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Advances in Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment: Methods and Applications

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2025 | Viewed by 4137

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: interceptive orthodontics; dental anomalies; genetic; dentofacial orthopedics; digital orthodontics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Oral Sciences, Section of Orthodontics, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
Interests: digital dentistry; biomaterials; orthodontics; clear aligners; sleep dentistry; temporomandibular disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: dentofacial orthopedics; impacted canine; radiology; interdisciplinary treatments; digital orthodontics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The last two decades have marked a decisive change in orthodontics. Technical and technological development, driven by the growing demand for a digital workflow, is increasingly moving towards the concept of “precision orthodontics”, applicable to both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, with the aim of improving treatment efficiency.

In the field of diagnosis, the progress of artificial intelligence, the interdisciplinarity with other medical branches such as biomedicine, genomics, and proteomics, and the use of new dedicated tools are giving promising results. In treatment, new methods and applications such as virtual treatment planning, custom-made appliances, and CAD/CAM technologies are emerging.

This Special Issue focuses on the current state of advancement in diagnosis and treatment in orthodontics, as well as on challenges that will certainly benefit from translational research. Articles dealing with topics such as digital, precision, and customized orthodontics, artificial intelligence, teleorthodontics, clear aligners, 3D printing, virtual treatment planning, CAD/CAM technology, and translational research are welcome.

In particular, we look forward to receiving research articles, systematic and comprehensive reviews, and case reports (accompanied by documentation highlighting the use of advanced technologies and unique treatment methods).

We hope that many of you will participate, embracing the belief that sharing methods and applications can enhance the attractiveness and efficacy of the wonderful discipline of orthodontics.

Dr. Rosanna Guarnieri
Prof. Dr. Vincenzo D'Antò
Prof. Dr. Ersilia Barbato
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • digital orthodontics
  • precision orthodontics
  • customized appliances
  • artificial intelligence
  • teleorthodontics
  • aligners
  • 3D printing
  • virtual treatment planning
  • digital workflow
  • CAD/CAM

