Orthodontics

The ecological impact of resin-printed models in clear aligner treatment

3D-printed models can be printed through multiple techniques. The models produced by Invisalign and Dentsply Sirona are 3D-printed models. Most commonly in dentistry, they are produced by either...

Digital scanning in orthodontics: a literature review

Alginate impressions taken for the construction of plaster casts are the most common method used in clinical practice, aiding in orthodontic treatment planning. These are currently still accepted as...

Tips for viewing and interpreting cone beam computed tomography radiographs in orthodontics

Ensure the system for which radiographs are reviewed permits the CBCT to be viewed in all planes of space: axial, coronal and sagittal..

Digital workflows part 1: applications of digital technology in orthodontics

It is possible to capture accurate representations of the teeth and occlusion, create digital 3D models, and improve the patient experience by replacing traditional alginate impressions with...

Digital workflows part 2: applications of digital technology in orthognathic surgical planning – a case series

The following two clinical cases have undergone joint orthodontic/orthognathic treatment by means of a 3D-VSP workflow..

Rapid maxillary expansion: a clinical insight for the general dental practitioner

The earliest cited report of RME is by E.C. Angell, published in Dental Cosmos in 1860. This involved a 14-year-old female patient with a transverse maxillary discrepancy. She was fitted with a device...

Paying lip service: the importance of soft tissues in orthodontics

A comprehensive facial assessment includes analysis of the face and soft tissues, both in passive and animated states, with the lips being examined from the frontal and profile views. These...

Hemisection: a simple and elegant technique

Hemisection in the context of space closure means sectioning the primary molar and removing the distal half of the crown and the distal root. The primary molar is cut with a flame-shaped diamond bur...

Skeletal discrepancies. Part 1: assessment, aetiology, and management of low angle cases

The definition of ‘low angle’ in orthodontics is a decreased FMPA more than one standard deviation below the average of 27° (such as an FMPA <22°)..

Skeletal discrepancies. Part 2: assessment, aetiology and management of high angle cases

The definition of ‘high angle’ in orthodontics is an increased F/MMPA more than one standard deviation above average (FMPA >32°).1 A high angle is associated with increased vertical facial...

Skeletal discrepancies Part 3: assessment, aetiology and management of facial asymmetry

Assessment of facial attractiveness is subjective and is influenced by social, personal and cultural factors. Facial symmetry is the equilibrium of contralateral facial landmarks in dimension and form...

Wire syndrome: a complication in orthodontic retention

The prevalence of wire syndrome is widely debated in the literature. The lowest prevalence reported was 1% in a study with 3500 participants.5 The highest prevalence described was 43%, although only...

A very brief guide on how to read a report of an orthodontic clinical trial

Limited interaction with research papers has prompted a perhaps inappropriate reliance on research abstracts. Moreover, this has also spawned the development of structured abstracts that are designed...

Remote consultations in orthodontics: factors to consider for success

Positive patient experiences of teledentistry and teleorthodontics have been reported6,10,11 with a recent literature review advising that teleorthodontics has been shown to be capable of managing...

Orthodontics improves oral health-related quality of life: fad, fact or fallacy?


‘The impact of oral diseases and disorders on everyday life that a patient or person values, that are of sufficient magnitude, in terms of frequency, severity or duration to affect their experience...