Evaluating the impact of attachment designs on canine derotation in clear aligner therapy: a finite element analysis Preeti Kulkarni, Puneet Batra, Nikhillesh Vaiid Progress in Orthodontics, 2026 BACKGROUND: Successful canine derotation in Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT) relies on strategic attachment design, influencing force direction and root control. This study employs Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to compare the biomechanical efficacy of three attachment designs, aiming to optimize treatment strategies for canine derotation. METHODOLOGY: A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxillary arch was developed to simulate the rotational movement of maxillary canine in CAT. Three attachment groups used for evaluation were- VL: Vertical-angulated labial attachments only, VLP: Vertical-angulated labial and palatal attachments, VLPPP: Vertical-angulated labial attachments with palatal pressure points. Incremental rotational force of 10, 20, 30, 40 degrees was applied across all three groups. Tooth displacement, attachment deformation, periodontal ligament (PDL) stress and alveolar bone stress were analyzed and compared using ANSYS simulation software. RESULTS: VLPPP showed the highest tooth displacement pattern of 0.017 mm with incremental rotational force application but also exhibited highest stress concentration at PDL and alveolar bone level of 516.10 Mpa. VL showed the least tooth movement of 0.012 mm and lowest stress levels of 374.33 Mpa. CONCLUSION: VLPPP generated the highest force output, but also induced the greatest biological stress. In contrast, VLP with dual surface attachments effectively facilitated tooth movement while minimizing biological stress. Multi-surface force application enhances biomechanical control in clear aligner canine derotation.
Artificial intelligence in digital smile design: a review of technological innovations and clinical integration Ashish Kumar Singh, Dhruv Ahuja, Susmita Mallick, Nidhin Philip Jose, Isha Bhardwaj, Puneet Batra, Anju Rana Discover Artificial Intelligence, 2026 This narrative review aims to evaluate the current landscape of Digital Smile Design (DSD) software platforms, with a focus on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance clinical workflows. DSD is increasingly used in interdisciplinary dentistry to plan and simulate esthetic treatments, and AI has the potential to improve precision, efficiency, and patient engagement. The purpose was to analyze how AI-enabled DSD systems may influence treatment predictability, efficiency, and patient outcomes in digital dentistry. Literature was identified from PubMed Central, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science over the past 15 years, focusing on peer-reviewed studies describing the progression of DSD from basic 2D visualization tools to advanced AI-assisted 3D platforms. A total of 12 software platforms and 6 peer-reviewed studies reporting AI integration in DSD were analyzed. The review highlights how such systems enable more precise smile simulations, semi-automated treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration across orthodontics, prosthodontics, and implantology. Reported outcomes indicate reduced design time, improved interdisciplinary communication, and enhanced patient engagement. However, the limited number and heterogeneity of available studies constrain definitive conclusions. Thus, AI integration shows potential benefits, but further controlled studies are required before definitive clinical recommendations can be made. This review identifies current applications, limitations, and future research needs for integrating AI technologies into patient-centered digital dentistry.
Effect of Thickness and Trim Lines on the Magnitude and Distribution of Transverse Forces Exerted by Thermoformed Plastic Aligners During Maxillary Arch Expansion Juan Pablo Gómez, Camila Cuervo, C. A. Álvarez, Sebastian Durango, Puneet Batra, Sana Bint Aziz Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research, 2026 Objective The study evaluates the impact of thickness and trimming geometry on the magnitude and distribution of transverse forces applied by thermoformed plastic aligners during maxillary arch expansion. Methods A randomised experiment evaluated 60 aligners fabricated from PET‐G in two distinct thicknesses (0.03 and 0.040 in.) and three different trimming geometries (G1—scalloped margins, G2—straight margins with 5 mm width and G3–straight margins with 10 mm extension). Transverse forces in the canine (C), first premolar (FP), second premolar (SP), first molar (FM), second molar (SM) and third molar (TM) were measured in newtons (N). Three measurement repetitions (original data plus two replicates) were implemented to generate sufficient degrees of freedom for the sum of squares of the error. Results The maximum transverse force in the canine region was exerted by the PET‐G aligner with a thickness of 0.040 in., with no significant difference observed between the G2 and G3 straight trim lines. However, the G1 scalloped trim line exerted significantly lower transverse forces. The G3 geometry with a 0.040‐in. Polymer thickness consistently generated the highest forces in the premolar and molar regions. The average transverse forces decreased in an antero‐posterior direction, with the highest force observed in the canine region and the least in the molar region. Conclusions The thickness and trimming pattern of orthodontic aligners significantly influence force delivery during transverse expansion. Transverse forces during expansion with aligners progressively reduce from the anterior to the posterior region.
