Hybrid treatment of varied orthodontic appliances for a patient with skeletal class II and temporomandibular joint disorders:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The relation between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders(TMDs)is under debate;the management of TMD during orthodontic treatment has always been a challenge.If TMD symptoms occur during orthodontic treatment,an immediate pause of orthodontic adjustments is recommended;the treatment can resume when the symptoms are managed and stabilized.CASE SUMMARY This case report presents a patient(26-year-old,female)with angle class I,skeletal class II and TMDs.The treatment was a hybrid of clear aligners,fixed appliances and temporary anchorage devices(TADs).After 3 mo resting and treatment on her TMD,the patient’s TMD symptom alleviated,but her anterior occlusion displayed deep overbite.Therefore,the fixed appliances with TAD were used to correct the anterior deep-bite and level maxillary and mandibular deep curves.After the levelling,the patient showed dual bite with centric relation and maximum intercuspation discrepancy on her occlusion.After careful examination of temporomandibular joints(TMJ)position,the stable bite splint and Invisible Mandibular Advancement appliance were used to reconstruct her occlusion.Eventually,the improved facial appearance and relatively stable occlusion were achieved.The 1-year follow-up records showed there was no obvious change in TMJ morphology,and her occlusion was stable.CONCLUSION TMD screening and monitoring is of great clinical importance in the TMD susceptible patients.Hybrid treatment with clear aligners and fixed appliances and TADs is an effective treatment modality for the complex cases.

Kinematics ofmandibular advancement devices(MADs):Why do some MADs move the lower jaw backward duringmouth opening?

Mandibular advancement devices(MADs)are widely used treatments for obstructive sleep apnea.MADs function by advancing the lower jaw to open the upper airway.To increase patient comfort,most patients allow the mouth to be opened.However,not all systems maintain the lower jaw in a forward position during mouth opening,which results in the production of a retrusion that favors the collapse of the upper airway.Furthermore,the kinematic behavior of the mechanism formed by the mandible-device assembly depends on jaw morphology.This means that,during mouth opening,some devices cause lower jaw protrusion in some patients,but cause its retraction in others.In this study,we report the behavior of well-known devices currently on themarket.To do so,we developed a kinematic model of the lower jawdevice assembly.Thismodelwas validated for all devices analyzed using a high-resolution camera system.Our results show that some of the devices analyzed here did not produce the correct behavior during patient mouth opening.

Transforming Adolescent Smiles:Correcting Skeletal Mandibular Retrusion and Bimaxillary Protrusion with Clear Aligners

Maxillary protrusion combined with mandibular retraction is a highly prevalent but extremely complex maxillofacial deformity that can have a serious negative impact on patients’facial aesthetics and mental health.The traditional orthodontic treatment strategy often involves extracting 4 first premolars and conventional fixed techniques,combined with mini-implant screws,to retract the anterior teeth and improve facial protrusion.In recent years,an invisible orthodontic technique,without brackets,has become increasingly popular.However,while an invisible aligner has been used in some cases with reasonable results,there remain significant challenges in achieving a perfect outcome.This case report presents an adolescent patient with bimaxillary protrusion and mandibular retrognathia.Based on the characteristics of the invisible aligners and the growth characteristics of the adolescent’s teeth and jawbone,we designed precise three-dimensional tooth movement and corresponding resistance/over-correction for each tooth,while utilizing the patient’s jawbone growth potential to promote rapid development of the mandible,accurately and efficiently correcting bimaxillary protrusion and skeletal mandibular retrognathia.The patient’s facial aesthetics,especially the lateral morphology,have been greatly improved,and various aesthetic indicators have also shown significant changes,and to the patient’s great benefit,invasive mini-implant screws were not used during the treatment.This case highlights the advantages of using invisible aligners in adolescent maxillary protrusion combined with mandibular retraction patients.Furthermore,comprehensive and accurate design combined with good application of growth potential can also enable invisible orthodontic technology to achieve perfect treatment effects in tooth extractions,providing clinical guidance for orthodontists.