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 3147 KiB  
Article
Engineering and Clinical Study of Surface Geometry of Clear Aligners at the Nanoscale
by Monika Machoy, Renata Samulak and Sławomir Kulesza
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10907; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310907 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 292
Abstract
This paper investigates the evolution of the outer surface geometry of Invisalign®—clear orthodontic aligners—caused by degradation triggered by wearing. The obtained results served to confirm whether or not the aligners could continue to be used once their wear time in the [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the evolution of the outer surface geometry of Invisalign®—clear orthodontic aligners—caused by degradation triggered by wearing. The obtained results served to confirm whether or not the aligners could continue to be used once their wear time in the therapeutic procedure had ended, taking both their geometric and mechanical features into account. The measurements were performed using atomic force microscopy which allowed the mapping of nanomechanical properties. The obtained images were then processed to determine statistical and functional surface geometry parameters in accordance with relevant ISO standards. The results revealed that the unrepeatability of the manufacturing process causes the surface shape parameters of new aligners to be irregular; however, these features become gradually consistent for worn samples. On the other hand, properly used aligners may change in two ways: the outer layer flattens and its thickness decreases, and at the same time the Young’s modulus of the material decreases. It follows that the degradation processes may be caused by tribological phenomena (abrasion of contact surfaces) and/or biochemical phenomena (biofilm growth, decomposition of the material under the influence of enzymes in the oral cavity). Full article
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9 pages, 678 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting MARPE Success in Adults: Analysis of Age, Sex, Maxillary Width, and Midpalatal Suture Bone Density
by Echarri-Nicolás Javier, González-Olmo María José, Echarri-Labiondo Pablo, Olmos-Valverde Marta and Romero Martín
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10590; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210590 - 17 Nov 2024
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) is a technique widely used to treat transverse discrepancies in adult patients. The present study aims to examine how age, sex, maxillary width, and suture bone density might influence MARPE efficacy. It also analyzes bone density variations across [...] Read more.
Microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) is a technique widely used to treat transverse discrepancies in adult patients. The present study aims to examine how age, sex, maxillary width, and suture bone density might influence MARPE efficacy. It also analyzes bone density variations across the midpalatal suture regions. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 30 adult patients who underwent MARPE treatment. Pre- and post-treatment CT scans were analyzed to quantify the maxillary width and bone density measured in Hounsfield units (HUs) in the anterior, middle, and posterior nasal spine regions. Statistical analyses were carried out and included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and effect size calculations. Results: Younger patients (age 22.13 ± 4.58) had significantly higher success rates compared to older patients (aged 25.66 ± 4.67). No significant differences were found regarding sex or the initial maxillary width. Lower bone density in the middle and posterior nasal spine regions was correlated with higher success rates. Data showed that the anterior nasal spine exhibited higher bone density, but this finding did not affect treatment outcomes significantly. Conclusions: Age seems to be a crucial factor in MARPE success, with younger patients showing better outcomes. Regarding bone density, results showed that its values in the middle and posterior nasal spine regions could be a determinant of treatment success. On the contrary, sex and the initial maxillary width did not appear to affect outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of preoperative assessments and the consideration of individual anatomical variations for optimal MARPE treatment planning. Full article
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15 pages, 5700 KiB  
Article
Metal Release and Cell Viability of 316L Stainless Steel Sputter-Coated with N-Doped a-C:H Coatings
by António Fróis, João Ricardo Marques, Luís Santos, Marco Peres, Katharina Lorenz, Cristina Santos Louro and Ana Cristina Santos
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10500; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210500 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 511
Abstract
Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) has been considered a promising biocompatible coating to protect metallic alloys against corrosion for medical applications, namely orthodontics. However, there is still no optimal solution for this biomedical field; hence, the investigation remains open. In this work, the effect [...] Read more.
Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) has been considered a promising biocompatible coating to protect metallic alloys against corrosion for medical applications, namely orthodontics. However, there is still no optimal solution for this biomedical field; hence, the investigation remains open. In this work, the effect of a nonmetallic doping element (N) on sputter-deposited a-C:H coatings was studied concerning both salivary corrosion and cytotoxicity behavior. After a 30-day corrosion test in an acidic modified Fusayama-Meyer artificial saliva, metal release from both coated and uncoated 316L stainless steel (SS) substrates was quantified. Tests on the corrosion extracts were then performed by using monocultures of macrophages and fibroblasts, and their coculture; and cell viability was evaluated via the MTT test. Results show an overall inhibition of the SS corrosion, which enhanced the in vitro biocompatibility with a minimal effect on the coatings’ microstructure. Among all the coatings tested, the undoped a-C:H coating performed the best, whereas an increase in N doping led to poorer protection against metal dissolution and a subsequent slightly lower biocompatibility. The findings corroborate that selecting the nonmetallic element N for doping C-based coatings is not a good choice for this biomedical field, even at low contents up to 10 at.%. Full article
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10 pages, 229 KiB  
Article
Automated Assessment of Reporting Completeness in Orthodontic Research Using LLMs: An Observational Study
by Fahad Alharbi and Saeed Asiri
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10323; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210323 - 10 Nov 2024
Viewed by 522
Abstract
This study evaluated the usability of Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT, in assessing the completeness of reporting in orthodontic research abstracts. We focused on two key areas: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, using the CONSORT-A and PRISMA guidelines for evaluation. [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the usability of Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT, in assessing the completeness of reporting in orthodontic research abstracts. We focused on two key areas: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, using the CONSORT-A and PRISMA guidelines for evaluation. Twenty RCTs and twenty systematic reviews published between 2018 and 2022 in leading orthodontic journals were analyzed. The results indicated that ChatGPT achieved perfect agreement with human reviewers on several fundamental reporting items; however, significant discrepancies were noted in more complex areas, such as randomization and eligibility criteria. These findings suggest that while LLMs can enhance the efficiency of literature appraisal, they should be used in conjunction with human expertise to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. This study underscores the need for further refinement of LLMs to improve their performance in assessing research quality in orthodontics and other fields. Full article
10 pages, 910 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Forces and Moments in Canine Bodily Movement with Different Clear Aligners’ Extraction Space Designs
by Youn-Kyung Choi, Sung-Hun Kim, Hae Ryoun Park, Seong-Sik Kim and Yong-Il Kim
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7619; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177619 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 661
Abstract
This study aimed to optimize space closure efficiency by comparing the forces and moments exerted by different designs of clear aligners (CAs) during the movement of maxillary canines into the premolar extraction space. The forces and moments were measured using a multi-axis force/moment [...] Read more.
This study aimed to optimize space closure efficiency by comparing the forces and moments exerted by different designs of clear aligners (CAs) during the movement of maxillary canines into the premolar extraction space. The forces and moments were measured using a multi-axis force/moment transducer on the maxillary right canine. The CAs were fabricated from thermoformed polyethylene terephthalate glycol. The following four edentulous space designs were tested: the edentulous space was left intact (Group 1); the edentulous space was replaced with a premolar pontic (Group 2); the edentulous space was replaced with a half-sized premolar pontic (Group 3); and the edentulous space was replaced with a rectangular column beam (Group 4). The maxillary right canine was moved 0.25 mm distally. All groups experienced buccodistal and intrusive forces; compared with the other groups, Group 1 showed significantly greater intrusive and smaller distal forces, and Group 4 showed significantly greater distal forces. All groups experienced distal tilting, lingual inclination, and mesial rotational moments. These findings suggest that modifying the thickness and extent of the adjacent teeth in the edentulous area of the CA can improve local stiffness, thereby reducing the tipping of the teeth into the edentulous space. This study emphasizes the importance of the CA design in controlling forces and moments for effective orthodontic treatment. Full article
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24 pages, 726 KiB  
Systematic Review
Discrepancies in Cephalometric Analysis Results between Orthodontists and Radiologists and Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review
by Piotr Smołka, Kamil Nelke, Natalia Struzik, Kamila Wiśniewska, Sylwia Kiryk, Julia Kensy, Wojciech Dobrzyński, Jan Kiryk, Jacek Matys and Maciej Dobrzyński
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 4972; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14124972 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1232
Abstract
Cephalometry is a crucial examination in orthodontic diagnostics and during the planning of orthognathic surgical procedures. The objective of this article was to compare cephalometric measurements conducted by different specialists and systems tailored for such measurements, as well as to evaluate the capabilities [...] Read more.
Cephalometry is a crucial examination in orthodontic diagnostics and during the planning of orthognathic surgical procedures. The objective of this article was to compare cephalometric measurements conducted by different specialists and systems tailored for such measurements, as well as to evaluate the capabilities of artificial intelligence in this field. In January 2024, we conducted electronic searches in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. In the Scopus database, the results were refined to titles, abstracts, and keywords, while in PubMed, they were narrowed down to titles and abstracts. In WoS, the results were refined only to abstracts. The search criteria were based on the following terms: (cephalometric) AND (analysis) AND (discrepancy) AND ((orthodontic) OR (radiologist)). A total of 263 articles were identified, of which 17 met the criteria and were incorporated into the review. The review allowed us to conclude that the accuracy of cephalometric measurements relied on the expertise of the operator—specialists with more experience exhibited greater precision compared to novices or individuals not specialized in orthodontics. Cephalometric measurement computer programs yielded outcomes that streamlined work processes, minimized human errors, and enhanced precision. A novel aspect involved the application of artificial intelligence, which also demonstrated high precision and a substantial reduction in working time, although its utilization still necessitates further enhancements. Further research was required to address these limitations and to optimize the incorporation of technology in orthodontic and orthognathic surgery practices. Full article
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Surgical navigation in cleidocranial dysplasia needing multiple extractions and uncovering of unerupted teeth
Authors: Maria Costanza Meazzini
Affiliation: Regional Center of Cleft Lip and Palate, Department of Maxillo Facial Surgery, Santi Paolo and Carlo Hospital, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy

