Plaque accumulation with clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances

diana-polekhina-fmB7IdFjhTM-unsplash

This review comparing plaque accumulation in orthodontic patients undergoing clear aligner (CA) and conventional fixed appliance treatment included 14 studies. The findings suggested less plaque accumulation with CA but all the included studies were at moderate to high risk of bias.

[read the full story...]

Manual v powered toothbrushing in adolescent orthodontic patients – trial

toothbrush

The aim of this randomised trial was to compare the efficacy of a powered versus manual toothbrush in controlling plaque and gingival health in participants undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment in respect of both the short term and long term. The findings showed no differences between the brush types at any time points ( 1, 6 or 12 months).

[read the full story...]

CAD/CAM versus conventional fixed retainers in orthodontic patients

shutterstock_180420626

This review comparing the effect of CAD/CAM-based and conventional fixed retainers on the stability of treatment outcomes and periodontal health in patients undergoing orthodontic retention using fixed retainers includeds 7 RCTs. The studies are of moderate size and relatively short duration (6 to 12months) and there are quality concerns so the findings should be viewed cautiously.

[read the full story...]

Oral piercings and periodontal health

oral piercing

This review of the influence of oral piercings on the periodontal health status in adult patients included 8 small observational studies. In line with other reviews the findings indicate adverse effects on periodontal health from oral piercings. However the quality of the evidence is low.

[read the full story...]

Orthodontic retainers and retention strategies

shutterstock_69850990- vacuum splint

This Cochrane review update evaluating different retention strategies used to stabilise tooth position after orthodontic braces included 47 RCTs. However, only 11 RCTs were at low risk of bias and the overall assessment of the certainty of the evidence is low to very low which means that firm recommendations on orthodontic retention strategies cannot be made.

[read the full story...]

Top Dental Elf blogs Jul – Sep 2022

Achnahaird beach

Sonic verses rotating oscillating powered toothbrushes, the use of the miswak for periodontal health and the effect of silver diamine fluoride on the pulp were the topics of our most read blogs in July , August and September 2022.

[read the full story...]

Plaque disclosing methods: Do they lead to improvements in oral health?

Plaque Disclosing 
Disclosing solutions

This review of whether plaque-disclosing (PD) methods, applied by dental professionals or at-home with verbal oral hygiene instruction (OHI)improved plaque control compared with OHI alone included 7 RCTs involving 430 patients.

[read the full story...]

Avulsed teeth – what is the best management option?

shutterstock_70287046 - avulsed tooth

4 RCTs were included in ths Cochrane review update of interventions for avulsed and replanted permanent front teeth. None of the included studies was at low risk of bias and there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of different interventions.

[read the full story...]

Dementia and oral health status

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be stressful at times.

28 observational studies were included in this review of the oral health status of people with dementia. The findings suggest that compared with people without dementia those with dementia have poorer oral health.

[read the full story...]

Palatally displaced canines: open or closed surgical exposure?

shutterstock_14053951-mixed dentition

This updated Cochrane review comparing open v closed surgical approaches for palatally displaced canines includes 3 studies involving 146 patients with the available evidence suggesting that neither surgical technique for exposing canine teeth is superior.

[read the full story...]