Orthodontic pain with fixed appliances and clear aligners: A 6-month comparison.

Introduction: This prospective study compared pain perception, intensity, and analgesic use among patients treated with fixed appliances (FAs) and clear aligners (CAs) over 6 months.

Methods: Digital surveys were collected from 87 adult patients treated with CA or FA from 2 orthodontic offices. The 7-item survey was sent at 3-time points (preappointment, 2-day postappointment, and 7-day postappointment) for each appointment.

Effect of clear aligner attachment design on extrusion of maxillary lateral incisors: A multicenter, single-blind randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Extrusion of maxillary lateral incisors during aligner treatment is a difficult movement to achieve accurately. Despite recommendations regarding attachment design, few studies and no prospective trials compare predictability among attachments. This study aimed to compare the efficacy between optimized and horizontal attachment designs for achieving maxillary lateral incisor extrusion during clear aligner treatment.

Research and orthodontics: About scientific progress in biomechanics.

This article describes the importance of biomechanics in orthodontics through the development of the segmented arch technique and the research performed in this field. Clinicians are encouraged to develop specific goals of treatment based on a precise diagnosis and to design appliances that will deliver the desired force system. In this article we emphasize the importance of a thorough analysis of the force system needed to achieve the desired orthodontic tooth movement and avoid any of the undesired side effects of treatment mechanics.

Clear aligner therapy in the mixed dentition: Indications and practitioner perspectives.

Introduction: This study evaluated current trends and perspectives among orthodontists regarding clear aligner therapy in the mixed dentition (CAMD), including insights into perceived indications, compliance, oral hygiene, and other factors.

Methods: An original, 22-item survey was mailed to a randomized, nationally representative sample of practicing orthodontists (n = 800) and a specific, randomized subsample of high-aligner-prescribing orthodontists (n = 200). Questions assessed respondents' demographic information, experience with clear aligner therapy, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of CAMD compared with fixed appliances (FAs).

Adaptations in orthodontics for current and future coronavirus disease 2019 best practices.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine adaptations orthodontists made during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to maintain safety and determine which adaptations will remain after the pandemic.

Methods: An original 34-question survey was sent by mail to a randomized selection of practicing orthodontic specialists (n = 1000). Questions included the changes made during the pandemic in 4 categories (infection control, social distancing, appliance type, and teleorthodontics) and whether those changes will remain postpandemic.

Patient perspectives on teledentistry and face-to-face doctor interaction during orthodontic treatment.

Introduction: Teledentistry in orthodontics is growing, yet patient preferences for its use is unknown. This study aimed to determine the perceived value of doctor-to-patient face-to-face interaction, convenience, and attitudes toward specific uses of teledentistry among orthodontic patients.

Methods: Private practice orthodontists emailed an electronic survey to active patients.

Perceived efficacy of extrusion of maxillary lateral incisors with aligners.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the perceived efficacy of aligners (Invisalign; Align Technology, Santa Clara, Calif) at performing extrusive movements of maxillary lateral incisors and to evaluate and compare differences in treatment planning protocols and other interventions used when required between orthodontists and general dentists with various degrees of experience.

Methods: An original 18-question survey was sent by mail to a randomized and geographically proportionate selection of orthodontic specialists (N = 400) and general dentists (N = 400) listed as providers on the Invisalign Web site. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and chi-square tests.

Total arch maxillary distalization using infrazygomatic crest miniscrews in the treatment of Class II malocclusion: a prospective study.

Objectives: To evaluate treatment effects in Class II patients using infrazygomatic crest (IZC) miniscrews (MS).

Materials And Methods: A prospective sample of 25 adolescents (14 females and 11 males; mean age: 13.6 ± 1.

A comparison of patient testimonials on YouTube of the most common orthodontic treatment modalities: Braces, in-office aligners, and direct-to-consumer aligners.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to (1) investigate and compare the educational value of the most popular YouTube (www.youtube.com; Google, San Bruno, Calif) orthodontic patient testimonials between braces, in-office aligners (IOA), and direct-to-consumer aligners (DTCA), and (2) classify the emotional response of the viewers through sentiment analysis of the video comments.

Orthodontists' and parents' perception of finished occlusion and willingness to extend treatment time.

Introduction: Patients and parents want shorter treatment times, but it is unclear whether they would compromise outcome quality to shorten treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare orthodontists' and parents' perceptions of finished occlusion and their willingness to extend treatment time to achieve improved outcomes. The effects of elapsed treatment time and patient compliance were also investigated.

The effect of orthognathic surgery on facial recognition algorithm analysis.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a publicly available facial recognition application program interface to calculate similarity scores for presurgical and postsurgical photographs of patients who underwent orthognathic surgeries. Our primary objective was to identify which surgical procedure(s) had the greatest effect(s) on the similarity score.

Methods: Existing photographs for 25 orthodontic-orthognathic patients were analyzed using the application program interface to calculate similarity scores between the presurgical and postsurgical photographs.

Comparison of patient factors influencing the selection of an orthodontist, general dentist, or direct-to-consumer aligners.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the factors that influence potential orthodontic patients choosing an orthodontist, general dentist, or direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners for their treatment, and to determine the level of interest in each provider type.

Methods: An electronic survey was administered to 249 adults among the general population in the United States to determine and evaluate the level of interest in pursuing orthodontic treatment with each provider type.

