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ZusammenfassungDer isolierte Scherenbiss im Bereich der zweiten Molaren stellt ein oftmals therapieresistentes Problem im klinischen Alltag dar. Konventionelle Gummizüge zur Scherenbisskorrektur verstärken dabei die Extrusion der Molaren und sind abhängig von der Mitarbeit der Patienten und Patientinnen. Daher hat sich ein intramaxillärer Kraftansatz mithilfe eines modifizierten Transpalatinalbogens mit distalen Extensionen als vorteilhaft herausgestellt, der einerseits die Palatinakippung der oberen Molaren mit eine Intrusionsbewegung kombiniert und andererseits compliance-unabhängig arbeitet.In diesem Artikel wird der digitale Workflow zur Herstellung einer solchen Apparatur anhand eines klinischen Falles präsentiert. Die digitale Planung eines solchen Transpalatinalbogens erfolgt dabei in wenigen Schritten unter Zuhilfenahme gängiger kieferorthopädischer Softwaretools. Nach der Herstellung im CAM-Verfahren kann diese einfache Apparatur adhäsiv im Mund befestigt werden.Der vorgestellte Workflow stellt einerseits eine alternative Herstellungsmethode eines TPAs zur Scherenbisskorrektur dar und soll andererseits eine einfache klinische Anwendung präsentieren, die sich zum Einstieg in die Welt der digital geplanten und CAM-hergestellten kieferorthopädischen Apparaturen eignet.

Background and objective Agenesis of the maxillary lateral incisor occurs in up to 4% of all individuals and requires multidisciplinary treatment. Its developmental origins, however, are not fully understood. Earlier studies documented genetic factors contributing to agenesis but also an association with craniofacial morphology. In this study, we assessed the association between maxillary morphology and lateral incisor agenesis by a geometric morphometric approach to disentangle the roles of developmental plasticity and genetic factors. Materials and methods We quantified the maxillary alveolar ridge by 19 two-dimensional landmarks on cross-sectional images of 101 computed tomography scans. We compared the shape and size of the alveolar ridge across patients with unilateral or bilateral agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors and patients with extracted or in situ incisors. Results The maxillary alveolar ridge was clearly narrower in patients with agenesis or an extracted incisor compared to the control group, whereas the contralateral side of the unilateral agenesis had an intermediate width. Despite massive individual variation, the ventral curvature of the alveolar ridge was, on average, more pronounced in the bilateral agenesis group compared to unilateral agenesis and tooth extraction. Conclusions This suggests that pleiotropic genetic and epigenetic factors influence both tooth development and cranial growth, but an inappropriately sized or shaped alveolar process may also inhibit normal formation or development of the tooth bud, thus leading to dental agenesis. Clinical relevance Our results indicate that bilateral agenesis of the lateral incisor tends to be associated with a higher need of bone augmentation prior to implant placement than unilateral agenesis.

Background Gingival clefts (GCs) develop frequently during orthodontic space closure and may compromise the treatment outcome. This study assessed whether the time‐point of orthodontic space closure initiation, after permanent tooth extraction, affects the incidence of GC. Methods In 25 patients requiring bilateral premolar extraction because of orthodontic reasons, one premolar, chosen at random, was extracted 8 weeks before space closure initiation (“delayed movement,” DM), whereas the contralateral premolar was extracted 1 week before (“early movement,” EM) (“treatment group”). Presence or absence of GC after 3 and 6 months (“time‐point”) was recorded and any association with various parameters (i.e., treatment group, time‐point, gender, jaw, craniofacial growth, gingival biotype, buccal bone dehiscence after extraction, space closure) was statistically assessed. Results Twenty‐one patients contributing with 26 jaws were finally included in the analysis. Overall, GCs were frequent after 3 (DM: 53.9%; EM: 69.2%) and 6 months (DM: 76.9%; EM: 88.5%). EM (P = 0.014) and larger space closure within the study period (P = 0.001) resulted in a significantly higher incidence of GC. Further, there was a tendency for GC development in the presence of buccal bone dehiscence (P = 0.052) and thin gingival biotype (P = 0.054). “Fast movers” (herein cases with a tooth movement ≥1 mm per month) developed a GC in >90% of the cases already after 3 months. “Slow movers” developed a GC in 25% and 70% after 3 months and final evaluation, respectively. Conclusions GC development is a frequent finding during orthodontic space closure and seems to occur more frequently with early tooth movement initiation and in “fast movers.”

