Eleftherios G. Kaklamanos

Prevalence of tooth transposition. A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To synthesize currently existing data and investigate the prevalence of tooth transposition as well as its relation to gender, dental arch, and quadrant occurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Several electronic databases were searched in order to identify the potentially relevant studies. Initially, 591 papers were retrieved. After applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine studies were eligible for inclusion in this evaluation. Meta-analysis was performed by determining the event rate and the 95% confidence intervals estimated by the random effect model. RESULTS Analysis of the data of the primary studies revealed that tooth transposition has a mean prevalence of 0.33%. This prevalence seems to be the same between the two genders. However, tooth transposition appears more frequently in the maxilla than in the mandible and more unilaterally than bilaterally. CONCLUSION Tooth transposition is a rare phenomenon that affects various populations, including across genders, in a similar manner. Some maxillary predisposition exists, and its unilateral occurrence is higher than that of bilateral.

Mandibular lesions of vasoocclusive origin in sickle cell hemoglobinopathy

Sickle cell hemoglobinopathy is an inherited disorder characterized by vasoocclusive crises. Involvement of the maxillofacial skeleton leading to radiopaque lesions that correspond to bone infarcts has rarely been reported in the literature. Forty-two adult patients suffering from sickle cell anemia were examined radiographically for radiopaque lesions situated in the course of a known vessel or in the apical region of the teeth. In 6 cases, such lesions were combined with facial pain during sickle cell crisis and absence of dental pathology and were considered to be of possible vasoocclusive origin. In conclusion, vasoocclusive involvement should be taken into consideration when assessing painful episodes or neurological symptoms in the maxillofacial region in this patient population.

Erosive Tooth Wear and Related Risk Factors in 8- and 14-Year-Old Greek Children

The aim of the present study was to investigate the erosive tooth wear of primary and permanent teeth and its association with related risk factors. Two groups of Greek children aged 8 (n = 329) and 14 years (n = 263) were examined in the classroom using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Data concerning risk factors were collected using questionnaires. Dental caries (DMFS/dmfs) was also recorded. The data were analyzed using the t test, one-way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis, Fishers exact test, and the χ2 test. In the 8-year-olds, the primary teeth showed a predominantly medium level of wear and the permanent teeth no wear. A majority of the 14-year-olds exhibited low risk levels of wear. The most frequently affected dental surface in both age groups was the occlusal surface of the mandibular posterior teeth. In the 8-year-olds, BEWE scores and the prevalence of wear in the primary teeth was influenced by gender (p = 0.020). In their permanent teeth, soft drink consumption (p < 0.0001) and preference for lemon/vinegar (p = 0.041) significantly affected wear prevalence and BEWE scores, while habitually retaining soft drinks in the mouth influenced wear prevalence (p = 0.008), risk (p = 0.004), and BEWE scores (p = 0.022). In the 14-year-olds, wear prevalence was significantly affected by the consumption of lemon-flavored candies (p = 0.016) and soft drinks (p = 0.050). BEWE scores were significantly affected by gender (p = 0.022) and soft drink consumption (p = 0.030). Gender influenced tooth wear risk in both age groups (p = 0.010 and p = 0.021, respectively). The results of this study indicate that erosive tooth wear differed between primary and permanent teeth and was influenced by gender and dietary factors.

Relation between soft tissue and skeletal changes after mandibular setback surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Accurate prediction of hard and soft tissue changes is essential in orthognathic surgery. The aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the relation between soft and hard tissue relocation after mandibular setback surgery. A systematic search was performed, correlation coefficients and ratios were retrieved from the eligible studies, and the risk of bias was assessed. The random effects method was used to combine data. The five eligible studies showed that sagittal changes in pogonion, point B, and incision inferius incisalis are highly correlated with respective soft tissue movements and exhibit ratios ranging from 0.915 to 1.051. Only two studies were classified as having a moderate risk of bias. Although the characteristics of the included data limit the formation of definite conclusions, the soft to hard tissue movement ratios produced constitute initial clinically relevant guidance. Further long-term standardized and well-conducted trials are needed.