Results: When asked their preference for provider type, 44% of respondents selected orthodontist, 34% selected DTC aligners, and 22% selected general dentist.

A needle in a haystack: Report of a retained archwire fragment in the pterygomandibular space.

This clinical report describes a retained archwire fragment, discovered during a new-patient examination of a young woman seeking orthodontic retreatment. The diagnostic process, care coordination, and patient management decisions are discussed, along with a brief exploration of clinical considerations associated with this incident. A suggested emergency prevention and response protocol is also presented.

Clear aligner treatment: different perspectives between orthodontists and general dentists.

Purpose: To evaluate differences between orthodontists and general dentists in experience with clear aligners (CA), patients' demand and perception, types of patients, and malocclusion treated with CA and to compare the two groups of clinicians not using CA in their practice.

Methods: A Web-based survey was developed and sent to the 129 members of the European Aligner Society and randomly to 200 doctors of dental surgery by e-mail. They responded on demographics and to one of two different parts for clinicians using CA or not using CA.

Malocclusion as a Cause for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orthodontics as a Treatment.

This article explores the long-standing controversy between orthodontics and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). It reviews the history of this controversy and presents a discussion of the current literature concerning the potential role of malocclusion in the onset of TMDs. It also explores the potential role of orthodontic treatment as a possible cure for TMDs and concludes, based on the most current evidence-based literature, that there is no relationship.

Provider Appearance: A Survey of Guardian and Patient Preference.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to: (1) assess children's preferences for their pediatric dentist's attire; (2) assess guardians' preferences for their child's pediatric dentist's attire; and (3) determine which attributes are associated with different types of attire. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using survey methodology with patients and parents who attended the pediatric dental clinic at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va., USA.

Management of the Maxillary Diastema by Various Dental Specialties.

Purpose: There is considerable controversy in the literature concerning the indications for frenectomy for treating a maxillary diastema and for timing of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to survey pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons on their opinion of this matter to develop a consensus.

Materials And Methods: An anonymous 7-item electronic questionnaire was sent to members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons asking about the etiology of the maxillary diastema, its diagnosis, and treatment.

Twitter analysis of the orthodontic patient experience with braces vs Invisalign.

Objective: To examine the orthodontic patient experience having braces compared with Invisalign by means of a large-scale Twitter sentiment analysis.

Materials And Methods: A custom data collection program was created that collected tweets containing the words "braces" or "Invisalign" for a period of 5 months. A hierarchal Naïve Bayes sentiment analysis classifier was developed to sort the tweets into five categories: positive, negative, neutral, advertisement, or not applicable.

Treatment management between orthodontists and general practitioners performing clear aligner therapy.

Objective: To investigate differences in case selection, treatment management, and aligner treatment expertise between orthodontists and general practitioners.

Materials And Methods: A parallel pair of original surveys with three sections (case selection, treatment management, and demographics) was sent to orthodontists (N = 1000) and general dentists (N = 1000) who were providers of aligner treatment.

Results: Orthodontists had treated significantly more patients with aligners, had treated more patients with aligners in the previous 12 months, and had received more aligner training than general dentists (P < .

Communication practices and preferences between orthodontists and general dentists.

Objective: To evaluate similarities and differences in orthodontists' and general dentists' perceptions regarding their interdisciplinary communication.

Materials And Methods: Orthodontists (N  =  137) and general dentists (N  =  144) throughout the United States responded to an invitation to participate in a Web-based and mailed survey, respectively.

Results: The results indicated that orthodontists communicated with general dentists using the type of media general dentists preferred to use.

Orthodontic marketing through social media networks: the patient and practitioner's perspective.

Objective: To (1) assess orthodontic patient and practitioner use of and preferences for social media and (2) investigate the potential benefit of social media in marketing and communication strategies in orthodontic practices.

Materials And Methods: A survey was developed and randomly distributed to orthodontists via the American Association of Orthodontists and to patients/parents via private practices throughout the United States. Participants were asked to answer questions related to their use of social media and their perceptions of the use of social media in the orthodontic practice.

Interproximal reduction of teeth: differences in perspective between orthodontists and dentists.

Objective: To determine if interproximal reduction of teeth (IPR) is perceived differently by orthodontists and general dentists.

Materials And Methods: A Web-based survey containing statements about IPR was developed and randomly distributed to orthodontists and general dentists.

Results: The majority of orthodontists and general dentists strongly agreed that IPR is a minimally invasive procedure that poses little risk for the development of interproximal decay.

Parents' preferences regarding appearance and attire of orthodontists.

Objective: To evaluate parents' preferences regarding the appearance and attire of orthodontists.

Materials And Methods: Parents attending their child's first orthodontic appointment were asked to choose from among sets of photographs of potential orthodontic providers. Selected factors were varied within the sets, including sex and age of the provider as well as attire (casual, formal, white coat, or scrubs), hairstyle (loose or tied back for women, facial hair or clean shaven for men), and presence of a nametag.

Influence of active reminders on oral hygiene compliance in orthodontic patients.

Objective: To determine if text message reminders regarding oral hygiene compliance have an influence on the level of compliance within an orthodontic population.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 42 orthodontic patients were assigned to a text message or control group. Parents of patients assigned to the text message group received a reminder text message one weekday each week.