Malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth, can lead to oral health complications as well as changes in facial structure and speech problems. The etiology of malocclusions remains unclear, and although many are successfully treated through orthodontics, in some cases orthodontics may be difficult or insufficient. Therefore, it is important to increase our understanding of the biology of malocclusions and improve malocclusion diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution highlights

Three-dimensional retrospective analysis of root resorption and incisive canal changes following maxillary incisor retraction in class I and class II extraction cases: a comparison of clear aligners and fixed appliances

The maxillary central incisors are important for how our teeth look and function. In complex dental cases, understanding the position of these teeth in three dimensions is crucial. This study by Remsh Khaled Al-Rokhami and colleagues looks at how different orthodontic treatments affect the roots of these teeth. The researchers compared two types of braces: clear aligners and fixed appliances, in patients with Class I and II malocclusions (misalignments of teeth). They used CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) imaging to see how these treatments affect the incisive canal (IC), a bony canal near the roots of the incisors.

The study involved 60 patients, with 30 using clear aligners and 30 using fixed appliances. They measured changes in the IC and root positions before and after treatment. The results showed that fixed appliances caused more root resorption (loss of root structure) and closer proximity to the IC compared to clear aligners. The study concludes that personalized treatment planning is essential to minimize root damage, especially in complex cases. Future research could explore long-term effects and refine treatment strategies. 

Soft tissue effects of aesthetic and conventional twin block appliances in the treatment of skeletal class II malocclusion: a randomized controlled trial

Orthodontic treatments aim to improve facial aesthetics, especially for people with Class II malocclusions, which involve a receding lower jaw and a prominent overbite. This study by Mohamed Najati Alsilq and colleagues explores the effects of two orthodontic devices, the conventional Twin Block (CTB) and the aesthetic Twin Block (ATB), on facial soft tissues. The researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 52 patients to compare these devices. They used cephalometric radiographs (X-rays of the head) to measure changes in facial angles and lip positions before and after treatment. Both devices improved facial profiles by reducing facial convexity and enhancing the mentolabial angle (the angle between the lower lip and chin). However, the ATB showed better results in improving the lower lip profile. The study concludes that both devices positively affect facial aesthetics, but the ATB may offer additional benefits for the lower lip area. Future research could explore long-term effects and involve multiple centers for broader validation. 

Who is involved?

Guest Editors:

• Yunus Balel, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Turkey
• Pang-Yun Chou, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
• Gabriele Di Carlo, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
• Anand Marya, University of Puthisastra, Cambodia
• Raymond Chung Wen Wong, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Internal Team:

• In-House Editor: Rachel Toth, Scientific Reports, UK
• Commissioning Editor: Jenny Knowles, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
• Managing Editor: Aliya Anwar, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK

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