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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
Superelastic NiTi arch wire vs Conventional (stabilised) NiTi arch wire
Pain day 1 · People receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (upper and/or lower full arch) · 3 to 7 days
Initial arch wires used in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (2024) · Cochrane
MD 0.29 [-0.52, 1.10]2 studies · 142 participantsLow
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Muscle pain at mastication · 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
Occlusal splint vs Another occlusal splint with a different mechanism of action
Joint pain at rest · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Long term (12 months), Disc displacement with reduction (DDwR)
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
RR 7.00 [0.41, 120.16]1 study · 20 participantsVery low
Superelastic NiTi arch wire vs Thermoelastic NiTi arch wire
Time to alignment · 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 0.5 [0.21, 0.79]1 study · 32 participantsLow
Chin cup vs Untreated control (no treatment)
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 1.96 [1.58, 2.34]1 study · 50 participantsUngraded
Levamisole vs Antioxidant (Antoxid)
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 -1.00 [-7.18, 5.18]1 study · 30 participantsVery low
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) 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 -70.82 [-94.39, -47.25]2 studies · 500 participantsModerate
Facemask after Alt-RAMEC vs Facemask started simultaneously with Alt-RAMEC
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 0.40 [-0.42, 1.22]1 study · 30 participantsUngraded
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) · Less than 3 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD -0.64 [-2.16, 0.89]4 studies · 128 participantsLow
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 48 hours · Adults with symptomatic apical periodontitis (no signs of spreading infection or systemic involvement) · 48 hours
Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults (2024) · Cochrane
Median pain at 48 hours 1 (range 0 to 9) in the antibiotic group versus 2 (range 0 to 10) in the control group. P = 0.242 (Mann-Whitney U).1 study · 72 participantsUngraded
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) vs Placebo or no active treatment
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 -1.41 [-5.74, 2.92]1 study · 90 participantsLow
Facemask after Alt-RAMEC vs Facemask started simultaneously with Alt-RAMEC
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 0.51 [-0.69, 1.71]1 study · 30 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
Percussion 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 0.05 [-0.55, 0.65]1 study · 41 participantsUngraded
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Range of mandibular motion · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Short term, Mixed TMD
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
MD -2.95 [-6.87, 0.97]1 study · 40 participantsUngraded
Surgically-anchored orthodontic treatment (miniplates) vs Untreated control (no treatment)
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 5.20 [4.48, 5.92]1 study · 30 participantsLow
Spirulina vs Topical 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)
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
Patil 2015b (spirulina vs topical aloe vera gel): reported important outcomes but data not in a usable format; excluded from meta-analysis.1 studyUngraded
Occlusal splint vs Acupuncture
Self-reported joint pain when chewing · 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
Facemask vs Untreated control (no treatment)
Overjet · 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 1.30 [-0.16, 2.76]1 study · 65 participantsLow
Surgical miniplates with facemask vs Surgical miniplates with Class III elastics
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 0.02 [-1.23, 1.27]1 study · 20 participantsUngraded
Orthodontic adhesive containing quaternary ammonium resin monomer + 40% n-ACP vs Conventional/control orthodontic adhesive (e.g., Transbond XT) or negative control
Calcium and phosphate ion release · Human enamel specimens around orthodontic brackets (in vitro) · up to 42 days, In vitro (laboratory), Overall
Remineralization and anti-demineralization effect of orthodontic adhesives on enamel surrounding orthodontic… (2024)
One study using an experimental quaternary ammonium resin monomer + 40% n-ACP adhesive reported a significant increase of calcium and phosphate ion release up to 42 days compared with the control group [33].1 studyUngraded
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) · 6-year follow-up
Orthodontic treatment for prominent lower front teeth (Class III malocclusion) in children (2024) · Cochrane
MD -2.20 [-7.31, 2.91]1 study · 65 participantsUngraded
Pentoxifylline vs Placebo or no active treatment
Difficulty in speech (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 0.20 [0.08, 0.48]1 study · 106 participantsUngraded
Antioxidant capsules 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)
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
Sudarshan 2012 reported a reduction in burning sensation but no baseline data, so change could not be determined.1 study · 20 participantsUngraded
Facemask vs Untreated control (no treatment)
Self-esteem (Piers-Harris self-concept scale) · 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 1.50 [-0.96, 3.96]1 study · 69 participantsUngraded
Opal Seal fluoride-releasing primer vs Conventional Transbond XT primer
Bracket failure · Patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment · During orthodontic treatment, Fixed orthodontic treatment
