Background. Despite the importance of identifying proper novel porcelain preparation techniques to improve bonding of orthodontic brackets to porcelain surfaces, and despite the highly controversial results on this subject, no systematic review or meta-analysis exists in this regard. Objective. To comparatively summarize the effects of all the available porcelain surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of orthodontic brackets (metal, ceramic, polycarbonate) bonded to feldspathic porcelain restorations. Search Methods. A search was conducted for articles published between January 1990 and February 2021 in PubMed, MeSH, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and reference lists. Eligibility Criteria. English-language articles comparing SBS of feldspathic porcelain’s surface preparation methods for metal/ceramic/polycarbonate orthodontic brackets were included. Articles comparing silanes/bonding agents/primers without assessing roughening techniques were excluded. Data Analysis. Studies were summarized and risk of bias assessed. Each treatment’s SBS was compared with the 6 and 10 MPa recommended thresholds. Studies including comparator (HF [hydrofluoric acid] + silane + bonding) were candidates for meta-analysis. ARI scores were dichotomized. Fixed- and random-effects models were used and forest plots drawn. Egger regressions and/or funnel plots were used to assess publication biases. Results. Thirty-two studies were included (140 groups of SBS, 82 groups of ARI). Bond strengths of 21 studies were meta-analyzed (64 comparisons in 14 meta-analyses). ARIs of 12 articles were meta-analyzed (28 comparisons in 8 meta-analyses). Certain protocols provided bond strengths poorer than HF + silane + bonding: “abrasion + bonding, diamond bur + bonding, HF + bonding, Nd:YAG laser (1 W) + silane + bonding, CO2 laser (2 W/2 Hz) + silane + bonding, and phosphoric acid + silane + bonding.” Abrasion + HF + silane + bonding might act almost better than HF + silane + bonding. Abrasion + silane + bonding yields controversial results, being slightly (marginally significantly) better than HF + silane + bonding. Some protocols had controversial results with their overall effects being close to HF + silane + bonding: “Cojet + silane + bonding, diamond bur + silane + bonding, Er:YAG laser (1.6 W/20 Hz) + silane + bonding.” Few methods provided bond strengths similar to HF + silane + bonding without much controversy: “Nd:YAG laser (2 W) + silane + bonding” and “phosphoric acid + silane + bonding” (in ceramic brackets). ARIs were either similar to HF + silane + bonding or relatively skewed towards the “no resin on porcelain” end. The risk of bias was rather low. Limitations. All the found studies were in vitro and thus not easily translatable to clinical conditions. Many metasamples were small. Conclusions. The preparation methods HF + silane + bonding, abrasion + HF + silane + bonding, Nd:YAG (2 W) + silane + bonding, and phosphoric acid + silane + bonding (in ceramic brackets) might provide stronger bonds.

Background: Orthodontics is defined as a branch of dentistry that concerns the correction of malocclusion. In this regard, determining the most appropriate time for orthodontic treatment is of utmost importance. General dental practitioners (GDPs) are normally the first link of the treatment chain for patients requiring orthodontic treatment. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the GDPs’ knowledge of the appropriate timing of orthodontic treatment in Sari, Iran. Methods: This descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on GDPs working in Sari in 2019. The statistical population included 380 GDPs, 186 of whom were selected. Data was collected using a 24-item questionnaire aimed to evaluate the GDPs’ knowledge level of the appropriate timing of orthodontic treatment. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. Results: In total, 142 out of 186 GDPs participated in the study with a mean age of 36.12 ± 10.15 years. 86 subjects (59.9%) had less than 10 years of work experience. Total mean (± SD) knowledge level of the GDPs was estimated at a moderate level (14.13 ± 3.79). Percentage of the knowledge levels considered as poor, moderate and good was 12, 70, and 18, respectively. There was a significant relationship between knowledge level and gender (P = 0.013). Meanwhile, no association was observed between the work experience of the participants and their level of knowledge (P = 0.393). Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, the total mean score of GDPs’ knowledge about the appropriate timing for orthodontic treatment in Sari was moderate, and only 12% of the participants had a poor knowledge level in this regard. It is notable that male subjects had a significantly higher knowledge level, and another analysis demonstrated the lack of effectiveness of work experience on the knowledge level of individuals.

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate whether the sella turcica bridging (STB) and ponticulus posticous (PP) are associated with the congenital missing maxillary lateral incisor (CMMLI), based on lateral cephalograms of patients who needed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods. This case-control study examined 160 panoramic images and lateral cephalograms of 2000 patients seeking orthodontic treatment. The case group included 80 patients with CMMLI (40 with unilateral and 40 with bilateral CMMLI) and the control group included 80 patients without CMMLI. Panoramic images were used to diagnose CMMLI and lateral cephalograms showed STB and PP extension. The researchers used statistical analyses to examine the relationship among STB, PP, and CMMLI ( P < 0.05 ). Results. The prevalence of STB type I, II, and III was 47.5%, 35%, and 17.5% in the case group and 72.5%, 22.5%, and 5% in the control group, respectively, determining a positive relationship between CMMLI and STB and a significant relationship between bilateral CMMLI and STB ( P < 0.05 for both). The prevalence of normal, incomplete, and complete PP extension was 80%, 5%, and 15% in the case group and 82.5%, 5%, and 12.5% in the control group, respectively. There was no significant relationship between CMMLI and PP extension ( P > 0.05 ) and between the STB and the PP extension ( P > 0.05 ). Conclusion. CMMLI was significantly related to STB but not to PP extension. Investigating the relationship between unilateral/bilateral CMMLI, STB, and PP has shown only a significant relationship between bilateral CMMLI and STB. There was no significant relationship between STB and PP extension.

Introduction: Crouzon syndrome (CS), the most common craniosynostosis condition, which could lead to several developmental complications. This study aimed to review the different manifestations of CS. Material and Methods: In order to find the relevant articles, the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched using the term “Craniofacial Dysostosis” and its relevant entry terms. All English-language articles regarding the CS were included in the study. After removing the duplicate articles, two authors independently screened the title and abstracts of the included articles. Disagreements were resolved through voting and discussion with the third author. Then full-text of articles were screened and the articles were categorized depending on regarding their main topic. Results: The search yielded 449 results in different databases. After removing the duplicates, 331 results remained. Then, 182 were excluded as not completely relevant by screening the abstracts. The remaining 149 studies were assessed for the eligibility criteria. Of them, 74 were excluded due to the following reasons: (1) unavailable full text; (2) discussing other types of craniosynostoses syndromes; and (3) not having clear results. Finally, 75 studies which were included in this study. Conclusion: CS is caused by mutations in the FGFR2 gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Diagnosis is based on the characteristic physical features, as well as imaging studies and genetic testing. Treatment involves surgery to correct the craniosynostosis and facial abnormalities. Early and appropriate treatment can help to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

Crouzon syndrome(CS) is the most common craniosynostosis condition.This report presents a rare case of a 25-year-old male CS patient referred for orthodontic treatment with the chief complaint of severe irregularities in the arrangement of teeth and abnormal facial appearance.The clinical,cephalometric features and initial orthodontic management of this patient are discussed