The use of clear orthodontic aligners is increasing, despite searching a wide range of databases this review only identified a limited number of small studies. The quality of the studies was not sufficient to draw any evidence-based decisions on the effectiveness of orthodontic aligners so better quality studies are needed.
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Should all molecular research institutes looking at neurodegenerative diseases be replaced by parks, playgrounds and cycle paths? Mark Horowitz highlights a recent systematic review of modifiable risk factors associated with cognition and dementia, which suggests that from a public health perspective, there may be some sense in this idea.
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Trauma to primary teeth is relatively common. As the developing permanent teeth are closely related and trauma to primary teeth could adversely affect the permanent successor. This review looked for studies to assess this relationship. Only 17 low quality studies were identified and while they suggest a relationship the low quality means that the findings should be interpreted with caution.
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Nikki Newhouse reports on a recent systematic review that brings together 22 studies which investigate a range of online CBT and social networking interventions designed to help young people with depression.
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The prevalence of root caries is expected to rise and this review looked at a range of agents for non-invasive management. While 30 studies were identified they consider a large number of agents. While the review suggested that 5000ppm fluoride dentifrice was effective the number of available trials for this and the other agent was small and of limited quality.
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This review of caries excavation strategies identified 28 studies including 19 RCTs. None were considered to be at low risk of bias . The results suggest that not attempting to remove all softened or stainable dentine could reduce the risk of complications
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This review included 155 observational studies, which although of low quality consistently found caries parameters to be significantly higher in those from lower socioeconomic positions
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For his ninth Mental Elf blog, Mark Smith reports on a Cochrane systematic review of the effectiveness of short term psychodynamic therapies on common mental health disorders.
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This review looks at dental implants placed in the maxillary tuberosity only 5 low quality studies involving 113 patients were found in total. While good survival rates were found these should be interpreted with caution.
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While this new review of observational studies does suggest an increase in tooth erosion in those suffering with eating disorders concerns of the quality of the available evidence means that this is not sufficient to support a causal role for eating disorders in tooth erosion.
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