Self -reported bruxism in patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment - a cross-sectional study.

Background: Orthodontic treatment involves manipulation of tooth position that can temporarily lead to occlusal interferences capable of inducing bruxism. The objectives of this study were to determine the self-reported incidence of bruxism and its association with factors such as facial type, divergence, skeletal and dental malocclusions in orthodontic patients.

Materials And Methods: 80 patients who underwent a minimum of six months of orthodontic treatment were surveyed using a validated self-reported bruxism questionnaire for the presence or absence of bruxism.

The influence of orthodontist change on treatment duration and outcomes in patients treated with Clark's twin block appliance followed by non-extraction fixed mechanotherapy - a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Post-graduate resident turnover in public and teaching hospital orthodontic clinics often leads to challenges in maintaining the same level of efficacy when a care provider changes during orthodontic treatment. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the duration and quality of treatment outcomes between two patient groups: the transfer group, who underwent orthodontic care from multiple residents, and the non-transfer group, whose entire treatment was overseen by a single resident.

Methods: Sixty-six patients were enrolled and equally divided into transfer and non-transfer groups.

Developing an AI-based application for caries index detection on intraoral photographs.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based smartphone application designed for decay detection on intraoral photographs, comparing its performance to that of junior dentists. Conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, this study utilized a dataset comprising 7,465 intraoral images, including both primary and secondary dentitions. These images were meticulously annotated by two experienced dentists and further verified by senior dentists.

Effect of probiotic toothpaste and regular toothpaste on gingival health and plaque levels of adult orthodontic patients - An open label randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Probiotics are living micro-organisms that are likely to influence oral health by modulating the oral microbiota and offer a promising preventive approach to gum and dental disease. This approach is particularly relevant for orthodontic patients, who are more susceptible to gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the effects of a probiotic toothpaste versus a regular toothpaste on gingival health and plaque levels in orthodontic patients.

Comparison of bond failure with resin-modified glass ionomer cement and visible light-cured composite bonding systems in orthodontic patients: A split-mouth randomized controlled trial.

Background: Resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) is considered a fluoride-releasing bonding agent.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the rate of bracket bond failure with light-cured composite (LCC) and RMGIC, and to evaluate factors that contribute to the rate of bracket failure with both bonding agents.

Material And Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on a sample size of 33 patients.

SWOT analysis of the dental hygiene profession in Pakistan-past, present, and future.

Background: Pakistan faces a significant burden of oral diseases, which can be effectively reduced through preventive measures. Dentistry in Pakistan predominantly focuses on corrective dental procedures, increasing the treatment costs and widens disparities in oral healthcare access. To address this gap and meet the country's oral health needs, Aga Khan University initiated a Dental Hygiene program aimed to expand and diversify the oral health workforce and improving access to quality care in various healthcare settings.

Evaluation of user experience and satisfaction with workplace-based assessments (WPBAs) in dental postgraduate programmes.

Objectives: To explore the experience of and satisfaction with workplace-based assessment tools among dental postgraduate trainees.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to October 2022 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised all Operative Dentistry, Prosthodontics and Orthodontics postgraduate trainees. A questionnaire with both open-ended and closed-ended questions was used to record the experiences and satisfaction level of the dental residents who had earlier been subjected to workplace-based assessment.

Influence of dental midline deviation with respect to facial flow line on smile esthetics-A cross-sectional study.

Background/objective: A contemporary concept states that dental midline deviation towards the direction of facial flow line (FFL) can mask the compromised smile esthetics. This study aimed to identify a range of midline deviations that can be perceived towards or away from the FFL influencing smile esthetics.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a frontal smile photograph of an adult female.

Knowledge and Awareness of the orthodontic triage and its uses among dental healthcare professionals - a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: In orthodontics, the triage system is used to assess the preadolescents to rule out interventions needed earlier and to assess the nature of orthodontic problems as complex or moderate. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and awareness of orthodontic triage and its uses among dental healthcare professionals (DHCP).

Materials And Methods: A triage awareness questionnaire (TAQ) was formulated and validated as reliable by a panel of five orthodontic specialists which was then circulated online among 400 DHCP.

The application of virtual reality and augmented reality in dentistry - a literature review.

In recent times, dentistry has seen significant technological advancements that have transformed various specialized areas within the field. Developed into applications for mobile devices, augmented reality (AR) seamlessly merges digital components with the physical world, enhancing both realms while maintaining their individual separateness. On the other hand, virtual reality (VR) relies on advanced, tailored software to visualize a digital 3D environment stimulating the operator's senses through computer generated sensations and feedback.

Dental robotics: a groundbreaking technology with disruptive potential - review article.

Dental Robotics represent a groundbreaking technological frontier with the potential to disrupt traditional paradigms in oral healthcare. This abstract explores the transformative impact of robotic applications in dentistry, focussing on precision, reproducibility, and reliability. A comprehensive search was conducted on the PubMed database, Dental and Oral Science, and CINAHL to identify pertinent studies exploring the implications of robotics in dentistry.

