American Association of Orthodontists

Class II functional appliances are widely used to treat skeletal Class II malocclusion in growing patients, whereas molar distalization is often employed for dental Class II malocclusion. However, the impact of these treatment modalities on upper airway dimensions remains controversial. This study examines the effects of Herbst appliance treatments on the upper airway changes compared with the Pendex appliance in adolescent patients with Class II malocclusion. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 50 patients with Class II malocclusion were obtained from a private orthodontic office (Chalfont, Pa). Twenty-five patients were treated with Herbst appliances (12.16 ± 1.89 years; 13 males and 12 females) and 25 patients with Pendex appliances (11.72 ± 1.22 years; 12 males and 13 females). Measurements were taken for volume, length, and cross-sectional areas of the total, retropalatal, and retroglossal upper airway. CBCTs were taken at baseline (T1), after appliance removal (T2), and from final records after fixed edgewise appliance treatment (T3) (T1-T3: 41.11 ± 9.95 months for Herbst appliances and 44.81 ± 9.63 months for Pendex appliances). In addition to 3-dimensional CBCT analysis, 2-dimensional measurements were performed and compared with a Class II untreated control group comprising 25 age- and sex-matched patients from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Bolton-Brush Craniofacial Growth Legacy Collection. Differences across time points within groups were assessed using repeated-measures analysis of variance test, whereas between-group differences at individual time points and for changes from T1 to T3 were evaluated using independent-samples t tests adjusted for baseline (T1) outcome values and follow-up duration. From T1 to T3, both the Herbst and Pendex groups showed a significant increase in total upper airway volume and length. However, the magnitude of these changes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. In the 2-dimensional analysis, no significant differences were observed among the Herbst, Pendex, and untreated control groups in airway area changes from T1 to T3. Both the Herbst and Pendex appliances resulted in comparable increases in total upper airway volume and length in adolescent patients with Class II malocclusion, primarily attributable to normal growth.

Introduction : l’objectif de cet article est de présenter un protocole d’étude radiologique en vue de planifier la pose directe des minivis d’ancrage au niveau de la crête infra-zygomatique. Matériels et méthodes : passer en revue les études qui présentent des recommandations et des protocoles d’insertion des minivis au niveau de la crête infra-zygomatique. Faire la synthèse de ces études et présenter une méthode de planification radiologique avec des Cônes Beam. L’intérêt de cette méthode est : 1- localiser le site de forage. 2- mesurer la quantité d’os. 3-définir l’angle d’insertion. 4- sélectionner la minivis adéquate. Conclusion : l’examen Cône Beam est indispensable pour planifier la pose des minivis d’ancrage au niveau de la crête infra-zygomatique. Notre protocole d’étude radiologique permet de rendre compte avec précision du volume osseux disponible pour une implantation sous-sinusale et établir ainsi une stratégie de pose avec plus de stabilité et de sécurité.

Background: Digital indirect bonding (IB) has emerged as a reliable approach to improving the precision and efficiency of orthodontic bracket placement. Methods: This in vitro study evaluated and compared the positional accuracy and efficiency of two digitally driven indirect bonding (IB) techniques—a rigid single-tooth transfer jig (Leone Jig System) and a flexible three-part transfer tray (IBT Flex Resin)—as well as conventional direct bonding. Ten sets of 3D-printed resin dental models were randomly allocated to the three bonding protocols. Bracket positions were virtually planned and analyzed by superimposing pre- and post-bonding STL models using landmark- and surface-based registration. Linear discrepancies were measured along the axial, sagittal, and vertical planes, and data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Friedman tests (α = 0.05). Results: Both indirect bonding techniques showed significantly smaller deviations from the ideal virtual setup compared with direct bonding across all spatial planes (p < 0.001). Mean discrepancies were consistently below 0.3 mm for the indirect protocols, compared with values exceeding 0.4 mm for direct bonding. The rigid jig demonstrated the highest precision, particularly in the sagittal (0.18 ± 0.06 mm) and vertical (0.21 ± 0.07 mm) planes, while the flexible tray showed slightly higher deviations (approximately 0.25–0.30 ± 0.08–0.09 mm across planes). Chairside bonding time per full arch was reduced by more than 50% with both IB techniques, with the jig-based system being the most time-efficient. No significant interaction between bonding method and spatial plane was observed. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, digital indirect bonding—especially rigid, patient-specific jigs—demonstrated superior bracket placement accuracy and procedural efficiency compared with direct bonding.

