The use of clear orthodontic aligners is increasing, despite searching a wide range of databases this review only identified a limited number of small studies. The quality of the studies was not sufficient to draw any evidence-based decisions on the effectiveness of orthodontic aligners so better quality studies are needed.
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This small study in orthodontic patients suggests that text messaging might improve plaque control in short term. Larger better quality studies are needed to provide more definitive answers.
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This review of fixed functional appliances for the treatment of class II malocclusions could only find 11 small studies with methodological problems to assess the effectiveness of this approach. Some benefit was noted but larger higher quality studies are needed.
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This review focuses on the effect of chin cup therapy used for treating class III malocclusion on the TMJ.On 8 low quality studies could be included and they suggest suggests that chin cup therapy affects the condylar growth pattern but constitutes no risk factor for TMD.
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Following on from a review we looked at earlier in the week about the impact of orthodontic treatment on quality of life we look at a review considering whether malocclusion affects quality of life. 6 studies were included and malocclusion was considered to have a negative impact.
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This new review looked a 6 main outcome domains in orthodontic research and found that 3 domains (quality of life, health service resource utilization, and adverse effects of treatment.) that could provide useful insight were infrequently evaluated.
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Orthodontic treatment is considered to have an impact on an individuals quality of life. This review focuses on the studies using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 as a measurement tool. A small number of studies were included in a meta-analysis which identified significant improvement in the OHIP-14 scores.
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This new review looks at early or late premolar extraction for the orthodontic treatment of severe crowding. However, only seven retrospective studies are available so it is difficult to assess which protocol is more effective.
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With typical orthodontic treatment taking 18-24 months there is pressure to reduce the time it takes. This review considers a range of potential options but there is limited quality evidence for most of the techniques identified.
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This recent update of a Cochrane review considers the question as to whether surgical or conventional anchorage is more effective. Surgical anchorage was more effective but there is limited information on patient reported outcomes such as pain.
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