Background and Objectives: Orthodontic treatment aims to enhance dental aesthetics and function, yet many patients report dissatisfaction. This study was designed with the following objectives: To assess overall patient satisfaction during active orthodontic treatment; to identify key psychosocial and clinical predictors of satisfaction, including self-confidence, social experiences, and cost perception; to evaluate the impact of orthodontist–patient communication on satisfaction and perceived treatment outcomes; to explore the relationship between aesthetic improvement and willingness to undergo treatment again. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to assess satisfaction, pain perception, treatment expectations, and communication quality. Statistical analyses, including correlations and regression models, were used to identify predictors of satisfaction. The study included 450 orthodontic patients from the north-eastern region of Romania, undergoing active treatment at the time of data collection. Results: The strongest predictor of satisfaction was improved self-confidence and smile aesthetics (r = 0.62). Effective communication with orthodontists significantly increased satisfaction (r = 0.58, p = 0.002), while perceived high costs had a negative impact (r = −0.41). Pain and discomfort were common, with 90% of patients experiencing treatment-related pain, leading to reduced compliance. Social embarrassment due to braces also contributed to dissatisfaction (r = −0.47). Conclusions: Patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment is primarily influenced by aesthetic improvements and effective communication. While enhanced smile perception boosts confidence, financial concerns and social discomfort may negatively affect the overall experience. Improving accessibility to treatment and providing comprehensive patient support are essential for optimizing patient satisfaction.

Orthodontic mini-implants are devices used for anchorage in various orthodontic treatments. We conducted a pilot study which aimed to observe preliminary trends regarding the impact of heat treatment on the elastic modulus of Ti6Al4V alloy and stainless steel 316L mini-implants. The initial phase involved testing the impact of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V alloy and stainless steel 316L mini-implants. Material and methods: Ten self-drilling mini-implants sourced from two distinct manufacturers (Jeil Medical Corporation^® and Leone^®) with dimensions of 2.0 mm diameter and 10 mm length were tested. They were separated into two material groups: Ti6Al4V and 316L. Using the CETRUMT-2 microtribometer equipment, indentation testing was conducted employing a diamond-tipped Rockwell penetrator at a constant force of 4.5 N. Results: Slight differences were observed in the elastic modulus of the Ti6Al4V alloy (103.99 GPa) and stainless steel 316L (203.20 GPa) compared to natural bone. The higher elastic moduli of these materials indicate that they are stiffer, which could potentially lead to stress-shielding phenomena and bone resorption. Heat treatment resulted in significant changes in mechanical properties, including elastic modulus reductions of approximately 26.14% for Ti6Al4V and 24.82% for 316L, impacting their performance in orthodontic applications. Conclusion: Understanding the effects of heat treatment on these alloys is crucial for optimizing their biomechanical compatibility and longevity in orthodontic treatment. To fully evaluate the effects of heat treatment on mini-implants and to refine their design and efficacy in clinical practice, further research is needed.

The present study aims to explore and evaluate current practices among orthodontic specialists regarding the use of mini-implants, focusing on factors influencing usage decisions, experience in placement, perceptions of outcomes, and future perspectives of these devices in orthodontic practice. It seeks to explore the association between specialists' experience levels and their perceptions of mini implants, as well as the challenges encountered in their use. It is hypothesized that orthodontic specialists' perceptions and practices regarding the usage of mini implants are influenced by various factors, including their experience, training engagement, treatment outcomes, and preferences.Material and methods: The study was conducted using an online, cross-sectional survey developed on the Survio platform to assess orthodontic specialists' perceptions of the clinical effectiveness and advantages of mini-implants in orthodontic treatments. The survey, consisting of 24 closed-ended questions in binary and multiple-choice formats, covered demographics, theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, and educational resources related to mini-implant use. Orthodontic specialists from Romania were invited to participate through the AREO association, and the survey was open for 12 weeks. Data collected from the survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression in SPSS software (Version 28), with a statistical significance threshold set at p < 0.05.Results: through a comprehensive analysis of survey data, the study investigates factors influencing specialists' perceptions, challenges encountered in practice, training engagement, material preferences, treatment outcomes, and indications for mini-implant usage. Notable correlations and discrepancies between documented literature and orthodontists' responses in Romania regarding mini-implant indications are explored, shedding light on the diversity of applications in orthodontic procedures highlighting the significance of education, training, and technical support in enhancing mini-implant utilization. Strategies to address barriers and promote informed decision-making among orthodontists are discussed.Conclusions: the study reveals diverse preferences and utilization patterns regarding mini-implants across different orthodontic procedures, reflecting the versatility and adaptability of these devices in addressing various clinical needs. By comparing documented literature with real-world practices, the study identifies both correlations and discrepancies, providing valuable insights into the practical application of mini-implants in orthodontic treatments.

