Orthodontics
Atefe Saffar shahroudi; Farahnaz Fazeli; Behrad Tanbakuchi
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to assess the frequency of using clear aligners by orthodontists and their perspective in this respect.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study evaluated 86 orthodontists practicing in Iran in 2021. An online questionnaire was designed by an expert panel to collect information ...
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Aim: This study aimed to assess the frequency of using clear aligners by orthodontists and their perspective in this respect.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study evaluated 86 orthodontists practicing in Iran in 2021. An online questionnaire was designed by an expert panel to collect information regarding the frequency of use of clear aligners (CA) by orthodontists, their satisfaction rate with this treatment approach, their perception of CA's advantages and disadvantages and the challenges they encountered while using CA. The results were analyzed by descriptive analysis methods and regression analysis.Results: Eighty-six orthodontists filled out the questionnaire. Less than one-third of participants reported using CA, and the majority of them reported using it for less than 10% of their patients. Of those not using CA, 75% were interested in using them. The mean satisfaction score with CA was 9.26 out of 20. The main reason for not using CA was difficult access to reputable companies and suboptimal quality of work of the available laboratories. The majority of orthodontists stated that CA could not be used for cases with impacted teeth, orthognathic surgery patients, and syndromic, cleft lip and palate patients. The main shortcoming of CA was perceived to be in the space closure phase, and their cost was 50-100% higher than regular orthodontic treatment. Older orthodontists were less interested in using CA while faculty members were more interested.Conclusion: The frequency of use of clear aligners by Iranian orthodontists is low and their satisfaction rate with this approach is <50%.
Atefe Saffar Shahroudi; Behrad Tanbakuchi
Abstract
Context: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) have been introduced to orthodontic treatment for enhancing anchorage control. It is claimed that they are not disposable and can be used several times after sterilization process. However, the question is whether this repeated sterilization has any effect ...
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Context: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) have been introduced to orthodontic treatment for enhancing anchorage control. It is claimed that they are not disposable and can be used several times after sterilization process. However, the question is whether this repeated sterilization has any effect on the properties of these devices. This study was done to review the available articles that had addressed various aspects of this issue.Evidence Acquisition: The authors searched several electronic data bases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase with several key words related to orthodontic temporary anchorage devices and sterilization. The relevant articles were reviewed and categorized in the following subjects: mechanical properties, primary stability and clinical success, and histologic and microscopic characteristics. Results: Sterilizing the temporary anchorage devices seems not to affect the mechanical properties of these devices.
Conclusions: In terms of primary stability, and clinical success, very few studies are available. Histologic and microscopic evaluations showed some alteration in the surface characteristics of TADs including some mineral precipitation.