Impact of a research methodology course emphasizing critical appraisal skills on dental students' clinical decision-making self-efficacy: a single-arm educational intervention Dhruv Ahuja, Areeba Parvez, Puneet Batra, Nidhin Philip Jose, Shravan Shetty, Gauri Kalra BMC Medical Education, 2026 Undergraduate dental education in India emphasizes procedural competence, with limited structured exposure to research methodology and evidence appraisal. Research-oriented learning develops analytical reasoning, critical appraisal, and evidence interpretation skills that parallel core clinical reasoning processes and may strengthen students’ confidence in applying research evidence to patient care. The goals of this project were to implement a structured research methodology course emphasizing the critical appraisal process central to evidence-based practice (EBP), and assess its impact on clinical decision-making self-efficacy among undergraduate dental students. A prospective, single-center, single-arm quasi-experimental pre–post educational intervention study was conducted over 12 weeks among 250 undergraduate dental students. The research methodology course that comprised the education intervention was grounded in the principles of constructivism and competency-based education, incorporating blended learning, mentorship, and applied clinical scenarios. Clinical decision-making self-efficacy and research awareness were assessed using a validated 14-item questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included non-parametric pre–post comparisons, effect size estimation, subgroup analyses, and correlation testing. Ethical approval was obtained (MRDC/IEC/2025/58), and the study adhered to appropriate reporting guidelines for educational intervention research. Clinical decision-making self-efficacy scores increased significantly from baseline to post-intervention (21.3 ± 3.8 to 28.9 ± 3.6; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.05). Research awareness scores also improved significantly (19.1 ± 4.2 to 27.4 ± 3.9; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.12). Improvements were observed across all academic years, with greater gains among senior students. Post-intervention feedback indicated high satisfaction and perceived clinical relevance. Implementation of a structured research methodology course emphasizing critical appraisal of evidence via active learning strategies was associated with improved clinical decision-making self-efficacy among dental students, supporting the integration of research training into undergraduate dental education.
A Comparative Evaluation of Maxillo–Mandibular Relation in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients in Mixed Dentition Treated With or Without Presurgical Infant Orthopaedics: A Three Dimensional Comparative Evaluation Christeena Joseph, Puneet Batra, Ashish Kumar Singh, Dhruv Ahuja Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research, 2026 Objective To evaluate the effects of Presurgical Infant Orthopaedics (PSIO) using Nasoalveolar Moulding (NAM) on the maxillomandibular complex in growing children with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (UCLP) during the mixed dentition phase. Methodology This retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)‐based study included 40 patients (aged 7–11 years), divided into two groups ( n = 20 each): Group 1—UCLP who underwent PSIO using Modified Grayson's NAM technique; and Group 2—UCLP patients who did not receive PSIO. Maxillomandibular craniofacial structures along with the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) were evaluated in transverse, sagittal, and vertical planes using linear and angular parameters. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and intergroup comparisons were performed using one‐way ANOVA. Post hoc analysis (Bonferroni correction) was conducted for pairwise comparisons to identify specific group differences. Results The PSIO group exhibited significantly greater dimensions in Greater Palatine Foramen ( p < 0.001), nasal cavity lateral wall ( p < 0.001), and Intra Orbital Foramen (IOF) axial measurements ( p = 0.002) compared to the no‐PSIO group. Mandibular transverse widths were significantly narrower in the PSIO group ( p < 0.001). Ramal height was significantly higher on both cleft and non‐cleft sides in the PSIO group ( p = 0.001 for both). No significant differences were noted in IOF sagittal dimension ( p = 0.189), palatal plane sagittal length ( p = 0.061), palatal height ( p = 0.789), mandibular length ( p = 0.714), TMJ parameters ( p > 0.2), or ANB angle ( p = 0.712). Conclusion In growing children with UCLP, PSIO using the Modified Grayson's NAM technique was associated with craniofacial development by influencing vertical, transverse, and sagittal dimensions. These early findings highlight the need for long‐term studies to further evaluate developmental outcomes over time.