Invisalign aligners have been widely used to correct malocclusions, but their effect on oral cells is poorly known. Previous research evaluated the impact of aligners&rsquo, eluates on various cells, but the cell behavior in direct contact with aligners is not yet studied. In the present study, we seeded oral epithelial cells (cell line Ca9-22) directly on Invisalign SmartTrack material. This material is composed of polyurethane and co-polyester and exhibit better mechanical characteristics compared to the predecessor. Cell morphology and behavior were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and an optical cell moves analyzer. The effect of aligners on cell proliferation/viability was assessed by cell-counting kit (CCK)-8 and 3,4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live/dead staining. The expression of inflammatory markers and proteins involved in epithelial barrier function was measured by qPCR. Cells formed cluster-like structures on aligners. The proliferation/viability of cells growing on aligners was significantly lower (p &lt, 0.05) compared to those growing on tissue culture plastic (TCP). Live/dead staining revealed a rare occurrence of dead cells on aligners. The gene expression level of all inflammatory markers in cells grown on aligners&rsquo, surfaces was significantly increased (p &lt, 0.05) compared to cells grown on TCP after two days. Gene expression levels of the proteins involved in barrier function significantly increased (p &lt, 0.05) on aligners&rsquo, surfaces after two and seven days of culture. Aligners&rsquo, material exhibits no cytotoxic effect on oral epithelial cells, but alters their behavior and the expression of proteins involved in the inflammatory response, and barrier function. The clinical relevance of these effects has still to be established.

Introduction The aim was to present a novel surgical technique using virtually preplanned 3-dimensional (3D)-printed templates for guided osteotomies. These were to ensure atraumatic uncovering of a severely impacted donor tooth including guided drilling of the recipient alveolus followed by a secure autotransplantation procedure. Methods This report presents an autotransplantation procedure of a 14-year-old patient with a severely impacted second premolar and extensive contact to the roots of the adjacent teeth and the inferior alveolar nerve. Autotransplantation of the impacted premolar was virtually performed using modified methods from guided implant surgery in order to prefabricate 3D-printed templates with the aid of a fully digital workflow. Results Satisfactory treatment could be achieved using surgical templates for guided osteotomies of the surgical access, guided drilling of the recipient site, and occlusal reference template ensuring autotransplantation in the appropriate 3D location of the graft. An atraumatic approach could be ensured with an extraoral time of 46 seconds by 1 fitting attempt; no injuries or altered sensation of the inferior alveolar nerve were present. A vital natural tooth could be observed. Conclusions This innovative technique uses for the first time a fully implemented digital workflow for guided osteotomies, guided drilling, and guided autotransplantation of a severely impacted tooth. 3D-printed templates could ensure a guided atraumatic approach and facilitate highly complex treatments by virtually implementing recommended guidelines in future autotransplantations.

Impacted and transmigrated mandibular canines differ greatly in incidence, etiopathology, associated anomalies, and treatment prospects, when compared to their maxillary counterparts. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed analysis of 3D radiographic imaging data of impacted mandibular canines. In a retrospective cross-sectional study, CT/CBCT data of 88 patients with a total of 94 impacted mandibular canines were analysed. Evaluated parameters included location, morphology, neighbouring structures, associated anomalies, the influence of those factors on mandibular canine transmigration, as well as applied treatment. Transmigration was found to occur in 40.4% of impacted mandibular canines. Transmigrated canines were located significantly more basally and horizontally angulated. Further, transmigration was significantly associated with a lack of contact to adjacent teeth and the canine’s apex not contacting the mandibular cortical bone. The overall incidence of root resorptions of adjacent teeth related to impacted mandibular canines was 7.3% and was more likely, if the canine was lingually impacted. While about half of the non-transmigrated impacted canines were orthodontically aligned, half of the transmigrated canines were surgically removed. Monitoring was the second most applied treatment strategy for both groups, and no canines were autotransplantated. Root resorption of adjacent teeth and transmigration are commonly occurring phenomena related to impacted mandibular canines. Treatment often entails the surgical removal of the canine—especially in cases of transmigration. The findings emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and CT/CBCT imaging for further diagnostics and future research of impacted mandibular canines.

