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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: closed (10 June 2025) | Viewed by 4563

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jong-Moon Chae

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Guest Editor

Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Wonkwang, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea
Interests: orthodontics; vertical control; skeletal anchorage; cone-beam computed tomography; finite element study
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to enumerate the trends and prospects of orthodontic treatment that will determine the future of orthodontics. With the advent of technology, materials, and a better understanding of growth and development in the orthodontic field, orthodontic treatment will be more effective, efficient, and patient-friendly. The key trends and prospects are digital orthodontics, temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), 3D technology, clear aligners, invisible braces, accelerated orthodontics, artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary approaches, preventive orthodontics, eco-friendly practices, teledentistry, personalized orthodontic care, and educational content for patients and orthodontic professionals. Therefore, in this Special Issue, we seek several authors to contribute articles exploring the current trends and long-term prospects of orthodontic treatment.

Prof. Dr. Jong-Moon Chae
Guest Editor

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Keywords

orthodontics
clear aligners
TSADs
CBCT
three-dimensional tooth movement

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Importance of CBCT Analysis in the Preoperative Planning of TAD Placement in the Anterior Maxillary Region

by Iva Jakovljevic, Milica Vasiljevic, Jovana Milanovic, Momir Z. Stevanovic, Nemanja Jovicic, Milos Stepovic, Vladimir Ristic, Dragica Selakovic, Gvozden Rosic, Pavle Milanovic and Aleksandra Arnaut

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6866; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126866 - 18 Jun 2025

Viewed by 195

Abstract

The precise planning of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in the anterior maxilla is crucial due to anatomical complexity. This study aimed to evaluate the bone parameters for mini-implant placement using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 65 patients aged 15–50 years underwent CBCT analysis. Measurements were taken in three anterior regions (between and adjacent to central/lateral incisors and canines) at four vertical levels (2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm from the alveolar crest). Parameters included interdental width (IDW), buccopalatal bone depth (BPD), and distances from ideal implant points (IPPs) to adjacent structures. Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviations, confidence intervals, and frequency distributions. Statistical analysis revealed age-related differences, with subjects aged 21–30 showing higher CP-IPP and IDW values, and those aged 15–20 showing higher BPD values. Gender differences were noted in IDW and BPD, but not in CP-IPP. The most favorable IDW (≥3 mm) was observed in regio 1 at level A, while unfavorable values were found in regio 2′ at levels C and D. Positive correlations between IDW and BPD were found in multiple regions and levels. These results may guide safer and more predictable TAD placement. Considering that radiographic analysis forms the basis of this study, future in vivo studies are needed to confirm the practical impact of the proposed measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects of Orthodontic Treatment)

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10 pages, 536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Clear Aligner Therapy Predictability for Mandibular Incisor Intrusion in Children and Adults

by Christopher Burns, Abdul Basir Barmak, Robert Tarby, Dimitrios Michelogiannakis and Paul Emile Rossouw

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5954; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115954 - 26 May 2025

Viewed by 373

Abstract

(1) The aim was to evaluate the predictability of treatment outcomes using clear aligner therapy (CAT) and ClinCheck Web 1.4 (Align Technology, Inc., San Jose, CA, USA) software in mandibular incisor intrusion in both children and adults with deep bite malocclusion. (2) This study included healthy children and adults with skeletal Class I or mild to moderate Class II/III malocclusions, mild to moderate dental crowding (<5 mm), and deep overbite (OB) who underwent CAT. Pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment (T2) orthodontic treatment records were assessed and compared to initial planned ClinCheck movements. The cephalometric parameters evaluated included bodily intrusion (Centroid-C point), IMPA, L1-NB, and L1-A-Po. Clinical expression of CAT was compared to ClinCheck predictions using paired sample t-tests, and differences between growing and non-growing groups were assessed using a repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc analysis. (3) The sample included 48 patients (mean age 19.79 ± 11.78 years), including 18 adults (mean age 30.28 ± 13.79 years) and 30 children (mean age 13.5 ± 2.05 years). The predicted vertical mandibular incisor movement (intrusion) was significantly higher using ClinCheck (2.32 mm) compared to clinical treatment (0.22 mm). The angular movements of IMPA, L1-NB, and L1-APo were all significantly higher using ClinCheck (4.6°) compared to clinical expression of 0.79°, 0.55°, and 1.21°, respectively. There were no significant differences between children and adults with respect to vertical or angular tooth movements. (4) CAT and ClinCheck software significantly overpredicts orthodontic tooth movements related to mandibular incisor intrusion in both adults and children with no statistical difference between the groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects of Orthodontic Treatment)