Two-stage extraction by partial grinding of impacted mandibular third molar in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve

BACKGROUND Extraction of impacted third molars often leads to severe complications caused by damage to the inferior alveolar nerve(IAN).AIM To proposes a method for the partial grinding of an impacted mandibular third molar(IMM3)near the IAN to prevent IAN injury during IMM3 extraction.METHODS Between January 1996 and March 2022,25 patients with IMM3 roots near the IAN were enrolled.The first stage of the operation consisted of grinding a major part of the IMM3 crown with a high-speed turbine dental drill to achieve sufficient space between the mandibular second molar and IMM3.After 6 months,when the root tips were observed to be away from the IAN on X-ray examination,the remaining part of the IMM3 was completely removed.RESULTS All IMM3s were extracted easily without symptoms of IAN injury after extraction.CONCLUSION Partial IMM3 grinding may be a good alternative treatment option to avoid IAN injury in high-risk cases.

Efficacy of invisible advancement correction for mandibular retraction in adolescents based on Pancherz analysis

BACKGROUND Mandibular retraction is the main etiological mechanism of class II malocclusion in China and the subsequent distal molar relationship can cause functional discomfort in mastication,breathing and the temporomandibular joint.The use of mandibular advancement(MA)devices has recently emerged as an adolescent mandibular retraction treatment;however,current studies regarding the effect thereof are relatively few,and there is lack of sufficient clinical support.AIM To investigate the clinical effect of invisalign MA on the treatment of mandibular retraction in adolescents.METHODS This study included 30 adolescent patients who underwent treatment with the MA appliances from December 2017 to June 2021.The lateral cephalometric data before and after treatment were collected and imported into Dolphin Imaging software.The changes were measured by linear measurement superimposed with lateral cephalometric trajectory based on the Pancherz technology.RESULTS There was no significant difference in the length and position of maxilla before and after the treatment.The position of the mandible moved 3.13 mm,the length increased 4.14 mm,the mandibular ramus length increased 4.09 mm,the body length increased 4.25 mm,and the position of the condyle moved 1.03 mm forward after treatment.Additionally,changes in the incisor sagittal position and labial inclination were observed.The position of the upper incisor point moved back 1.33 mm,without statistical difference,the inclination and tooth angle decreased by 3.44°and 4.06°,respectively;the position of the lower incisor point was moved 2.98 mm,and the inclination and tooth angle increased by 2.62°and 1.23°,respectively.Furthermore,changes in the incisor overjet and molar relationship were seen.Overjet decreased by 4.31 mm,of which 1.78 mm was due to dental factors,accounting for 41.3%of the effect as opposed to 58.7%due to skeletal factors.Molar relationship improved 3.87 mm,with 1.34 mm due to dental factors,and dental and skeletal factors were accounted for 34.6%and 65.4%of the effect,respectively.CONCLUSION For adolescent patients with mandible retraction,invisalign MA can effectively promote the mandible growth,and it was proven to be mainly due to skeletal effects.

Diagnostic accuracy of the tongue blade test combined with clinical signs to detect maxillary and mandibular fractures in the emergency department

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical signs combined with the tongue blade test(TBT) to detect maxillary and mandibular fractures.METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled patients with maxillary and mandibular injuries in the emergency department. Physical examination and the TBT were performed, followed by radiological imaging(facial X-ray or computed tomography [CT]). The diagnostic accuracy was calculated for individuals and a combination of clinical findings at predicting maxillary and mandibular fractures.RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were identified, of whom 31.6% had maxillary fractures and9.2% had mandibular fractures. The combination of malocclusion, tenderness on palpation and swelling with positive TBT had 100% specificity to detect maxillary and mandibular fractures. In the absence of malocclusion, the combination of tenderness on palpation and swelling with positive TBT produced a specificity of 97.8% for maxillary fracture and a specificity of 96.2% for mandibular fracture. A clinical decision tool consisting of malocclusion, tenderness on palpation, swelling and TBT revealed a specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100%.CONCLUSION: The clinical decision tool is potentially useful to rule out mandibular fractures,thus preventing unnecessary radiation exposure.

