Integrating artificial intelligence: A step forward in orthodontic education
Vinod Krishnan
Published in issue: August 2024 p153-154
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education is revolutionizing the field, enhancing learning experiences and preparing professionals for a technology-driven future. This examines AI’s impact on orthodontic education and the potential challenges and benefits.
Highlights:
- Advanced Learning Tools: AI, AR, and VR are reshaping medical education, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences.
- Efficiency in Training: VR training improves clinical skills, with studies showing orthopedic surgeons becoming 230% more efficient compared to traditional methods.
- AI in Orthodontics: AI aids treatment planning by analyzing clinical imagery, while the integration into education remains in its infancy.
- Effortful Learning Concerns: Overreliance on AI may hinder students’ motivation for critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Ethical Considerations: The use of AI raises issues about data privacy, patient confidentiality, and the need for responsible integration into curricula.
Bilateral distalization of maxillary first molars in a group of adult patients after extraction of maxillary second molars using infra-zygomatic mini-implants: A prospective clinical trial
Hosam Zaza, Yehia Mostafa, Amr El Dakrory, Mostafa El Dawlatly
Published online: April 11, 2024 p155-161
Maxillary first molar distalization in adult patients presents unique orthodontic challenges, particularly when performed without patient compliance requirements. This prospective clinical trial investigated the efficiency and biomechanics of distalizing maxillary first molars using the infra-zygomatic gear distalizer following maxillary second molar extraction. The goal was to understand the magnitude, rate, and effects of this treatment modality, offering a novel, predictable solution for Class II correction in nongrowing individuals.
Highlights:
- Efficient Distalization: The infra-zygomatic gear distalizer achieved significant distal movement of the maxillary first molars, averaging 4.03 ± 0.62 mm over 6.4 months.
- Consistent Distalization Rate: The average rate of distalization was 0.61 ± 0.18 mm per month, peaking at 0.79 mm in the initial month post-extraction.
- Molar Intrusion: Significant intrusion of 1.37 ± 0.83 mm was observed in the maxillary first molars, beneficial for patients with vertical growth patterns.
- Premolar Drift: Maxillary premolars exhibited notable distal drifting, attributed to trans-septal fibers, without anchorage loss.
- Stable Anterior Segment: No changes in the three-dimensional position of the maxillary anterior teeth were detected, indicating successful anchorage maintenance.
This demonstrates the potential of infra-zygomatic mini-implant-supported distalizers in adult orthodontics, providing an effective alternative for Class II malocclusion correction while preserving anterior segment stability.
Male-to-female transgenders demonstrated unique perspectives on perceived facial attractiveness and orthognathic surgery need
Kannalin Torteeka,Niramol Chamnannidiadha
Published online: April 21, 2024 p162-168
Facial esthetics and orthognathic surgery needs vary among different genders, influenced by the sagittal position of the mandible. This study explored how male-to-female transgender (MTFT) individuals perceive facial attractiveness and assess the need for jaw surgery, revealing unique insights compared to male and female observers.
Highlights:
- Gender-Based Preferences: Aesthetic preferences and surgery needs differ based on the sagittal position of the mandible, influenced by gender identity.
- Prognathism Sensitivity: MTFT participants were less tolerant of prognathic mandible images compared to male participants, emphasizing a desire for feminine facial features.
- Higher Surgery Desire: MTFTs had a significantly higher perceived need for orthognathic surgery to correct prognathism and retrognathism than males and females.
- Early Surgery Decisions: MTFT participants opted for surgery at less deviated mandibular positions compared to other gender groups.
- Clinical Implications: Understanding the expectations and aesthetic goals of transgender patients is crucial for delivering satisfactory and personalized treatment plans.
Effect of printing technology, layer height, and orientation on assessment of 3D-printed models
Tarek ElShebiny, Stefanos Matthaios, Luciane M. Menezes, Ioannis A. Tsolakis, Juan M. Palomo
Published online: April 25, 2024 p169-174
Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has revolutionized orthodontics, with printing accuracy impacted by factors such as technology type, layer height, and model orientation. This study evaluated these parameters to improve the reliability of 3D-printed dental models.
