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Search review questions

Each row is one question a systematic review asked: who, what, compared with what, and which outcome, with the effect it found and how certain that is. Every word you type has to appear somewhere in the question, and the closest matches are ranked first.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

3,358 questions in 190 reviews · cluster CL0289

current versions
No studies 599 · 17.8%Ungraded 1,759 · 52.4%Very low 612 · 18.2%Low 269 · 8%Moderate 107 · 3.2%High 12 · 0.4%

Ungraded means an effect was reported without a GRADE rating; it is not a gap. No studies means the review found nothing to answer the question. The six categories are a display order, not a score.

Intervention categories, outcome domains and clusters are a proposed key pending human validation. Clear all filters

QuestionEffectEvidenceStatus / GRADE
Facemask (RME) or modified facemask vs Other non-surgical orthodontic treatments (mini maxillary protractor, Pushing Splints, modified tandem, Reverse Forsus, reverse Twin Block, reverse chin cup, tongue appliance, Frankel III)
ANB · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.11 [-0.54, 0.77]8 studies · 285 participantsVery low
Pentoxifylline vs Multivitamin
Maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF)
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
Rajendran 2006 (pentoxifylline 14 vs multivitamins 15): reported increased interincisal distance in the pentoxifylline group but no baseline data, so change could not be determined; excluded from meta-analysis.1 study · 29 participantsUngraded
Oxitard (antioxidant) vs Aloe vera gel
Maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · Less than 3 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD 9.40 [8.52, 10.28]1 study · 120 participantsLow
Facemask (RME) or modified facemask vs Surgically-anchored appliance (miniscrews or miniplates)
Overjet · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD -0.40 [-1.30, 0.50]1 study · 43 participantsVery low
Occlusal splint vs Physical therapy (ultrasound, exercise, sensorimotor training, laser, TENS, manual therapy)
Recurrence rate · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 3 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) vs Facemask with alternating rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC)
Overjet · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion)
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
SoF5 (Facemask (Alt-RAMEC) vs facemask (RME)): Overjet - Not measured.0 studiesNo studies
NiTi arch wire of one cross-sectional size vs NiTi arch wire of a different cross-sectional size
Root resorption · People receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (upper and/or lower full arch)
Initial arch wires used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (2024) · Cochrane
Root resorption: not reported0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs No treatment or placebo (non-occlusal or transparent-foil placebo splint)
Discomfort · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 1 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison. Discomfort was not reported in any included study across the whole review.0 studiesNo studies
Facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) vs Facemask with alternating rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC)
A-Nasion perpendicular (A-NPerp) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 1.13 [0.23, 2.03]1 study · 34 participantsUngraded
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Self-reported joint pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 2 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) vs Tongue appliance
ANB · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD -0.60 [-1.41, 0.21]1 study · 47 participantsUngraded
Facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) vs Modified tandem appliance
ANB · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.25 [-0.39, 0.89]1 study · 32 participantsUngraded
Superelastic NiTi arch wire vs Thermoelastic NiTi arch wire
Root resorption (reduction in root length) · People receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (upper and/or lower full arch) · 16 weeks
Initial arch wires used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (2024) · Cochrane
MD -0.05 [-0.14, 0.04]2 studies · 52 participantsVery low
Surgically-anchored orthodontic treatment (miniplates) vs Untreated control (no treatment)
Perceived need for surgery in adulthood · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion)
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
SoF2: Perceived need for surgery in adulthood - Not measured.0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Frequency of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 6 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Spirulina vs Oxitard (antioxidant)
Maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · Less than 3 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD -2.60 [-3.82, -1.38]1 study · 50 participantsLow
Occlusal splint vs Physical therapy (ultrasound, exercise, sensorimotor training, laser, TENS, manual therapy)
Depression · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Short term, Disc displacement with reduction (DDwR)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