Root Canal System Variation in Mandibular Second Molar: Middle-Mesial Canal

Middle-mesial canals in mandibular molars are present in the population depending on age, sex and ethnicity. However, limited literature alludes to its prevalence. Troughing procedures may enhance identification, cleaning and shaping. This case report expresses the recognition and management of middle-mesial canal in a mandibular second molar of 24 years old Hispanic-Latino male.

Transfer learning-based super-resolution in panoramic models for predicting mandibular third molar extraction difficulty: a multi-center study

Background:This study aims to predict the extraction difficulty of mandibular third molars based on panoramic images using transfer learning while employing super-resolution(SR)technology to enhance the feasibility and validity of the prediction.Methods:We reviewed a total of 608 preoperative mandibular third molar panoramic radiographs from two medical facilities:the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University(n=509;456 in the training set and 53 in the test set)and the Henan Provincial Dental Hospital(n=99 in the validation set).We conducted a deep-transfer learning network on high-resolution(HR)panoramic radiographs to improve the longitudinal resolution of the images and obtained the SR images.Subsequently,we constructed models named Model-HR and Model-SR using high-dimensional quantitative features extracted through the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method.The models’performances were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).To assess the reliability of the model,we compared the results from the test set with those of three dentists.Results:Model-SR outperformed Model-HR(area under the curve(AUC):0.779,sensitivity:85.5%,specificity:60.9%,and accuracy:79.8%vs.AUC:0.753,sensitivity:73.7%,specificity:73.9%,and accuracy:73.7%)in predicting the difficulty of extracting mandibular third molars.Both Model-HR(AUC=0.821,95%CI 0.687–0.956)and Model-SR(AUC=0.963,95%CI 0.921–0.999)demonstrated superior performance compared to expert dentists(highest AUC=0.799,95%CI 0.671–0.927).Conclusions:Model-SR yielded superior predictive performance in determining the difficulty of extracting mandibular third molars when compared with Model-HR and expert dentists’visual assessments.

Calcitonin and vitamin D3 have high therapeutic potential for improving diabetic mandibular growth

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of the intermittent combination of an antiresorptive agent （calcitonin） and an anabolic agent （vitamin D3） on treating the detrimental effects of Type 1 diabetes mellitus （DM） on mandibular bone formation and growth. Forty 3-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into four groups： the control group （normal rats）, the control C＋D group （normal rats injected with calcitonin and vitamin D3）, the diabetic C＋D group （diabetic rats injected with calcitonin and vitamin D3） and the diabetic group （uncontrolled diabetic rats）. An experimental DM condition was induced in the male Wistar rats in the diabetic and diabetic C＋ D groups using a single dose of 60 mg.kg-1 body weight of streptozotocin. Calcitonin and vitamin D3 were simultaneously injected in the rats of the control C＋D and diabetic C＋D groups. All rats were killed after 4 weeks, and the right mandibles were evaluated by micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis. Diabetic rats showed a significant deterioration in bone quality and bone formation （diabetic group）. By contrast, with the injection of calcitonin and vitamin D3, both bone parameters and bone formation significantly improved （diabetic C＋ D group） （P 〈 0.05）. These findings suggest that these two hormones might potentially improve various bone properties.

Distraction osteogenesis for correction of post ankylosis mandibular deformities

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis, a debilitating disease mainly affecting children, is characterized by progres- sive restriction of mouth opening and maxilla-mandibular developmental deformities. Craniofacial distraction osteo- genesis has been developed as a standard surgical strategy for rectification of craniofacial deformities. The purpose of this study was to assess mono-planar distraction devices for the correction of various mandibular asymmetries in patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis who developed restricted mouth opening and mandibular retrognathia. All patients were treated using one-stage distraction osteogenesis followed by temporalis fascia inter- positional arthroplasty under general anesthesia. A significant increase in mandibular ramus and base length was observed. Although an increase in anterior lower facial height was observed, it was not significant statistically. A decrease in posterior lower facial height and corpus was observed. Oblique distraction with angular osteotomy allowed lengthening of both the ramus and corpus, yielding satisfactory results and hence eliminating the need of secondary surgery. In conclusion, univector internal distractors are effective for correction of multi-planar mandib-ular deficiencies by optimizing its placement through meticulous planning.