Introduction The aim of this study was to introduce an innovative method for autotransplantation of teeth using 3-dimensional (3D) surgical templates for guided osteotomy preparation and donor tooth placement. Methods This report describes autotransplantation of immature premolars as treatment of an 11-year-old boy having suffered severe trauma with avulsion of permanent maxillary incisors. This approach uses modified methods from guided implant surgery by superimposition of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files and 3D data sets of the jaws in order to predesign 3D printed templates with the aid of a fully digital workflow. Results The intervention in this complex case could successfully be accomplished by performing preplanned virtual transplantations with guided osteotomies to prevent bone loss and ensure accurate donor teeth placement in new recipient sites. Functional and esthetic restoration could be achieved by modifying methods used in guided implant surgery and prosthodontic rehabilitation. The 1-year follow-up showed vital natural teeth with physiological clinical and radiologic parameters. Conclusions This innovative approach uses the latest diagnostic methods and techniques of guided implant surgery, enabling the planning and production of 3D printed surgical templates. These accurate virtually predesigned surgical templates could facilitate autotransplantation in the future by full implementation of recommended guidelines, ensuring an atraumatic surgical protocol.

The aim of this study was to compare mandibular form (i.e., size and shape) between patients with agenesis of the lower second premolar (P2) and a control group with no agenesis. Three hypotheses were tested: (H1) agenesis causes a change in mandibular morphology because of inadequate alveolar ridge development in the area of the missing tooth (mandibular plasticity); (H2) agenesis is caused by spatial limitations within the mandible (dental plasticity); and (H3) common genetic/ epigenetic factors cause agenesis and affect mandibular form (pleiotropy). A geometric morphometric analysis was applied to cross-sectional images of computed tomography (CT) scans of three matched groups (n = 50 each): (1) regularly erupted P2; (2) agenesis of P2 and the primary second molar in situ; and (3) agenesis of P2 and the primary second molar missing for 43 months. Cross-sections of the three areas of interest (first premolar, P2, first molar) were digitized with 23 landmarks and superimposed by a generalized Procrustes analysis. On average, the mandibular cross-sections were narrower and shorter in patients with P2 agenesis compared with that in the control group. Both agenesis groups featured a pronounced submandibular fossa. These differences extended at least one tooth beyond the agenesis-affected region. Taken together with the large interindividual variation that resulted in massively overlapping group distributions, these findings support genetic and/or epigenetic pleiotropy (H3) as the most likely origin of the observed covariation between mandibular form and odontogenesis. Clinically, reduced dimensions and greater variability of mandibular form, as well as a pronounced submandibular fossa, should be expected during the treatment planning of patients with P2 agenesis.

To evaluate (i) a possible correlation between the mesio-distal gap width and the alveolar ridge (AR) dimensions in patients missing the maxillary lateral incisor (I2) either due to agenesis or loss and (ii) the possibility of straightforward implant placement based on simulation.The bucco-palatal width, area, and height of the AR at the position of I2, and the mesio-distal gap width between the central incisor and the canine, were assessed in maxillary CT scans of three groups: Patients with (i) agenesis of I2 (TBucco-palatal width and area of the AR at I2 and the adjacent teeth was significantly reduced in TIn patients congenitally missing I2, an increased mesio-distal gap width correlates significantly with reduced edentulous AR dimensions. A mesio-distal gap of6 mm was associated with thin bucco-palatal alveolar ridges, precluding straightforward implant placement in 60-80% of the cases.