MD -0.25 [-0.52, 0.02]1 study · 60 participantsUngraded
Orthodontic removable traction appliance (ORTA) vs Untreated control (no treatment)
Overjet · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 6.20 [5.52, 6.88]1 study · 40 participantsUngraded
Superelastic NiTi arch wire vs Thermoelastic NiTi arch wire
Time to next/working arch wire · People receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (upper and/or lower full arch)
Initial arch wires used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.40 [-0.11, 0.91]1 study · 86 participantsUngraded
Single preoperative dose of systemic antibiotics (clindamycin 600 mg), total chemo-mechanical debridement and root filling vs Matched placebo, total chemo-mechanical debridement and root filling
Pain at 24 hours · Adults with symptomatic apical periodontitis (no signs of spreading infection or systemic involvement) · 24 hours
Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults (2024) · Cochrane
The median pain at 24 hours in the control group was 3 (range 0 to 10); the median pain at 24 hours in the intervention group was the same (median 3, range 0 to 8). P = 0.219 (Mann-Whitney U).1 study · 72 participantsLow
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Muscle pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Short term (1 month), Myofascial pain TMD
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.10 [-0.80, 1.00]1 study · 40 participantsVery low
Lycopene plus intralesional betamethasone vs Placebo
Severity of oral/mucosal burning pain/sensation · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF)
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
Kumar 2007 reported burning sensation using a non-validated scale; not included in quantitative analysis.1 studyUngraded
Buccal fat pad graft vs Extended nasolabial flap
Maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · Less than 3 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD -7.25 [-14.19, -0.31]1 study · 8 participantsVery low
Single-strand superelastic NiTi arch wire vs Coaxial superelastic NiTi arch wire
Time to alignment · People receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (upper and/or lower full arch)
Initial arch wires used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (2024) · Cochrane
Time to alignment: not reported0 studiesNo studies
Non-surgical orthodontic treatment (any: facemask, chin cup, tandem traction bow, mandibular headgear, ORTA, reverse Twin Block, Reverse Forsus) vs No treatment
Wits appraisal · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 4.75 [4.15, 5.35]4 studies · 155 participantsUngraded
Postoperative systemic antibiotics (phenoxymethylpenicillin/penicillin VK, 7-day course), partial or total chemo-mechanical debridement and analgesics vs Matched placebo, partial or total chemo-mechanical debridement and analgesics
Swelling at 24 hours · Adults with a symptomatic necrotic tooth or localised acute apical abscess (no signs of spreading infection or… · 24 hours
Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults (2024) · Cochrane
SMD 0.27 [-0.23, 0.78]2 studies · 62 participantsVery low
Intralesional steroid injections vs Alternative medicinal treatments
Maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · 3 to 6 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD -0.57 [-2.34, 1.19]3 studies · 98 participantsLow
Surgery plus Heister jaw opener vs Surgery plus wooden tongue depressors
Maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · More than 6 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.60 [0.01, 1.19]1 study · 50 participantsVery low
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Frequency of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Short term (3 months), Disc displacement with reduction (DDwR)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
RR 0.80 [0.07, 9.18]1 study · 9 participantsVery low
Postoperative systemic antibiotics (phenoxymethylpenicillin/penicillin VK, 7-day course), partial or total chemo-mechanical debridement and analgesics vs Matched placebo, partial or total chemo-mechanical debridement and analgesics
Pain at 48 hours · Adults with a symptomatic necrotic tooth or localised acute apical abscess (no signs of spreading infection or… · 48 hours
Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.32 [-0.22, 0.86]2 studies · 61 participantsUngraded
Occlusal splint vs Physical therapy (ultrasound, exercise, sensorimotor training, laser, TENS, manual therapy)
Severity of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Long term (4 months), Mixed TMD
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
MD 5.92 [0.18, 11.66]1 study · 20 participantsVery low
Facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) vs Pushing Splints
Wits appraisal · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.70 [-0.60, 2.00]1 study · 42 participantsUngraded
NiTi arch wire of one cross-sectional size vs NiTi arch wire of a different cross-sectional size
Pain · People receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (upper and/or lower full arch) · 7 days
Initial arch wires used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (2024) · Cochrane