Can Orthodontic Adhesive Systems Inhibit the Formation and Development of White Spot Lesions During Fixed… (2024)
No significant differences were observed in bracket failure rates among different primers, dental arches, bracket types, or sexes.1 study · 56 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, Mature teeth
Asked by 2 reviewsEfficacy of pulpotomy for permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure: A systematic review and meta-analysis… (2024)
OR 2.63 [1.14, 6.03]NRUngraded
Reverse Twin Block with lip pads and rapid maxillary expander (RME) vs Untreated control (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 5.27 [4.04, 6.50]1 study · 26 participantsUngraded
Lycopene plus intralesional betamethasone vs Placebo
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
Kumar 2007 (3-arm: lycopene vs lycopene+intralesional betamethasone vs placebo): appeared to show increased interincisal distance in the two active groups, but limited withdrawal information/incomplete data meant…1 studyUngraded
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) vs Placebo or no active treatment
Postoperative discomfort or pain · 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
The trials did not measure postoperative discomfort or pain.0 studiesNo studies
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) vs Placebo or no active treatment
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 3.11 [0.46, 5.77]2 studies · 520 participantsLow
Levamisole vs Antioxidant (Antoxid)
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 -7.00 [-13.56, -0.44]1 study · 30 participantsVery low
Pentoxifylline vs Placebo or no active treatment
Difficulty in swallowing (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 0.42 [0.19, 0.92]1 study · 106 participantsUngraded
Superelastic NiTi arch wire vs Multistrand stainless steel 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
No studies reported time to next/working arch wire0 studiesNo studies
Occlusal splint vs Pharmacological therapy
Muscle pain at rest · 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
Occlusal splint vs No treatment or placebo (non-occlusal or transparent-foil placebo splint)
Severity of joint noise · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Long term (4 months), Mixed TMD
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
MD -0.58 [-7.09, 5.93]1 study · 20 participantsVery low
Facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) vs Pushing Splints
ANB (ANPog) · 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 1.40 [0.29, 2.51]1 study · 42 participantsUngraded
Occlusal splint vs No treatment or placebo (non-occlusal or transparent-foil placebo splint)
Depression · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Short term, Mixed TMD
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
MD -2.58 [-4.62, -0.54]1 study · 32 participantsUngraded
Facemask with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) vs Facemask with alternating rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC)
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 -0.38 [-1.37, 0.60]3 studies · 97 participantsUngraded
Jaw opening exercises alone vs Ultrasound plus jaw opening exercises
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 -3.70 [-11.53, 4.13]1 study · 20 participantsVery low
Mandibular headgear vs Chin cup
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
Arun 1994 (n=60): ANB data not usable (no SDs; Mann-Whitney); no statistically significant difference between interventions (P>0.05).1 study · 60 participantsUngraded
Occlusal splint vs Physical therapy (ultrasound, exercise, sensorimotor training, laser, TENS, manual therapy)
Muscle pain when chewing · People with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) · Short term (mean 3 months), Myofascial pain TMD
Occlusal interventions for managing temporomandibular disorders (2024) · Cochrane
RR 0.17 [0.02, 1.26]1 study · 40 participantsVery low
Surgical miniplates with facemask vs Surgical miniplates with Class III elastics
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 -0.05 [-1.24, 1.14]1 study · 20 participantsUngraded
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) 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) · Less than 3 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD -30.92 [-31.57, -30.27]1 study · 400 participantsModerate
NiTi arch wire of one cross-sectional size vs NiTi arch wire of a different cross-sectional size
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
No studies reported time to next/working arch wire0 studiesNo studies
Facemask vs Untreated control (no treatment)
Self-esteem (Piers-Harris self-concept scale) · 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 -0.30 [-4.17, 3.57]1 study · 65 participantsUngraded
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) vs Placebo or no active treatment
Difficulty in speech (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 0.51 [0.21, 1.22]1 study · 120 participantsUngraded
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) 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) · More than 6 months
Interventions for managing oral submucous fibrosis (2024) · Cochrane
MD -27.60 [-36.21, -18.99]1 study · 90 participantsModerate
Single-strand superelastic NiTi arch wire vs Coaxial superelastic NiTi arch wire
Pain · 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
Pain: not reported0 studiesNo studies
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 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
SMD 0.02 [-0.49, 0.52]2 studies · 61 participantsVery low
Antioxidants (lycopene, curcumin, Oxitard) vs Placebo or no active treatment
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 8.83 [8.22, 9.45]3 studies · 620 participantsModerate