Effectiveness of removable appliances with temperature sensors in orthodontic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Summary Background/objective Patient compliance during orthodontic treatment is one of the factors that most affects success in the final result. The use of removable appliances is frequent at an early age and the monitoring of its use is essential to assess the collaboration of the patient. The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of microsensors included in removable appliances during orthodontic treatment or in the retention phase to enable a reliable and individualized follow-up of the patient. Search methods The article search was carried out in various electronic databases and journals without any language restrictions. Selection criteria Studies using microsensors into removable appliances were selected with the key selection criterion of a minimum follow-up of 4 weeks. Data collection and analysis The quality of the studies included was evaluated using the Cochrane scale for the randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for control–case, cohort, and transversal studies. The mean of the differences with a 95% confidence interval was expressed for the continuous data. Results Twenty-nine full-text articles were analysed and included in the qualitative synthesis. In general, the mean daily wear time of removable appliances measured objectively was less than the time that the professional had predetermined. Conclusions The use of microsensors as an objective measurement method enhances communication and boosts confidence in the orthodontist–patient relationship. More random clinical studies with temperature sensors are needed to establish to what extent they influence the orthodontic outcome. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42019120525).