Dr Alexandra K. Papadopoulou
Dr Alexandra K. Papadopoulou received her Dental Degree, Specialty Degree in Oral Surgery, Specialty Degree in Orthodontics and PhD from the School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
She is currently a Senior Research and Academic staff in the Division of Orthodontics of the University of Geneva, Switzerland while she has also served for seven years as a Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Orthodontics of the University of Sydney, Australia.
Dr Papadopoulou has supervised several Doctorates in Dentistry and Higher Research Degree projects (Masters and PhDs). She has published numerous research papers in high impact, peer-reviewed journals receiving prizes for her contribution to the specialty’s research. Her main research interests focus on the efficacy of dentofacial orthopaedic treatment, skeletal anchorage devices, 3D diagnosis and treatment planning, the effects of orthodontic interventions on the upper airways and the management of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Topic: Clear aligners and anterior open bite. Myths versus facts.
Orthodontic treatment with invisible appliances that fulfill patients’ aesthetic needs has become imperative in the everyday clinical practice with clear aligners being the most popular choice amongst patients and practitioners.
Three-dimensional (3D) digital technology significantly has broadened the potentials of achieving precision in diagnosis, designing of individualised appliances and studying treatment effects.
Anterior open bite is considered one of the most complex and challenging malocclusions to treat. Its skeletal or dental aetiology is attributed to genetic predisposition leading to unfavourable growth pattern and local factors such as non-nutritive sucking habits and tongue posture respectively. Depending on the age and the aetiology, several therapeutic approaches have been proposed including clear aligners and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) aiming to reduce the need of orthognathic surgery.
This presentation will cover current research evidence pertinent to the efficacy and efficiency of clear aligners versus skeletal anchorage for the treatment of anterior open bite malocclusions using 3D technology applications combined with clinical cases.