## 1. Cephalometric and Radiographic Studies cephalometric analysis in orthodontic treatment planning
These studies utilize 2D radiographs (Lateral Cephalograms and OPGs) which are widely available.
Cephalometric Norms for a Specific Nepalese Ethnic Group: Establish Steiner's or Tweed's cephalometric norms for a specific population (e.g., Newar, Rai, Gurung) to create a local database.
Practical Application: Provides more accurate diagnostic standards for local populations instead of relying solely on Caucasian norms.
Soft Tissue Profile Changes after First Premolar Extractions: A retrospective study evaluating changes in the lips and chin position in Class I bimaxillary protrusion cases.
Correlation between Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) and Mandibular Growth: A cross-sectional study correlating the CVM stages seen on lateral cephalograms with mandibular length in growing patients.
Practical Application: Aids in timing functional appliance therapy for maximum skeletal effect without needing hand-wrist radiographs.
Comparison of Wits Appraisal and ANB Angle in Class II Malocclusions: Evaluate the diagnostic correlation and discrepancy between these two sagittal measurements in a Nepalese sample.
Practical Application: Helps clinicians understand the limitations of ANB and the value of Wits appraisal in diagnosing borderline or rotational growth pattern cases.
Assessment of Upper Airway Dimensions in Different Skeletal Patterns: Measure nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway dimensions on lateral cephalograms and compare them between Class I, II, and III subjects.
Practical Application: Acts as a screening tool to identify patients who might be at risk for breathing disorders and may require referral.
Prevalence of Impacted Maxillary Canines and Their Position: A retrospective OPG-based study to determine the prevalence, angulation, and sector location of impacted canines.
Practical Application: Provides local epidemiological data crucial for early diagnosis and interception.
Dental and Skeletal Effects of Twin Block Appliance Therapy: A retrospective cephalometric evaluation of pre- and post-treatment changes in Class II division 1 patients.
Practical Application: Quantifies the treatment effects of a commonly used functional appliance in the local context.
Evaluating the Cant of the Occlusal Plane in Relation to Facial Asymmetry: Using OPGs and posteroanterior (PA) cephalograms to assess the correlation between occlusal cant and mandibular asymmetry.
Practical Application: Helps in diagnosing and planning treatment for facial asymmetries using basic radiographic tools.
Soft Tissue Facial Profile Analysis by Laypersons: A photographic study where laypersons rate the attractiveness of different post-treatment profiles to establish local esthetic preferences.
Practical Application: Guides treatment planning towards achieving esthetic outcomes that are valued by the community.
Incisor Inclination Changes with Non-Extraction Treatment: A cephalometric study evaluating the degree of proclination of lower incisors in borderline crowding cases treated without extractions.
Practical Application: Informs clinicians about the limits of non-extraction therapy and its effect on periodontal health and profile.
## 2. Study Model and Arch Dimension Studies
These studies use dental plaster models, which are fundamental to orthodontic records.
Prevalence of Bolton's Tooth Size Discrepancy: Analyze study models of a local population sample to determine the prevalence of anterior and overall tooth size discrepancies.
Practical Application: Essential for pre-treatment diagnosis to plan for interproximal reduction or buildups for ideal finishing.
Comparison of Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index Pre- and Post-Treatment: Objectively evaluate the quality of orthodontic treatment outcomes in a clinical setup using the PAR index on study models.
Practical Application: Provides a quantitative measure for clinical audit, quality control, and improving treatment standards.
Arch Form Changes following Treatment with Preformed NiTi Wires: A comparative study measuring pre- and post-treatment arch dimensions (inter-canine, inter-premolar, inter-molar width) on study models.
Practical Application: Determines if a specific brand of preformed archwire consistently produces a stable and ideal arch form.
Correlation between Little's Irregularity Index and Arch Perimeter Discrepancy: Assess the relationship between the degree of anterior crowding and the amount of space required in the arch.
Practical Application: Helps in quick chairside estimation of space requirements during initial patient assessment.
Stability of Mandibular Inter-Canine Width after Orthodontic Treatment: A retrospective study measuring inter-canine width on pre-treatment, post-treatment, and post-retention models.
Practical Application: Provides evidence for the long-held principle of maintaining the original inter-canine width for better stability.
A Comparison of Manual vs. Digital Caliper Measurements on Study Models: Assess the accuracy and reliability of measurements taken with a digital caliper versus a traditional manual one (e.g., Boley gauge).
Practical Application: Validates the use of modern, efficient digital tools in a clinical setting.
Prevalence of Cuspid-Protected vs. Group Function Occlusion: Examine post-treatment study models to determine the prevalence of different excursive guidance schemes achieved after orthodontics.
