AIM: To determine the prevalence of malocclusions and the need for orthodontic treatment in a sample of school-going adolescents in the Najran city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1094 school-going Saudi male adolescents. The age range of the sampled adolescents was 13–18 years, and none of them had any history of orthodontic treatment. A survey chart related to malocclusion was designed and filled up after clinical examination by a single experienced and calibrated examiner. The need for orthodontic treatment was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). RESULT: The present study's findings demonstrated 61.2% of the samples with Angle's Class I malocclusions, 27.5% with Class II, and 11.4% of samples with Class III malocclusion. A significant difference was observed between the different classes of malocclusion (P < 0.001). Most samples presented normal overjet, crossbite, and no reverse overjet, deep bite, or open bite. The number of samples with no treatment need was 573 (52.37%), with slight treatment in 185 (16.91%) samples, moderate treatment needs in 123 (11.24%) samples, and severe and extreme treatment needs were 109 (9.96%) and 104 (9.50%), respectively. A significant difference was observed between the samples with no or slight treatment need (grades 1 and 2), moderate need (grade 3), and definite treatment need (grades 4 and 5) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malocclusion and IOTNs among the sample of school-going adolescents in the Najran city was 47.63%. However, 9.63% of those samples required immediate attention for orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and assess the coefficient of frictional resistance between nano-coated orthodontic brackets and orthodontic archwires with conventional orthodontic brackets and archwires METHODOLOGY: In this experimental study, 128 samples were divided into 4 groups consisting of 32 orthodontic wires and brackets in each group. The samples were randomly allocated into GROUP A- ZNO nanoparticle coated archwires and brackets, GROUP B ZNO nanoparticle coated bracket and conventional archwire, GROUP C-ZNO nanoparticle coated archwire and conventional bracket, and GROUP D- conventional archwire and bracket after positioning them on special jigs frictional resistance was studied and evaluated. Bon – Ferroni test was used for inter group comparison and one way ANOVA was used for intr-group comparison. RESULTS: The lowest mean frictional resistance is seen with Group A (nanocoated archwire with nanocoated bracket) N = 0.3401 ± 0.420; and highest with Group D (conventional brackets with conventional archwires) N = 0.8413 ± 0.60. a significant difference in mean frictional resistance was observed between the groups (P ≤ 0.01). The frictional resistance for the groups was in the following order from lowest to highest: group A < B < C < D. CONCLUSION: The study showed decreased friction in ZNO nanoparticle coated archwires and brackets than conventional archwires and brackets.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on canine movement acceleration. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial split-mouth study with a double-blind design and controlled group on 31 orthodontic patients, which had been indicated bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction. Each patient recorded clinical features, analyzed lateral cephalometric film, and evaluated the acceleration on dental models at every specific interval. RESULT: The cumulative distance to the distal canines was larger for the PRP injection group than for the control group at three time points (4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks), all of which were statistically significant. The PRP injection group's canine distal width increased from the first 4 weeks (ΔT1) to the highest in the middle 4 weeks (ΔT2 = 1.78 ± 0.11 mm/month), and then it gradually decreased in the last 4 weeks (ΔT3). The speed of the PRP-injected canine was faster than the control group by 1.51 times. CONCLUSION: PRP can accelerate the speed of canine movement in orthodontics and can be applied for severe cases, for example, impacted tooth retraction, molar protraction or retraction, and other cases.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior-posterior discrepancy assessment is a crucial component of orthodontic diagnosis and is often carried out using hard tissue cephalometric analysis. The purpose of this study was to compare the photographic Frankfort plane subnasale pogonion (FSA) angle with established cephalometric parameters to determine the accuracy of the angle in determining maxillomandibular anteroposterior discrepancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 60 subjects, 20 in each skeletal sagittal malocclusion, were included in the final sample based on the selection criteria. Both photographic and cephalometric records were taken, and the parameters assessed were the beta angle, Steiner's analysis, the ANB (A point- Nasion- B point) angle in the cephalograms, and the FSA angle in the profile photographs. