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ABSTRACT: Background: The advent of 3D printing technology has revolutionized orthodontic treatment, enabling the production of customized orthodontic brackets tailored to individual patients. These customized brackets are hypothesized to reduce treatment time and improve clinical outcomes by providing better alignment precision and minimizing the need for adjustments. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 patients aged 12–25 years requiring orthodontic treatment. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n = 30) received 3D-printed customized orthodontic brackets, while the control group (n = 30) received conventional brackets. Treatment duration, the number of adjustment visits, and the quality of alignment were recorded over an 18-month period. Quality of alignment was assessed using the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) grading system. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t -test to compare the outcomes between the two groups. Results: The average treatment time for the experimental group was significantly shorter, with a mean duration of 14.2 months (SD ± 1.8) compared to 18.6 months (SD ± 2.3) in the control group (P < 0.01). The number of adjustment visits was reduced by 35% in the experimental group (mean = 8 visits) compared to the control group (mean = 12 visits). Furthermore, the quality of alignment, as measured by the ABO grading system, was significantly higher in the experimental group (mean score = 90.5) compared to the control group (mean score = 78.2) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of 3D-printed customized orthodontic brackets significantly reduces treatment time and improves the quality of orthodontic outcomes compared to conventional brackets. These findings suggest that customized brackets offer a promising approach for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, potentially leading to better patient satisfaction and reduced clinical workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common medical disorder characterized by recurrent instances of partial or total blockage of the upper airways while sleeping. Materials and Methods: The trial included a cohort of 50 individuals, aged between 18 and 45, who were diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The participants were split into two groups: Group A (n = 25) had orthodontic therapy that included expanding the upper jaw and advancing the mandible, whereas Group B (n = 25) acted as the control group and did not get any orthopedic intervention. Prior to and after therapy, the airway dimensions were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) at two time points: baseline and 12 months after treatment. In this study, the main outcome measures were the change in airway volume (measured in mm3) and the minimum cross-sectional area (measured in mm2). The secondary outcome measures consisted of alterations in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and subjective sleep quality evaluated by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results: In comparison with baseline data, patients in Group A exhibited a statistically significant rise in airway volume (mean increase of 3500 mm3, P < 0.01) and minimum cross-sectional area (mean increase of 45 mm2, P < 0.01). In contrast, Group B exhibited no statistically significant alterations in these measures. A substantial decrease in AHI (mean reduction of 8 events/hour, P < 0.05) and an increase in ESS scores (mean improvement of 4 points, P < 0.05) were seen in Group A, suggesting improved sleep quality. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment, including maxillary expansion and mandibular advancement, positively affects airway dimensions in patients with OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]