Research & Publications

Current Research

Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine is committed to the advancement of the orthodontic specialty through cutting edge research that involves collaborations with researchers and institutions from around the world.  Each one of our residents is responsible for a research project and assigned a research mentor. The research projects cover a wide variety of areas ranging from basic science and epidemiology to clinical and translational research. All aim to improve the quality of care provided to orthodontic patients and enhance their orthodontic experience and quality of life.

Below are some of the areas of research our department is currently working on:

Three dimensional Cone Beam Imaging: We currently have several research projects utilizing cone beam three dimensional imaging to establish normative values and accurately measure changes that occur during normal growth.  We also have projects that three dimensionally measure changes to the teeth and jaws that occur as a result of pathology and treatment.

Surgical Orthodontic Outcomes: Many orthodontic problem cannot be treated to an ideal result without orthognathic surgery.  Our department is conducting research that evalutes the orthodontic outcomes of these procedures as well as their effects on the quality of life of our patients.

Salivary Diagnostics: Saliva is unique in that it provides a simple, easily accessable, noninvasive window to the human body.  It allows easy measurement of many horomones, cytokines, and growth factors.  The department has recently started several projects that study the use of saliva to predict the amount of growth a patient will experience, a patient’s response to treatment, and how susceptable a patient is to certain pathological conditions.

Three dimensional nonradiation based imaging: Orthodontic diagnosis normally involves radiation exposures dedicated to that purpose.  Our department is currently working on a project that explores the ability to accurately diagnose and treatment plan orthodontic problems using three dimensional imaging techniques that do not use ionizing radiation.

Stability of orthodontic movements: Orthodontic treatment requires a great deal of time and effort and has a huge impact on a persons life and self esteem.  However, the jaw and teeth undergo changes throughout a persons life which often make maintaining the achieved result very challenging.  Several research projects being conducted focus on the stability of different procedure to allow the orthodontist to choose the best approach for correcting an orthodontic problem.

Basic Science Research: Many current orthodontic and orthopedic procedures depend on the ability of skeletal tissues to respond to mechanical stress. Furthermore, cellular alterations that result from stress are major contributors to pathological conditions such as craniosynostosis, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms that modulate bone remodeling and formation in response to mechanical stress remain unclear. Oure current basic science research aims to elucidate the molecular basis of skeletal tissues sensing and responding to mechanical stress to ultimately improve strategies for treating skeletal diseases, injuries and malocclusion.

Recent Publications

  1. Kuc AE, Kotuła J, Nahajowski M, Warnecki M, Lis J, Amm E, Kawala B, Sarul M. Methods of anterior torque control during retraction: a systematic review.  Diagnostics (Basel). 2022; 12(7):1611.
  2. Amm E, El Amm C, Vaden J. Effect of Class II elastics on different mandibular arch preparation stabilized with aligners and stainless-steel wires.  Orthod Craniofac Res. 2022; 25(4):520-529.
  3. Aboujaoude R, Kmeid R, Gebrael C, Amm E. Comparison of the accuracy of bracket positioning between direct and digital indirect bonding techniques in the maxillary arch: a three-dimensional study.  Prog Orthod. 2022 Sep 5;23(1):31.
  4. Rana M, August J, Levi J, Parsi G, Motro M, DeBassio W. Alternative Approaches to Adenotonsillectomy and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for the Management of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A Review.  Sleep Disord. 2020 Jul 4;2020:7987208.
  5. DiCosimo C, Alsulaiman AA, Shah C, Motro M, Will LA, Parsi GK. Analysis of nasal airway symmetry and upper airway changes after rapid maxillary expansion.  Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2021 Nov;160(5):695-704.
  6. Alsulaiman AA, Briss DS, Parsi GK, Will LA. Association between incisor irregularity and coronal caries: A population-based study.  Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2019 Mar;155(3):372-379.
  7. Parsi GK, Alsulaiman AA, Kotak B, Mehra P, Will LA, Motro M. Volumetric changes of the upper airway following maxillary and mandibular advancement using cone beam computed tomography. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019 Feb;48(2):203-210.
  8. Samra R, Motro M, Alsulaiman A, Will LA. Heritability of nasal characteristics using lateral cephalograms. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2022; 161(2):263-71.
  9. Hersberger-Zurfluh MA, Papageorgiou SN, Motro M, Kantarci A, Will LA, Eliades T. Genetic and environmental components of vertical growth in mono- and dizygotic twins up to 15-18 years. Angle Orthod 2021; 91(3):384-90.
  10. Papageorgiou SN, Koletsi D, Patcas R, Will LA, Eliades T. Knowledge of postgraduate dental students on evidence-based dentistry and research methodology: An international survey. Oral Health Prev Dent 2020 Oct 13;18(1):873-879.
  11. Hersberger-Zurfluh MA, Papageorgiou SN, Motro M, Kantarci A, Will LA, Eliades T. Vertical growth in mono-and dizygotic twins: A longitudinal cephalometric cohort study. Orthod Craniofac Res. 2020 May;23(2):192-201.
  12. Niu X, Motro M, Will LA, Cornelis MA, Cattaneo PM. Does rapid maxillary expansion enlarge the nasal cavity and pharyngeal airway? A three-dimensional assessment based on validated analyses. Orthod Craniofac Res 2021; 24(Suppl):124-33.
  13. Tashkandi N, Zhao Y, Mitchell-Lee G, Stephens D, Patel M, Motro M, Will LA, Kantarci A. Longitudinal assessment of salivary vitamin D binding protein during orthodontic tooth movement. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21(1):1-7.
  14. Chaaban M Alsulaiman AA, Kantarci A, Stashenko P, Will L, Motro M. Longitudinal Changes of The Dental Arch Width and Symmetry in Identical and Fraternal Twins. Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop. 2022; Sep 19:S0889-5406(22)00468-1.
  15. Marcks K, Zhao Y, Motro M, Will LA. Cephalometric variability among siblings. The Turkish Journal of Orthodontics. Accepted for publication, 2022.
  16. Hersberger-Zurfluh M, Papageorgiou S, Motro M, Kantarci A, Will LA, Eliades T. Heritability of facial soft tissue growth in mono- and dizygotic twins at 12 and 17 years of age: a retrospective cohort study- Orthod Craniofac Res. 2022 Nov;25(4):530-540.
  17. Papageorgiou S, Koletsi D, Patcas R, Jadbinderpal S, Will LA, Coburne M, Eliades T. Knowledge of evidence-based research methodology amongst orthodontic postgraduate residents in four universities: an international survey. Int Orthod 2022; 20(1):100609.
  18. Dodeja T, Alsulaiman AA, Will LA, Motro M. Orthodontic Forces Interrupt Root Formation – Myth or Fact? American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, in revision.
  19. Saade M, Arai K, Motro M, Saade A, Will LA. Maxillary dimensions and arch shape with palatally displaced canines.  Eur J Orthod 2022 accepted for publication.