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS software. The correlation between the measured parameters was assessed using Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: A high positive and significant correlation between the FSA angle and beta angle (r = 0.793) was noted, and a high negative and significant correlation between the FSA angle and ANB angle (r = -0.848) was noted. CONCLUSION: The photographic FSA angle can be used as a reliable parameter to diagnose anteroposterior discrepancies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the motivations behind orthodontic re-treatment in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study performed through a patient questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited data on the respondents' socio-demographic data, type of previous orthodontic treatment, retention, satisfaction level, and reasons for undergoing orthodontic re-treatment. RESULTS: Four hundred and nineteen responses were received during the study period from June to July 2022. The result showed a pre-dominant female predilection (83, 29%), with the majority belonging to the 21–25 age group (47.26%). Most participants had had one previous orthodontic treatment (77%), with an active treatment time of approximately 1–3 years (55.85%). There was no significant difference between the satisfaction of outcomes after the initial treatment and at the time of the survey. Most participants received retention appliances (69.45%) and were informed about the importance of appliances. The type of retention was mainly removable retainers (47.5%). Around one-third of the sample (31.98%) were interested in seeking orthodontic re-treatment, with self-motivation as the primary drive and improving the smile as the predominant reason. CONCLUSION: The study's findings show that a large portion of the population is seeking orthodontic re-treatment, which must be considered. Self-motivation was a driving force rather than external motivation. The most common reason for seeking orthodontic re-treatment was to improve their smile and the increased esthetic demand.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the effect of three staining solutions on the color stability of three different brands of esthetic archwires using a spectrophotometer and also to compare the fluorescence of esthetic archwires with extracted human teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 84 nickel–titanium (NiTi)-coated esthetic archwires with the same cross section and size (0.016 × 0.022″) were included. All samples were divided into four groups of 21 each, that is, group 1: artificial saliva (AS), group 2: coffee (C) solution, group 3: turmeric (T) solution, and group 4: chlorhexidine (CH) mouth rinse; each group was subdivided into three subgroups of seven each (Opal Classic (OC), Libral Rabbit Force (LRF), and Ortho Organizers (OO)). The baseline value (T0) was measured before immersion in the staining solution and then immersed in the staining solution for 21 days. The color measurements were recorded at different time intervals on the 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st days using a spectrophotometer. The fluorescence of archwires is tested in a dark atmosphere using a fluorescent black lamp. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS: A significant amount of color change in all three brands of archwires from day 0 to day 21 (p < 0.005) was observed, except for OC in the CH mouth rinse group (p = 0.230). The fluorescence of OO matches with the natural teeth. CONCLUSION: LRF showed the highest overall color change followed by OO and OC. Turmeric is the most chromogenic agent, followed by Coffee and CH mouth rinse.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of the length of the lingual frenulum with the craniofacial morphology in adults. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The study comprised a total of 144 subjects, aged 18 to 28 years, divided into 3 groups (48 in each group), based on ANB angle i.e., Skeletal Class I, Skeletal Class II & Skeletal Class III. To measure the length of the lingual frenulum direct and indirect methods were used. A Lingual frenulum ruler was used for direct measurement and the differences between the maximum mouth opening reduction (MMOR) with and without the tip of the tongue touching the incisive papilla measurement were taken for the indirect method. A lateral cephalogram was collected from each subject and a cephalometric analysis was done to assess craniofacial morphology. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and the significance of the mean difference between (inter) the groups was done by Tukey's HSD (honestly significant difference) post hoc test after ascertaining normality by Shapiro-Wilk's test and homogeneity of variance between groups by Levene's test RESULTS: The lingual frenulum length and maximum mouth opening reduction were significantly increased in the Skeletal Class III subjects with a statistically significant value of P < 0.001 when compared with the Skeletal Class I and Skeletal Class II subjects. CONCLUSION: A balance in the teeth positioning is maintained by orofacial musculature and any disturbance which occurs in this, results in malocclusion. Malocclusion can result in a long lingual frenulum that pushes the mandibular anterior forwards. Hence, the malocclusion and lingual frenulum length relationship are essential to eliminate the erratic forces and to attain excellent results, following the elimination of malocclusion.