Background and Objectives: Anterior open-bite malocclusion remains a challenging orthodontic condition where achieving a positive overbite necessitates precise control of incisor extrusion and molar intrusion. With recent advances in clear aligner therapy—improved materials, attachment techniques and digital treatment planning—the potential for non-invasive treatment has increased. This scoping review systematically maps the evidence on the efficacy of clear aligners in treating anterior open bite among adult patients, outlines treatment protocols and highlights gaps in the literature. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase/ScienceDirect and Clarivate/Web of Science for literature published in English between January 2000 and December 2024. Studies involving adult patients treated with clear aligners (predominantly Invisalign^®) were included. A two-step screening process was applied, and data were charted according to pre-specified criteria. The review adheres to the PRISMA-ScR checklist guidelines. Results: From an initial pool of 802 articles, 30 met the inclusion criteria following duplicate removal and full-text screening. The evidence suggests that clear aligners can achieve measurable incisor extrusion and posterior intrusion when appropriate auxiliary techniques (e.g., attachments and mini screws) are used. However, digital treatment planning software may overestimate movement predictions, necessitating iterative refinement phases. Patient compliance, clinician expertise and technological limitations are key factors influencing outcomes. Conclusions: Clear aligner therapy represents a promising alternative to fixed appliances for anterior open-bite correction in adults, although challenges remain in achieving precise vertical control. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials and standardized outcome measures are needed to confirm long-term stability and efficacy.

Background: Mini-implants have transformed orthodontic treatment by providing reliable anchorage and addressing challenges in anchorage control. This in vitro study aimed to compare the insertion torque (IT) values of three types of orthodontic mini-implants. The null hypothesis stated that no significant difference would be found in IT based on mini-implant type. Methods: We analyzed the mechanical ITs of 12 mini-implants categorized into four groups based on lengths (6, 8, 10, and 12 mm) and diameters (1.4, 1.6, and 2.0 mm). Mini-implants were inserted at a 90° angle into artificial bone (Sawbones^®) without pre-drilling. The ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test assessed differences, and Spearman’s correlation evaluated relationships between IT, diameter, and length. Results: The Lomas Mondefit^® 2 × 8 mm mini-implant had the highest IT (35 N), while the Jeil 2 × 12 mm had the lowest. Torque correlated with diameter (ρ = 0.609, p = 0.047) and length (ρ = 0.890, p < 0.001). The ANOVA showed significant differences (p = 0.035), with Leone^® and Lomas Mondefit^® differing significantly (p = 0.029). Mini-implant dimensions strongly influence IT. Conclusions: Mini-implant diameter and length significantly influence IT, highlighting their importance in clinical applications for optimal stability and performance.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior of titanium (Ti6Al4V) mini-implants (MIs) under varying orthodontic forces using finite element analysis (FEA) and to evaluate their performance and durability under realistic clinical conditions. Optimal orthodontic forces significantly influence the structural integrity and functional longevity of MIs while minimizing adverse effects on surrounding bone tissues. Materials and Methods: A commercially available MI (diameter: 2.0 mm, length: 12 mm) was modeled using FEA. The mandible geometry was obtained using computed tomography (CT) scanning, reconstructed in 3D using SpaceClaim software 2023.1, and discretized into 10-node tetrahedral elements in ANSYS Workbench. Material properties were assigned based on the existing literature, and the implant–bone interaction was simulated using a nonlinear frictional contact model. Orthodontic forces of 2 N and 10 N, inclined at 30°, were applied to simulate clinical loading conditions. Total displacement, von Mises stresses, equivalent strains, fatigue life, and safety factors were analyzed to assess the implant’s mechanical performance. Results: At 2 N, the MI demonstrated minimal displacement (0.0328 mm) and sustained approximately 445,000 cycles under safe fatigue loading conditions, with a safety factor of 4.8369. At 10 N, the implant’s lifespan was drastically reduced to 1546 cycles, with significantly elevated stress (6.468 × 10⁵ MPa) and strain concentrations, indicating heightened risks of mechanical failure and bone damage. The findings revealed the critical threshold beyond which orthodontic forces compromise implant stability and peri-implant bone health. Conclusions: This study confirms that maintaining orthodontic forces within an optimal range, approximately 2 N, is essential to prolong MI lifespan and preserve bone integrity. Excessive forces, such as 10 N, lead to a rapid decline in durability and increased risks of failure, emphasizing the need for calibrated force application in clinical practice. These insights provide valuable guidance for enhancing MI performance and optimizing orthodontic treatment outcomes.