The First Hybrid International Educational Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop Rami S. Kantar, Elçin Esenlik, Omar S. Al Abyad, Antonio Melhem, Robert A. Younan, Mario Haddad, Kristen Keith, Serena Kassam, Beyhan Annan, Charanya Vijayakumar, Arnaud Picard, Bonnie L. Padwa, Brian Sommerlad, Cassio Eduardo Raposo-Amaral, Christopher R. Forrest, David A. Gillett, Derek M. Steinbacher, Christopher M. Runyan, Daniela Y. S. Tanikawa, David K. Chong, David M. Fisher, Hans Mark, Halil Ibrahim Canter, Joseph E. Losee, Krishna G. Patel, Larry D. Hartzell, Adam B. Johnson, Marcus Vinícius Martins Collares, Nivaldo Alonso, Philip Kuo-Ting Chen, Raymond Tse, Robert J. Mann, Jose Rolando Prada-Madrid, Shinji Kobayashi, Syed Altaf Hussain, Ann Kummer, Debbie A. Sell, Valerie J. Pereira, Kelly Mabry, Courtney K. Gonsoulin, Martin Persson, Gareth Davies, Navil F. Sethna, Jennifer C. Munoz-Pareja, Anne Marie Kuijpers-Jagtman, Barry H. Grayson, Bruno Grollemund, Daniela G. Garib, Maria Costanza Meazzini, Om P. Kharbanda, Pedro E. Santiago, Prasad Nalabothu, Puneet Batra, Erin Stieber, Dushyant Prasad, Hugh Brewster, Ruben Ayala, Elif Erbay, M. Okan Akcam, J. Peter W. Don Griot, Raj M. Vyas, Roberto L Flores, Corstiaan C. Breugem, Usama S. Hamdan Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 2023
Secondary bone grafting in cleft lip and palate with eruption of tooth into the graft: a case report. Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 2004
Orthodontic treatment of a case of Aarskog syndrome. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 2003
Dentofacial characteristics in Apert syndrome: a case report. Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 2002
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Evaluation of presurgical infant orthopedics by the rhinoplasty appliance system with intraoral alveolar molding appliance in infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate: A … M Mejia, P Batra, M Dominguez, M del Rosario Montoya, D Ahuja, ... International Orthodontics 24 (2), 101141 , 2026 2026
Assessment of pre-treatment diagnostic characteristics in patients with borderline bimaxillary protrusion: A pilot comparison of bi-jaw distalization versus premolar extraction R Gautam, D Ahuja, S Shetty, MV Ashith, P Batra, G Chandhini, A Khera, ... International Orthodontics 24 (2), 101134 , 2026 2026
Assessing the effectiveness of smart retainers for orthodontic retention: A systematic review and meta-analysis AK Singh, D Ahuja, P Batra, Y Chaudhary, S Shekhar International Orthodontics 24 (2), 101093 , 2026 2026
Influence of varying oral pH conditions on the material stability of thermoplastic orthodontic aligners: an in vitro study D Ahuja, B Negi, A Goyal, P Batra, A Mv, KR Anand, K Gupta, BP Singh, ... BMC Oral Health , 2026 2026
Cleft Care India Study: A National Audit on Patients with Non-Syndromic Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients. Part 1: Background, Skeletal, Dental Arch, and Nasolabial Outcomes P Batra, D Sybil, K Bonanthaya, SK Singh, S Gosla Reddy, P Batra, S Das, ... The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 10556656261444509 , 2026 2026
Evaluation of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) in adolescent patients with class II malocclusion undergoing treatment with rigid and hybrid fixed … S Taneja, P Batra, A Talwar, A Singla, M Srivastava Clinical Oral Investigations 30 (5), 176 , 2026 2026
Optimizing maxillary anterior teeth intrusion in clear aligner therapy: A finite element analysis of attachment efficacy C Shah, P Batra, N Vaiid Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research , 2026 2026
Impact of a research methodology course emphasizing critical appraisal skills on dental students’ clinical decision-making self-efficacy: a single-arm educational intervention D Ahuja, A Parvez, P Batra, NP Jose, S Shetty, G Kalra BMC Medical Education , 2026 2026
Top tips for the management of patients with cleft lip and palate in the primary care dental practice: Top tips for the management of patients with cleft lip and palate in the … N Mohelay, P Batra, C Seeballuck, M Dominguez, P Mossey British Dental Journal 240 (7), 448-451 , 2026 2026