OBJECTIVES: This investigation aimed to evaluate the most common orthodontic urgencies, their management, and changes in routine biosafety measures and the total income of the dental office in South India during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A questionnaire was drafted using Google Forms with questions in four domains pertaining to orthodontic urgencies, biosafety measures, treatment duration, and income. After validation, this questionnairewas sent to 750 orthodontists via WhatsApp messenger (WhatsApp Inc, Menlo Park, Calif) over a period of 14 days.Descriptive statistics and comparisons were performed using independent t- and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Majority of the orthodontists (62.3%) had closed their clinics only during the first lockdown. Many (63%) had scheduled urgent appointments along with routine limited patients per day. The most frequent urgencies were related to the breakage of brackets, archwires, molar tubes, bands, and temporary anchorage devices. Aligners were the least problematic. The treatment time was also prolonged. Telephonic advice and virtual assistance via WhatsApp messages/videos were found to be successful in the management of urgencies.Most orthodontists had strengthened their routine biosafety measures.The financial impact of this pandemic was considerable, with nearly 50% reduction in total income. CONCLUSIONS: Urgencies linked to preadjusted edgewise appliances, such as breakage of brackets and tubes, and archwire-related injuries were the most common. Prolongation of treatment time and negative financial impact were the other problems encountered during this pandemic. Drastic changes had occurred in routine biosafety measures, which prevented the spread of infection among orthodontists and patients.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate and assess the influence of maxillary molar rotation on severity of dental class II malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised of 4 different groups namely, 1/4th class II malocclusion, 2/4th class II malocclusion, 3/4th class II malocclusion and full class II malocclusion involving sample size of 20,15,16 and 12. The samples were subjected to digital evaluation of maxillary 1st permanent molar rotation using 4 parameters namely angle of Friel, Ricketts E-Line, angle of Henry and Premolar angle. RESULTS: The results were subjected to statistical analysis using one way ANOVA wherein group IV (Full class II malocclusion) exhibited a greater rotational value. On evaluation, angle of Friel exhibited a mean of 59.6±1.61 degrees, Ricketts E-Line was found to be 12.3±1.77mm while angle of Henry showed a mean of 19±3.19 degrees and premolar angle was 12.5±5.83 degrees. CONCLUSION: On evaluating molar rotation using angle of Friel, Ricketts E-Line, angle of Henry and premolar angle, full cusp class II malocclusion presented higher degree of mesiopalatal rotation maxillary molar rotation. With increasing mesiopalatal rotation, the severity of molar relation also increased from 1/4th to full class II. Hence the maxillary molar spatial position along the long axis majorly influences the molar relation wherein a full cusp class II molar relation exhibits higher degree of molar rotation.

