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Orthodontics: Advanced Techniques, Methods and Materials
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Orthodontics: Advanced Techniques, Methods and Materials

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 6608

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gabriele Di Carlo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: CBCT; clinical orthodontics; digital orthodontics; intra-oral scanners; airway; growth and development; orthodontic appliances
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Matteo Saccucci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: CBCT; clinical orthodontics; digital orthodontics; intra-oral scanners; airway; growth and development; orthodontic appliances
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are experiencing a period of great technological advancement in the context of modern orthodontics. The introduction of new materials and associated techniques hint at the possibility of advancing the classical limits of orthodontic treatments. However, the introduction of such materials and techniques is often not accompanied by real experimentation with them. The laws of the market dominate the introduction of new products without large-scale experimentation on their effects over time. From this point of view, there is a need to fill the gap produced by corporate pressure with rigorous testing of the effects produced over time by these modern technologies that promise to increase the success of orthodontic treatments on both adult and adolescent patients. This Special Issue aims to present the innovative technology used in daily orthodontic practice with a critical appraisal to define the benefits and limits of the proposed technology itself.

In this Special Issue, original research articles, short communications, and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: digital orthodontics, miniscrew-supported treatment, cone beam computed tomography application in orthodontics, and clinical treatments in adult orthodontic patients.

I look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Gabriele Di Carlo
Dr. Matteo Saccucci
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • orthodontic miniscrews
  • rapid palatal expansion supported by miniscrews
  • distalization using orthodontic miniscrews
  • digital orthodontics
  • clinical treatments in orthodontics using innovative digital techniques
  • cone beam computed tomography
  • malocclusions
  • orthognathic preparations
  • adult orthodontic treatment
  • ortho-perio treatment

