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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. Words match anywhere in the field.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

186 questions in 27 reviews · Orthodontics

current versions
No studies 186 · 100%Ungraded 0 · 0%Very low 0 · 0%Low 0 · 0%Moderate 0 · 0%High 0 · 0%

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.

QuestionEffectEvidenceStatus / GRADE
Ibuprofen taken pre-emptively (about 1 hour before treatment) vs Ibuprofen taken post-treatment
Time off school or work · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No studies in this comparison reported this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
Ibuprofen taken pre-emptively (about 1 hour before treatment) vs Ibuprofen taken post-treatment
Failure to complete orthodontic treatment due to pain · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No studies in this comparison reported this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
Ibuprofen taken pre-emptively (about 1 hour before treatment) vs Ibuprofen taken post-treatment
Quality of life or participant satisfaction · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No studies in this comparison reported this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen chewing gum) vs Local anaesthetic (benzocaine chewing gum)
Quality of life or participant satisfaction · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
The study did not report this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
Analgesic (any: NSAID, paracetamol, local anaesthetic or opioid) vs Control (placebo or no treatment)
Time off school or work · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No studies in this comparison reported this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen lysinate mouthwash, 160 mg) vs Topical NSAID (benzidamine hydrochloride mouthwash, 22.5 mg)
Adverse events · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
The study did not report this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
Analgesic (any: NSAID, paracetamol, local anaesthetic or opioid) vs Control (placebo or no treatment)
Adverse events · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No studies in this comparison reported any adverse events. SoF cell: 'Not reported'.0 studiesNo studies
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen chewing gum) vs Local anaesthetic (benzocaine chewing gum)
Adverse events · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
The study did not report this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
NSAID (systemic) vs Paracetamol
Failure to complete orthodontic treatment due to pain · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No studies in this comparison reported this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
Analgesic (any: NSAID, paracetamol, local anaesthetic or opioid) vs Control (placebo or no treatment)
Failure to complete orthodontic treatment due to pain · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No studies reported this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
One type of adhesive used to bond molar tubes (chemically-cured composite, light-cured composite, conventional glass ionomer, poly-acid modified composite/compomer, or resin-modified glass ionomer) vs Any other type of adhesive used to bond molar tubes
Decalcification (presence or absence of decay around the attachment) · Participants with full arch fixed orthodontic appliance(s) with molar tubes bonded to first or second permanent…
Adhesives for bonded molar tubes during fixed brace treatment (2017) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Ibuprofen taken pre-emptively (about 1 hour before treatment) vs Ibuprofen taken post-treatment
Adverse events · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No studies in this comparison reported any adverse events.0 studiesNo studies
Post‐treatment communication (text messaging) vs No communication (no text message)
Adverse effects of pain treatment · People undergoing orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
Adverse effects: Not measured.NRNo studies
Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) vs Placebo (or no irradiation)
Adverse effects of pain treatment · Adolescents and adults undergoing orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
Adverse effects: Not measured.NRNo studies
Zinc polycarboxylate cement vs Any other orthodontic band adhesive
Outcome NR · Patients with full arch fixed orthodontic appliances with bands attached to molars (patients with cleft lip/palate or…
Adhesives for fixed orthodontic bands (2016) · Cochrane
No trial was identified that examined the effectiveness of zinc polycarboxylate cement.0 studiesNo studies
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) vs No special instructions (control)
Adverse effects of pain treatment · Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
Adverse effects for CBT: Not measured.NRNo studies
Experimental chewing adjuncts (bite wafers or chewing gum) vs No chewing gum, placebo, or control (no adjunct)
Adverse effects of pain treatment · Adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
Adverse effects: Not measured.NRNo studies
Brain wave music (BWM) vs No special instructions (control)
