External root resorption diagnosis: cone-beam computed tomography or periapical radiographs?

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15 in-vitro studies were included in this review of CBCT & periapical radiographs for the diagnosis of external root resorption. It suggests that CBCT performs better however further research is needed the clinical an cost -effectiveness of its use.

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White spot lesions: available treatments may provide improvements

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This review of treatments for post orthodontic white spot lesions included 20 studies examining a wide variety of approaches. Modest benefits were seen in addition to daily use of fluoride toothpaste and furhter high quality studies are needed to identify the best approaches.

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Orthodontic retainers: impact on periodontal health

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While 24 studies were included in this review of the impact of orthodontic retainers on periodontal health there was a lack of high quality evidence to support any particular retainer on this or a range of other parameters. More well-designed and long terms studies are required.

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Obstructive sleep apnoea: insufficient evidence for oral appliances in children

What other effects do nightmares and parasomnias have on sleep that could explain the association with future psychotic symptoms?

This Cochrane review to assess the effects of oral appliances or functional orthopaedic appliances for obstructive sleep apnoea in children only identified a single small trial which provided insufficient evidence to assess effectiveness.

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Do analgesics before dental treatment reduce post treatment pain in children?

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This Cochrane review found 5 RCTs of pre-op analgesics prior to dental treatment for children under local anaesthetic. The evidence as insufficient to determine a benefit but there may be a benefit prior to orthodontic band placement. Further high quality studies are needed.

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Anterior open bite might be corrected with crib therapy

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This review of the use of habit-interception appliances to improve anterior open bite (AOB) included 11 controlled studies only 2 of which were randomised. The limited available evidence suggests that crib therapy could be considered as an effective treatment for the correction of AOB in growing patients.

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Orthodontic brackets: type unlikely to affect oral hygiene

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12 small studies were included in this review of orthodontic brackets and their effect on pain and oral hygiene. No differences were seen between self-ligating and conventional brackets

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Mini-screws for orthodontic treatment- self drilling or self-tapping?

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Six studies were included in this review comparing the success rates of self-drilling and self-tapping mini-screws in orthodontic practice. The findings suggest no difference but the studies were small and of short duration and none of the included studies was a randomised trial so the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

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Headgear treatment for Class II malocclusions?

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Only 5 of the 18 trials included in this review of headgear for the treatment of class II malocclusions were randomised while a short-term reduction of the SNA angle was noted the quality of the studies was high.

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Lingual orthodontic treatment has more adverse effects?

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Only 6 studies were available for this review of the adverse effect of lingual and buccal orthodontic treatment. The available data suggests that lingual orthodontic techniques may induce higher levels of pain, speech difficulties, and oral hygiene problems but thes findings should be views with caution because of the limited quality of the evidence.

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