This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the benefits and clinical outcomes of piezocision, which is a minimally invasive approach to corticotomy that is used in orthodontic treatments. Twenty-four adult patients presenting with mild overcrowdings were randomly allocated to either a control group that was treated with conventional orthodontics or a test group that received piezo-assisted orthodontics. The piezocisions were performed 1 wk week after the placement of the orthodontic appliances. Neither grafting material nor sutures were used. All patients were followed every 2 wk, and archwires were changed only when they were no longer active. The periods required for the completion of the overall orthodontic treatments were calculated, and the periodontal parameters were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the orthodontic treatment. Patient-centered outcomes were assessed with a visual analog scale; analgesic use following the procedures was also recorded. The patient characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The overall treatment time was significantly reduced by 43% in the piezocision group as compared with the control group. In both groups, periodontal parameters (i.e., recession depth, pocket depth, plaque index, and papilla bleeding index) remained unchanged between the baseline and treatment completion time points. No increase in root resorption was observed in either group. Scars were observed in 50% of the patients in the piezocision group. Analgesic consumption was similar following orthodontic appliance placement and piezocision surgery. Patient satisfaction was significantly better in the piezocision group than in the control group. In these conditions, the piezocision technique seemed to be effective in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement. No gingival recessions were observed. The risk of residual scars might limit the indications for piezocision in patients with a high smile line (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02590835).

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Summary Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of piezocision (surgical protocol with sutures) in orthodontic treatment using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) customized orthodontic appliances. Design The study is designed as a parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Setting University Hospital. Ethical approval The study was approved by the ethic committee of the University Hospital Liege, Belgium. Subjects and methods This RCT was conducted on 24 adult patients requiring orthodontic treatment to release mild overcrowding. Patients were all treated with a customized appliance and randomly assigned by means of sealed envelopes containing group codes to either a test group treated with piezocision or a control group without any further treatment. A blinded orthodontist validated appliance removal or further adjustments based on the model study. Outcome measures The overall treatment time and the time between archwire changes were recorded. Moreover, clinical and radiological features such as tooth resorption, gingival recessions, and the presence of scars were evaluated. Results A total of 24 patients (12 control and 12 test) completed the study. The overall treatment time was significantly shorter in the test group than the control group. Likewise, the time difference between all arch changes was significantly lower when piezocision was performed, except for the first arch at the mandible and the last arches at both maxillae. During the fine-tuning phase, no significant difference was found between the two groups. All periodontal and radiographic parameters remained stable from the start to the end of treatment in both the groups. However, minor scars were found in 66 per cent cases. Limitations This trial was a single-centre trial. Conclusions Piezocision seems to be an effective method to accelerate orthodontic treatment in cases of mild overcrowding. However, the effect was only observed during the alignment phase and a greater efficiency was found in the maxilla. The technique may be contraindicated in patients with a high smile line since the risk of slight scarring exists. Registration ClinicalTrails.gov (Identifier: NCT03406130)

Objective To compare computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized nitinol retainers with standard stainless-steel fixed retainers over a 12-month study period. Methods This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 62 patients randomly allocated to a control group that received stainless-steel retainers or a test group that received customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium retainers. Four time points were defined retainer placement (T0) and 1-month (T1), 6-month (T2), and 12-month (T3) follow-up appointments. At each time point, Little’s irregularity index (LII) (primary endpoint) and dental stability measurements such as intercanine width were recorded in addition to assessment of periodontal parameters. Radiological measurements such as the incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA) were recorded at T0 and T3. Failure events (wire integrity or debonding) were assessed at each time point. Results From T0 to T3, LII and other dental measurements showed no significant differences between the two groups. The data for periodontal parameters remained stable over the study period, except for the gingival index, which was slightly, but significantly, higher in the test group at T3 ( p = 0.039). The IMPA angle showed no intergroup difference. The two groups showed no significant difference in debonding events. Conclusions This RCT conducted over a 12-month period demonstrated no significant difference between customized CAD/CAM nickel-titanium lingual retainers and standard stainless-steel lingual retainers in terms of dental anterior stability and retainer survival. Both retainers eventually appeared to be equally effective in maintaining periodontal health.

Summary Objective The aim of this trial was to test whether the use of a smartphone application (app) connected to a toothbrush improves the oral hygiene compliance of adolescent orthodontic patients. Design The study was designed as a multicentre, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Setting Two academic hospitals. Ethical approval The study was approved by the ethics committee. Subjects and methods This multicentre randomized controlled trial was conducted on 38 adolescents aged 12–18 years with full-fixed orthodontic appliances. Participants were randomly assigned either to a test group that used an interactive oscillating/rotating electric toothbrush connected to a brushing aid app or to a control group that used an oscillating/rotating electric toothbrush alone. At baseline, all patients received verbal and written oral hygiene instructions. Outcome measurements Data collection was performed at T1 (baseline), T2 (6 weeks), T3 (12 weeks) and T4 (18 weeks—end of the study). At each time point, the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and white spot lesion (WSL) score were recorded. Several app-related parameters were evaluated. Patient-related outcome measures were investigated in the test group. Results Test and control groups were similar at baseline except for WSL score. Between T1 and T4, PI and GI decreased significantly in both groups but evolutions were globally similar in both groups. Interestingly, at T3 (12 weeks), the PI was significantly lower in the app group than in the control group (P = 0.014). Data showed a marked decline in the use of the app over time in the test group. Conclusions This trial, conducted over 18 weeks in two academic hospitals, showed no significant effect of the use of the app in promoting oral hygiene. Trial registration Not registered