Adverse effects of pain treatment · Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
Adverse effects for BWM: Not measured.NRNo studies
Acupuncture/acupressure vs Placebo or no intervention
Patient‐reported pain intensity or pain relief (VAS, NRS or categorical scale) · People of any age undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Psychological intervention: structured telephone call (verbal follow‐up and reassurance) vs Placebo or no intervention
Patient‐reported pain intensity or pain relief (VAS, NRS or categorical scale) · People of any age undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Ice/cryotherapy vs Placebo or no intervention
Patient‐reported pain intensity or pain relief (VAS, NRS or categorical scale) · People of any age undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Vibratory stimulation (vibratory adjuncts) vs No vibration or placebo vibration
Adverse effects of pain treatment · Adolescents and adults undergoing orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
Adverse effects: Not measured.NRNo studies
Zinc silicophosphate cement vs Any other orthodontic band adhesive
Outcome NR · Patients with full arch fixed orthodontic appliances with bands attached to molars (patients with cleft lip/palate or…
Adhesives for fixed orthodontic bands (2016) · Cochrane
No trial was identified that examined the effectiveness of zinc silicophosphate cement.0 studiesNo studies
Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) vs Placebo or no intervention
Patient‐reported pain intensity or pain relief (VAS, NRS or categorical scale) · People of any age undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment
Non‐pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment (2016) · Cochrane
no estimate extractedNRNo studies
Repositioning of ankylosed teeth after osteotomy followed or not by distraction osteogenesis, or after luxation vs Conventional orthodontic treatment or follow-up with no specific treatment for ankylosis
Outcome NR · Any patient with ankylosis and displacement of permanent front teeth diagnosed by clinical and radiographic…
Interventions for treating traumatised ankylosed permanent front teeth (2015) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment incorporating surgically assisted orthodontics (adjunctive surgical procedure: corticotomy, micro-osteoperforation or interseptal bone reduction) to increase the rate of tooth movement vs Conventional treatment: fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment without surgical assistance
Duration of orthodontic treatment, number of visits during active treatment (scheduled and unscheduled) and duration of visits · Individuals of any age receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (braces) (people requiring orthodontic…
Surgical adjunctive procedures for accelerating orthodontic treatment (2015) · Cochrane
SoF row: Illustrative comparative risks '‐' / '‐'; no relative effect; Comments: 'Not reported'. Results: 'Our prespecified primary outcome (the duration of orthodontic treatment, number of visits during active…0 studiesNo studies
Pacifier withdrawal vs No treatment
Outcome NR · Children with a non-nutritive sucking habit (digit or pacifier)
Interventions for the cessation of non‐nutritive sucking habits in children (2015) · Cochrane
There were no studies that looked at barrier techniques or pacifier withdrawal.0 studiesNo studies
Fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment incorporating surgically assisted orthodontics (adjunctive surgical procedure: corticotomy, micro-osteoperforation or interseptal bone reduction) to increase the rate of tooth movement vs Conventional treatment: fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment without surgical assistance
Patient satisfaction (measured using validated questionnaires or scales) · Individuals of any age receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (braces) (people requiring orthodontic…
Surgical adjunctive procedures for accelerating orthodontic treatment (2015) · Cochrane
Results: 'Our prespecified secondary outcomes of patient satisfaction, improvement in occlusion, and prolonged stability of treatment were not measured in the trials.'0 studiesNo studies
Transplantation of other teeth after extraction of the ankylosed teeth vs Conventional orthodontic treatment or follow-up with no specific treatment for ankylosis
Outcome NR · Any patient with ankylosis and displacement of permanent front teeth diagnosed by clinical and radiographic…
Interventions for treating traumatised ankylosed permanent front teeth (2015) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment incorporating surgically assisted orthodontics (adjunctive surgical procedure: corticotomy, micro-osteoperforation or interseptal bone reduction) to increase the rate of tooth movement vs Conventional treatment: fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment without surgical assistance
Prolonged stability of treatment (adjudged using an accepted scale) · Individuals of any age receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (braces) (people requiring orthodontic…
Surgical adjunctive procedures for accelerating orthodontic treatment (2015) · Cochrane
