Journal of Orthodontic Science最新文献

Background: Temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome (TMJPDS) is a musculoligamentous condition causing dull, aching pain in the masticatory muscles, influenced by jaw movement. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) uses computational methods to support modern drug discovery. Molecular docking, a core CADD technique, predicts drug-target interactions, aiding in stable, specific, and effective drug design.

Aim: The aim of this study was to use the docking technique for COMT inhibitors.

Materials and methods: Four COMT inhibitors were selected from the literature, and their compound structures were obtained from the Zinc15 database. The COMT protein was designated as the target and was refined utilizing the RCSB Protein Data Bank. After pharmacophore modeling, 20 novel compounds were found, and SwissDock was used to dock them with the target protein. We compared the binding energies of the newly discovered compounds to those of the previously published molecules with the target.

Results: The findings revealed that out of the 20 molecules, ZINC101880339 and ZINC100287288 demonstrated the highest binding energy and showcased superior characteristics compared to the remaining molecules.

Conclusion: The study concluded that ZINC101880339 and ZINC100287288 demonstrated higher binding affinity than known COMT inhibitors. Consequently, these two molecules hold promise as potential leads for treating TMJPDS and may be utilized in targeted drug therapy.

Categories: Dentistry, TMJ, Computational Screening.

Objective: This study aims to assess and contrast the changes in facial soft tissue that occur in growing patients with Class III malocclusion after facemask maxillary protraction with a maxillary skeletal expander (MSE) versus a hybrid Hyrax.

Methods: In this randomized control clinical trial, 30 patients were randomly selected and allocated into three treatment groups: group 1: (n = 10; mean age 9.6 ± 0.84 years) control group; group 2: 10 patients (mean age 9.5 ± 0.97 years) were treated with the hybrid hyrax expander-facemask; group 3: 10 patients (mean age 9.9 ± 0.74 years) were treated with the MSE-facemask. Pre-, post-treatment, and observation period cephalometric and extraoral photographs were analyzed. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, with non-parametric tests applied as appropriate. Group comparisons utilized Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Kruskal-Wallis tests with Bonferroni post-hoc analysis. A P value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The control group showed no significant difference in the medians of all the profile facial soft tissue measurements and the frontal facial soft tissue measurements, In the facemask and hybrid hyrax group, there was a significant decrease in the following variables after intervention: Naso-labial angle, Mento-labial angle, FH to AB line angle, Upper lip to E-line, Lower lip to A-B line, and Nose tip. There was a significant increase in the medians of the Upper lip to A-B line, and the Horizontal reference line angle. In the facemask and MSE group, there was a significant decrease in the medians of the FH to AB line, Upper lip to E-line, Lower lip to A-B line, Nose tip, Height of lower third, Proportion of lower to upper lip length, Right outer fifth, and Left outer fifth, and a significant increase in the medians of the Naso-facial, and Upper lip to A-B line. The facemask and hyrax group showed the greatest increase in upper lip to E-line, significantly higher than the control group, but not the MSE group. Lower lip to E-line distance decreased in the MSE group and increased in the hyrax group, with significant differences among groups. The MSE group had the largest decrease in lower lip to AB line, followed by the hyrax group, though the difference was not significant. Significant differences were noted among the three groups for the upper lip to AB line distance and nose tip position.

Conclusion: The significant changes observed in various measurements highlight the potential of these treatment protocols to achieve favorable aesthetic and functional outcomes. Both the hybrid hyrax expander-facemask and MSE-facemask protocols are successful in altering the appearance of the facial soft tissues in growing individuals with Class III malocclusion.

Background: Frictional resistance at the bracket-archwire interface affects the efficiency of orthodontic treatment. Factors such as surface roughness, material composition, and the oral environment significantly influence the friction and mechanical properties of the archwire, thereby impacting treatment outcome. This review explores the effect of these variables on frictional resistance during orthodontic treatment.

Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed from 1990 to 2024, the keywords used to perform the search were "orthodontic archwires" "surface roughness," and "friction." A total of 118 articles were found that included archwire materials, surface roughness, and frictional forces during orthodontic treatment.

Results: Stainless steel archwires exhibited low friction due to their smooth surfaces, while nickel-titanium wires, although very flexible and superelastic, these wires show higher friction due to surface roughness. Coated archwires, initially show reduced friction but wear out with time, leading to increased resistance. Environmental factors, such as saliva, pH variations, and fluoride exposure, can degrade archwire surfaces; thus, further influence treatment efficiency. Nonmetallic archwires offer some aesthetic advantages but are limited in mechanical properties and durability.

