoint, the urgency for effective early orthodontic treatments for malocclusions in childhood cannot be overstated, underlining its profound practical and social importance. This consensus paper discusses the characteristics and the detrimental effects of malocclusion in children, emphasizing critical need for early treatment. It elaborates on corresponding core principles and fundamental approaches in early orthodontics, proposing comprehensive guidance for preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment, serving as a reference for clinicians engaged in early orthodontic treatment.

A scanning electron microscopy investigation of the precision of three orthodontic bracket slot systems

OBJECTIVE

One of the most imprortant factors in achieving ideal teeth positions is the precision of the slot dimensions of orthodontic brackets into the archwires are inserted.This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the dimensions of orthodontic bracket slots and molar buccal tube apertures and to compare them with the specifications provided by the manufacturers.

METHOD

A total of sixty brackets and ten molar buccal tubes with varying slot heights were examined using a scanning electron microscope from the mesial side. The dimensions and morphology of these bracket slots and buccal tubes apertures were assessed using the AutoCAD Software. A one-sample t-test was conducted to compare the measurements with the values provided by the manufacturer.

RESULTS

The findings of the present study indicated that the height of the measured bracket slots and buccal tube apertures dimensions were significantly larger than the actual dimensions and exhibiting divergent walls. On the other hand, the depth of the brackets slots showed significantly smaller values than the actual one.

CONCLUSION

A need for careful consideration when selecting a commercially accessible brand for everyday use is essential as certain materials may not meet acceptable standards.

Reliability of mixed dentition space analysis using a digital model obtained from an optical impression: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

While mixed dentition space analysis is a common practice in pediatric dentistry, digital models created using an intraoral scanner are not as widely used in clinical settings. This preliminary study used a very small sample size with one reference model and aimed to (1) compare the accuracy of mixed dentition space analysis using a digital model obtained from an optical impression with that of conventional plaster model-based analysis and (2) assess inter-examiner differences.

RESULTS

The space required for the mandibular permanent canine and premolars and arch length discrepancy were calculated using each model. The largest significant difference between plaster- and digital model-based analyses was identified when the right arch length discrepancy was considered (-0.49 mm; 95% confidence interval: -0.95-0.03); however, the value was considered clinically insignificant. Significant inter-examiner differences were observed for six items of the plaster model; however, no such differences were observed when using the digital model. In conclusion, digital model space analysis may have the same level of accuracy as conventional plaster model analysis and likely results in smaller inter-examiner differences than plaster model analysis.