In treating orthodontic problems in late adolescents and adults there is pressure to shorten treatment time. Surgical techniques such as corticotomy and dental distraction have been proposed as potential approaches. The aim of this review was to address 3 questions; Does surgically facilitated orthodontic treatment significantly increase the velocity of tooth movement and shorten treatment [read the full story…]
Orthodontically induced external apical root resorption (OIEARR) has been classified as surface resorption caused by loss of cementum. Usually this is superficial and unidentifiable radiographically but if this occurs apically it can be seen as shortening of the tooth. Typically OIEARR is less than 2mm and clinically insignificant. OIEARR greater than 4mm is severe and [read the full story…]
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the costs for the three orthodontic retention methods using a cost-minimisation analysis (CMA). The cost analysis was based on previous randomised controlled trial data (Dental Elf 22nd Jan 2013). Patients were randomised into 3 groups with retention appliances being placed within 1 hour of debonding. [read the full story…]
Pain and discomfort is often reported by patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and has been cited as a reason for failure to complete treatment. Removal of fixed appliances could be painful and it has been suggested that an intrusive bite force may stabilize teeth allowing greater resistance of torsional forces. The aim of this study was [read the full story…]
Posterior cross-bite is a common malocclusion and a number of approaches to address this with maxillary expansion have been developed. These can be broadly divided into rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and slow maxillary expansion (SME). The aim of this review was to compare the effectiveness of RME and SME for transverse maxillary discrepancy. Searches were [read the full story…]
Failure to maintain good oral hygiene during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment can lead to the development of demineralised white lesions (DWLs) around the orthodontic brackets. The incidence of this adverse effect of treatment has bee reported as being between 15-85. A recent Cochrane review by Benson et al (see Dental Elf 27th Jan 2014) found [read the full story…]
Two more protocols for reviews are now available on the Cochrane Library The first one is:- El-Angbawi A, McIntyre GT, Bearn DR, Fleming PS. Non-surgical adjunctive interventions for accelerating tooth movement in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD010887. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010887. The aim is to [read the full story…]
The development of early, but reversible, carious lesions or demineralised white lesions (DWLs) is one adverse effect of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. The prevalence has been reported to be as high 70%, and although the majority are minor and fade with time as they resolve about 10% cavity and may require filings. The main aim [read the full story…]
This ADA Critical Summary looked at a 2012 systematic review by Hafez et al. The aim of the review was to assess the relationship between dental crowding and the development of caries. The summariser notes that the search was comprehensive but the inclusion criteria were not clear. Studies were assessed for quality and all the [read the full story…]
This is the latest update of a Cochrane review looking at the treatment of class II malocclusion. This is a common problem affecting about one in four of 12 year-olds in the UK. The aim of the review was to assess the effects of orthodontic treatment for prominent upper front teeth (Class II malocclusion) when [read the full story…]