Results: 'Our prespecified secondary outcomes of patient satisfaction, improvement in occlusion, and prolonged stability of treatment were not measured in the trials.'0 studiesNo studies
Barrier techniques (gloves/plasters) vs No treatment
Outcome NR · Children with a non-nutritive sucking habit (digit or pacifier)
Interventions for the cessation of non‐nutritive sucking habits in children (2015) · Cochrane
There were no studies that looked at barrier techniques or pacifier withdrawal.0 studiesNo studies
Psychological interventions vs No treatment
Occlusion · Children with a non-nutritive sucking habit (digit or pacifier)
Interventions for the cessation of non‐nutritive sucking habits in children (2015) · Cochrane
Occlusion: Not reported.0 studiesNo studies
Fixed prostheses cemented to prepared teeth after extraction or decoronation of the ankylosed teeth vs Conventional orthodontic treatment or follow-up with no specific treatment for ankylosis
Outcome NR · Any patient with ankylosis and displacement of permanent front teeth diagnosed by clinical and radiographic…
Interventions for treating traumatised ankylosed permanent front teeth (2015) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Orthodontic appliances (palatal crib) vs No treatment
Correction of posterior crossbite · Children with a non-nutritive sucking habit (digit or pacifier)
Interventions for the cessation of non‐nutritive sucking habits in children (2015) · Cochrane
Correction of posterior crossbite was not measured in this study despite being a well recognised feature in the malocclusion of a child with a thumb-sucking habit.0 studiesNo studies
Implant-supported crowns after extraction or decoronation of the ankylosed teeth vs Conventional orthodontic treatment or follow-up with no specific treatment for ankylosis
Outcome NR · Any patient with ankylosis and displacement of permanent front teeth diagnosed by clinical and radiographic…
Interventions for treating traumatised ankylosed permanent front teeth (2015) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment incorporating surgically assisted orthodontics (adjunctive surgical procedure: corticotomy, micro-osteoperforation or interseptal bone reduction) to increase the rate of tooth movement vs Conventional treatment: fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment without surgical assistance
Improvement in occlusion (Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) or other validated scale) · Individuals of any age receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (braces) (people requiring orthodontic…
Surgical adjunctive procedures for accelerating orthodontic treatment (2015) · Cochrane
Results: 'Our prespecified secondary outcomes of patient satisfaction, improvement in occlusion, and prolonged stability of treatment were not measured in the trials.'0 studiesNo studies
Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training vs No treatment
Stability of anterior open bite correction (1 year after treatment) · Children and adolescents (over 80% aged 16 years or younger at treatment start) with anterior open bite (lack of…
Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children (2014) · Cochrane
Outcome proposed in the review but not found in any included study. The review states: 'The other outcomes proposed in this review were not found: stability of anterior open bite correction; reduction of snoring; signs…0 studiesNo studies
Dual mini-screw implant vs Single mini-screw implant
Economic factors · Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring surgical (mini-screw implant) anchorage
Reinforcement of anchorage during orthodontic brace treatment with implants or other surgical methods (2014) · Cochrane
Economic factors were not reported in any of the studies comparing two types of surgical anchorage0 studiesNo studies
Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training vs No treatment
Reduction or treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) · Children and adolescents (over 80% aged 16 years or younger at treatment start) with anterior open bite (lack of…
Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children (2014) · Cochrane
Outcome proposed in the review but not found in any included study. The review states: 'The other outcomes proposed in this review were not found: stability of anterior open bite correction; reduction of snoring; signs…0 studiesNo studies
Dual mini-screw implant vs Single mini-screw implant
Number of visits · Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring surgical (mini-screw implant) anchorage
Reinforcement of anchorage during orthodontic brace treatment with implants or other surgical methods (2014) · Cochrane
No studies reported on the number of visits for the comparison of two types of surgical anchorage0 studiesNo studies
Dual mini-screw implant vs Single mini-screw implant
Residual overjet at the end of treatment · Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring surgical (mini-screw implant) anchorage
Reinforcement of anchorage during orthodontic brace treatment with implants or other surgical methods (2014) · Cochrane
No studies reported on residual overjet at the end of treatment for the comparison of two types of surgical anchorage0 studiesNo studies
Surgical anchorage (mini-screw or mid-palatal implant) vs Conventional anchorage (headgear, transpalatal/palatal arch, etc.)