Purpose To assess the effect of the shooting angle variation on linear and planimetric measurements of the pink and white tissues on intraoral photographs. Methods From intraoral three-dimensional (3D) scans of the anterior region in 10 patients, ninety-nine two-dimensional (2D) “scan pictures” each were generated with different shooting angles, each varying in 5° horizontal and vertical increments. Eleven intraoral photographs of each patient and tooth site were taken free-hand: one shot at baseline and 5 shots after 3 and 6 months at slightly varying shooting angles. Papilla height (PH) and area (PA) and tooth crown area (TCA) were estimated on all photographs; the “best-match-to-baseline” photograph from those taken at 3 and 6 months was chosen by 6 evaluators. Results Within the first 10° of deviation from the baseline shooting angle, measurements on the 2D “scan pictures” distorted ≤0.5 mm for PH and ≤10% for PA and TCA. Compared to baseline, only 6 out of 100 photographs presented ≥0.5 mm difference in PH, none of the TCA measurements showed distortion ≥10%, and only in 4 instances a ≥10% distortion of the PA was observed. Poor to moderate inter- and intra-rater agreement in choosing the “best-match-to-baseline” photograph was found, but photographs with clinically relevant changes were only seldomly chosen. Conclusions Deviations in the shooting angle ≤10° from the baseline shot cause clinically negligible distortions in linear and planimetric measurements. Highly comparable intraoral photographs of the anterior maxillary teeth can be captured “free-hand” in slightly varying perspective, and then selecting the “best-match-to-baseline”.

Objectives: To evaluate association and causation between maxillary lateral incisors' (MxI2) apical root volume (ARV) and palatally displaced canines (PDC). Materials and Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, computed tomography scans of 179 patients with unilateral PDC were analyzed. MxI2 root length and volume on the impaction and eruption side were measured. A mixed logit model was used to infer the association between ARV and PDC and an instrumental variables approach to interpret causality. Results: MxI2 root length on the impaction side was shorter in 42%, equal in 33% and longer in 25% of the patients. ARV amounted for 13.5% of total root volume on the impaction and 14.9% on the eruption side. Reduced ARV was significantly associated with the impaction side (P < .001). The causal effect of ARV on PDC in the instrumental variable approach amounted to less than half of the association in a standard noncausal approach. Conclusions: An association between PDC and reduced MxI2 root length and volume was confirmed. However, the lack of causality did not allow the researchers to draw a conclusion as to whether a reduced ARV is causing PDC or resulting from it; this should be considered in etiologic theories.

Onplants are skeletal orthodontic anchorage devices that serve as alternatives to the frequently used miniscrews and palatal implants. Since onplants are not placed in bone, immediate loading is not possible and treatment may be prolonged. The purpose of this study was to improve the onplant surface by nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) coating and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) biofunctionalization to enhance osseointegration. Forty-eight onplants were placed on the palate and the mandible of three domestic pigs. The onplants were divided into three groups of the same size: (1) uncoated, (2) coated with NCD, (3) coated with NCD and functionalized with BMP-2. After 6 weeks, the pigs were sacrificed and the samples were subjected to radiographic, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses. Ten of the 48 onplants were lost. There was no significant difference between the samples in the upper and the lower jaw. The BMP-2 functionalized onplants showed higher bone-to-implant contact than the other groups albeit without significance. The results of this pilot study show that BMP-2 biofunctionalization of NCD-coated onplants improves osseointegration and may suggest its clinical use in orthodontics. Due to the high loss rate, more investigations are required to confirm the beneficial effects and the current data should be interpreted with caution.