Infection control is essential to protect both the doctor and the patient by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. There is no exception in the field of dentistry, particularly in orthodontics, where numerous appliances are used for a variety of functions and also because the mouth cavity has the highest concentration of bacteria of any body part. Through this systematic review, we aimed to assess the various methods of sterilization employed in an orthodontic setting. Using relevant keywords, reference searches, and citation searches, the databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus were all searched; a total of 206 documents were found, of which 113 were initially selected. The remaining 23 distinct papers were initially made available after 90 publications that were identical to or similar to one another were eliminated. The final selection was made from eight documents that met all inclusion and exclusion requirements. The existing methods of sterilization were found to be competent in dealing with the microorganisms found in a typical orthodontic setting. The chemical method of sterilization was the norm in most of the studies that we assessed, with glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid (PAA) being the most commonly employed compounds for disinfection. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022380831.

A variety of metals and alloys are employed in the field of orthodontics, primary of which happen to be the construction of wires. Through this systematic review, we aimed to assess the various metallurgical characteristics of the said metals and alloys. Four hundred and eighty-two documents in total were found after a thorough search of the online journals, and 169 of the papers were initially chosen. Ultimately, 16 documents were selected that satisfied the necessary inclusion and exclusion criteria, primarily in vitro studies, literature reviews, and comparative analyses. NiTi alloy was found to be the most commonly used alloy in construction of orthodontic wires across all the studies that we had selected for our review. It also had better performance and consistency in terms of its usage as depicted by the meta-analysis performed, with stainless steel wires being a close second primarily due to its lesser cost compared to the former. Metallurgy and orthodontics are inextricably linked with one another. The various components of orthodontics such as wires, pliers, and other instruments utilize the metallurgical characteristics of metals and alloys that are specially prepared for the challenges of this field. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022378444.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of root resorption with mini implant-aided anchorage, with and without inducing the regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP) in en masse retraction cases using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Thirty patients requiring therapeutic extraction of all first premolars were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups of fifteen patients each (groups I and II). Patients of both groups underwent retraction using mini implants. In patients of group II, the RAP was initiated before starting retraction. For each patient, CBCT of the maxillary and mandibular anterior region was taken before treatment and after retraction to evaluate root length changes. RESULTS: The amount of root resorption post-retraction was lesser in group II as compared to group I for the maxillary canine, mandibular canines, and mandibular lateral incisors. When the amount of root resorption was scored according to the Malmgren index, a greater percentage of teeth in group I (17.8%) showed root resorption of score of 3 as compared to group II (6.1%). CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that the RAP caused reduced root resorption, but its effect was localized to the area where it was induced. When mini implants are used for absolute anchorage during en masse retraction, the RAP can be induced to reduce the root resorption that results from increased treatment time associated with implant-aided retraction.

AIM: To translate the orthodontic experience questionnaire into Malayalam, an Indian language, and assess its validity and reliability in the Kerala population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The original questionnaire, which was developed in English, was translated into Malayalam. Face validity was assessed, and minor changes were made, followed by a content validity assessment by an expert panel. The final version was given to 324 patients who marked their responses on a Likert scale. Internal consistency reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Principal component factor analysis was performed to regroup the valid items. RESULTS: The principal component factor analysis revealed three domains. Reliability assessed by Cronbach's alpha of the whole questionnaire was 0.799, and that of the three domains was 0.73, 0.71, and 0.71, respectively. The test-retest reliability was found to be good (0.798). CONCLUSION: The Malayalam version of the orthodontic experience questionnaire was found to be content valid with good reliability. To obtain a successful treatment result, an orthodontist must be aware of these and this questionnaire, with adequate validity and reliability, has been designed to achieve this in the Malayalam-speaking population.

AIM: To evaluate the shear strength of Orthocem and BracePaste polymerizable cement light-cured with light-emitting diode (LED) units with different wavelengths (Bluephase N) with their high power, low power, and soft start programs in the bonding of metal brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro experimental research was performed. Mini Roth 0.022 metal brackets (Roth Orthometric brackets) were used. The adhesives were placed on the metal brackets with Orthocem and BracePaste resin cement. To compare the average strengths, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The average shear strength was better with Bracepaste polymerizable cement compared to Orthocem cement in all its high power, low power, and soft star programs; the highest was Bracepaste with soft start of 26.52 MPa, and the lowest was Orthocem with soft start of 13.92 MPa. When evaluating the differences, it was found that these were statistically significant in all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences were found in the shear strength of light-curing Orthocem and Bracepaste light-curing cement cured with LED units with different wavelengths in bonding metal brackets to the tooth in vitro.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of adding vanillin nanoparticles on the antimicrobial and mechanical properties of the orthodontic adhesive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transbond XT orthodontic adhesive (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA) was modified with 1% and 2% vanillin nanoparticles. The chemical composition and degree of chemical conversion in orthodontic adhesive before and after adding vanillin nanoparticles to orthodontic adhesive were measured using Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mechanical properties of unmodified orthodontic adhesive (UMOA) and 1% and 2% vanillin-modified orthodontic adhesive (VMOA) were assessed in shear bond strength (SBS) and tensile bond strength (TBS). The antimicrobial properties were evaluated using a Mueller–Hinton plate swapped with streptococcus mutans. The zone of bacterial inhibition for UMOA, 1% VMOA, and 2% VMOA was measured. Descriptive statistics, multiple comparisons, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Duncan's test were used to compare among the results. RESULTS: FTIR showed no chemical conversion of 1% VMOA and 2% VMOA. There was significant streptococcus mutans growth inhibition in 1% VMOA and 2% VMOA compared to UMOA. No significant difference in streptococcus mutans growth inhibition in 1% VMOA and 2% VMOA. The SBS decreased significantly in 1% VMOA compared to UMOA. In addition, SBS decreased insignificantly when comparing 1% VMOA and 2% VMOA. TBS significantly reduced in 2% VMOA compared with UMOA. In addition, there was no significant difference in TBS between UMOA and 1% VMOA, and 1% VMOA and 2% VMOA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 1% VMOA has improved antimicrobial properties and kept mechanical properties of orthodontic adhesive within the acceptable level.

