ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the dentoalveolar, palatal rugae, and maxillary sinus asymmetry associated with unilateral maxillary buccal and palatal canine impactions. Materials and Methods This retrospective cross‐sectional study included pretreatment records of 59 patients aged between 13 and 17 years (17 with buccally impacted canines, 20 with palatally impacted canines, and 22 controls). Maxillary and mandibular dentoalveolar measurements were obtained from three‐dimensional digital models using OrthoAnalyzer software. The depth of the first palatal rugae was measured using Autodesk Fusion, whereas the two‐dimensional projected maxillary sinus area was measured on panoramic radiographs using SketchAndCalc software. Asymmetry was quantified as the absolute difference between the right and left side measurements, and the magnitude of asymmetry was compared among the study groups. Results In the intergroup comparisons, statistically significant differences were observed in the asymmetry values of the maxillary central and lateral incisors, as well as in the first palatal rugae depth ( p < 0.001 , p = 0.006, and p = 0.007, respectively). The highest asymmetry values were found in the palatal group, followed by the buccal and control groups. In the intragroup analyses, a significant difference between the impacted and contralateral sides was observed only in the palatal group in terms of the first palatal rugae depth ( p = 0.040). No significant asymmetry was detected in projected maxillary sinus area or other dentoalveolar parameters in either intergroup or intragroup comparisons. Conclusion In this study, significant asymmetries in the maxillary anterior teeth and palatal morphology were observed in patients with unilateral palatally impacted canines. No significant association was observed with mandibular dentoalveolar asymmetry or panoramic maxillary sinus area. Trial Registration This study is a retrospective study and does not involve prospective human interventions; therefore, clinical trial registration is not required
ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this split‐mouth randomised controlled trial was to compare the rate of maxillary canine retraction, degree of canine rotation and pain perception between conventional labial force application and dual force application (simultaneous labial and palatal force). Materials and Methods Forty‐five orthodontic patients requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars were recruited between June 2023 and June 2024. Following levelling and alignment, each maxillary arch was randomly allocated into two study groups using a split‐mouth design with allocation concealment through sealed opaque envelopes. Group 1 (control) received conventional labial force application, whereas Group 2 (experimental) received dual force application. Canine retraction was evaluated at six time points. The primary outcome was the rate of canine retraction, while canine rotation and pain perception were secondary outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results The dual force application group demonstrated a significantly greater rate of canine retraction at T1, T2, T3 and T4 ( p = < 0.01) after that retraction was completed. Canine rotation was lower in the dual force group ( p = < 0.01). Pain scores were slightly higher during the first month of retraction in the dual force group, but no significant differences were observed at subsequent time points. Conclusion Dual force application achieved faster canine retraction with improved rotational control compared with conventional labial force applications. Although pain levels were initially higher, they decreased over time and were clinically acceptable. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07508384
ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical dimensions and voxel intensity values of the pterygomaxillary and pyramidal regions using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to assess their suitability as alternative insertion sites for orthodontic mini‐implants. Methods This study analysed CBCT scans of 50 patients. The width and height of the pterygomaxillary suture and the pyramidal process were measured in axial and coronal sections. Virtual placement of mini‐implants was performed in both regions using dedicated software while maintaining at least a 1 mm safety distance from vital structures. Mini‐implant length, angulation relative to the occlusal and palatal planes, and voxel intensity values around the mini‐implants were recorded. Results The width of the pterygomaxillary suture was significantly greater in males ( p < 0.001), whereas pyramidal region dimensions showed no significant gender differences. Virtual placement demonstrated that all 2 mm diameter mini‐implants were completely surrounded by bone in both regions. Conclusions The pterygomaxillary and pyramidal regions present sufficient bone dimensions and density for orthodontic mini‐implant placement. These areas may serve as safe and biomechanically favorable alternative anchorage sites, particularly for maxillary molar or total arch distalization.
ABSTRACT Aim To evaluate the curing efficiency of three resin composite adhesives applied beneath 3D‐printed molar bands, by determining their degree of conversion (DC%) at different depths. Materials and Methods Fifteen 3D‐printed metallic band specimens were divided into three groups and bonded with Band Lock Blue (BLB), Optiband Ultra Blue (OBU), or Transbond Plus (TRP). Adhesives were applied in 150 μm films and light‐cured for 30 s (1200 mW/cm 2 ). Degree of conversion (DC%) was measured at the top, middle, and bottom regions using attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). Directly irradiated specimens served as controls. Statistical analysis of DC% values was performed with regression modelling at a 5% level. Results A reduction in conversion beneath the bands compared to non‐banded controls was seen, which was dependent on both the adhesive type and the region. For BLB, equally low DC% values were found for banded and non‐banded specimens across all regions. Banded OBU specimens had significantly lower DC% compared to non‐banded controls at all regions. Finally, TRP banded specimens had significantly lower DC% compared to non‐banded controls at the middle and bottom regions, but not at the top region. Conclusions Curing capacity of band adhesives under 3D‐printed bands is material‐dependent. Blue‐shaded OBU and dual‐cured BLB showed more uniform conversion, whereas white‐shaded TRP exhibited significant depth variations. However, conversion of the adhesives tested under 3D‐printed metallic bands was acceptable when a high‐intensity light‐curing unit was used for an extended irradiation time for orthodontic applications (30 s).
ABSTRACT Background Understanding the psychological and professional consequences of patient harm events is crucial for improving clinical practice and support systems. Aim (1) To investigate the prevalence of self‐reported patient harm events involving orthodontic professionals, (2) to assess the psychological, physical, and professional impact of these events, and (3) to identify aspects of importance to mitigate the psychological and physical impact among orthodontic care providers involved in patient harm events. Materials & Methods An online questionnaire‐based survey was conducted among orthodontic care providers, including orthodontists, dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants during two orthodontic conferences in Denmark. The questionnaire assessed respondents' experience with patient harm events, types of harm, the psychological and physical impact of being involved, and their working environment. Results A total of 297 participants completed the survey, in which 45.9% ( n = 135) reported involvement in a patient harm event and 20.8% ( n = 61) experienced an event within the past year. Following a harmful event, significant psychological distress was reported by 49.2% ( n = 87) of professionals, while 21.5% ( n = 38) experienced physical symptoms and 8.8% ( n = 16) considered leaving their job. A fear of causing harm was also evident, with 32.4% ( n = 95) participants experiencing high to very high levels of psychological stress. Orthodontists reported greater stress related to the risk of causing harm compared to other orthodontic team members ( p = 0.001). Orthodontists involved in a patient harm event also reported greater psychological ( p = 0.002) and physical impact ( p = 0.001) than other clinical staff members. No significant differences were found based on age, gender or years of clinical experience. Respondents most frequently identified structured organizational support, supportive leadership, and peer support as key measures to mitigate the impact of patient harm events. Conclusion Patient harm events may affect orthodontists and staff and potentially cause significant psychological and physical impact, emphasizing the need for structured support and peer programmes to enhance provider well‐being and patient safety.
