What About Our Teen-Age Patients?, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial advocates for "mentally treating" teenage patients, specifically those around 14 years of age, as adults. By respecting their concerns and allowing age-appropriate decisions, clinicians can enhance a teen's dental IQ and self-esteem. This approach fosters confidence, communication, and independence, encouraging patients to take accountability for their treatment outcomes. Respectful dialogue leads to better compliance with home care, such as using rotary brushes or wearing retainers. Ultimately, treating teenagers with empathy and valuing their opinions helps them blossom into responsible adults while building lasting professional bonds.

J Mich Dent Assoc January 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons. The January 2026 (Volume 108, No. 1) issue of the Journal is published in a print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Pediatric Dentistry and 2025 Life Membership recipients.

Regular monthly contributions include:

• Editorial …

Facial Aesthetics And The Esthetic Plane: Effects Of Modern Lip Trends, Allison Paige Fritz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether there is a difference in aesthetic preferences of lip position between dental professionals and the general public, which we will refer to throughout the paper as lay people. In addition, age and gender differences will be determined to evaluate whether there is a need to re-evaluate the accepted normative values for lips to Esthetic plane (E-plane).

Experimental Design and Methods: A cross sectional, observational study design was used. The study aim was to evaluate the perception and opinions regarding lip position and fullness of both lay people …

Comparison Of Three Methods In Diagnosing Maxillary Transverse Discrepancy, Madison Hull Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Comparison of Three Methods in Diagnosing Maxillary Transverse Discrepancy

Thesis by Madison Smith, D.D.S.

Introduction

There are several different methods in determining the maxillary transverse discrepancy (MTD). In specific, MTD can be determined with the help of a cone beam computer tomography (CBCT), 3D scan and models, or simply a 2D occlusogram.  Do they provide the same MTD values for diagnosing transverse discrepancies? A patient may need a certain amount of skeletal and dental expansion based on a diagnosis of MTD, but this amount may vary depending on the diagnosis method used. There is a lack of knowledge in …

Preference Of Smiling Esthetics By Caucasian And Chinese Orthodontic Professionals, Tamana Spingher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Background and Objectives: Comprehensive orthodontic treatment aims to achieve optimal facial esthetics, which is guided by established norms that have shown variability across different ethnic and gender groups. There is a paucity of literature comparing the esthetic preferences of Chinese and Caucasian orthodontic professionals regarding smiling esthetics. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived smiling attractiveness ratings between Chinese and Caucasian orthodontic professionals. Methods: One Chinese and one Caucasian lateral smiling photograph generated by artificial intelligence (AI) were used in this study. The maxillary central incisor position was digitally manipulated to simulate variations in anteroposterior (AP) position …

Cephalometric And Soft Tissue Determinants Of Esthetic Outcomes After Single-Jaw Mandibular Setback Surgery In Skeletal Class Iii Patients: A Retrospective Study, Chun-Te Ho, You-Ru Chen, Tsui-Hsien Huang, Jnug-Chun Yeh, Tzu-Yu Peng, Chia-Tze Kao

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Orthognathic surgery is an effective treatment for skeletal Class III malocclusion; however, the relative influence of skeletal and soft tissue variables on postoperative esthetic outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships among cephalometric parameters, soft tissue changes, and esthetic outcomes following single-jaw mandibular setback surgery.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study was performed on 258 adult patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion subspinale-nasion-supramentale (ANB) angle < 0° who were treated between 2016 and 2021. Patients were divided into three groups: bilateral vertical ramus osteotomy (BVRO) group (n = 99), genioplasty alone group (n = 30), and BVRO plus genioplasty group. (n = 129). Cephalometric and …

Three-Dimensional Evaluation Of Torque Expression In Maxillary Incisors: Influence Of Crown Shape And Collum Angle, Isha Singh, Achint Juneja, Divya Shetty, Monis Raza, Payal Sharma, Udit Chaudhary

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of crown morphology and collum angle of maxillary incisors on torque expression at common bracket-bonding landmarks using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: Twenty CBCT scans of individuals aged 18–27 years were analyzed. For each central and lateral incisor, the height of maximum labial contour (HMC), height of the labial anatomic (LA) point, collum angle (CA), and alpha angle at both HMC (αc) and LA (αLA) were measured. Stone casts confirmed LA points. Independent and paired t-tests assessed inter- and intra-tooth differences (α = 0.05).