Combined Therapy for Mandibular Prognathism:Sagittal Split Osteotomy with Excision of Tongue

In the evaluation of the beauty and functional integrity of the lower face, the oral cavity, teeth, mandible, maxilla, and the size and position of the tongue are important. The tongue locates forward and is larger than normal in prognathism, in which the jaw protrudes from the skull. It is not clear whether an enlarged tongue causes the open bite, protrusion or dental arch misalignment, or is a result of them. Here, we report two patients with mandibular prognathism and relative macroglossia, which were treated by mandibular setback surgery using a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and excision of the tongue. This procedure achieved aesthetic improvement of the face and dentition.

Correction of mandibular deficiency by inverted-L osteotomy of ramus and iliac crest bone grafting

This study was to describe the use of inverted-L osteotomy of ramus and lilac bone graft for the management of mandibular deficiency in adult patients. From 2008 to 2010, 11 patients （aged 19 to 29 years） with mandibular deficiency underwent intraoral or extraoral inverted-L osteotomy of ramus and lilac crest bone grafting. Data were collected from the patients＇ records, photographs and radiographs. The height and width of the ramus were successfully expanded by inverted-L osteotomy and lilac crest bone grafting with minimal complications in all patients, resulting in significant improvement in occlusion and facial appearance. Our early results showed that the inverted-L osteotomy of ramus and lilac crest bone grafting is safe and effective, and should be considered as a good alternative for the patients with mandibular deficiency.

Mapping the immune microenvironment for mandibular alveolar bone homeostasis at single-cell resolution

Alveolar bone is the thickened ridge of jaw bone that supports teeth.It is subject to constant occlusal force and pathogens invasion,and is therefore under active bone remodeling and immunomodulation.Alveolar bone holds a distinct niche from long bone considering their different developmental origin and postnatal remodeling pattern.However,a systematic explanation of alveolar bone at single-cell level is still lacking.Here,we construct a single-cell atlas of mouse mandibular alveolar bone through single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq).A more active immune microenvironment is identified in alveolar bone,with a higher proportion of mature immune cells than in long bone.Among all immune cell populations,the monocyte/macrophage subpopulation most actively interacts with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)subpopulation.Alveolar bone monocytes/macrophages express a higher level of Oncostatin M(Osm)compared to long bone,which promotes osteogenic differentiation and inhibits adipogenic differentiation of MSCs.In summary,our study reveals a unique immune microenvironment of alveolar bone,which may provide a more precise immune-modulatory target for therapeutic treatment of oral diseases.

Incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in the native Chinese population by analysis of clinical methods

The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in a native Chinese population using radiography and clinical examination under microscope and to compare the relative efficacies of these methods. For the recognition of C-shaped root canal system, 1 146 mandibular second molars were selected and examined. Teeth with C-shaped canal systems were categorized by using the radiographic classification criteria and the modified Melton＇s method. C-shaped canals were identified in 397 （34.64%） mandibular second molars by radiography （type I, 31.23%; type II, 38.29%; type III, 30.48%）. Clinical examination showed that 449 （39.18%） cases exhibited C-shaped canal systems （C1, 22.94%; C2, 48.11%; C3a, 15.59%; C3b, 13.36%）. As for the result of the radiographic and clinical combined examination, C-shaped root canals were found in 473 （41.27%） mandibular second molars （C1, 21.78%; C2, 45.67%; C3a, 16.70%; C3b, 15.86%）. The incidence of C-shaped root canal diagnosed by radiographic method was statistically different from that by clinical examination and the combined examination （P〈O.05）. The study indicated a high incidence of C-shaped canal system in a Chinese population. The combination of microscopic and radiographic examination is an effective method in identifying the C-shaped root canal system.

