Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare the validity of the mental foramen (MF) and gonion (Go) as landmarks for a mandibular horizontal plane by assessing their vertical positions and line angulations. Methods Ninety cone-beam computed tomography scans of skeletal Class III adult patients were included. The patients were divided into two main groups: symmetry (n=30) and asymmetry groups (n=60). The asymmetry group was subdivided into the roll (n=30) and non-roll types (n=30). A three-dimensional co-ordinate system was established using the best-fit mirroring superimposition of the mandibular body. Landmark positions of the MF and Go were analysed and line angulations were calculated using their coordinates. Results The Go line angulation relative to the x-axis in the mandibular co-ordinate system was significantly greater than the MF line angulation in both groups and asymmetry types ( P <0.05). The difference between the Go line and the MF line angulations was significantly greater in the roll type than in the non-roll type. The bilateral vertical discrepancy in Go position was significantly greater than that of MF for both groups and asymmetry types. Conclusions The bilateral vertical discrepancy of the MF was significantly smaller than that of Go in symmetrically positioned mandibles. The mandibular roll may be assessed differently when using MF-based versus Go-based mandibular planes.

Abstract Objective To investigate current and future workforce practices of qualified orthodontists (QOs) and trainee orthodontists (TOs) in Australia. Methods An original piloted e-survey with questions regarding current practices and intended working practices of QOs and TOs was developed. The survey was distributed to 514 QO and 46 TO members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) from January to June 2024 via REDCap (https://www.project-redcap.org/). Reported hours were converted to full-time equivalent (FTE) units. One FTE unit equated to working 35 hr per week for 46 weeks in one year. Results The response rate was 30.7% for QOs and 69.5% for TOs. FTE units per clinician, on average, was 0.80 (SD: 0.28) for QOs and 1.01 (SD: 0.14) for TOs. There was no difference between female and male clinicians related to FTE units (p < 0.05). For QOs and TOs, 48.3% and 34.3%, respectively, reported that they would work in metropolitan areas only. “Prefer to be close to friends and family” for QOs (84%) and “enough work in metropolitan areas” for TOs (100%) were the most reported reasons for working in metropolitan areas only. For QOs, 43.6% of respondents reported that they spent most of their hours working in “solo owner” roles. Fifty-one (29.9%) of the QO respondents indicated that they intended to retire within the next 5 years. Conclusions Over the next 5 years, the specialist orthodontic workforce in Australia is likely to experience losses particularly in non-metropolitan areas and in “solo owner” practices. This may have a significant impact on orthodontic treatment provision in Australia.

Abstract Aim To investigate and compare patient perceptions and satisfaction regarding traditional braces and clear aligners. Materials and methods In this qualitative, interpretive study, a total of 40 participants were recruited from a public institution and a private clinic. Participants were over the age of 18 years and categorised into six groups, dependent on treatment type and stage. A qualitative questionnaire, asking 16 open-ended questions was distributed by email and was hosted online using XM Qualtrics. All responses to the questionnaire were organised into themes using NVIVO and were then analysed using the Braun and Clarke reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results Patient perceptions towards braces were primarily influenced by family, friends and research on the internet, while clear aligner consumers’ perceptions appeared to be greatly influenced by social media. Patients generally perceived braces to be unaesthetic, painful and inconvenient. Clear aligners were considered aesthetic, but also associated with possible pain, increased oral hygiene practices and reported clinical limitations. Throughout treatment, braces users were less concerned regarding the aesthetics of their appliances when compared to the pain and other faced inconvenience. Clear aligner patients were mostly satisfied with the aesthetics of their appliance and least satisfied with the inconvenience of having to insert and remove them before and after meals. Conclusion Braces users relied on dentists and family for information, while aligner users sought online sources and social media. Braces were associated with poor visible aesthetics and discomfort, while aligners were preferred for their discrete appearance and convenience. Braces affected eating and oral hygiene to a greater extent, while aligners required frequent removal for meals, which posed challenges. Negative experience perceptions continued post-treatment for wearers of braces but did not for users of aligners. Treatment choice should consider patient priorities and case complexity, but also the manner by which consumers seek information and evaluate experience expectations related to pain and aesthetics.

Abstract Objectives This study compares the effectiveness of face mask therapy applied after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in 4- to 11-year-old patients with objective co-operation data collected using thermal sensors. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in the effectiveness of the maxillary protraction. Materials and method Initial and post-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken of patients with maxillary retrognathia, aged between 4 to 7 years (6.1 ± 1.88, n = 13) and 8 to 11 years (9.4 ± 1, n = 12) of age. An RME was performed for at least 10 days. The face mask protraction force was set to 450 g per side, and the recommended usage was 10 hr per day. TheraMon® microsensors were integrated into the face mask. Results The daily usage was significantly higher in the younger age group (8.9 ± 1.8 hr) compared to the older group (7.1 ± 0.9 hr). The SNA angle, A-Nasionperp (mm), ANB angle, Wits (mm), maxillary depth, ANS-Me (mm), the molar relationship (mm) and overjet (mm) significantly increased in both groups. Co-A (mm), the saddle angle, articular angle and UL-E Line (mm) showed a significant increase only in the older group, while the L1-A/Pg decreased significantly. The SNB angle decreased significantly only in the younger group. There was no statistically significant difference in the delta values between the two groups. Conclusion The null hypothesis was partly rejected since no difference was observed in the examined skeletal and soft tissue parameters.