Treatment duration and gingival inflammation in Angle’s Class I malocclusion patients treated with the conventional straight-wire method and the Damon technique: a single-centre, randomised clinical trial

Objective To compare the duration of orthodontic treatment and Gingival Index (GI) scores in Class I malocclusion patients treated with a conventional straight-wire method (CG) or the Damon technique (DT). Design Two-arm, parallel, randomised clinical trial Setting A postgraduate orthodontic clinic Participants Patients with a balanced facial profile, a full permanent dentition and Angles Class I malocclusion with moderate crowding. Methods The primary outcome was the duration of orthodontic treatment in months. GI scores throughout treatment were secondary outcomes and the PAR index was also assessed. Randomisation was accomplished using a table of random numbers and the allocation was concealed in sequentially numbered and opened, opaque, sealed envelopes. Blinding was applicable for PAR assessment only. Comparison of data between groups was performed with appropriate tests for independent samples. Results Twenty-two patients were randomly allocated to treatment in a 1:1 ratio to either CG or DT group. Age at the start of treatment, initial PAR index and GI scores were similar between groups. All patients completed the study, but the total duration of orthodontic treatment was almost half of the initial assumption. No statistically significant differences were observed in treatment duration (CG: Mean ( x ̄ ) = 14.5 months, Standard Deviation (SD) = ±3.03; DT: x ̄ = 12.25 months, SD = ±2.93; 95% Confidence Interval: −0.40 to 4.90; P = 0.093; t-test). The two groups did not differ statistically regarding the GI scores during the observational period. No serious harms were observed other than gingival inflammation associated with oral biofilm accumulation. Conclusions The present study did not reveal statistically significant differences between the compared, conventional straight-wire method and Damon technique-treated, Angles Class I malocclusion groups regarding total treatment duration and GI scores.

Tooth wear during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances: a systematic review

Objectives Tooth wear, additional to the physiologic alterations of the dentition, may occur during orthodontic treatment. The objective of the present review was to investigate systematically the literature relevant to its progression in patients having undergone comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Data sources Search without restrictions in eight databases since inception and hand searching until October 2017 was performed. Data selection Studies evaluating tooth wear immediately before and after the completion of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance were evaluated independently and in duplicate. Data extraction Following study retrieval and selection, data on volumetric and surface tooth wear was extracted. Individual study risk of bias assessment was performed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool, and the overall quality of the evidence was assessed with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Data synthesis All three finally included studies reported wear of teeth during the period of treatment but were at serious risk of bias. Two of them investigated tooth wear by 3D volumetric measurements and one used grading scales. The mean volume reduction was 1.02 mm3 per tooth for the incisor group [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.84–1.20], 1.62 mm3 for the canines [95% CI: 0.8–2.38; I2 = 96%; random effects method] and 0.95 mm3 for premolars and molars [95% CI: 0.84–1.07]. The overall quality of evidence limited the confidence in the observed estimates. Conclusions Varying degrees of tooth wear were reported after comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate how much is associated with orthodontic treatment and/or physiologic alterations of the dentition.

Effects of systemic medication on root resorption associated with orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review of animal studies

Background Theoretically, root resorption could be modulated by any medication taken that exhibits possible effects on the implicated molecular pathways. Objectives To systematically investigate and appraise the quality of the available evidence from animal studies, regarding the effect of commonly prescribed systemic medication on root resorption associated with orthodontic tooth movement. Search methods Search without restrictions in eight databases (PubMed, Central, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Arab World Research Source, ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) and hand searching until April 2018 took place. One author developed detailed search strategies for each database that were based on the PubMed strategy and adapted accordingly. Selection criteria Controlled studies investigating the effect of systemic medications on root resorption associated with orthodontic tooth movement. Data collection and analysis Following study retrieval and selection, relevant data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLEs Risk of Bias Tool. Results Twenty-one studies were finally identified, most of which at unclear risk of bias. Root resorption was shown to increase in Vitamin C treated animals in comparison with the control group, whereas a comparative decrease was noted after the administration of the alendronate, ibuprofen, growth hormone, low doses of meloxicam, simvastatin, lithium chloride and strontium ranelate. No difference was noted for acetaminophen, aspirin, fluoxetine, atorvastatin, misoprostol, zoledronic acid and zinc. Finally, inconsistent effects were observed after the administration of celecoxib, prednisolone and L-thyroxine. The quality of the available evidence was considered at best as low. Conclusions The pharmaceutical substances investigated were shown to exhibit variable effects on root resorption. Although the overall quality of evidence provides the clinician with a cautious perspective on the strength of the relevant recommendations, good practice would suggest that it is important to identify patients consuming medications and consider the possible implications. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42017078208).