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3061 KiB  
Article
Color Variation in 3D-Printed Orthodontic Aligners as a Compliance Indicator: A Prospective Pilot Study
by Francesca Cremonini, Giuseppe Chiusolo, Filippo Pepe and Luca Lombardo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6409; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126409 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 249
Abstract
Patient compliance remains a significant challenge in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, as adherence to prescribed wear time is often suboptimal. This study investigated the potential of colorimetric analysis as a method to assess compliance with NOXI 3D-printed night-time aligners. Specifically, it evaluated [...] Read more.
Patient compliance remains a significant challenge in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, as adherence to prescribed wear time is often suboptimal. This study investigated the potential of colorimetric analysis as a method to assess compliance with NOXI 3D-printed night-time aligners. Specifically, it evaluated color variations in polyamide aligners due to thermo-oxidation, using the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model as a non-invasive indicator. In total, 10 patients participated in this prospective study, wearing aligners for either 7 or 12 h daily over a 14-day period. Colorimetric measurements were collected via a smartphone-based application, and statistical analyses examined correlations between wear duration and color changes. The results revealed a significant association between a longer wear time and increased discoloration (p < 0.001), supporting the feasibility of RGB-based monitoring as a reliable compliance tool. However, individual variability in saliva composition, diet, and oral hygiene may have influenced the results, highlighting the need for further research into potential confounding variables. These findings underscore the promise of integrating digital monitoring technologies to improve adherence tracking and patient management in orthodontics. Future studies should refine the methodology and validate its efficacy in larger, more diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontics: Advanced Techniques, Methods and Materials)
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13 pages, 1170 KiB  
Article
A Statistical Procedure for Exploring a Skeletal Age-Explicative Tool for Growing Patients
by Michele Tepedino, Rosa Esposito, Maurizio Delvecchio, Domenico Ciavarella, Giuseppe Rofrano and Francesco Masedu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5593; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105593 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 255
Abstract
Background: Skeletal age estimation plays a fundamental role in orthopedic treatments. Since the most reliable methods are based on ionizing radiation, this study aimed to use machine learning techniques to explore a skeletal age assessment method not based on additional radiographies. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Skeletal age estimation plays a fundamental role in orthopedic treatments. Since the most reliable methods are based on ionizing radiation, this study aimed to use machine learning techniques to explore a skeletal age assessment method not based on additional radiographies. Methods: Patients aged between 6 and 16 years old whose clinical records included orthopantomography, radiographs of the second phalanx of the third finger, and biometric data were enrolled for the study. The radiographs were analyzed to estimate the maturation degree of the left lower first premolars, the midpalatal suture, and the second phalanx of the third finger. Both an explicative data analysis and a multivariate analysis were performed. Results: The sample comprised 111 subjects. The multivariate analysis revealed an explanatory role for sex (p < 0.01) and chronological age (p < 0.01). The ordinal tool showed how the use of height (p = 0.02) and weight (p = 0.03) was explicative of skeletal age against a loss of statistical significance corresponding to the use of body mass index (p = 0.6). The median palatine suture (p = 0.01) was explicative. Conclusions: The combined evaluation of weight, height, sex, chronological age, and grade of maturation of the midpalate suture provides an explicative tool for assessing skeletal age without additional radiographic exams, besides a routine orthopantomography. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontics: Advanced Techniques, Methods and Materials)
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19 pages, 2686 KiB  
Article
Force Expressed by 3D-Printed Aligners with Different Thickness and Design Compared to Thermoformed Aligners: An in Vitro Study
by Francesca Cremonini, Carolina Pancari, Luca Brucculeri, Ariyan Karami Shabankare and Luca Lombardo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15062911 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 899
Abstract
(1) Background: Clear aligners are favored for their aesthetics in orthodontics, with newer 3D-printed technologies allowing the design of aligners with differential thicknesses and materials, offering advantages in terms of force distribution on the teeth, thereby optimizing treatment biomechanics. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Clear aligners are favored for their aesthetics in orthodontics, with newer 3D-printed technologies allowing the design of aligners with differential thicknesses and materials, offering advantages in terms of force distribution on the teeth, thereby optimizing treatment biomechanics. This study aimed to compare the initial and final forces of three types of 3D-printed aligners (with different thickness gradients and gingival margins) and traditional thermoformed aligners (with different gingival margins), evaluating stress relaxation and force consistency to determine which material and configuration may be optimal for better force distribution; (2) Methods: Twenty-seven 3D-printed aligners with three design variations and 18 thermoformed aligners were analyzed. Customized models were used to assess force at specific points on the upper incisor (1.1) and molar (2.6). A 3 h stress-relaxation test was conducted at 37 °C, and force data were recorded every second using a motorized compression stand. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, post hoc tests, and Kruskal–Wallis tests for comparisons; (3) Results and Conclusions: Aligners with vertical and horizontal thickness gradients and a gingival margin trimmed 2 mm above the gingival contour exerted the highest forces, particularly at incisal/occlusal points. No significant differences in stress relaxation were observed. The force applied to the molars was consistently higher than the force applied to the incisors. These 3D-printed aligners with both horizontal and vertical gradients may offer a viable alternative to thermoformed aligners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontics: Advanced Techniques, Methods and Materials)
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12 pages, 3146 KiB  
Article
Correction of Severe Class III Malocclusion by Mandibular Molar Distalization with Ramal Plates
by Ahmed Almadih, Alex Hung Kuo Chou, Yoon-Ah Kook, Sung-Seo Mo and Seong Ho Han
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11157; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311157 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1180
Abstract
This retrospective investigation aims to evaluate the dentoskeletal and soft tissue changes after the distalization of the mandibular dentition using the ramal plates in nonextraction camouflage treatment of severe Class III malocclusion with a full-cusp discrepancy or more at the first molars. The [...] Read more.
This retrospective investigation aims to evaluate the dentoskeletal and soft tissue changes after the distalization of the mandibular dentition using the ramal plates in nonextraction camouflage treatment of severe Class III malocclusion with a full-cusp discrepancy or more at the first molars. The sample consisted of pre- (T1) and post-treatment (T2) lateral cephalograms from 25 adult patients who were treated with the ramal plates for mandibular total distalization. The skeletal, dental, and soft tissue variables were analyzed from T1 to T2 in order to determine the effects of mandibular dentitional distalization. The mandibular first molars distalized 3.65 mm at the crown and 1.81 mm at the root. Similarly, the mandibular incisors retracted 3.32 mm at the crown and 0.81 mm at the root. Skeletally, the Wits appraisal displayed a significant increase of 1.56 mm. Also, soft tissue changes showed a significant lower lip retraction of 1.26 mm. These findings suggest that the ramal plates exhibited effective mandibular distalization in treating severe Class III malocclusion, which may be considered a viable alternative to the orthognathic surgical approach in some patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontics: Advanced Techniques, Methods and Materials)
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Review