Structured Abstract Objectives To evaluate tooth position after six and 9 months of orthodontics with conventional brackets on one side of the dentition and ligature-less brackets on the other. Setting and sample population Orthodontic Division, Vienna Medical University. Twenty patients aged 22.5 ± 5.7 years, symmetrical malocclusion and arch form, no premolar extraction. Material and Methods Prospective split-mouth study, 0.022-inch SmartClip self-ligating brackets assigned randomly to the left or right dentition, conventional 0.018-inch brackets on the other side. 52 dental landmarks, digitized on plaster casts, represented dental arches at baseline (t0), 6 months and 9 months (t1, t2). During t0–t1, we used 0.016 and 0.014 x 0.025 inch superelastic wires, during t1–t2 connected reverse-curve hemiarch wires: 0.017 x 0.025 inch s-titanium on the ligature-less side, and 0.016 x 0.022 inch Elgiloy multiloop wires on conventional brackets. Morphometric analyses were used to assess differences in dental arch shapes. Results Neither initial alignment nor the reverse-curve phase showed statistically significant differences between ligature-less and conventional brackets in moving teeth. Conclusion Morphometric shape analyses corroborated current evidence that self-ligating brackets were no more effective than conventional brackets with steel ligatures after 6-month initial alignment. From months 6–9 treatment with s-titanium reverse-curve wires on 0.022-inch ligature-less brackets resulted in similar tooth positions as accomplished by Elgiloy multiloop wires on 0.018-inch steel-ligature-tied brackets.

Background Root resorption is the most common side effect of orthodontic treatment and usually occurs within the first 6 months of treatment. Circumferential apical root resorption represents full resorption of the apical hard tissue components and evident root shortening. Although rarely serious it is a devastating event when recognized radiographically. The purpose of this article is to provide the dental practitioner with the results of studies on the extent of apical root resorption detected with clinical radiographs in patients treated with fixed appliances during or after orthodontic treatment and to provide the answers to the following questions: which teeth are most affected by apical root resorption, what happens to the resorbed tooth and what does the prognosis look like? The results could provide the best available evidence for clinical decisions to minimize the risk and severity of apical root resorption.

Objective: To investigate patient discomfort during archwire engagement and disengagement in patients treated with self-ligating and conventional brackets using a split-mouth design. Materials and Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients (15 female, 3 male; age: 22.2 ± 6.4 years) who requested treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances were randomly assigned for bonding with SmartClip self-ligating brackets on one side of the dentition and conventional standard edgewise brackets on the other. During the course of treatment, patients rated the discomfort experienced during every archwire engagement and disengagement using a numeric rating scale. Results were evaluated for round and rectangular nickel titanium and rectangular stainless steel, titanium molybdenum, and Elgiloy archwires. Patients also rated their overall experience retrospectively for both bracket systems. Results: Regardless of archwire type, disengagement was rated as being significantly more painful on the SmartClip side (P = .027). For rigid, rectangular archwires, engagement and disengagement were rated as being significantly more painful on the SmartClip side (P = .031; P = .004). Retrospective ratings favored conventional brackets beyond ratings recorded during treatment. Conclusion: Engagement and disengagement of rigid rectangular archwires caused more pain with SmartClip self-ligating brackets than with conventional ones. Careful archwire manipulation and patience during full alignment are essential for limiting chairside pain. Low pain levels will help ensure treatment satisfaction and compliance.

Ankylosed teeth are considered in orthodontic treatment planning; however, diagnostic tools to quantify the rigidity of the tooth-to-bone connection are rare. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) can quantify the rigidity of the dental implant-to-bone connection and thus may serve as a potential diagnostic tool to identify ankylosed teeth. To test this assumption, we examined 15 and 30 primary mandibular molars, with and without clinical signs of ankylosis, using the Osstell Mentor system. A cut-off implant stability quotient (ISQ) of 43 provided a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 53.3% when measured in the mesio-distal direction or a sensitivity of 20% when measured in the bucco-lingual direction. Based on a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC), the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.807 showed the mesio-distal direction of measurement to be a test of moderate discriminatory power. Given its non-invasiveness, RFA may serve as a quantitative diagnostic supplement to the clinical examination of potentially ankylosed primary molars.