Title: Predictability of transverse changes with MARPE using HU in CBCT
Authors: Javier Echarri; María José González-Olmo; Martín Romero; Manuel O. Lagravère; Martín Romero-Maroto
Affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain

Title: Compare the accuracy and reproducibility of the EinScan H2 with respect to the Vectra M3 3D Imaging System and to anthropometric measurements
Authors: Luca Lombardo; Federica Pellitteri
Affiliation: Postgraduate School of Orthodontics, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of the EinScan H2 (SHINING 3D, Hangzhou, China) with respect to the Vectra M3 3D Imaging System (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, NJ.) and to anthropometric measurements. Material and Methods: Twenty subjects have been scanned with two different facial scanning systems. Linear measurements were compared with direct anthropometries measured on the patient’s face, while the study of areas (forehead, tip of the nose, chin, right and left cheek) was evaluated by overlapping scans using the Geomagic Control X program. The analyses were performed using IBM SPSS v28 software, except for the power analysis which was conducted using R v4.2.1. Results: The descriptive analysis of linear measurements taken showed high repeatability with all Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values above 0.90. A paired Wilcoxon test revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) between measurements, indicating similarity across three instruments. Point measurements, also with ICC values above 0.90, confirming excellent repeatability. A single-sample Wilcoxon test showed no significant differences (p>0.05) in median values. Area measurements showed over 70% of overlapping surfaces within a highly reproducible band (0.5 mm to -0.5 mm). Conclusions: Both scanning systems investigated in the current study can be considered an accurate acquisition systems proved to be effective in capturing 3D images of the face.

Title: Metal release and cell viability of 316L stainless steel coated with a-C:H coatings: the influence of low nitrogen doping
Authors: A. Fróis; J.R. Marques; L.F. Santos; C.S. Louro; A.C. Santos
Affiliation: University of Coimbra and University of Lisbon, Portugal

Title: Reproducibility and accuracy of two facial scanners: a 3D in-vivo study
Authors: Federica Pellitteri; Marta Calza; Giacomo Baldi; Matteo De Maio; Luca Lombardo
Affiliation: University of Ferrara
Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of the EinScan H2 (SHINING 3D, Hangzhou, China) with respect to the Vectra M3 3D Imaging System (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, NJ.) and to anthropometric measurements. Methods: Twenty subjects have been scanned with two different facial scanning systems. Linear measurements were compared with direct anthropometries measured on the patient’s face, while the study of areas (forehead, tip of the nose, chin, right and left cheek) was evaluated by overlapping scans after best fit-alignment using the Geomagic Control X program. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS v28 software, except for the power analysis which was conducted using R v4.2.1. Results: Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) reported high repeatability in linear and point measurement with all values >0.90. The paired-sample Wilcoxon test revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) between linear measurements, indicating similarity across three instruments, as well as for point analysis, where a single-sample Wilcoxon test showed no significant differences (p>0.05) in median values. All cephalometric points showed a difference between the two instruments within the range from 0.5mm to -0.5mm, except for the subnasal point (0.73mm). Area measurements showed over 70% of overlapping surfaces within a highly reproducible band (0.5 mm to -0.5 mm). Conclusion: Both scanning systems investigated in the current study can be considered accurate acquisition systems proved to be effective in capturing 3D images of the patient’s face.

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