Practical Application: Informs finishing and detailing procedures to achieve a favorable functional occlusion.
Evaluation of Space Closure Efficiency: A Study Model Analysis: Measure the rate of space closure in extraction cases by comparing serial study models taken during treatment.
Practical Application: Helps compare the efficiency of different mechanics (e.g., sliding vs. closing loop).
## 3. Clinical Trials and Patient-Centered Studies
These involve direct interaction with patients and assess practical clinical aspects.
Comparison of Pain Perception between Self-Ligating and Conventional Brackets: A prospective study using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to record patient-reported pain levels during the first week of treatment.
Practical Application: Provides evidence-based information for patient counseling and bracket selection.
Assessment of Bond Failure Rate with Different Enamel Pre-treatment: Compare bracket bond failure rates between enamel prepped with conventional acid etch vs. a self-etching primer.
Practical Application: Can lead to the adoption of more time-efficient and clinically effective bonding protocols.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) during Orthodontic Treatment: A questionnaire-based study (using OHIP-14) to assess how different phases of treatment impact a patient's quality of life.
Practical Application: Increases clinician awareness of the patient experience, improving communication and patient management.
Efficiency of Lacebacks vs. No Lacebacks in Controlling Incisor Position: A randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing incisor proclination during the alignment phase with and without the use of lacebacks.
Practical Application: Provides direct clinical evidence for a very common but debated clinical procedure.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Different Elastomeric Chains for Space Closure: Compare the force decay and rate of space closure between two different commercially available brands of elastomeric chains.
Practical Application: Informs material selection based on performance and cost-effectiveness, which is crucial in a resource-limited setting.
Patient and Parent Satisfaction with Orthodontic Treatment Outcomes: A survey-based study to evaluate satisfaction levels regarding aesthetics, function, and overall experience.
Practical Application: Provides valuable feedback for improving service quality and practice management.
Evaluation of White Spot Lesion (WSL) Formation with and without Fluoride Varnish: A clinical study assessing the incidence of WSLs in patients receiving regular fluoride varnish application versus a control group.
Practical Application: Reinforces the importance of preventive protocols during fixed appliance therapy.
Effectiveness of Micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) in Accelerating Canine Retraction: A split-mouth design study where MOPs are performed on one side to compare the rate of canine retraction with the control side.
Practical Application: Evaluates a modern, low-cost technique for reducing treatment time.
Gingival Health Status During Treatment with Conventional vs. Self-Ligating Brackets: Compare plaque index and gingival index scores in patients with two different bracket systems.
Practical Application: Guides bracket choice, especially for patients with pre-existing oral hygiene challenges.
Perception of Orthodontic Retainers: A Survey on Comfort and Compliance: Survey patients on their experience with Hawley's vs. vacuum-formed retainers (Essix).
Practical Application: Helps in selecting a retainer type that promotes better patient compliance, which is key to long-term stability.
## 4. Epidemiology and Public Health Orthodontics
These studies assess the prevalence and need for treatment within the community.
Prevalence of Malocclusion and Orthodontic Treatment Need among Schoolchildren: A cross-sectional survey in a local school using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).
Practical Application: Provides vital data for public health planning, resource allocation, and advocating for school-based screening programs.
Association of Deleterious Oral Habits with Malocclusion: A study correlating the presence of thumb sucking or tongue thrusting with the development of anterior open bite and increased overjet in children.
Practical Application: Highlights the need for early counseling and interceptive treatment to prevent more complex malocclusions.
Awareness and Attitudes Towards Orthodontic Treatment Among Adults: A questionnaire-based survey to understand the knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to seeking adult orthodontic treatment in a specific city.
Practical Application: Helps orthodontists tailor their marketing and communication strategies to better serve the adult population.
Prevalence of Congenitally Missing Teeth in an Orthodontic Population: A retrospective study using OPGs to determine the prevalence and pattern of hypodontia.
Practical Application: Provides local data that is essential for diagnosing and planning complex, multidisciplinary cases.
The Reasons for Seeking Orthodontic Treatment in Nepal: A survey asking new patients to rank their primary motivations (e.g., aesthetics, function, peer influence, dentist's recommendation).
Practical Application: Improves understanding of patient drivers, which can be used to enhance the initial consultation process.
Prevalence of Dental Trauma in Patients with Increased Overjet: A clinical study comparing the incidence of traumatic injuries to anterior teeth in patients with and without a large overjet.
Practical Application: Justifies early orthodontic intervention for reducing overjet as a means of preventing dental trauma.