Effectiveness of extraction of primary canines for interceptive management of palatally displaced permanent canines: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Although extraction of primary canines in the mixed dentition has been suggested as a measure to prevent impaction of palatally displaced permanent canines (PDCs), the relevant evidence has been inconclusive. Objective To assess the effectiveness of this practice and investigate the quality of the evidence. Search methods Search without restrictions in 15 databases and hand searching until April 2017. Selection criteria Randomized clinical trials comparing extraction of primary canines in the mixed dentition to no treatment. Data collection and analysis Following study retrieval and selection, data extraction, and individual study risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, the random effects method of combining treatment effects was used. The overall quality of the available evidence was assessed with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Results Finally 5 studies were identified involving 214 individuals, followed for up to 48 months post-intervention. Two studies were at low and the rest at high risk of bias. Although at the 12-month evaluation, extraction of the primary canine did not result in a statistically significant difference [risk ratio (RR): 1.537; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.656-3.601, P = 0.323; 1 study, n = 67 individuals], beyond 12 months a benefit was noted (RR: 1.784; 95% CI: 1.376-2.314, P = 0.000; 5 studies, n = 214 individuals; I2 = 0%). Analysis of the studies at low risk of bias confirmed the above-mentioned result (RR: 1.713; 95% CI: 1.226-2.394, P = 0.002; 2 studies, n = 91 individuals; I2 = 0%; moderate quality evidence). No difference was observed regarding root resorption of adjacent permanent teeth (RR: 0.602; 95% CI: 0.277-1.308, P = 0.200; 1 study; n = 67 individuals; moderate quality evidence). Conclusions Extraction of primary canines in the mixed dentition may increase the chance of subsequent successful eruption of PDC in the long term. However, better study standardization is necessary.

The Rieger Syndrome: a Case Report with Unusual Dental Findings

Summary Background/Aim: The Rieger syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant and phenotypically variable disorder, characterized by abnormalities of the anterior chamber of the eye, coincident with missing or misshapen teeth. Case report: This report features a case of the Rieger syndrome associated with bilateral cleft lip and palate and a severe open bite, findings not usually reported in association with this condition. Conclusions: The findings described in the present case of Rieger syndrome are unusual and expand the spectrum of manifestations of the condition.

Treatment outcomes of pre-surgical infant orthopedics in patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Non-syndromic clefts lip and/or palate (CL/P) defects may have manifold significant and detrimental consequences for the affected individuals and their family environment. Although the use of pre-surgical infant orthopedics (PSIO) was introduced as a means to improve management and treatment outcomes, there still remains a controversy. Objective To investigate the effectiveness of PSIO in patients with non-syndromic CL/P and evaluate the quality of the available evidence. Search methods Search without restrictions, together with hand searching, until May 2016. Selection criteria Randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of pre-surgical infant orthopedic appliances. Data collection and analysis Following study retrieval and selection, data extraction and individual study risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool took place. The overall quality of the available evidence was assessed with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results Finally 20 papers (3 unique trials) were identified, involving a total of 118 patients with unilateral complete CL/P and 16 with cleft of the soft and at least two thirds of the hard palate. Eight publications were considered as being of low, four of unclear and eight of high risk of bias. In general, the investigated appliances did not present significant effects when compared to each other or to no treatment in terms of feeding and general body growth, facial esthetics, cephalometric variables, maxillary dentoalveolar variables and dental arch relationships, speech and language evaluation, caregiver-reported outcomes, economic evaluation, as well as, adverse effects and problems. Overall, the quality of the available evidence was considered low. Conclusions The aforementioned findings could provide initial guidance in the clinical setting. However, given the multitude of parameters, which may have affected the results, good practice would suggest further research, in order to reach more robust relevant recommendations for management decisions in individual cases.