Three-dimensional analysis of the physiological foramen geometry of maxillary and mandibular molars by means of micro-CT

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological foramen diameter, shape and distance between physiological and anatomical apex of maxillary and mandibular first and second molars. Accurate knowledge of the physiological foramina morphology; thus, inherent mechanical shaping technical hindrances, is decisive when taking the corresponding root canal final preparation decision. The morphological dimensions of a total of 1 727 physiological foramina were investigated by means of micro-computed tomography. Mean narrow and wide （to a high number, oval） diameters of the physiological foramen were 0.24, 0.22 and 0.33 mm and 0.33, 0.31 and 0.42 mm in mesiobuccal （MB）, distobuccal （DB） and palatal （P） roots in maxillary first molars; 0.24, 0.22 and 0.33 mm and 0.41, 0.33 and 0.44 in MB, DB, and P roots in maxillary second molars. Mandibular first molars showed mean narrow and wide diameters of 0.24 and 0.30 mm and of 0.39 and 0.46 mm in mesial （M） and distal （D） roots; second mandibular molars showed 0.25 and 0.31 mm and 0.47 mm in M and D roots. The mean distance between the physiological foramina and anatomical apex was 0.82, 0.81 and 1.02 mm and 0.54, 0.43 and 0.63 mm in MB, DB and P roots of the maxillary first and second molars, respectively. A mean distance of 0.95 mm （M） and 1.05 mm （D） in the first and 0.78 mm （M） and 0.81 mm （D） in the second mandibular molars was observed. Based on the results obtained, assumable recommendations for final preparation size of the physiological foramen were calculated. However, when taking into consideration, the resulting standard deviations of marginal errors must be cautiously considered when taking a final decision in clinical endodontic treatment.

Early therapeutic effect of platelet-rich fibrin combined with allogeneic bone marrow-derived stem cells on rats’ critical-sized mandibular defects

BACKGROUND Critically sized bone defects represent a significant challenge to orthopaedic surgeons worldwide.These defects generally result from severe trauma or resection of a whole large tumour.Autologous bone grafts are the current gold standard for the reconstruction of such defects.However,due to increased patient morbidity and the need for a second operative site,other lines of treatment should be introduced.To find alternative unconventional therapies to manage such defects,bone tissue engineering using a combination of suitable bioactive factors,cells,and biocompatible scaffolds offers a promising new approach for bone regeneration.AIM To evaluate the healing capacity of platelet-rich fibrin(PRF)membranes seeded with allogeneic mesenchymal bone marrow-derived stem cells(BMSCs)on critically sized mandibular defects in a rat model.METHODS Sixty-three Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to bilateral bone defects of critical size in the mandibles created by a 5-mm diameter trephine bur.Rats were allocated to three equal groups of 21 rats each.Group I bone defects were irrigated with normal saline and designed as negative controls.Defects of group II were grafted with PRF membranes and served as positive controls,while defects of group III were grafted with PRF membranes seeded with allogeneic BMSCs.Seven rats from each group were killed at 1,2 and 4 wk.The mandibles were dissected and prepared for routine haematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining,Masson's trichrome staining and CD68 immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS Four weeks postoperatively,the percentage area of newly formed bone was significantly higher in group III(0.88±0.02)than in groups I(0.02±0.00)and II(0.60±0.02).The amount of granulation tissue formation was lower in group III(0.12±0.02)than in groups I(0.20±0.02)and II(0.40±0.02).The number of inflammatory cells was lower in group III(0.29±0.03)than in groups I(4.82±0.08)and II(3.09±0.07).CONCLUSION Bone regenerative quality of critically sized mandibular bone defects in rats was better promoted by PRF membranes seeded with BMSCs than with PRF membranes alone.

Evaluation of mandibular reconstruction with free vascularized fibular flap

Objective： To evaluates mandible reconstruction by free vascularized fibular flap with special emphasis on the immediate complications. Methods：The clinical data of 63 patients were reviewed, 35 male and 28 female（age range 16 to 73 years）. Aesthetic and functional outcomes were evaluated by follow-up and/or telephone conversation. Results：Among the 63 fibular flaps, 29 were osteocutaneous flaps with one or two skin islands. All the flaps were surviving well and the success rate was 100%. Long term donor site disability was not recorded for any patient. Thirty-one patients responded for aesthetic and functional evaluation, 20 cases（64.5%） reported their facial appearance as excellent or good, 11 （35.48%） felt fair; 14 cases （45%） could eat unrestricted diet, 17（55%） could eat soft diet; 21 cases were（67.67%） speech normal, 10（22.33%） speech intelligible. Conclusion：Free fibular flap reflects good functional and esthetic results with a high degree of consistency, and acceptable level of complications, and we strongly believe the vascularized fibular flap is the first choice for mandibular reconstruction.