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14 pages, 1337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selecting Anterior Segmental Osteotomy Versus Orthodontic Camouflage Treatment: Importance of the Incisor–Mandibular Plane Angle

by Pureum Hong, Young Ho Kim, Hyunhee Choo, Young-Jin Choi and Hwa Sung Chae

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4849; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094849 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 358

Abstract

Background: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) have reduced the need for anterior segmental osteotomy (ASO) in Class I patients; however, ASO remains relevant in Class II patients. As previous studies were conducted before the usage of TADs, updated guidelines are required to determine the relationship between surgery and orthodontic treatment. We aimed to evaluate the hard tissue changes following ASO versus non-ASO (NASO) orthodontic treatment utilizing TADs with premolar extraction. Methods: This retrospective clinical study involved 67 patients diagnosed with skeletal Class II malocclusion. The patients were categorized into the ASO (n = 31) and NASO (n = 36) groups. Cephalometric analyses were conducted to compare initial and final records to assess the treatment effects. Results: Pre- and post-treatment changes in the ASO and NASO groups exhibited significant differences in ΔSNA, ΔSNB, ΔANB, ΔA to N-perp, ΔB to N-perp, ΔPog to N-perp, and ΔA to FH (p < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated normalized ANB, indicating significant skeletal improvement in Class II malocclusion. Specifically, the change in FMIA (ΔL1 to FH [°]) was 4.98° greater in the NASO group than in the ASO group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the IMPA change, NASO was recommended for treatment choice when a reduction of more than 10° was achievable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects of Orthodontic Treatment)

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11 pages, 5107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tooth Movement Patterns Based on Traction Methods for Mandibular Canine Retraction Using Skeletal Anchorage: A Finite Element Analysis

by Dong-Hwan Lee, Jong-Moon Chae, Jae Hyun Park, Na-Young Chang, Kyung-Hwa Kang and Sung-Kwon Choi

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4109; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084109 - 8 Apr 2025

Viewed by 476

Abstract

Objective: This study compared the tooth movement patterns of a power arm and a lever jig during mandibular canine retraction into a premolar extraction space using skeletal anchorage. Methods: A finite element model was developed based on anatomical structures. A mini-implant was placed between the mandibular second premolar and first molar, and canine retraction was simulated using a power arm and a lever jig. The lever jig’s vertical arm lengths were 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm, corresponding to force application distances of 4.5 mm, 6.4 mm, and 8.2 mm from the archwire, matching the power arm. Finite element analysis was performed using linear mechanical properties and an explicit method. Results: With the power arm, increasing vertical length led to greater extrusion, while the posterior force remained unchanged. The lever jig also showed increased extrusion with length but to a lesser extent. Posterior force increased proportionally with the lever jig length. Initial displacement analysis showed greater extrusion and distal tipping with the power arm, while the lever jig suppressed extrusion and facilitated controlled tipping. Stress analysis revealed a more uniform periodontal ligament stress distribution with the lever jig. Conclusion: The lever jig minimizes extrusion and enhances force concentration posteriorly, promoting efficient distal movement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects of Orthodontic Treatment)

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12 pages, 1116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Force Systems for Efficient Maxillary Anterior Diastema Closure Using Clear Aligners: Evaluation of Attachments and Enhanced Structural Modifications

by Min-Jeong Jee, Yong-Il Kim, Sung-Hun Kim, Seong-Sik Kim, Soo-Byung Park and Youn-Kyung Choi

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3672; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073672 - 27 Mar 2025