Different sizes of NiTi wires (Alhaija 2021; Erdinc 2004); not pooled due to clinical heterogeneity; little or no difference at day 1. Erdinc 0.014 vs 0.016 inch higher pain at day 4 MD 5.00 (0.19 to 9.81) and day 6 MD…2 studies · 149 participantsLow
Occlusal splint vs Behavioural therapy (counselling, CBT, relaxation, self-care management)
Joint pain at rest · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Short term (1 month), Mixed TMD
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
MD -2.59 [-4.21, -0.97]1 study · 39 participantsVery low
Abdominal dermal fat graft vs Nasolabial flap
Maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · 3 to 6 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD -14.87 [-19.93, -9.81]1 study · 30 participantsVery low
Buccal fat pad graft vs Extended nasolabial flap
Maximal mouth opening (interincisal distance) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · 3 to 6 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD 6.00 [-11.36, 23.36]1 study · 8 participantsVery low
Thermoelastic copper NiTi (CuNiTi) arch wire vs Conventional NiTi arch wire
Alignment rate · People receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (upper and/or lower full arch) · 4 weeks
Initial arch wires used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.10 [-0.95, 1.15]1 study · 66 participantsVery low
Single preoperative dose of systemic antibiotics (clindamycin 600 mg), total chemo-mechanical debridement and root filling vs Matched placebo, total chemo-mechanical debridement and root filling
Swelling at 7 days · Adults with symptomatic apical periodontitis (no signs of spreading infection or systemic involvement) · 7 days
Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults (2024) · Cochrane
RR 0.50 [0.10, 2.56]1 study · 72 participantsLow
Facemask vs Untreated control (no treatment)
ANB · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · 3-year follow-up
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 1.40 [0.43, 2.37]1 study · 63 participantsModerate
Vasodilators (isoxsuprine, xanthinol nicotinate) vs Placebo or no active treatment
Burning sensation (VAS 0-100) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · 3 to 6 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD -51.02 [-72.85, -29.20]2 studies · 85 participantsVery low
Topical curcumin gel vs Topical aloe vera gel
Burning sensation (VAS 0-100) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) · Less than 3 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD 16.00 [7.21, 24.79]1 study · 60 participantsVery low
Facemask (RME) or modified facemask vs Surgically-anchored appliance (miniscrews or miniplates)
Wits appraisal · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.50 [-1.27, 2.27]1 study · 43 participantsUngraded
Facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) vs Pushing Splints
Overjet · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.80 [-0.37, 1.97]1 study · 42 participantsUngraded
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) vs Calcium hydroxide (CH)
Overall success (composite of clinical and radiographic success) · Permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure · >=12 months, Partial pulpotomy
Asked by 2 reviewsEfficacy of pulpotomy for permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure: A systematic review and meta-analysis… (2024)
OR 2.81 [1.38, 5.74]NRUngraded
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) vs Placebo or no active treatment
Intolerance to spicy food (participant-reported proxy) · People of any age with a confirmed diagnosis, by clinical examination and biopsy, of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF)
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
OR 0.02 [0.00, 0.43]1 study · 100 participantsUngraded
Occlusal splint vs No treatment or placebo (non-occlusal or transparent-foil placebo splint)
Muscle pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Short term (3 months), Disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
MD -1.97 [-2.37, -1.57]1 study · 84 participantsVery low
Postoperative systemic antibiotics (phenoxymethylpenicillin/penicillin VK, 7-day course), partial or total chemo-mechanical debridement and analgesics vs Matched placebo, partial or total chemo-mechanical debridement and analgesics
Pain at 72 hours · Adults with a symptomatic necrotic tooth or localised acute apical abscess (no signs of spreading infection or… · 72 hours
Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.08 [-0.38, 0.54]2 studies · 61 participantsVery low
Facemask vs Untreated control (no treatment)
Self-esteem (Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Score, OASIS) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · End of treatment
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD -4.00 [-7.40, -0.60]1 study · 69 participantsUngraded
Facemask vs Untreated control (no treatment)
ANB · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or younger) with prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) · 6-year follow-up
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.70 [-0.74, 2.14]1 study · 65 participantsLow
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Discomfort · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
Listed in Summary of findings 5 as 'Not reported'; this outcome was not reported by any included study for this comparison.0 studiesNo studies