3D kinematicmandiblemodel to designmandibular advancement devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Mandibular advancement devices(MADs)are one of the treatments used for Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).MADs try to maintain the mandible in an advanced position to keep the upper airways open when sleeping.To achieve this goal,most current MADs limit the mouth opening to a few millimetres.The study of the kinematic behaviour of the patient’s jaw is essential in order to design devices that allow greater aperture ranges.For this purpose,a 3D multibody model that reproduces jaw movement has been developed in this work.To this end,the movement of the lower incisor has been determined by means of a vision system and reflective markers.In addition,the kinematics of the temporomandibular joint has been modelled.Next,the device is designed and printed using a cam-follower mechanism.This way,the cam profiles and the followers are optimally designed and positioned for each patient depending on the physiognomy of the jaw and the opening and advancing movement prescribed by the specialist.

Successful individualized endodontic treatment of severely curved root canals in a mandibular second molar:A case report

BACKGROUND The incidence rate of severely curved root canals in mandibular molars is low,and the root canal treatment of mandibular molars with this aberrant canal anatomy may be technically challenging.CASE SUMMARY A 26-year-old Chinese female patient presented with intermittent and occlusal pain in the left mandibular second molar.The patient had undergone filling restoration for caries before endodontic consultation.With the aid of cone beam computed tomography(CBCT),a large periapical radiolucency was observed,and curved root canals in a mandibular second molar were confirmed,depicting a severe and curved distolingual root.Nonsurgical treatments,including novel individualized preparation skills and techniques and the use of bioceramic materials as an apical barrier,were performed,and complete healing of the periapical lesion and a satisfactory effect were achieved.CONCLUSION A case of severely curved root canals in a mandibular second molar was successfully treated and are reported herein.The complex anatomy of the tooth and the postoperative effect were also evaluated via the three-dimensional reconstruction of CBCT images,which accurately identified the aberrant canal morphology.New devices and biomaterial applications combined with novel synthesis techniques can increase the success rate of intractable endodontic treatment.

Value of ^(99m)Tc-MDP SPECT/CT fusion imaging and CT in evaluating the extent of mandibular invasion by malignant tumor of oral cavity

Objective： The aim of our study was to compare the value of computed tomography （CT） and 99mTc-methylene- diphosphonate （MDP） SPECT （single photon emission computed tomography）/CT fusion imaging in determining the extent of mandibular invasion by malignant tumor of the oral cavity. Methods： This study had local ethical committee approval, and all patients gave written informed consent. Fifty-three patients were revealed mandibular invasion by malignant tumor of the oral cavity underwent CT and SPECT/CT. The patients were divided into two groups： group A （invasion-periphery-type） and group B （invasion-center- type）. Two radiologists assessed the CT images and two nuclear medicine physicians separately assessed the $PECT/CT images in consensus and without knowledge of the results of other imaging tests. The extent of bone involvement suggested with an imaging modality was compared with pathological findings in the surgical specimen. Results： With pathological findings as the standard of reference, Group A： The extent of mandibular invasion by malignant tumor under- went SPECT/CT was 1.02 _＋ 0.20 cm larger than that underwent pathological findings. And the extent of mandibular invasion underwent CT was 1.42 ＋ 0.35 cm smaller than that underwent pathological examination. There were significant difference among the three methods （P 〈 0.01）. Group B： The extent of mandibular invasion by malignant tumor underwent SPECT/CT was 1.3 ＋ 0.39 cm larger than that underwent pathological examination. The extent of mandibular invasion underwent CT was 2.55 ＋ 1.44 cm smaller than that underwent pathological findings. There were significant difference among the three methods （P 〈 0.01）. The extent of mandibular invasion underwent SPECT/CT was the extent which surgeon must excise to get clear margins. Conclusion： SPECT/CT fusion imaging has significant clinical value in determining the extent of mandibular inva- sion by malignant tumor of oral cavity.