Exploring the knowledge and awareness on applications of virtual reality and augmented reality technology among dental healthcare professionals - a crosssectional survey.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and awareness of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology in dentistry.

Methods: A questionnaire survey-based study was conducted using Google forms on a sample of 273 dental healthcare professionals (DHCP) from October- November 2023, after obtaining ethical approval. A validated questionnaire, divided into three sections, was used to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental healthcare professionals on virtual and augmented reality.

Effect of bonded and removable retainers on occlusal settling after orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the effectiveness of bonded and removable retainers (the Hawley and Essix retainers) in terms of improving occlusal settling (occlusal contact points/areas) after orthodontic treatment. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Dental & Oral Sciences Source (DOSS), as well as SIGLE, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov for eligible studies.

Comparison of mesiodistal root angulation of teeth by conventional panoramic and cone beam computed tomography images - A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Accurate bracket positioning is required for proper root parallelism and for stable orthodontic treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the difference in mesiodistal root angulation of teeth measured on three radiographic images.

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using orthopantomogram (OPG), panoramic images of cone beam computed tomography (Pan-CBCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Predicting the sagittal skeletal pattern using dental cast and facial profile photographs in children aged 9 to 14 years.

Objective: To quantify prediction of sagittal skeletal pattern using anteroposterior dental relationships on dental casts and facial profile photograph.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from December 2016 to July 2017, and comprised orthodontic patients of either gender aged 9-14 years who attended the outpatient dental clinic. The sagittal skeletal relationship assessed on cephalometric radiographs was compared with anteroposterior dental and facial measurements on their dental cast and facial profile photographs.

Diagnostic and prognostic role of cancer stem cell biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma; A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of cancer stem cell biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC patients.

Methods: The search strategy was entered into PubMed NLM, EBSCO CINAHL, EBSCO Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, Wiley Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The full text eligible studies (n=7) were assessed for their quality using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist to evaluates the methodological quality of the studies based on possibility of bias in its design, conduct, and analysis.

Knowledge and awareness of dental stem cells among dental healthcare professionals - a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To assess knowledge and awareness of dental healthcare professionals on dental stem cells.

Methods: A questionnaire survey-based study was conducted using Google forms on a sample of 69 dental healthcare professionals (DHCP) from September - October 2022, after obtaining ethical approval. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental healthcare professionals on stem cells, which was then divided into three sections.

Compliance to donning and doffing of personal protective equipment among dental healthcare practitioners during the coronavirus pandemic: a quality improvement plan, do, study and act (PDSA) Initiative.

Introduction: With the emergence of SARS-Cov-2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined mandatory guidelines for donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) among dental healthcare professionals. The study's objective was to improve the compliance of the donning and doffing protocols for PPE among dental practitioners by the Plan, Do, Study, and Act (PDSA) cycle.

Materials And Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on a sample of dental healthcare professionals using the non-probability purposive technique.

Analysis of facial proportions in skeletal Class II subjects treated with Clark's twin block appliance, followed by nonextraction fixed mechanotherapy: A retrospective longitudinal study.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the influence of Clark's twin block (CTB) appliance therapy on achieving golden proportion in post-treatment facial profiles in skeletal Class II patients.

Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on a sample of 44 skeletal Class II subjects treated with CTB, followed by nonextraction mechanotherapy. Ricketts' 13 dentoskeletal ratios were measured on pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalograms.

A comparison of three different modalities in improving oral hygiene in adult orthodontic patients - An open label randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The objective of the study was to compare outcomes in terms of Bleeding index (BI), Gingival Index (GI) and Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI) with videographic and plaque disclosing tablets (PDT) versus verbal instructions in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment (FAT).

Materials And Methods: Adult orthodontic patients were recruited form outpatient orthodontic clinic who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated to three groups i.e.

Comparison of bracket bond failure with the aerosol-generating and novel non-aerosol-generating bonding techniques during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic among orthodontic patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, dentists must avoid the aerosol-generating procedures during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the rate of bracket bond failure with the aerosol-generating and non-aerosol generating bonding techniques.

Material And Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on a sample of 44 patients (880 teeth), equally divided into 2 groups: the conventional aerosol-generating bonding technique (ABT); and the novel non-aerosol-generating bonding technique (NABT).

Artificial intelligence in dentistry, orthodontics and Orthognathic surgery: A literature review.

Artificial intelligence is the ability of machines to work like humans. The concept initially began with the advent of mathematical models which gave calculated outputs based on inputs fed into the system. This was later modified with the introduction of various algorithms which can either give output based on overall data analysis or by selection of information within previous data.

Cephalometric predictors of optimal facial soft-tissue profile in adult Asian subjects with Class II malocclusion treated via maxillary premolar extraction: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Class II malocclusion is most commonly treated using maxillary premolar extractions. The objective of this study was to predict cephalometric parameters associated with favorable facial soft-tissue profiles in adult Asian subjects with Class II malocclusion treated via maxillary premolar extractions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 46 patients equally divided into favorable (FG) and unfavorable groups.