The objective of this study was to investigate the rebonding effect of a new silane coupling agent on various ceramic brackets bonded to ceramic specimen. Different ceramic brackets (Fascination 2, Clarity SL, and In-OvationC) were assigned to three groups: rebonding with new silane coupling agent, rebonding with conventional silane coupling agent, or regular bonding as control (n = 16). Bracket adhesion was calculated with a shear test in a universal testing machine. The bracket-composite-ceramic interface was evaluated using the adhesive remnant index score. One-way analysis of variance was applied for inferential statistics. Rebonding with the new silane coupling agent resulted in high shear bond strengths (SBSs; mean values: 37.44-41.24 MPa) and ceramic specimen fractures. Rebonding with the conventional silane coupling agent resulted in significantly (P < 0.001) lower clinically adequate SBS (mean values: 20.20-29.92 MPa) with the least ceramic specimen fractures. Regularly bonded ceramic brackets resulted in clinically adequate to high SBS (mean values: 17.06-41.56 MPa) depending on their bracket base design. Rebonded ceramic brackets showed sufficient SBS to ceramic specimen surfaces. However, increased bracket adhesion was associated with a risk of ceramic specimen surface damage. Therefore, ceramic brackets rebonded with the new silane coupling should be debonded cautiously using alternative debonding methods.

The effectiveness of functional orthodontic treatment and the resulting skeletal response have always been discussed controversially. Therefore a systematic review of the literature was conducted on this subject with special attention to mandibular growth. Based on Cochrane Collaboration® recommendations a research of the literature was carried out. The meta-analysis examined 3 appliances for the period between 1996 and 2008: Herbst appliance (HA), activator (AC) and headgear-activator (HAC). The cephalometric parameters under review were SNA, SNB, ANB, OLp-A, OLp-Pg (distances between the occlusal line perpendicular and A/Pg), Co-Gn and the PPl angle (angle between ANS-PNS and N-S plane). A total of 11 studies were considered. Maxillary changes through SNA and OLp-A were most prominent for the HAC (- 1.93°mm and - 2.6 mm, respectively). Mandibulary changes through SNB and OLp-Pg were almost identical for all 3 appliances. The HAC showed the greatest intermaxillary effect (∆ANB = - 2.54°) although a decrease in SNA accounted for most of it. The biggest increase in the vertical parameter PPl angle and the mandibular length Co-Gn were recorded for the AC (+ 2.25°mm and + 4.01 mm, respectively). The HA, AC and HAC appliances significantly influenced the evaluated cephalometric parameters. The desired forward placement of the mandible is clinically inferior and always accompanied by a constraint of the maxilla. Therefore the decision to treat with functional appliances has to be carefully evaluated based on the benefits and possible side-effects for the individual patient.

Reply to: letter to the editor about the article published in Clinical Oral Investigations tilted: impacted and transmigrated mandibular canines: an analysis of 3D radiographic imaging data (Bertl MH, Frey C, Bertl K, Giannis K, Gahleitner A, Strbac GD (2018) Clin Oral Investig, doi: 10.1007/s00784-018-2342-0

To evaluate the effect of repeat surgery on treatment time in the interdisciplinary management of impacted maxillary canines.This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients referred for computed tomographic examination for impacted maxillary canines within a 5-year observational period. The occurrence of repeat surgery was analysed with regard to treatment time, canine location, and surgical exposure technique.A total of 55 patients with 79 impacted maxillary canines were analysed. Of those, 83.6% did not present with complications that would have prompted repeat surgery during their treatment. For patients requiring repeat surgery, time until clinically visible movement of the canine was significantly longer (p 0.001), whereas time between initial movement and eruption into the oral cavity was significantly shorter (p 0.001). Overall treatment time did not differ significantly (p = 0.13). An open surgical exposure technique was associated with a significantly lower occurrence of repeat surgeries (p = 0.03). Bilateral impaction of canines significantly prolonged overall treatment time (p = 0.01).In the event of initial treatment failure during the interdisciplinary management of impacted maxillary canines, repeat surgery should be considered, which has limited effect on overall treatment time. An open surgical exposure technique is preferable.