Conclusion: The performance of orthodontic archwires is strongly influenced by material properties, surface modifications, and environmental factors. Proper selection of materials and surface treatment can reduce frictional resistance, improve treatment efficiency, and enhance patient comfort. Further research is needed to focus on improving material durability and developing advanced coatings to address issues of wear and corrosion.

Background: An ideal orthodontic adhesive should provide a bond strong enough to withstand the forces of orthodontic treatment and mastication without dislodging, while also being safe enough to prevent surface damage debonding. Shear bond strength (SBS) is a critical factor that determines the quality of bonding in orthodontics. Nanoparticle-enhanced adhesives have been reported to offer additional benefits such as antimicrobial properties and remineralization effects, making them worth investigating for their shear bond characteristics. Aim: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the SBS and Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) scores of orthodontic adhesives containing copper-substituted hydroxyapatite (Cu-HA) nanoparticles with a conventional orthodontic adhesive.

Materials and methods: Twenty-eight extracted human premolar teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 14. In Group 1, orthodontic brackets were bonded using Enlight adhesive mixed with Cu-HA nanoparticles, while Group 2 used conventional Enlight adhesive. SBS was measured using a Universal Testing Machine, and the debonded samples were evaluated for ARI scores under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analyses were performed using independent t-tests for SBS comparison and Mann-Whitney U tests for ARI score differences. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The group using Enlight adhesive with Cu nanoparticles exhibited a significantly higher mean SBS (9.03 ± 6.17 MPa) compared to the conventional adhesive group (5.51 ± 2.099 MPa, P = 0.003). The median ARI score for the Cu-HA nanoparticle group was 3, while the conventional group had a median ARI score of 2 (P = 0.022). Both SBS and ARI scores were significantly higher in the Cu-HA nanoparticle group.

Conclusion: Copper-substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles enhance bond strength and adhesive retention, making them a promising alternative to conventional adhesives in orthodontics.

Clinical relevance: The findings indicate that adhesives containing Cu-HA nanoparticles, especially when combined with the Enlight adhesive, offer superior bond strength and adhesive retention compared to conventional adhesives. This could lead to improved clinical outcomes in orthodontic bonding, potentially reducing bracket failure rates and enhancing treatment efficiency.

Introduction: One of the goals of orthodontic treatment is to restore the enamel surface to its pretreatment condition. The objective of this research is to compare the differences in enamel surfaces after adhesive removal using tungsten carbide burs, steel burs, and adhesive-removing pliers.

Material and methods: A total sample of 40 extracted premolars were randomly divided into four groups based on the adhesive removal method: control, tungsten carbide bur, steel bur, and adhesive-removing plier. The enamel surface condition was scanned using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mann-Whitney test was performed to evaluate the differences in enamel surfaces between the groups.

Results: Adhesive removal using tungsten carbide burs and steel burs showed (none) no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). However, statistically significant differences were observed between the tungsten carbide bur and adhesive-removing plier groups (P < 0.05), as well as between the steel bur and adhesive-removing plier groups (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found between the tungsten carbide bur and control groups (P < 0.05), the steel bur and control groups (P < 0.05), and the adhesive-removing plier and control groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Tungsten carbide bur demonstrated the best enamel surface condition and less adhesive remnant compared to the steel bur and adhesive-removing plier.

Background and aim: White spot lesions (WSLs) are the most common lesions in orthodontic treatment. Preventing WSLs during and after orthodontic treatment is a major challenge in modern dentistry. Introducing nanotechnology-based materials with antimicrobial, anticariogenic, and remineralizing potential is the emerging trend to prevent WSL. This systematic review was conducted to find the effectiveness of nanoparticle-based oral rinses in preventing WSL in orthodontic treatments.

Materials and methods: The systematic review included human trials published in English between January 2010 and September 2024. The search strategy involved exploring electronic databases such as PubMed Central, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The reviewers individually assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the recommended assessment of the risk of bias approach in the included studies.

Results: One study that met the inclusion criteria was included in this systematic review. The overall incidence of WSLs per tooth after six months was 9.52% for the nanosilver (NS) mouthwash, compared to 24.4% for both the fluoride and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes. The right maxillary lateral incisor had the highest incidence (38.09%). Gingival margins of maxillary teeth had a higher incidence of WSLs compared to mandibular teeth, as the formation of biofilm is high in maxillary teeth.