Results: The HMC was located 2.6 ± 0.3 mm (centrals) and …

Investigate The Role Of Tgfβ3 In Regulating Irf6 And Δnp63 In Periderm Desquamation, Nam Ha

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Failure in palatal fusion during palate development results in cleft palate, one of the most common birth defects in the US. During the final phases of palatogenesis, the palatal periderm (a protective cell layer that prevents premature fusion and adhesion with oral epithelium) must be removed, also known as desquamation. This process is a prerequisite for establishing the midline seam in the fused palate. Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor-β3 (TGFβ3) plays an irreplaceable role in palate development in mice. Our previously published mechanistic models outline the role of TGFβ3 and its downstream signaling cascade involving proteins …

Posterior Anatomic Limit For Mandibular Molar Distalization In Subjects With Different Growth Patterns, Genders, And Growth Status, Rehana Bashir

Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this study is to identify the anatomical limits for mandibular molar distalization, a technique frequently employed in orthodontics to address various malocclusions. Mandibular molar distalization plays a critical role in the management of crowding, and correction of the molar relationship.

It is imperative to assess the posterior anatomical space (PAS) in the mandibular retromolar area prior to distalization or uprighting the mandibular molars to avoid periodontal issues (dehiscence, orthodontically induced root resorption, and tooth mobility) and achieve successful treatment outcomes.

A clinical question that, however, isn't well understood is whether the amount of mandibular molar distalization is …

Factors Affecting Interest In Orthodontic Treatment Among Adults In Jakarta, Joko Kusnoto, Lia Hapsari Andayani, Budi Kusnoto

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objectives: The misalignment of teeth and/or jaws caused by abnormalities in the dynamic process of craniofacial growth and development is known as malocclusion. Over half of children and adolescents worldwide experience some form of malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment is the process of adjusting the position of teeth and jaws to achieve optimal occlusion. In recent decades, there has been a global surge in the need for orthodontic treatment among adults. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting interest in orthodontic treatment among adults in Jakarta. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2023. A total …

Musculoskeletal Disorders In Dentistry: An Insight Into Dental Techniques And Practices, Mehwash Kashif, Aman Ashar, Amna Rehman, Abdul Aleem, Sidra-Tul-Muntaha Hashmi, Muhammad Yousuf Ali

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common workplace hazards in dentistry resulting from poor ergonomics and static postures, which lead to back, neck, and upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) problems among dentists, resulting in harm to their health, productivity, and career. This study aimed to assess the frequency of MSDs, risk factors related to MSDs, and awareness of ergonomics among clinicians. Methods: Data were collected from 400 dental professionals, including house officers, postgraduate trainees, general dentists, and teachers/consultants, each with at least 12 months of practice. Data were collected using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. Before data collection, ethical approval …

Evaluation Of The Remineralizing Agents After Orthodontic Bracket Debonding: A Sem-Edx Investigation, Bassant Ashraf Badr, Medhat Elzainy, Noha Ibrahim, Hend El Messiry

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To compare the remineralizing efficacy of (Fluoride (Fl) Varnish, Nanohydroxyapatite (n-HAp) serum and NovaMin-containing toothpaste) on premolars subjected to orthodontic debonding and a pH-cycling model.

Methods: 60 human premolars were divided into six groups (n=10). Group IA, sound enamel, IB, orthodontically treated premolars, IC, orthodontically treated premolars subjected to demineralization cycles. Three experimental groups included orthodontically treated premolars subjected to demineralization cycles and treated with Fl varnish (IIA), n-HAp serum (IIB), and NovaMin toothpaste (IIC). Surface topography and mineral content were evaluated using SEM-EDX analysis, and data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA test and Tukey’s post-hoc test. …

Assessment Of External Root Resorption During The First Stage Of The Orthodontic Treatment: A Prospective Cone-Beam Tomography Study, Eliana Pineda Vélez

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: predisposition to root resorption as a result of a dental movement may be a consequence of clinical, biological, and biomechanical factors that should lead the clinician to objectively assess each patient to reduce associated risk factors.

Objectives: to establish an association between clinical and tomographic findings related to external root resorption (ERR) using cone beam tomography (CBCT) on maxillary incisors during the first stage of the orthodontic treatment. Methods: an observational, follow-up, cohort study that analyzed the association between clinical and radiographic variables on maxillary incisors using CBCT before placing fixed orthodontic appliances and finishing the first …

Decoding Genetic And Network Signatures Of Susceptibility To Orthodontic Root Resorption: Toward Predictive And Personalized Orthodontics, Casey Morishige, Morgan Mecham, Gabriel Eisenhuth, Shilpa Bhandi, Frank Licari, Shankargouda Patil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Application Of Improved Super-Elastic Ti-Ni Alloy Wire For The Treatment Of Adult Skeletal Class Ii With Severe Deep Bite, Pin-Yu Chen, Yuan-Hou Chen, Jian-Hong Yu