Highlights:
- Printing Parameters: The impact of printing technology, layer thickness, and model orientation on the accuracy of orthodontic models was assessed.
- Dimensional Accuracy: All 3D-printed models demonstrated accuracy within clinically acceptable limits (±0.25 mm).
- Optimal Combinations: The best accuracy was achieved using DLP printing at 175 µm in a horizontal orientation and SLA printing at 25 µm in a horizontal orientation.
- Orientation Impact: Models printed in horizontal orientation generally showed better accuracy than those printed vertically.
- Clinical Relevance: These findings provide guidance for orthodontists in selecting appropriate 3D printing settings for dental applications.
3D analysis of upper airway morphology related to obstructive sleep apnea severity
Tuangporn Jessadapornchai, Bancha Samruajbenjakun, Pannapat Chanmanee, Premthip Chalidapongse
Published online: April 29, 2024 p175-180
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition marked by repetitive airway collapse during sleep, yet the anatomical factors that predict OSA severity remain unclear. This study examines upper airway morphology using CBCT imaging to understand its relationship to OSA severity.
Highlights:
- Key Indicator: Only the minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) showed a significant relationship and difference with OSA severity.
- Volume Irrelevance: No correlation was found between upper airway volume and OSA severity.
- Subregion Specificity: MCA in the nasopharynx was negatively correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and moderate OSA showed smaller MCA in the retroglossal area compared to mild and severe cases.
- Clinical Insight: Knowledge of MCA, especially in the nasopharynx and retroglossal oropharynx, may aid in identifying and managing OSA in orthodontic patients.
Retrospective evaluation of the success rate and factors associated with the stability of alveolar ridge orthodontic miniscrews: Pilot study
Sarah Abu Arqub, Renee Greene, Sara Greene, …Chia-Ling Kuo, Lucas Da Cunha Godoy, Flavio Uribe
Published online: April 19, 2024
p181-188
Alveolar ridge miniscrews are an underexplored option for anchorage in orthodontics, particularly in edentulous sites. This pilot study retrospectively evaluated their success rate and identified factors affecting their stability over a substantial follow-up duration.
Highlights:
- Survival Rate: Alveolar ridge miniscrews showed a 62.0% survival rate over an average follow-up of 35.84 ± 19.47 months.
- Failure Timeline: The failure rate was 38.0%, with miniscrews failing at a mean of 6.03 ± 7.08 months.
- Minimal Impact of Variables: Clinical and demographic factors had minimal influence on miniscrew stability and efficacy.
- Splinting Advantage: Splinting adjacent miniscrews resulted in a 100% survival rate, emphasizing the benefit of this technique.
- Anchorage Type: Indirect anchorage was significantly associated with improved survival duration, suggesting its effectiveness for long-term stability.
Uprighting a mesially impacted mandibular second molar with scissor bite using simple tubes
Shin-Gu Kang, Sung-Hoon Lim, Hye-Min Kim, Soo-Jin Park, Eun-Ji Kim, Jae Hyun Park
Published online: April 22, 2024
p189-196
Uprighting mesially impacted mandibular second molars often requires complex and invasive orthodontic methods that can pose challenges for both patients and clinicians. This case study introduces the innovative use of small, simple tubes with nickel-titanium (NiTi) wire for efficient and less invasive molar uprighting and scissor bite correction.
Highlights:
- Simple Tube Design: A simple tube is a small tube without a bonding base, bonded with flowable resin, making it ideal for partially exposed molars.
- Dual Applications: Simple tubes can be effectively utilized for molar uprighting and scissor bite correction, applied on both buccal and lingual surfaces.
- Force Geometry Optimization: The setup allows for appropriate force adjustments using light NiTi wires, reducing the need for extensive anchorage or patient compliance-dependent methods.