Background: In cases of a missing maxillary lateral incisor, an implant-supported crown is often the treatment of choice in order to avoid affecting intact adjacent teeth; however, proper implant p ...

PURPOSE To assess inter- and intraobserver variability in wireless resonance frequency analysis (RFA) stability measurements of palatal implants and to evaluate the influence of age, sex, time after implant insertion, and measurement direction on variability. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three observers conducted wireless RFA stability measurements of palatal implants from 16 patients. Measurements were taken in anteroposterior and laterolateral directions and were repeated after 1 hour. RESULTS Data showed a small interobserver variation (1.93) with intraobserver variation (1.77) as its largest component. Time after implantation showed a strong influence (P = .027) on the interobserver variation. CONCLUSIONS The tested wireless RFA device can be considered a reliable instrument for measuring the stability of palatal implants. Multiple readings and observers could further improve measurement reliability.

Meta-analysis of differences between conventional and self-ligating brackets concerning pain during tooth movement, number of patient visits, total treatment duration, and ligation times. Online search in Medline, Embase, and Central focused on randomized clinical trials and controlled clinical studies published between 1996 and 2012. Four studies on pain met our inclusion criteria, two on the number of appointments, two on overall treatment time but none on ligation times. Pain levels did not differ significantly between patients treated with conventional or self-ligating brackets after 4 h, 24 h, 3 and 7 days. The number of appointments and total treatment times revealed no significant differences between self-ligating and conventional brackets. The lack of significant overall effects apparent in this meta-analysis contradicts evidence-based statements on the advantages of self-ligating brackets over conventional ones regarding discomfort during initial orthodontic therapy, number of appointments, and total treatment time. Due to the limited number of studies included, further randomized controlled clinical trials are required to deliver more data and to substantiate evidence-based conclusions on differences between the two bracket types considering orthodontic pain, number of visits, treatment, and ligation times.

Ankylosed teeth are considered in orthodontic treatment planning; however, diagnostic tools to quantify the rigidity of the tooth-to-bone connection are rare. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) can quantify the rigidity of the dental implant-to-bone connection and thus may serve as a potential diagnostic tool to identify ankylosed teeth. To test this assumption, we examined 15 and 30 primary mandibular molars, with and without clinical signs of ankylosis, using the Osstell Mentor system. A cut-off implant stability quotient (ISQ) of 43 provided a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 53.3% when measured in the mesio-distal direction or a sensitivity of 20% when measured in the bucco-lingual direction. Based on a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC), the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.807 showed the mesio-distal direction of measurement to be a test of moderate discriminatory power. Given its non-invasiveness, RFA may serve as a quantitative diagnostic supplement to the clinical examination of potentially ankylosed primary molars.

A systematic review of effects related to patient, screw, surgery, and loading on the stability of miniscrews was conducted.Reports of clinical trials published before September 2007 with at least 30 miniscrews were reviewed. Parameters examined were patient sex and age, location and method of screw placement, screw length and diameter, time, and amount of loading.Fourteen clinical trials included 452 patients and 1519 screws. The mean overall success rate was 83.8% + or - 7.4%. Patient sex showed no significant differences. In terms of age, 1 of 5 studies with patients over 30 years of age showed a significant difference (P0.05). Screw diameters of 1 to 1.1 mm yielded significantly lower success rates than those of 1.5 to 2.3 mm. One study reported significantly lower success rates for 6-mm vs 8-mm long miniscrews (72% vs 90%). Screw placement with or without a surgical flap showed contradictory results between studies. Three studies showed significantly higher success rates for maxillary than for mandibular screws. Loading and healing period were not significant in the miniscrews' success rates.All 14 articles described success rates sufficient for orthodontic treatment. Placement protocols varied markedly. Screws under 8 mm in length and 1.2 mm in diameter should be avoided. Immediate or early loading up to 200 cN was adequate and showed no significant influence on screw stability.