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Advanced Studies in Orthodontics

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 (20 December 2025) | Viewed by 7559

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, Health and Healthcare Professions, Link Campus University, 00165 Rome, Italy
Interests: prevention of malocclusion; dental anomalies; Marfan synfrome; OSAS; clear aligners
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Orthodontics is a dental science that is continuously evolving.

Digital treatment planning, clear aligners, AI, and 3D evaluation during the diagnostic process constitute only a few of the topics that have been growing quickly in recent years. Remaining updated about progress in orthodontics is essential in being well educated about diagnostic methods and treatment options.

Indeed, I think that it is important to publish research papers that are useful for explaining news on studies, data, and results to colleagues in the field.

Furthermore, I am very pleased to introduce this Special Issue “Advanced Studies in Orthodontics”: it represents a great opportunity to expand knowledge, results, and new concepts about orthodontic clinical practice and basic research.

Feel free to send your research papers to the Special Issue. It is as a special professional opportunity!

Dr. Giuseppina Laganà
Guest Editor

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • orthodontics
  • dental digital treatment
  • dental science

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2176 KB  
Article
The Influence of Three-Dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Data on Decision-Making for Maxillary Impacted Canines
by Jae-Nam Lee, Ho-Jin Kim and Hyo-Sang Park
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13061; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413061 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
Although the increased use of three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontic treatment, the necessity of the CBCT on treatment decision-making for maxillary impacted canines was not fully assessed compared to two-dimensional (2D) radiographs. This study aimed to assess differences in [...] Read more.
Although the increased use of three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontic treatment, the necessity of the CBCT on treatment decision-making for maxillary impacted canines was not fully assessed compared to two-dimensional (2D) radiographs. This study aimed to assess differences in treatment decisions derived from CBCT data and 2D radiographs by analyzing survey responses from orthodontic specialists. Ten maxillary impacted canines with complete sets of two-dimensional (2D) radiographs and 3D CBCT data were selected and two sets of questionnaires were administered: using 2D radiographic data and 3D CBCT data. 31 orthodontists completed the survey. Diagnoses and treatment decisions were compared between the 2D and 3D imaging. Additionally, estimated angular and linear measurements of canine position were assessed with 2D and 3D and compared with actual CBCT measurements. The treatment decisions varied between 2D and 3D imaging. Notably, 51.5% of extraction decision with 2D were changed to orthodontic traction with 3D. The 3D imaging also improved the prediction of tooth collisions during traction and reduced the perceived treatment difficulty. CT proficiency influenced clinical decisions, with higher proficiency levels associated with fewer extractions and more accurate treatment predictions. 3D imaging offers greater diagnostic accuracy and improved treatment planning for impacted canines compared to 2D imaging, particularly for high and palatal impactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Orthodontics)
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12 pages, 3061 KB  
Article
A New Method for 3D Dental Records Related to Orthopedic Treatments: The Hemimaxillary Plane Reference System and Its Clinical Implications
by Lara Iannotti, Marco Serafin and Alberto Caprioglio
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11132; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311132 - 29 Nov 2024
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Abstract
The purpose of this explementary method study was to demonstrate, within the hemimaxillary, the three-dimensional skeletal and dental displacements of upper permanent first molars in patients undergoing rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with anchorage on deciduous teeth or paramedian miniscrews. Five post-treatment cases were [...] Read more.
The purpose of this explementary method study was to demonstrate, within the hemimaxillary, the three-dimensional skeletal and dental displacements of upper permanent first molars in patients undergoing rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with anchorage on deciduous teeth or paramedian miniscrews. Five post-treatment cases were analyzed on frontal and axial views before (T0) and after expansion (T1), adopting a new hemimaxillary reference system. Three-dimensional landmarks were selected to evaluate molar changes; buccal tipping and rotation were calculated, in addition to intermolar angle, molar angle of rotation, and orthopedic expansion angles. The origins (dental and/or orthopedic) of molar displacements were investigated by alternate interior angle demonstration according to the parallel lines theorem. Through inverse geometric functions of right triangles, it was possible to determine theoretical-experimental forms to calculate angles from periapical radiographs taken at T1. These findings have significant clinical implications, enabling the assessment of treatment outcomes while adhering to radioprotection principles. Reproducible formulas enable the calculation of expansion angles without CBCT. For RME to allow clinical improvement, molar rotation and intermolar angles at T1 should be less than the difference between the respective angles at T0 and the orthopedic expansion angle. This method provides a reproducible, radiation-efficient method to assess maxillary changes, enhancing treatment precision in orthodontics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Orthodontics)
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10 pages, 1760 KB  
Article
Risk of Maxillary Canine Impaction in Pediatric Patients with Maxillary Constriction: Retrospective Study on Panoramic Dental Images
by Anna Alessandri-Bonetti, Federica Guglielmi, Giovanni Foti, Linda Sangalli and Patrizia Gallenzi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10182; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210182 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 3321
Abstract
The maxillary canine is the second most commonly impacted tooth after the maxillary third molar. Identifying risk factors for impaction is crucial for timely intervention; panoramic radiographs are particularly valuable for screening and identification purposes. This study aims to explore the association between [...] Read more.
The maxillary canine is the second most commonly impacted tooth after the maxillary third molar. Identifying risk factors for impaction is crucial for timely intervention; panoramic radiographs are particularly valuable for screening and identification purposes. This study aims to explore the association between transverse maxillary deficiency with bilateral crossbite, and the risk of maxillary canine impaction. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on records of pediatric patients (7–13 years old) undergoing orthodontic evaluations. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed to assess the risk of canine impaction using the sectorial method, distance from the occlusal plane, and the alpha angle. Results from 48 canines of patients with transverse maxillary deficiency and bilateral crossbite were compared to canines of sex- and age-matched patients without these malocclusions. Statistical analysis was performed by the Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene’s test, or a t-test. There were no significant differences in high-risk canine impaction between groups when considering sector classification or distance from the occlusal plane. However, the control group showed a significantly higher risk according to the alpha angle (≥25°). No overall significant difference in risk was observed, suggesting that transverse maxillary deficiency with bilateral crossbite may not increase the risk of maxillary canine impaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Orthodontics)
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Review