Conclusion: Nanosilver mouthwash reduces the incidence of WSLs by over 80% compared to chlorhexidine and fluoride mouthwash in fixed orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, better-conducted trials with various nanoparticle-based mouthwashes are necessary for their clinical use in orthodontic patients.

Introduction: Although numerous international studies have documented patient and practitioner attitudes toward orthodontic care during the COVID-19 pandemic, no Saudi study has examined whether these attitudes vary by gender or by clinicians' years of experience. Clarifying these context-specific differences is essential for formulating targeted, evidence-based recommendations for teleorthodontic practice in the Kingdom.

Objective: This study explored the perceptions of patients and orthodontists regarding emergency and routine orthodontic treatment, communication, and teleorthodontics during the pandemic.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study surveyed 92 orthodontists and 211 patients using structured questionnaires. Data were collected on demographics, communication methods, emergency visits, and the feasibility of teleorthodontics for routine procedures. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used to identify significant gender and experience-related differences.

Results: Patients largely believed all emergencies required in-office visits, whereas orthodontists prioritized severe cases, such as embedded appliances (85.9%) and poking wires (79.3%). Male orthodontists were more likely to conduct in-person visits to manage emergencies. Routine procedures, including appliance placement and removal, were mostly postponed. Teleorthodontics was considered appropriate for expander check-ups, clear aligner fittings, and monitoring inactive appliances (>35%). Experienced practitioners used WhatsApp as the most preferred communication tool (83.7%) and emails as the least (13.0%).

Conclusion: Teleorthodontics was selectively adopted for specific follow-ups. Standardized protocols and education for both providers and patients are essential for broader implementation and acceptance.

Objectives: This case-control study aimed to evaluate the levels of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) ions in the urine of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, specifically comparing patients treated with nickel-titanium (NiTi) and stainless steel (SS) archwires to a control group without appliance.

Methods: Fifty-one participants were recruited and divided into two case groups and one control group, with 17 participants in each group. Group 1 consisted of patients treated with NiTi archwires for six to eight months, and Group 2 included patients treated with SS archwires for 12 to 18 months. The control group comprised participants with no history of orthodontic treatment. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for Ni and Cr concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analyses were performed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Results: A significant increase in urinary Cr levels was observed in the SS group compared to both the control and the NiTi groups (P < 0.001). No significant difference in Cr levels was found between the NiTi group and the control group (P > 0.05). Regarding Ni concentrations, no statistically significant differences were detected among the three groups (P = 0.109), although higher levels were observed in the SS group.

Conclusions: SS archwires result in a significantly higher release of Cr ions compared to NiTi archwires and untreated controls, raising potential concerns about prolonged Cr exposure during orthodontic treatment. However, both NiTi and SS archwires appear to release relatively low amounts of Ni, with no significant differences among groups.

Background/objectives: Patients receiving orthodontic treatment should have their oral hygiene regularly maintained. Patients can improve their oral hygiene performance during orthodontic treatment with the use of remote digital monitoring. The current research was done to assess the AI-based monitoring method in improving oral hygiene during orthodontic procedure.

Methodology: Forty patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment were divided into two groups of 20 each as; Group A- Control group, Group B- Test group (AI monitoring). Patients in the test group received a cheek retractor and scan box (Dental Monitoring®) and were directed to undergo regular intraoral scans. Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI), Marginal Gingival Index (MGI), and White Spot Lesions (WSL) evaluated for both groups at baseline period (P0), after 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks as P1, P2, P3, respectively, and at 3 months (P4). The obtained data was statistically analyzed.

Result: In comparison to the control group, test group subjects demonstrated a substantial decrease in plaque score, gingival inflammation and White Spot Lesions (WSL).

Conclusion: During orthodontic treatment, integrating a remote monitoring system improves plaque, gingival inflammation, and white spot lesions. This method helps patients to retain their best possible oral health.

Objective: To assess the correlation between pharyngeal airway dimension measurements via cephalometrics and those via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusions.

Subjects and methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 106 patients referred for both CBCT and cephalometric imaging between 2022 and 2023 at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Pharyngeal airway dimensions were measured using WEBCEPH software for cephalometric analysis and Mimics Research software for CBCT image processing and analysis.

Results: A strong correlation between cephalometric films and CBCT images was observed regarding airway parameters. The airway volume exhibited a negative correlation with the ANB and SN-GoGn angles and a positive correlation with the SNB angle.

Conclusions: Cephalometric analysis may serve as a fundamental screening tool to provide valuable information regarding the morphological characteristics of the airway as an alternative to CBCT.