Abstract A skeletal Class II malocclusion is an anteroposterior discrepancy resulting from a combination of skeletal and dental factors. In adolescent patients, it is possible to leverage their growth potential to address bone deformities and minimise the need for future surgical interventions. In the present case report, a combination treatment approach was adopted which included a functional appliance, fixed appliances, and temporary anchorage support, to treat a 13-year-old Chinese male with a severe skeletal Class II malocclusion. After a treatment duration of 36 months, the patient achieved a favourable occlusion and an improved facial profile. Subsequently, a stable occlusal relationship and balanced facial proportions were maintained during a 2-year retention period.

Abstract This case report aimed to describe the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy involving a vertical holding appliance and a smile–clenching–swallow exercise for vertical control, in a growing patient who presented with a high-angle facial pattern. A 10-year-old girl sought treatment for a skeletal open bite. Early interception aimed to reduce the divergent skeletal growth pattern. The patient was asked to perform a smile–clenching–swallow exercise by pushing the tongue dorsum against a palatal resin pad on a transpalatal arch. The action exerted an upward force on the maxillary first molars, which reinforced the effects of myofunctional therapy. This interaction between the tongue and resin pad resulted in positive feedback, and a constant intrusive force delivered to the molars and balanced co-operation from the orofacial musculature. The initial vertical skeletal discrepancy was successfully resolved within 3 months. The subsequent fixed appliance treatment was straightforward. After 3 years of follow-up, the treatment outcome was stable.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of “GC Ortho Connect”, a new no-primer orthodontic composite, in comparison with Transbond XT composite. Methods Sixty extracted human premolars were randomly divided into three groups (n=20). All teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid after which brackets were bonded using Transbond XT composite (3M Unitek, Monrovia, USA) and its primer in group I, GC Ortho Connect composite (GC Orthodontics, Tokyo, Japan) in group II, and Transbond XT composite without its primer in group III. After 24 hr of storage in distilled water at 37°C, the SBS was measured using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. After debonding, the ARI scores were determined under a stereomicroscope at ×20 magnification. ANOVA and the Kruskal–Wallis test were applied to analyse the data at P < 0.05. Results The mean SBS value for GC Ortho Connect composite was 15.50±3.25 MPa, which was significantly higher than the value in group I (12.66±3.3 MPa) and group III (11.18±4.94 MPa). The ARI scores showed that the GC Ortho Connect composite mainly exhibited cohesive failure; whereas, most failures in the Transbond XT composite group occurred at the enamel–adhesive interface. Conclusions The performance of GC Ortho Connect composite heralds easier and more efficient bonding in orthodontics.

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Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to assess the validity and reproducibility of a tripoding reference method for digital study cast superimposition to measure maxillary tooth movement. Methods: This retrospective study used 30 treated orthodontic cases which required premolar extractions. Pre- and post-treatment cephalograms were conventionally superimposed, while digitised study casts were superimposed using point registration-based software (Materialise 3-matic Research 12.0) and a tripoding method. This method involved superimposing the digital study casts using the medial two-thirds of the third palatal rugae, and the bilateral depression of the greater palatine foramen as references. Incisor and molar orthodontic tooth movements in the vertical and horizontal planes were measured using the Pancherz analysis for cephalograms and Materialise 3-matic software for the digitised study casts. Validity and agreement were assessed by a paired t test and a Bland-Altman analysis while reproducibility was assessed by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and a paired t test. Clinical significance was set at 2 mm. Results: The paired t tests found no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in tooth movements between the cephalometric and digitised cast measurements, and between the same measurement methods. However, the Bland-Altman analysis showed the 95% limits of agreement were greater than 2 mm but less than 4.3 mm for all measurements. The ICC showed all measurements had good to excellent reproducibility. Conclusion: The tripoding method is a valid and reliable method to superimpose the maxillary study casts for measuring incisor and molar orthodontic movements but it is not interchangeable with the Pancherz analysis.

Abstract Using a new polyolefin material without impressions and models, fifty-two mouthguards were fabricated at chairside by a dental professional. Patient acceptance, operator assessment, mouthguard retention and fabrication time were assessed. The study demonstrated the practicality of custom-made mouthguard fabrication over fixed orthodontic appliances and recommends the procedure as a useful adjunct to orthodontic practice.