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

An adult female (26 years old) with a chief complaint of poor dental alignment, deep bite, and maxillary protrusion came for orthodontic evaluation. Clinical examination indicated Class II canine relationship combined with large overbite and overjet and accentuated Curve of Spee. Radiographic examination showed skeletal Class II and lower right first molar missing. Improved Super-elastic Ti-Ni alloy wire (ISW, developed by Institute of Science Tokyo) curve was added over the lower arch to flatten Curve of Spee, and extraction of bilateral upper first premolars with intramaxillary elastics to perform anterior retraction was considered. At the end of treatment, we achieved …

Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (Goat): A Systematic Framework For Three-Dimensional Facial Aesthetic Assessment — Part 2: Sagittal Dimension, Heng-Ming Chang, Yu-Chun Su, Min-Hsun Hsu, Yu-Ting Lin, Chih-Wei Wang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Facial aesthetics is a multidimensional concept that requires an integrative assessment of the sagittal, vertical, and transverse planes to achieve balance and harmony. Following the evaluation of the vertical dimension in Part I, this review focuses on the sagittal plane, which plays a pivotal role in facial profile balance and anteroposterior skeletal relationships. The Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (GOAT) framework provides a structured methodology for diagnosing and addressing sagittal discrepancies, incorporating clinical reference lines, chin morphology, incisor inclination, and anchorage considerations. A comprehensive assessment of the sagittal dimension involves the use of key diagnostic tools such as the Barcelona Line (BL), …

Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (Goat): A Systematic Framework For Three-Dimensional Facial Aesthetic Assessment — Part 1: Vertical Dimension, Heng-Ming Chang, Yao Chen, Kwok-Hing Ho, Kai-Long Wang, Chih-Wei Wang

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Facial aesthetics is a multidimensional concept that requires an integrative assessment of the sagittal, vertical, and transverse planes to achieve balance and harmony. Among these, the vertical dimension plays a crucial role in determining facial proportions, occlusal function, and overall aesthetic perception. This review introduces the Goal-Oriented Aesthetic Treatment (GOAT) framework as a systematic approach to evaluating the vertical aspects of facial aesthetics, providing a structured methodology for clinical assessment and treatment planning. A comprehensive evaluation of the vertical dimension encompasses several key parameters, including facial pattern classification, vertical proportions, lip competency, and overbite analysis. Traditional cephalometric indices, such as …

Predicting Stability And Relapse In Class Iii Patients: The Role Of The Mandibular Plane Angle In Bimaxillary Surgery, Jason Jyun-Cheng Kuo, Min-Chi Chen, Yu-Chih Wang, Ellen Wen-Ching Ko

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Purpose: Skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery remains challenging in Class III malocclusion. This study examined how preoperative mandibular plane angle (FMA) and its surgical changes affect postoperative outcomes.

Patients and Methods: Sixty adult Taiwanese patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion treated by bimaxillary surgery without genioplasty were retrospectively analyzed. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at preoperative (T0), immediate postoperative (T1), and orthodontic debonding, ≥ 1-year postoperative (T2) stages was used to measure sagittal (Pog-CP), vertical (Me-FH), and transverse (Go–Go) changes. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results: Smaller preoperative FMA and larger increased intraoperative FMA increases were significantly associated …

Volumetric Analysis And Anatomical Variations Of The Maxillary Sinus: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study, Prafen Pokhrel, Rabindra Man Shrestha, Ujjawal Pyakurel, Roshan Poudel

Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the volume and to assess the anatomical variations of maxillary sinus using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using 64 CBCT scans of the subjects belonging to the age group 18-50 years. Using Care Stream 3D imaging software, the scans were exported and read in an orthogonal slicing view. The width and length of the sinus were measured in axial section, whereas the height was measured in coronal section. Volume and area of sinus were calculated using 3D Slicer software. The assessment of septa was done …

Cooling Protocols Impact On Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments Cyclic Fatigue Resistance Under Extreme Curvatures And Sodium Hypochlorite, Palak Ravjibhai Ranparia, Chintan Joshi, Mona Somani, Aashray Patel, Urooj Desai, Janki Prajapati

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: In this work, Hyflex CM, TruNatomy, and Plex V heat-treated nickel titanium rotary instruments were evaluated at body temperature (36 °C ± 1 °C) with and without a cooling protocol to assess the cyclic fatigue resistance. Methods: A 90° curved stainless-steel block was used for cyclic fatigue tests on 60 randomly selected rotary instruments, divided into two groups of 30: body temperature (n = 10) and body temperature with cooling (n = 10). Instruments were further subdivided into 6 groups of 3 different instruments. Cooling protocol group instruments received 5-second spray cooling every 30 seconds, along with continuous 5% …