BackgroundClear aligner therapy (CAT) has become a popular esthetic alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances, driven by advances in polymer science and digital manufacturing. However, staining and color instability remain significant clinical concerns, especially given patient non-compliance with recommended beverage restrictions. Limited comparative evidence exists regarding how different aligner polymers respond to common chromogenic beverages.AimTo evaluate and compare the color stability of four commercially available clear aligner materials, Invisalign® (polyurethane; Align Technology Inc., Tempe, Arizona, United States), ClearCorrect™ (polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG); Round Rock, Texas, United States), Illusion® (multilayer polyester blend; Laxmi Dental Ltd., Mumbai, India), and Graphy TC-85® (photocurable oligomer; Graphy Inc., Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea), following immersion in tea, coffee, cola, and red wine over a two-week period.Materials and methodsThis laboratory-based in vitro study used 40 aligner specimens (10 per brand), sectioned into standardized 10×10 mm samples. Specimens were randomly assigned to five immersion media (tea, coffee, cola, red wine, and distilled water). Color measurements (L*, a*, b*) were recorded at baseline, 24 hours, seven days, and 14 days using a VITA Easyshade® V (VITA Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH & Co. KG, Germany) spectrophotometer. Total color change (ΔE) was calculated using the CIELAB formula. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc tests (α=0.05).ResultsAll aligners exhibited clinically acceptable baseline ΔE values (<3.3). Coffee and cola produced the highest discoloration across most materials. ClearCorrect™ and Illusion® demonstrated the greatest susceptibility, exceeding perceptible thresholds within 24 hours. Invisalign® showed moderate, beverage-independent staining, while Graphy TC-85® remained stable against acidic beverages but showed delayed tea-related discoloration. Time and beverage type significantly influenced ΔE values (p<0.001).ConclusionColor stability of clear aligners is strongly governed by polymer chemistry and beverage characteristics. PETG and multilayer polyester blends stain rapidly, polyurethane discolors moderately, and photocurable oligomers display beverage-specific behavior. Material-specific guidance and reinforced patient instructions are essential to maintain esthetic longevity of aligners.

Abstract Background Regenerative dentistry based on dental mesenchymal stem cells provides potential alternatives for repairing damaged dental tissues. Despite advancements, its clinical adoption and readiness remain limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and adoption barriers of dentists regarding dental stem cell (DSC) therapies to identify gaps and inform strategies for integration into practice. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to 352 dentists and specialists between March and May 2025. A validated questionnaire consisting of 29 questions was distributed to assess the demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and clinical adoption of stem cell therapies and the perceived barriers. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25.0), and p value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant Results Participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge; 29.0% achieved a good score, while 24.7% scored poorly. Attitudes were generally positive, with 50.3% showing good to excellent attitudes (31.5% good and 18.8% excellent attitudes). Despite 83.8% considering the transformative potential of DSC therapies, only 39.5% expressed a willingness to adopt them in their current practice, reporting lack of education (61.1%) and research (65.3%) as common barriers. Knowledge and attitudes showed a significant association with education, practice type, and workshop attendance (p &lt; 0.5). Ethical (69.6%) and regulatory (66.2%) issues were common issues present before considering integration into clinical practice. However, 57.4% of participants relayed interest in further education. Conclusions Yemeni dentists demonstrated a moderate level of awareness and generally positive attitudes towards DSC therapies, but clinical adoption remains low due to structural, educational, ethical, and regulatory barriers. Targeted training, policy frameworks, and national guidelines are needed before DSC-based regenerative dentistry can be realistically integrated into practice.

ABSTRACTBackground:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and associated structures. Suburban populations often experience barriers to healthcare access, potentially influencing TMD prevalence and management.Objective:To analyze the prevalence and types of TMDs in suburban areas, identify associated risk factors, and assess the patterns of healthcare-seeking behavior among affected individuals.Methods:This cross-sectional epidemiological research was conducted in suburban regions over six months. A total of 500 individuals aged 18–65 years were evaluated using the “Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD)”. Data on demographics, clinical presentations, and risk factors were collected and analyzed.Results:The prevalence of TMDs was 23.6%. Among the affected individuals, myofascial pain (42.4%) was the most common type, followed by internal derangements (35.2%) and degenerative joint diseases (22.4%). Female participants showed a significantly higher prevalence (64.8%). Key risk factors included bruxism, stress, and malocclusion.Conclusion:The findings highlight the need for targeted awareness and healthcare initiatives in suburban areas to address TMDs effectively. Early identification and management of modifiable risk factors can improve outcomes.