OBJECTIVES: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are skeletal anchorage devices. They are minimally invasive and placed by the orthodontist to prevent unwanted tooth movement. This study evaluated the survival rate of orthodontic TADs at 6 months. This study also assessed the effect of age, gender, side, site, dental arch of placement, and length of the TADs on its survival rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the hospital. The study sample comprised orthodontic patients who required the placement of TADs during treatment at a private dental facility in Lagos. Data for the study were obtained from the case files of the study subjects and included the subjects' age, gender, date of placement of the TADs, the site, side and arch of placement, the length of the TADs, and the survival rate of 6 months after placement. RESULTS: We reviewed 90 placed TADs and observed a survival rate of 88.9%. Most TAD failures occurred in the first month of placement (p = 001). There was no observable statistically significant effect of all other variables assessed (age, gender, arch, site, side, or implant length) on the survival rate of the TADs. CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate of TADs was high. Most TAD failures significantly occurred within one month of placement. There was no significant association between all other clinical variables and orthodontic mini-implant survival.

OBJECTIVE: Sodium fluoride (NaF) is commonly used in oral hygiene products, leading to corrosion and reduced archwire properties. In addition, ion release can cause allergies and become toxic to the oral environment. This research aimed to observe the Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu) ions released that affected initial corrosion as deflection and surface roughness changed in the Copper-Nickel-Titanium (CuNiTi) archwire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The total samples were 54 copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi-Tanzo, American orthodontic®) archwires immersed in three solutions. Artificial saliva was used in the control group NaF 0.05%, and a NaF 0.15% solution was used in the intervention groups (n = 6). The groups were divided into three observation times (two, four, and six weeks). Cu and Ni ions released, deflection, the surface roughness of the archwires, and solution acidities were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Ni and Cu ion release and surface roughness of the CuNiTi archwires significantly increased as the NaF concentration increased. The Ni ion release improved along the immersion period; the opposite was true for the Cu ion release. The solutions became more alkaline after the CuNiTi archwires were immersed. The pH and the archwires' deflections of the three solutions did not show significant differences. CONCLUSION: The NaF increased Cu-Ni ion release and surface roughness but not the deflection force of the CuNiTi. The increase was affected by the concentration and duration of immersion.

OBJECTIVES: In order to assess the changes in tooth orthodontic adhesive interface microleakage after applying a caries resin penetrated to the sound enamel tooth surface in different storage media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 human maxillary first premolars (orthodontic extraction) were collected by random separation of the teeth into two equal groups. The control group was classified into three subgroups (n = 10) (control in deionized water, control in milk, and control in energy drink), while the experimental one (treated with ICON) was categorized into three subgroups (n = 10) (ICON in deionized water, ICON in milk, and ICON in energy drink) incubation phase lasted three weeks in total. RESULTS: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) yielded a significant difference between all experimental subgroups (ICON in deionized water, ICON in milk, and ICON in energy drink) and control subgroups (control in deionized water, control in milk, and control in energy drink). The control group in the energy drink subgroup had the highest mean microleakage value when compared to the other subgroups, whereas the resin-infiltrated group in deionized water had the lowest mean value. According to the results of the T-test, ICON pre-treatment tooth samples had significantly lower mean values of microleakage than non-ICON tooth samples. CONCLUSIONS: The adhesive system (control group) revealed that a resin infiltrate on a sound enamel surface prior to orthodontic bracket bonding reduced bracket tooth interface microleakage in all examined samples. The ICON-infiltrated surface was discovered to provide a secondary preventive strategy against white spot lesion development by reducing microleakage under brackets.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of brackets bonded to three different types of ceramic surfaces (feldspathic ceramic, lithium disilicate ceramic, and zirconia), conditioned with either hydrofluoric acid or sandblasting, using Assure^® Plus All bonding agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 monolithic CAD/CAM ceramic specimens were divided into six groups of 12 samples. Three groups (G1: feldspathic ceramic, G3: lithium disilicate ceramic, G5: zirconia surfaces) were conditioned with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid, while the remaining three (G2, G4, G6; with ceramic type in the same order as the previous three groups) were prepared with 50 μm aluminum oxide sandblasting. Premolar brackets were bonded using light-cured Assure^® Plus All. The SBS and adhesive remnant index (ARI) were recorded and submitted to inferential analysis using one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests, respectively. The significance level was set at 5% (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The mean SBS values for the three different ceramic groups conditioned with hydrofluoric acid (G1: 7.2 ± 1.5 MPa, G3: 9.3 ± 2.3 MPa, G5: 8.5 ± 2.0 MPa) were significantly higher than those obtained for the groups prepared by sandblasting before bonding (G2: 7.5 ± 1.8 MPa, G4: 4.4 ± 2.0 MPa, G6: 4.3 ± 2.8 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: The hydrofluoric acid treatment produced a favorable SBS for all three examined ceramic types before bracket bonding with Assure^® Plus All. In comparison, sandblasting yielded a satisfactory SBS only with feldspathic surfaces. Furthermore, the ARI indicated a higher frequency of mixed-adhesive failures except for lithium disilicate conditioned with sandblasting. Therefore, using hydrofluoric acid is likely to be especially recommended when the clinician is not aware of the brand of ceramic restorative material.