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16 pages, 1532 KB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence in Malocclusion Diagnosis: Capabilities, Challenges, and Clinical Integration
by Marcin Mikulewicz and Katarzyna Chojnacka
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13138; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413138 - 14 Dec 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
Background: This narrative review synthesizes evidence on AI for orthodontic malocclusion diagnosis across five imaging modalities and maps diagnostic metrics to validation tiers and regulatory readiness, with focused appraisal of Class III detection (2019–2025). Key algorithms, datasets, clinical validation, and ethical/regulatory considerations are [...] Read more.
Background: This narrative review synthesizes evidence on AI for orthodontic malocclusion diagnosis across five imaging modalities and maps diagnostic metrics to validation tiers and regulatory readiness, with focused appraisal of Class III detection (2019–2025). Key algorithms, datasets, clinical validation, and ethical/regulatory considerations are synthesized. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published January 2019–October 2025 using (“artificial intelligence”) AND (“malocclusion” OR “skeletal class”) AND “cephalometric.” Records were screened independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Eligible studies reported diagnostic performance (accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity/specificity) or landmark-localization error for AI-based malocclusion diagnosis. Data on dataset size and validation design were extracted; no formal quality appraisal or risk-of-bias assessments were undertaken, consistent with a narrative review. Results: Deep learning models show high diagnostic accuracy: cephalogram classifiers reach 90–96% for skeletal Class I/II/III; intraoral photograph models achieve 89–93% for Angle molar relationships; automated landmarkers localize ~75% of points within 2 mm. On 9870 multicenter cephalograms, landmarking achieved 0.94 ± 0.74 mm with ≈89% skeletal-class accuracy when landmarks fed a classifier. Conclusion: AI can reduce cephalometric tracing time by ~70–80% and provide consistent skeletal classification. Regulator-aligned benchmarks (multicenter external tests, subgroup reporting, explainability) and pragmatic open-data priorities are outlined, positioning AI as a dependable co-pilot once these gaps are closed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Orthodontics)
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Other

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12 pages, 889 KB  
Systematic Review
The Efficacy of Clear Aligners in Leveling the Curve of Spee: A Systematic Review
by Serena Zanatta, Maria Francesca Errica, Stefano Cubeddu, Fabio Curreli, Nour Salman, Teresa Cobo, Alessio Verdecchia and Enrico Spinas
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9719; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179719 - 4 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1681
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clear aligner therapy (CAT) in leveling the curve of Spee (CoS) in adult patients with permanent dentition. The clinical relevance of CoS correction lies in its impact on overbite reduction, occlusal function, and overall [...] Read more.
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clear aligner therapy (CAT) in leveling the curve of Spee (CoS) in adult patients with permanent dentition. The clinical relevance of CoS correction lies in its impact on overbite reduction, occlusal function, and overall treatment outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science), supplemented by grey literature. Eligible studies were retrospective clinical investigations assessing changes in CoS with CAT. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the ROBINS-I tool, while the quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. Seven retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria. All reported a reduction in CoS depth after CAT, ranging from 0.01 mm to 2.2 mm. Anterior intrusion was achieved to a limited extent, while posterior extrusion was inconsistent and often poorly expressed. Overbite reduction was observed in some studies, but none provided data on long-term stability. The predictability of CoS correction varied widely from 35% to 72%. All studies were judged to have a serious risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was rated as low to very low. CAT appears capable of reducing CoS depth with outcomes comparable to fixed appliances; however, vertical control, especially posterior extrusion, remains unpredictable. In clinical practice, aligners may be considered for mild to moderate CoS correction, provided limitations are acknowledged. Further high-quality prospective trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up are required to strengthen the evidence base. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Orthodontics)
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