Viewed by 433

Abstract

This study evaluates the biomechanical efficacy of clear aligners in closing anterior maxillary diastemas using enhanced force systems. While clear aligners offer esthetic and functional benefits, their predictability in controlling bodily movement and torque remains limited. This research investigates the effects of structural modifications, such as the addition of flowable resin to interdental embrasures and intrusive force application, on the force and moment characteristics during mesial bodily movement of maxillary central incisors. Experiments were conducted using 3D-printed maxillary models with a 6-axis force/torque sensor under controlled conditions. Four experimental groups were tested: Group 1 (0.3 mm mesial bodily shift), Group 2 (0.3 mm mesial shift + 0.1 mm intrusion), Group 3 (0.3 mm mesial shift with resin reinforcement), and Group 4 (0.3 mm mesial shift + 0.1 mm intrusion with resin reinforcement). The results showed that Groups 1 and 3 exhibited extrusive forces, while Groups 2 and 4 exhibited intrusive movement with minimized extrusion. Resin reinforcement significantly increased mesiodistal force application and reduced unwanted tipping and rotational moments, improving bodily movement efficiency. The addition of intrusive movement minimized extrusive forces but introduced a minor lingual inclination. The combination of both modifications provided the most controlled and efficient tooth movement. These results suggest that modifying clear aligners with localized structural enhancements can improve treatment predictability and efficiency. Clinically, the application of flowable resin enhancements offers a simple and effective approach to optimizing clear aligner therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects of Orthodontic Treatment)

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9 pages, 3553 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Mechanical Efficacy Equivalence of W-Arch and Quad-Helix Orthodontic Arch Expansion Appliances: A Finite Element Study

by Aiko Kamoi, Yukiko Yokoi, Takuma Yoshida, Atsushi Otsuka and Norimasa Okafuji

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031607 - 5 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1220

Abstract

The quad-helix and W-arch are commonly used appliances for expanding the dental arch in orthodontic treatment. However, differences in performance between these two expanders remain unclear, and no guidelines exist for selecting one over the other. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there were differences in dental arch expanding ability between these appliances. Maxillary arch expansions were simulated using the finite element method. The expander was assumed to be an elastic beam, while the teeth and alveolar bone were treated as rigid bodies. The periodontal ligament (PDL) was modeled as a nonlinear elastic material. The teeth moved in the same direction as the initial movement caused by the elastic deformation of the PDL. The right and left canines, premolars, and first molars were expanded symmetrically in either parallel or fan shapes. When the wire diameter of the W-arch was set to 0.032 inches its stiffness became equivalent to that of a quad-helix with a wire diameter of 0.036 inches. Canines and premolars were expanded through tipping movements. The molars initially tipped buccally, then became upright and moved bodily. Both expanders expanded the arch in almost the same manner. There was no difference in arch expansion ability between the W-arch made of 0.032-inch wire and the quad-helix made of 0.036-inch wire. The W-arch may be preferred as the first choice due to its simpler structure compared to the quad-helix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects of Orthodontic Treatment)

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12 pages, 3627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Vertical Facial Patterns and Palatal Morphology in Class I and Class II Malocclusion

by Ilaria Tucci, Simone Sferra, Luca Giuliante, Andrea Scribante, Alice Mannocci and Cristina Grippaudo

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020604 - 9 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 954

Abstract

(1) The purpose of this study is to relate the bidimensional and tridimensional measures of the palate to the vertical facial pattern defined by the angle “SN-MP” between the mandibular plane and the anterior cranial base (Sella–Nasion/mandibular plane angle) in skeletal Class II untreated patients. Furthermore, the same palatal measures were used to compare Class II with Class I subjects. (2) A sample of 197 Class II Caucasian subjects (112 females and 85 males) with untreated skeletal Class II was collected retrospectively (from a private dental clinic specialized in orthodontics) and divided into two main groups according to the ANB angle: 74 Class I patients (0° ≤ ANB ≤ 4°) and 123 Class II patients (ANB > 4°). Class II subjects were furthermore divided into three groups depending on the angle SN-MP. Lateral cephalograms and digital 3D maxillary dental scans were available. Bidimensional and tridimensional measures were taken on each maxillary dental scan. The differences among the groups were analyzed for significance using a variance analysis. (3) A decrease in the posterior palatal height and an increase in the palatal surface area in Class I subjects were reported. The results showed a change in upper arch form, with a greater intermolar width in patients with a low SN-MP angle and a smaller one in high-angle patients. The more a Class II subject tended towards high-angle divergence, the narrower the palate was. (4) A greater posterior palatal height was found in Class II malocclusion, while greater surface area was noted in Class I malocclusion. In addition to this result, another statistical significance was detected in Class II malocclusion: the intermolar distance was greater in hypodivergent than in hyperdivergent patients. Similar volume values were noted across different malocclusions and vertical divergence groups. Palatal width seemed to be related to vertical facial pattern, while palatal height and area seemed to be related to sagittal malocclusions. These findings underscore the importance of considering palatal morphology variations in designing individualized orthodontic treatments, thereby improving patient-specific outcomes and broadening our understanding of skeletal Class II malocclusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects of Orthodontic Treatment)

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