Introduction: Conservative approaches in childhood may enhance esthetics and function while reducing the likelihood of complex Phase II orthodontic treatments during adolescence. Objective: This article aims to introduce the principles of Minimally Invasive Orthodontic Management (MIO) during the mixed dentition period, promoting the concept of “as little intervention as possible”, in accordance to The “Orange July” campaign. Methods: The core principles of MIO include: (1) early...

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the presence of human ß defensin-2 (hBD-2) in GCF and microbial flora in the subgingival plaque, among the patients treated with fixed orthodontic braces and aligners. Methods: Samples of GCF and subgingival plaque were collected from 170 patients (85 conventional metal fixed appliance and 85 aligner patients) at T0 (baseline), T1 (14 days), T2 (1 month) and T3 (3 months). The GCF sample was analyzed for the presence of hBD-2 using ELISA. The...

Introduction: The relationship between orthodontic disimpaction of unilaterally impacted maxillary canines (MCs) and volumetric changes in the maxillary sinus (MS) remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate MS volume alterations following orthodontic traction of impacted MCs, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, it examined differences based on the impaction site (buccal vs. palatal) and sex. Material and Methods: A prospective split-mouth study was...

Introduction: Traditional fixed retainers used after orthodontic therapy have many downsides. Objective: Innovative 3D-printed fixed retainers have been manufactured using nanoceramic hybrid resin-based material (SprintRay OnX®), investigating their durability to support longterm oral functions. Methods: One hundred acrylic blocks with mounted premolar pairs were allocated into five groups, including three groups of 3D-printed retainers with 1-mm round cross-section, one group with 1.5-mm...

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between asymmetrical faces, smiles, skeletal parameters and dental asymmetries. Material and methods: A total of 20 patients with normal vertical facial pattern (20≤FMA≤30°) were selected to analyze frontal extraoral photographs with natural smiles and 3D frontal images generated by cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCT scans). The facial symmetry was retrieved by tracing the bipupillary line and perpendicular lines, the...

Objective: To compare the opening of the midpalatal suture after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with the expander with differential opening and the fan-type expander. Methods: Rapid maxillary expansion was performed with the expander with differential opening (n=12, 8 female, 4 male, mean age of 7.75 years) and the fan-type expander (n=12, 8 female, 4 male, mean age 8.08 years). CBCT scans were acquired before (T1) and immediately after (T2) the expansion. The outcomes comprised the opening...

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the reproducibility and agreement of dental linear measurements made directly on plaster models with a compass, and a digital caliper, compared to digital measurements made through software on the same plaster models after digitalization. Methods: 40 plaster models from 20 infants and children aged between 1 and 5 years old, of both sex, with complete or incomplete primary dentition, with or without premature loss of primary anterior teeth were...

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of maxillary molar distalization using clear aligners and skeletal anchorage, specifically examining the influence of varying anchorage force levels through 3D finite element modeling. Method: Eight models were developed, systematically varying anchorage force (1.66 N and 3.34 N) from infrazygomatic crest (IZC) screws, force application site (precision cuts or buttons), and the presence or absence of vertical rectangular attachments. A 0.2 mm...