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22 pages, 2083 KiB  
Review
The Interaction of Cytokines in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review
by Francesco Inchingolo, Angelo Michele Inchingolo, Giuseppina Malcangi, Laura Ferrante, Irma Trilli, Angela Di Noia, Fabio Piras, Antonio Mancini, Andrea Palermo, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo and Gianna Dipalma
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5133; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125133 - 13 Jun 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2176
Abstract
Aim: Cytokines are crucial low-molecular-weight proteins involved in immune responses. This systematic review highlights the need for in-depth studies on cytokines’ biological mechanisms, providing insights into disease onset and potential therapeutic strategies. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature search identified 18 relevant articles, [...] Read more.
Aim: Cytokines are crucial low-molecular-weight proteins involved in immune responses. This systematic review highlights the need for in-depth studies on cytokines’ biological mechanisms, providing insights into disease onset and potential therapeutic strategies. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature search identified 18 relevant articles, emphasizing the multifaceted role of cytokines in orthodontic treatment (OT). The quality assessment using the ROBINS-I tool ensures a rigorous evaluation of the included studies, contributing to the overall reliability of the findings. Results and Conclusions: This systematic review explores the intricate relationship between cytokines and OT. Cytokines exhibit different properties, influencing cellular activities through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine activities. OT, aimed at achieving stable occlusion, induces tension and compression in the periodontal ligament (PDL), triggering cytokine release. Proinflammatory cytokines play a role in inflammation, influencing bone and soft tissue metabolism. Studies show elevated cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) after orthodontic force application. The choice of orthodontic devices, such as self-ligating brackets, influences cytokine concentrations, indicating the importance of attachment design. Further research promises to enhance orthodontic practices, and optimize patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontics: Advanced Techniques, Methods and Materials)
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Other

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12 pages, 2444 KiB  
Case Report
Changes in Upper Airway Space in a Patient with Pycnodysostosis Following Primary Surgery and Orthodontic Treatment: A 12-Year Follow-Up Case Report
by Edoardo Staderini, Beatrice Castellano, Gioele Gioco, Anna Schiavelli and Davide Gentile
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10105; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210105 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 983
Abstract
Pycnodysostosis (PDS) is an autosomal recessive form of osteosclerotic skeletal dysplasia characterized by craniofacial anomalies, a high-arched palate, and a narrowed pharyngeal space due to mandibular and maxillary deficiencies. These structural anomalies in the upper airway predispose PDS patients to obstructive sleep apnea [...] Read more.
Pycnodysostosis (PDS) is an autosomal recessive form of osteosclerotic skeletal dysplasia characterized by craniofacial anomalies, a high-arched palate, and a narrowed pharyngeal space due to mandibular and maxillary deficiencies. These structural anomalies in the upper airway predispose PDS patients to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA can be managed in PDS patients using either a conservative (non-surgical and multidisciplinary) approach or surgical interventions. Given the craniofacial anomalies associated with PDS, orthodontic treatment aims to address the maxillary transverse deficit and retrognathia. Currently, there is no evidence regarding the impact of orthodontic therapy on OSA levels among PDS patients. This study reports the long-term morphological and functional changes in the upper airway of a PDS patient following adenotonsillectomy and uvulopalatoplasty at an early age (3.6 years) and orthodontic camouflage in late mixed dentition (10 years). Polysomnographies (PSGs), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and lateral cephalograms taken before and after ENT surgery and orthodontic treatment were analyzed. Lateral X-rays were evaluated for changes in the posterior airway space (PAS), while polysomnographies provided the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). The NMR scans were segmented to measure the perimeter and radius of the upper airway. The findings of this study indicate that improvements following uvulopalatoplasty (UPP) were partial and temporary. Nonetheless, orthodontic therapy and the use of elastics did not appear to influence the PAS or AHI. Future studies with larger cohorts are needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the UPP procedure. This study was conducted in accordance with the CARE guidelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontics: Advanced Techniques, Methods and Materials)
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