Adverse events · Patients of any age undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and requiring anchorage (adolescents to…
Reinforcement of anchorage during orthodontic brace treatment with implants or other surgical methods (2014) · Cochrane
This outcome was unreported in all included studies0 studiesNo studies
Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training vs No treatment
Patient satisfaction · Children and adolescents (over 80% aged 16 years or younger at treatment start) with anterior open bite (lack of…
Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children (2014) · Cochrane
Outcome proposed in the review but not found in any included study. The review states: 'The other outcomes proposed in this review were not found: stability of anterior open bite correction; reduction of snoring; signs…0 studiesNo studies
Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training vs No treatment
Signs and symptoms of atypical swallowing and speech production disturbances · Children and adolescents (over 80% aged 16 years or younger at treatment start) with anterior open bite (lack of…
Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children (2014) · Cochrane
Outcome proposed in the review but not found in any included study. The review states: 'The other outcomes proposed in this review were not found: stability of anterior open bite correction; reduction of snoring; signs…0 studiesNo studies
Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training vs No treatment
Signs and symptoms of respiratory disease (mouth breathing, nasal airway resistance) · Children and adolescents (over 80% aged 16 years or younger at treatment start) with anterior open bite (lack of…
Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children (2014) · Cochrane
Outcome proposed in the review but not found in any included study. The review states: 'The other outcomes proposed in this review were not found: stability of anterior open bite correction; reduction of snoring; signs…0 studiesNo studies
Surgical anchorage (mini-screw or mid-palatal implant) vs Conventional anchorage (headgear, transpalatal/palatal arch, etc.)
Residual overjet at the end of treatment · Patients of any age undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and requiring anchorage (adolescents to…
Reinforcement of anchorage during orthodontic brace treatment with implants or other surgical methods (2014) · Cochrane
No studies reported on residual overjet at the end of treatment0 studiesNo studies
Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training vs No treatment
Economic evaluation (costs) · Children and adolescents (over 80% aged 16 years or younger at treatment start) with anterior open bite (lack of…
Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children (2014) · Cochrane
Outcome proposed in the review but not found in any included study. The review states: 'The other outcomes proposed in this review were not found: stability of anterior open bite correction; reduction of snoring; signs…0 studiesNo studies
Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training vs No treatment
Reduction of snoring · Children and adolescents (over 80% aged 16 years or younger at treatment start) with anterior open bite (lack of…
Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children (2014) · Cochrane
Outcome proposed in the review but not found in any included study. The review states: 'The other outcomes proposed in this review were not found: stability of anterior open bite correction; reduction of snoring; signs…0 studiesNo studies
Dual mini-screw implant vs Single mini-screw implant
Patient acceptability · Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring surgical (mini-screw implant) anchorage
Reinforcement of anchorage during orthodontic brace treatment with implants or other surgical methods (2014) · Cochrane
Acceptability was not reported in any of the studies comparing two types of surgical anchorage0 studiesNo studies
Frankel's function regulator-4 (FR-4) with lip-seal training vs No treatment
Side effects / tolerability · Children and adolescents (over 80% aged 16 years or younger at treatment start) with anterior open bite (lack of…
Orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment for anterior open bite in children (2014) · Cochrane
Outcome proposed in the review but not found in any included study. The review states: 'The other outcomes proposed in this review were not found: stability of anterior open bite correction; reduction of snoring; signs…0 studiesNo studies