The nutritional needs already increased by adolescent growth, activity, and stress are further exacerbated by the physical, physiological, and psychological stress that orthodontic treatment causes. Hence, the main objective of this systematic review was to analyze the relationship between adequate nutrition and its impact on orthodontic treatment success rates. Using relevant keywords, reference searches, and citation searches, the databases such as PubMed–Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus were all searched. “Diet,” “Minerals,” “Nutrition,” “Orthodontics,” and “Vitamins” were the search terms used to scour the database. The 10 studies selected for the systematic review and subsequent meta-analysis could not conclusively establish the correlation between proper nutrition and its impact on orthodontic treatment of the patient. There was virtually little connection between patients' dietary intake and the effectiveness of their orthodontic treatment. Additionally, a direct causal link between the two could not be established legitimately because the majority of the studies reviewed only noted an impact during the early stages of the treatment. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022380828

The current article aims to review the previous studies that measure the orthodontic bracket slot dimensions and geometry. Searches in different databases, including PubMed Central, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, the Cochrane Library, Textbooks, Google Scholar, and Research Gate, in addition to a manual search, were performed about the methods of assessing orthodontic bracket slot dimension up to March 2023. The irrelevant and duplicate studies were eliminated, leaving 35 studies for this narrative review. The findings indicate that the slots are oversized with diverging walls in most studies. Manufacturers must respect the standards during manufacturing brackets and adhere to the actual dimensions and tolerance values.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to comprehensively analyze the existing information on the prevalence of the need for orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition stage among populations in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. For observational studies in GCC countries, the key terms were electronically searched in Science Direct, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Reviews, Google Scholar, and Sage databases (1990–2021). The bias risk for the selected studies was evaluated using the modified Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. Thirteen studies reported on the prevalence of orthodontic treatment needs among 33,134 children in GCC countries in permanent dentition with an age range of 11–19 years satisfied the inclusion criteria. Out of the 13 studies, 9 reported on the prevalence of malocclusion, 11 reported on the prevalence of occlusal traits, and 12 reported on the prevalence of orthodontic treatment needs as per the Dental Health Component (DHC) of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), 4 reported as per both DHC and Aesthetic Component (AC) of IOTN, and 1 reported as per only AC of IOTN. Meta-analysis of the included studies indicated that the pooled malocclusion prevalence rate was 10.60% (confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.093–0.076) with 8.58% Class I (CI 95%: 0.074–0.188), 2.09% Class II (CI 95%: 0.014–0.058), and 0.93% Class III (CI 95%: 0.005–0.018) malocclusions. The most prevalent type of occlusal trait was spacing (13.10%, CI 95%: 0.018–0.169), followed by crowding (4.96%, CI 95%: 0.017–0.091). The pooled prevalence of borderline and definite needs for orthodontic treatment based on DHC and AC of IOTN was 0.82% (CI 95%: 0.014–0.035), 1.13% (CI 95%: 0.011–0.091), 4.08% (CI 95%: 0.009–0.114), and 2.06% (CI 95%: 0.002–0.048), respectively. The findings were heterogeneous (P < 0.05). These findings indicated that the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs was not high in the GCC population.

