Archive of Orofacial Data Science

The Development and Clinical Significance of the Curve of Spee in Orthodontics and Prosthodontics - Conventional and Digital Approaches

Nawal Almutawa — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

AIM: To enhance the understanding of the development of the curve of Spee, its significance in orthodontics and prosthodontics, and its management using conventional and digital orthodontics.

METHODS: Records were gathered from PubMed (279) and Google Scholar (421), along with four from supplementary methods. After eliminating 110 duplicates, 590 records were screened. Exclusion criteria removed studies on animals, seminar presentations, opinion pieces, and incomplete data. This process led to the inclusion of 16 articles after assessing potential relevance.

RESULTS: Insights into the historical context and development of the curve of Spee were addressed. Various methods of measuring the curve of Spee, including cast models, 3D models, lateral cephalograms, and CBCT, were briefly discussed. Its significance in prosthodontics and orthodontics was thoroughly explained. Methods for leveling the curve of Spee were examined in both conventional and digital orthodontics, along with their long-term stability.

CONCLUSION: Through a comprehensive review of the literature, several key findings have emerged that elucidate its historical development and role in both orthodontics and prosthodontics. Leveling the curve of Spee in orthodontics is critical, as orthodontists encounter it in nearly every case of treatment. It is recommended that further studies be conducted.

Accelerated Orthodontic Tooth Movement - From Theoretical Knowledge to Clinical Implementation

Sabi Boni Guessou — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

AIM: This review aims to evaluate the efficiency of Accelerated Orthodontic Tooth Movement (AOTM) compared to conventional methods in terms of tooth movement speed and treatment duration, and to assess the existing evidence in current research.

METHODS: An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, complemented by a manual search using Readcube software and the websites of selected orthodontic journals.

RESULTS: The initial search identified 232 studies, with 40 passing the first review phase, ultimately resulting in the selection of 35 studies. Five AOTM strategies employed in humans include corticotomy / piezotomy, interseptal alveolar surgery, low-intensity laser therapy (LILT), vibration, and biological treatment.

CONCLUSION: All AOTM strategies share a common biological basis and are categorised as either stimulation methods or intensification methods. Evidence suggests that surgical strategies, as intensification methods, can accelerate tooth movement during the initial two months of healing, reducing treatment duration by over 50%. Notably, dentoalveolar distraction achieves tooth movement rates of up to 0.8 mm/day, while corticotomy / piezotomy can enhance tooth movement by 41% to 80%. Device-assisted therapeutics approaches are still controversial, whereas LILT may improve tooth alignment by more than 100%. Biological strategies are less explored due to technical challenges.

Mechanical Properties, Biocompatibility, and Environmental Impact of Direct Printed Orthodontic Aligners - A Literature Review

Nikola Sophie Ortner — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100

AIM: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the orthodontic literature regarding the mechanical properties of thermoformed aligners in comparison to direct printed aligners.

METHODS: This study searched German and English publications in PubMed and Scopus using Boolean operators to find articles on 3D-printed and thermoformed aligners, focusing on mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and environmental impacts. The search was limited to articles from the past 10 years. Publication types such as systematic reviews, comments, and conference abstracts were excluded.

RESULTS: A total of 606 potentially relevant studies were identified, of which 16 were included in the investigation after applying selection criteria based on the PICO research approach. Directly printed aligners demonstrated several advantages in biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and environmental impact. However, some studies indicated adverse effects of resin aligners, attributed to variations in the manufacturing process.

CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was determined that three-dimensional printing technology offers numerous high-quality benefits compared to conventional thermoforming. The mechanical properties of 3D printed materials are influenced by the printing and post-processing methods, as well as the different 3D printers employed, leading to expected variations in their therapeutic effectiveness.

Comparative Analysis of Durability and Failure Rates in Feldspathic, Lithium Disilicate, and Alumina Veneers - Long-term Results

Verónica Daniela Armendáriz Tobar — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

AIM: The objective of this study is to compare the durability and failure rates of feldspathic, lithium disilicate, and alumina veneers following treatment.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of the dental literature was conducted via the Pubmed database. From the selected studies, survival rates of feldspathic, lithium disilicate, and alumina veneers were extracted, along with failure rates of fracture, chipping, debonding, marginal adaptation, discoloration, staining, and secondary caries.

RESULTS: The average observation period was 10 years. The estimated survival rates were 95.3% for feldspathic, 95% for lithium disilicate, and 93% for alumina. The analysis of failure rates revealed the following: fractures occurred at rates ranging from 0.9% over 3.4 years to 5% after 11 years for feldspathic veneers. Lithium disilicate showed an average fracture rate of 3.6% over 9.8 years, whereas alumina had a 6.6% fracture rate over the same period. Chipping was higher for alumina veneers (16.5%) compared to feldspathic (4%) and lithium disilicate (3.6%). All three types of veneers experienced low debonding rates (1-2%). Marginal adaptation issues were more prevalent in alumina and feldspathic veneers than in lithium disilicate. Marginal discoloration was higher in alumina veneers compared to other types. Staining and secondary caries were observed at low average percentages across all veneer types.

CONCLUSION: Feldspathic, lithium disilicate, and alumina veneers exhibit high survival rates and durability. The most frequent failures are fractures, chipping, and marginal discoloration, while debonding, staining, and secondary caries are rare complications.

Advances in Osseointegration for Dental Implants: Influencing Factors and Measuring Methods

Mark Adam Antal, Peter Novak — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

AIM: To review the latest research data on osseointegration and understand influencing factors as well as measurement methods associated with osseointegration.

METHODS: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, identifying and classifying articles from the last 15 years based on quality and relevance.

RESULTS: Dental implantology has advanced significantly since its inception 60-70 years ago. Current research showcases diverse methodologies and examines various aspects of osseointegration. While the primary past focus was on achieving osseointegration, contemporary research emphasizes broadening the limits of dental implantology. Dental implants can now be loaded immediately after achieving required primary stability, even before osseointegration occurs. Osseointegration is feasible in compromised patients with conditions like diabetes or HIV. Advancements in medical care and pharmacotherapy may introduce new effects influencing bone healing and osseointegration. Furthermore, manufacturers are enhancing the range of available products through surface and shape modifications, with certain modifications, including laser treatments or coatings, showing improved outcomes and expedited osseointegration.

CONCLUSION: Identified key influencing factors aid practitioners in achieving successful implant restorations. With this knowledge, practitioners can better anticipate treatment outcomes, considering all factors, including the patient, dental team, and implant itself.