## 5. Materials, Anchorage, and Mechanics Studies
These can often be done in-vitro (in a lab) or through retrospective clinical analysis.
Comparison of Anchorage Loss with Two Different Molar Holding Techniques: A cephalometric study comparing anchorage loss in extraction cases managed with a transpalatal arch vs. lacebacks alone.
Practical Application: Helps clinicians choose the most effective and efficient method of anchorage preservation for routine cases.
An In-Vitro Study of Frictional Resistance of Different Bracket-Wire Combinations: A lab study measuring the friction generated by stainless steel vs. ceramic brackets with stainless steel and NiTi wires.
Practical Application: Provides scientific data to explain clinical efficiency differences between various appliance systems.
Force Decay of Nepalese-Marketed Elastomeric Chains over 28 Days: An In-Vitro Study: Measure the force delivered by different brands of e-chains over a one-month period in a simulated oral environment.
Practical Application: Guides clinicians on the optimal reactivation interval for different materials to ensure consistent force delivery.
Shear Bond Strength of Brackets Bonded to Fluorosed Teeth: An in-vitro study comparing the bond strength of orthodontic brackets to normal vs. fluorosed enamel.
Practical Application: Highly relevant in areas of endemic fluorosis, guiding choices of adhesives or mechanical preparation techniques.
Effect of Recycling on the Slot Dimensions of Stainless Steel Brackets: A microscopic or pin-gauge evaluation of bracket slots before and after one cycle of recycling.
Practical Application: Investigates the clinical implications of cost-saving measures like bracket recycling, which may affect treatment precision.
Comparison of Rotation Correction with Different Ligature Types: A clinical study comparing the speed of correcting a rotated premolar using steel ligatures versus elastomeric ligatures.
Practical Application: Provides evidence for a simple clinical choice that can impact treatment efficiency.
Anchorage Potential of Miniscrews (TADs) in Maxillary Molar Intrusion: A retrospective cephalometric study on a small sample of patients with TADs used for correcting an anterior open bite.
Practical Application: Demonstrates the efficacy of a modern anchorage technique that avoids complex surgery or high-pull headgear.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of an "Active" Self-Ligating Bracket in Torque Expression: A laboratory study using a typodont setup to compare the amount of torque expressed by an active clip bracket versus a conventional bracket.
Practical Application: Helps clinicians understand the true mechanical advantages and limitations of advanced bracket systems.
Creep and Stress Relaxation of Orthodontic Power Thread: An in-vitro study evaluating how different brands of power thread lose force and deform under tension over time.
Practical Application: Informs the clinician on how often to reactivate or replace these materials for effective tooth movement.
The Effect of Saliva Contamination on Shear Bond Strength: An in-vitro study comparing the bond strength of a hydrophilic primer vs. a conventional primer on saliva-contaminated enamel.
Practical Application: Addresses a common clinical problem and evaluates materials designed to overcome it.
Canine Retraction Efficiency: Sliding Mechanics vs. Loop Mechanics: A split-mouth clinical study comparing the rate of retraction, tipping, and rotation of canines with two different mechanical approaches.
Practical Application: A classic and highly practical study that helps a resident master fundamental orthodontic biomechanics.
Torque Loss in Stainless Steel Wires Due to Elastomeric Ligation: An in-vitro study measuring how much of the wire's built-in torque is lost due to the play and deformation of the ligature.
Practical Application: Explains why achieving full torque expression is difficult and informs finishing strategies.
A Clinical Comparison of Debonding Techniques: Compare the amount of enamel damage (using a scoring index) and time taken for debonding with two different types of debonding pliers.
Practical Application: Improves the safety and efficiency of the final, and often stressful, debonding appointment.
Effect of Different Polishing Systems on Enamel After Debonding: An in-vitro SEM (scanning electron microscope, if accessible in a university science dept.) or clinical profilometer study to compare enamel surface roughness after different polishing protocols.
Practical Application: Establishes a clinical protocol that leaves the smoothest, most stain-resistant enamel surface post-treatment.
Bending Properties of Beta-Titanium vs. Stainless Steel Wires: An in-vitro mechanical test comparing the load-deflection rates of TMA and SS wires of the same dimension.
Practical Application: Reinforces a resident's understanding of wire properties and their specific clinical applications (e.g., for finishing bends or closing loops).
Influence of Archwire Size on the Rate of Initial Alignment: A prospective clinical trial comparing the time taken to resolve crowding using a 0.014" NiTi versus a 0.016" NiTi wire.
Practical Application: Helps in creating evidence-based alignment protocols that balance patient comfort with clinical efficiency.
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