In dental practice, pediatric patients with a wide range of manifestations of malocclusion viz. crossbite, dental crowding, and skeletal Class III due to transverse discrepancy of the abnormally constricted maxilla or palate are found. However, the dental management of such kind of malocclusion with narrow palate needs a meticulous dental evaluation. Appliances used for treating such malocclusion conditions may include Slow-Maxillary Expansion (SME) or Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) orthodontic or orthopedic appliances. Considerable success has been described in the literature using the maxillary/palatal expansion modality. Unusual systemic and nondental effects of expansion appliances therapy have been described in some scientific studies. However, no comprehensive review article has been published describing the nondental and systemic effects of RME/SME therapy in Pediatric Dentistry. Considering the above scenarios, the updated and comprehensive review of the relevant literature is necessary for health professionals. Dental professionals including pediatric dentists and orthodontists need to consider such untoward or unexpected effects of RME/SME treatment modality. Hence, the current comprehensive review article has been written with the aim to meticulously describe the relevant scientific literature about nondental/extraoral and systemic effects of RME/SME appliances.

The advantages of Clear Aligners Therapy (CAT) include the braces being virtually invisible, comfortable to wear, and removable for eating and brushing; that way, CAT can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues. In 1999, the company Align Technology introduced the frst commercial clear aligner system called Invisalign. The Invisalign system was initially only available to orthodontists, but later became available to general dentists as well. The system quickly gained popularity among patients who were looking for a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. In 2000, Align Technology received FDA clearance for the Invisalign system, which further increased its popularity. The biomechanics of clear aligners involve the use of custom-made tooth aligners that are specifcally shaped to guide teeth into desired positions. These aligners are typically made from flexible materials such as polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate and are adjusted to apply the necessary forces for tooth movement. Attachment devices, such as power ridges or buttons, are often used to enhance or assist in specifc tooth movements and for retention of the aligner. The use of attachments allows for the exertion of desired force on the teeth, which is crucial for the success of Clear Aligner Therapy. CAT should be used if patients are concerned about the esthetic appearances of their teeth—for example, actors and other individuals that rely on their appearances in public in a professional context—and if the misalignment is not severe, so that clear aligners can still work. One should not use CAT in cases of severe crowding or spacing issues that require extractions. If the patient has complex jaw discrepancies or skeletal issues or if teeth need to be moved extensively in multiple directions, CAT is likely not going to be strong enough. In conclusion, Clear Aligner Therapy is a safe, effective, and convenient orthodontic treatment option that offers patients a virtually invisible way to achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile. With continued advancements in technology and a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness, the future of Clear Aligner Therapy looks bright.

The human body possesses a unique set of machinery called the molecular/biological clocks that function on a regular 24-h basis forming a circadian rhythm (CR). This aids in coordinating the human biological system with ever-changing environmental conditions, thereby maintaining a balance in its functioning. The central/core component of this system is known to be in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus with a few aides in the periphery. The periodontal ligament in humans, being one of the dynamic oral tissues, has been shown to exhibit this self-sustained, innate oscillatory behavior that has gained significant attention from dental surgeons. Though substantial evidence regarding its precise role in maintaining circadian periodicity is still unclear, its indispensable role in dentofacial functioning cannot be denied. This review is an attempt in bringing to light the possible role of circadian periodicity in the functioning of oral tissues in the field of orthodontics with a special focus on its role in bone remodeling, orthodontic tooth movement, orthopedic and functional appliances, pain management, and their clinical implications. This could provide a better understanding of the various physiologic and pathologic processes and help us refine our approach toward orthodontic diagnosis and therapeutics. This review would therefore serve as an overview, opening more avenues for further research on this topic that can greatly help the orthodontic fraternity.