Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists最新文献

Background: Non-invasive restoration of tooth enamel is a topic of high relevance in dental material science. Multiple approaches have been proposed to reach optimum reconstruction results. The current study was performed to evaluate the cross-sectional microhardness besides mineral quality and content in artificially induced carious enamel after treatment with hydroxyapatite-chitosan (HAp-CS) nanocomposite gel.

Methods: Artificially carious lesions were induced by immersion of teeth in acidic carboxymethyl cellulose gel (pH 4.95-5) for 24- and 72-hours periods. Two different compositions of HAp-CS nanocomposite hydrogel were prepared with two different ratios 50/50 (%) and 70/30 (%), respectively. Additionally, sodium fluoride gel (1000 ppm concentration) was prepared and used as reference. Gels were applied to carious lesions twice/day for 3 min/each. After 45 days of application, surface morphology, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman analysis in addition to cross-sectional microhardness were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc statistical tests.

Results: Surface morphological evaluation of treated surfaces showed obliteration of surface irregularities. Groups demineralized for 24 hours and treated with 70/30 (HAp-CS) showed highest significant cross-sectional-microhardness (P ≤ 0.05). Evaluated subsurface cross-sectional microhardness showed better mineral quality for groups demineralized for 24 hours and treated with HAp-CS nanocomposite gels.

Conclusions: Nanocomposite gel with 70/30 (HAp-CS) could efficiently improve cross-sectional microhardness and both minerals composition and quality for lesions demineralized for 24 hours. More severely induced lesions, as demineralized for 72 hours, need more powerful agent compositions and/or prolonged application protocols for improvement.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of heat-activated NiTi (HANT) wires compared to NiTi wires during orthodontic alignment, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Search methods: We comprehensively searched databases up to January 2024, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane's CENTRAL, without language or date restrictions.

Selection criteria: Clinical studies aligning with the PICO question were included, and their bias risk was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.

Data collection and analysis: Data were collected using custom forms, and a meta-analysis was performed using random-effects inverse variance. Primary outcome was Little's Irregularity Index (LII) changes. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity and root resorption.

Results: Thirteen clinical studies were reviewed, with nine included in the meta-analysis. No significant differences were observed in LII changes during the first four months, with similar findings in the first, second and third months. In the fourth month, NiTi wires exhibited higher reductions. Pain intensity did not differ between groups on the first or the seventh day. No significant difference in root resorption was found between the two groups.

Conclusions: HANT and conventional NiTi wires showed comparable effectiveness in reducing LII, pain levels, and root resorption during the orthodontic alignment phase. While HANT wires may entail higher costs, their ease of insertion and ligation offer practical advantages. Ultimately, choosing between wire types should consider individual patient needs and clinician preferences.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology in orthodontics. The objective of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of orthodontists and postgraduate students regarding the plausible employment of AI within the realm of orthodontics.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, online questionnaire survey was conducted with 440 participants (264 postgraduates and 176 faculty members). The questionnaire was divided into four domains: Part A, focused on sociodemographic characteristics, Part B (eight questions) identifying the basic knowledge of the participants about the use of AI in the field of orthodontics, Part C (six questions) assessing the participants' perceptions of the use of AI, and Part D (five questions) assessing the attitudes of participants towards AI. The KAP scores of the participants regarding the use of AI in the field of orthodontics were assessed using a three-point Likert scale for 17 questions and two multiple-choice questions. Responses were analyzed using the chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney test.

Results: A total of 266 participants completed the survey, and the majority agreed with the use of AI in the field of orthodontics, particularly for 3-dimensional diagnosis of orthognathic surgeries, cephalometric analysis, and prediction of treatment outcomes. Most participants felt that AI training should be incorporated into the postgraduate curriculum (73%), and were willing to incorporate it into clinical practice (74%). Barriers to the use of AI were high costs, lack of technical knowledge, and lack of awareness. The participants' KAP scores showed a weak negative correlation with age, years of experience, and designation.

Conclusion: The present study concluded that most of the participants were optimistic about the future of AI in orthodontics. Although most orthodontists and postgraduate students had knowledge of AI, there were many barriers to its use in the field of orthodontics.