Study suggests better outcomes for later treatment of deep bite

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The aim of this trial was to assess the outcomes of early vs late treatment of deep bite patients by means of anterior biteplane appliances followed by fixed appliance therapy. Patients with a deep overbite (> 4.5mm) and fully erupted maxillary and mandibular incisors were allocated to either early or late treatment. Treatment for the [read the full story…]

1-step bonding technique for orthodontic appliances provides modest time saving compared with 2-stage techniques

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The application of dental bonding to orthodontics had had a significant impact on with  bonded appliances replacing multi-banded systems.  With the development of bonding systems there is increasing interest in 1-step systems.  These self-etch systems (SEPs) are used by about 30% of American practitioners and are thought to reduce chair-side time.   The aim of this [read the full story…]

No differences in the surgical outcomes between open and closed exposure for palatally displaced maxillary canines

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The upper permanent canine normally erupts between 11-12 years of age. However, for between 1-3% of children this does not occur and in 50% of the cases it is due to the tooth being displaced palatally. Two surgical approaches are used to allow orthodontic alignment. An open procedure  where  a palatal flap is raised ,overlying [read the full story…]

Insufficient trial evidence that any surgical treatment for prominent lower front teeth is better or worse than another

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Prominent  lower front teeth can  be associated with a large or prominent lower jaw and/or a small or retrusive upper jaw . The reasons why this occurs are not well understood.  Treatments to correct this range from orthodontic to surgical.  The aim of this Cochrane  review was to evaluate different treatments of Angle Class III [read the full story…]

Using liquid resin reduced lingual orthodontic retainer failure rate

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Long -term retention is necessary to avoid relapse following the completion of orthodontic treatment. The lingual retainer can be a useful method of retention. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of liquid resin on the survival of fixed lingual retainers and to evaluate the incidence of calculus accumulation and discoloration adjacent [read the full story…]

Analgesics for pain experienced by patients having orthodontic treatment

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One of the potential side effects of orthodontic treatment is pain and discomfort. This can lead to  reduced compliance  or discourage patients from treatment.   The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions on pain experienced by patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.  What did they do The Medline and Cochrane databases were [read the full story…]

No evidence currently available to support the use of lacebacks for the control of incisors during initial orthodontic alignment

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Many clinicians routinely use lacebacks to control incisor position during orthodontic alignment, they have not met with universal approval. The aim of this review was to evaluate  the effectiveness of laceback ligatures during the initial alignment phase of orthodontic treatment. What did they do? The Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, IBECS, national [read the full story…]

Cognitive behavioural therapy effective for pain control in the initial stage of orthodontic treatment

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Pain is not an uncommon experience during orthodontic treatment, and has been reported as a cause of treatment discontinuation. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for patients experiencing pain during orthodontic treatment. Eligible patients were randomised into three groups CBT intervention(n=150), ibuprofen intervention(n=150), and [read the full story…]

Four types of orthognathic patient; metamorphosizers, pragmatists, shedders, and evolvers

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Abnormalities of the jaws and dentition that may constitute a hazard to the maintenance of oral health, and interfere with general well-being of the individual by adversely affecting dentofacial aesthetics, mandibular function, or speech can be defined as dentofacial deformities.  Treatment ( orthognathic ) usually involves combination of orthodontic and surgical treatment.  Satisfaction rates are [read the full story…]

Do I need orthodontic treatment – professionals and patient opinions vary

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The number of orthodontic treatments carried out has risen steadily. The reasons patients and parents seek treatment may well differ  from that of the professional who is likely to prioritise function and occlusion. There are systems that have been used to quantify the severity of malocclusions and orthodontic need in an objective manner one of [read the full story…]