To evaluate the hard tissue and facial profile changes in matched extraction and non-extraction Class I patients by the use of geometric morphometrics. From a parent sample of 542 Class I patients, previously subjected to discriminant analysis, a subsample of 68 borderline cases was obtained, 34 treated with extraction and 34 without extraction of 4 first premolars. Geometric morphometric methods (Procrustes superimposition and Principal Component Analysis) were applied on cephalometric tracings to assess the validity of the discriminant analysis in successfully identifying a morphologically homogeneous group and to evaluate inter- and intra-group skeletal and facial profile shape changes. No significant pre-treatment shape difference between the two groups was found, thus validating the discriminant analysis. The non-extraction group showed increase in hard tissue facial height (P < 0.001), with slight lower lip retrusion and upper lip protrusion (P = 0.027). The extraction group showed retraction of the hard tissue and facial profile outline (P < 0.001). Permutation tests for post-treatment inter-group differences resulted in P = 0.054 for the soft tissue outline and P = 0.078 for the hard tissue skeletal component. The evidence indicates that borderline cases treated with four premolar extractions will exhibit lip retrusion compared to non-extraction treatment.

This study aimed to quantify the patterns of shape variability and the extent and patterns of shape covariation between the upper and lower dental arch in an orthodontic population. Dental casts of 133 white subjects (61 males, 72 females; ages 10.6–26.6) were scanned and digitized in three dimensions. Landmarks were placed on the incisal margins and on the cusps of canines, premolars, and molars. Geometric morphometric methods were applied (Procrustes superimposition and principal component analysis). Sexual dimorphism and allometry were evaluated with permutation tests and age–size and age–shape correlations were computed. Two-block partial least squares analysis was used to assess covariation of shape. The first four principal components represented shape patterns that are often encountered and recognized in clinical practice, accounting for 6–31 per cent of total variance. No shape sexual dimorphism was found, nevertheless, there was statistically significant size difference between males and females. Allometry was statistically significant, but low (upper: R² = 0.0528, P < 0.000, lower: R² = 0.0587, P < 0.000). Age and shape were weakly correlated (upper: R² = 0.0370, P = 0.0001, lower: R² = 0.0587, P = 0.0046). Upper and lower arches covaried significantly (RV coefficient: 33 per cent). The main pattern of covariation between the dental arches was arch width (80 per cent of total covariance); the second component related the maxillary canine vertical position to the mandibular canine labiolingual position (11 per cent of total covariance). Results may not be applicable to the general population. Age range was wide and age-related findings are limited by the cross-sectional design. Aetiology of malocclusion was also not considered. Covariation patterns showed that the dental arches were integrated in width and depth. Integration in the vertical dimension was weak, mainly restricted to maxillary canine position.

In the long-lasting debate of extraction versus non-extraction treatment, the impact of extractions on the skeletal vertical dimension remains rather unclear. The aim of this retrospective research study was to obtain a bias-free sample of morphologically similar borderline patients treated with or without extraction of the four first premolars and to retrospectively evaluate the vertical changes that occurred. A borderline sample of 83 patients, 41 treated with four first premolar extractions and 42 treated without, was obtained by means of discriminant analysis applied to a previously investigated parent sample of 542 class I patients. The pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric radiographs were analyzed digitally, and seven measurements were assessed for vertical skeletal changes. Also, average tracings between the two treatment groups were evaluated using the Procrustes superimposition method. The variables of SN to Go-Gn and Y-axis showed adjusted intergroup differences of − 0.91° and − 1.11° (P = 0.04). Comparing the mean intra-group differences of all the variables simultaneously, a significant difference was found between the two treatment groups (overall P value = 0.04). In the extraction group, only the gonial angle showed a significant decrease (P = 0.01) while the overall P value evaluating the intra-group differences between pre- and posttreatment was significant (overall P value < 0.01). In the non-extraction group, the variable of N-ANS/N-Me showed a significant decrease (P = 0.02) and the overall P value evaluating the intra-group differences between pre- and posttreatment was also significant (overall P value < 0.01). Differences in treatment duration were assessed using a log-normal model and showed that extraction treatment lasted significantly longer than non-extraction treatment (P < 0.01). The borderline group of patients identified by the discriminant analysis exhibited similar morphological characteristics at treatment’s onset; therefore, the posttreatment changes could safely be attributed to the choice of extraction or non-extraction treatment and not to pre-existing differences. Treatment choice had an impact on the patients’ vertical skeletal dimensions. Patients treated with four first premolar extractions showed a slight decrease in the vertical skeletal measurements, whereas non-extraction patient treatment showed a slight increase. The treatment time was also significantly higher in the extraction group.

Summary: Objectives: To measure tooth movement 1 week post-treatment and assess potential correlation with changes invoked during treatment.Subjects and methods: Thirty-eight patients were recruited (19 males, 19 females). Polyvinyl siloxane impressions were taken after bracket debonding (T1) and 1 week later (T2) and digitally scanned. During this period no retention was used. The digital casts were superimposed on structures of the hard palate. Translation and rotation of the first molars, canines, and central incisors were recorded. Additionally, movement of these teeth was assessed from the beginning (T0) until the end of treatment (T1). The correlation between the post-treatment relapse (T1–T2) and tooth movement during treatment (T0–T1) was investigated via the Spearman correlation coefficient.Results: Relapse was detected and reflected changes in tooth position during treatment. For the first molars (right, left) the correlation between treatment and post-treatment tooth movement was evident in the transverse direction (r = −0.38, P = 0.020; r = −0.32, P = 0.052), tipping (r = −0.40, P = 0.015; r = −0.34, P = 0.034) and the antero-posterior direction (r = −0.31, P = 0.061; r = −0.36, P = 0.027); for the canines (right and left), as rotation around their long axis (r = −0.55, P = 0.003; r = −0.58, P = 0.002); for central incisors (right and left) in the antero-posterior direction (r = −0.55, P = 0.000; r = −0.48, P = 0.03), transverse direction (r = −0.43, P = 0.07; r = −0.32, P = 0.047), and rotation around their long axis (r = −0.53, P = 0.001; r = −0.28, P = 0.089).Conclusions: Post-treatment changes in tooth position were mostly related to tooth movement during treatment. The reported correlations may help clinicians predict short-term relapse, evaluate long-term retention need, and design individualized retention schemes.

Dentin dysplasia is a rare hereditary disorder, transmitted by autosomal dominant mode, affecting both dentin and pulp. In Type I crown morphology is normal, but root dentin organization loss leads to shorter roots. Mutations in the SSUH2, VPS4B and SMOC2 genes have been reported as responsible for this condition. Orthodontic treatment was conducted on an 11-year-old female patient presenting the disorder along with bilaterally impacted permanent maxillary canines, in close proximity to the roots of the lateral and central incisors. Treatment plan included lateral incisors extraction, surgical exposure and traction of the impacted canines. Light forces were applied from a custom-made trans-palatal arch. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment was performed using edgewise appliances. After 3 years and 2 months, group function occlusion was achieved. The canines underwent composite resin restorations. At one year post-retention, the dentition remained stable. Family-based genetic analysis did not reveal any mutations in the aforementioned genes pointing to further genetic heterogeneity of this disorder. As dental medicine becomes more sophisticated and personalized, the association between mutation type/function and orthodontic treatment response may provide useful therapeutic insights. The positive treatment response of the presented case could be attributed to a more “benign” mutation awaiting to be identified.