Cleft Care India Study: A National Audit on Patients with Non-Syndromic Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Surgical Procedures and Outcomes P Batra, D Sybil, K Bonanthaya, SK Singh, SG Reddy, P Batra, S Das, ... The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 10556656261436188 , 2026 2026
Evaluating the impact of attachment designs on canine derotation in clear aligner therapy: a finite element analysis P Kulkarni, P Batra, N Vaiid Progress in Orthodontics 27 (1), 15 , 2026 2026
An Overview of Cleft Orthodontic Care in Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study I Isiekwe, P Batra The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 10556656261438274 , 2026 2026
A Comparative Evaluation of Maxillo–Mandibular Relation in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients in Mixed Dentition Treated With or Without Presurgical Infant Orthopaedics … C Joseph, P Batra, AK Singh, D Ahuja Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research 29 (2), 258-268 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Effect of Single-Stage Posterior Vomerine Ostectomy/Premaxillary Setback on Facial Growth in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Protuberant Premaxilla US Hamdan, L Ridgell, JA Garcia-Garcia, D Ahuja, KM Smith, L Roman, ... The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 10556656261436222 , 2026 2026
Impact of three types of presurgical infant orthopedics on nasolabial appearance in unilateral cleft lip and palate: a 4-year follow-up study P Batra, A Kubavat, AM Kuijpers-Jagtman, BF Gribel, D Ahuja The Angle Orthodontist 1 (aop) , 2026 2026
What Are the Challenges Facing Comprehensive Cleft Care in Africa? A Qualitative Study Involving Cleft Care Providers Across Africa IG Isiekwe, P Batra The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 10556656261428993 , 2026 2026
Long-term comparison in patients treated with clear aligners and conventional fixed appliances–Perception of pain and mucosal lesions: A prospective observational study G Arora, P Batra Indian Journal of Dental Research 37 (Suppl 1), S26 , 2026 2026
Diode laser versus conventional circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy in preventing orthodontic relapse: A randomized controlled trial A Malhotra, S Kharb, P Batra, N Arora, AK Singh Indian Journal of Dental Research 37 (Suppl 1), S32-S33 , 2026 2026
Early presurgical infant orthopedics with rhinoplasty appliance (RAS) in a 21-day-old infant with left unilateral cleft Lip: A case report with 6-month follow-up SS Athawale, P Batra, AK Singh, G Arora Indian Journal of Dental Research 37 (Suppl 1), S25-S26 , 2026 2026
Eco-friendly dentistry: Integrating sustainable practices into modern oral healthcare T Miglani, P Batra, AK Singh, A Talwar Indian Journal of Dental Research 37 (Suppl 1), S24-S25 , 2026 2026
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Non‐syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait P Batra, R Duggal, H Parkash Journal of oral pathology & medicine 34 (10), 621-625 , 2005 2005 Citations: 183
A retrospective evaluation of the eruption of impacted permanent incisors after extraction of supernumerary teeth L Leyland, P Batra, F Wong, R Llewelyn Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 30 (3), 225-232 , 2006 2006 Citations: 157
Analysis of dental arch relationships in Swedish unilateral cleft lip and palate subjects: 20-year longitudinal consecutive series treated with delayed hard palate closure J Lilja, M Mars, A Elander, L Enocson, C Hagberg, E Worrell, P Batra, ... The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal 43 (5), 606-611 , 2006 2006 Citations: 145
Comparison of rate of tooth movement and pain perception during accelerated tooth movement associated with conventional fixed appliances with micro-osteoperforations–a … S Attri, R Mittal, P Batra, S Sonar, K Sharma, S Raghavan, KS Rai Journal of orthodontics 45 (4), 225-233 , 2018 2018 Citations: 110
Orthodontic treatment of impacted anterior teeth due to odontomas: a report of two cases P Batra, R Duggal, OP Kharbanda, H Parkash Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 28 (4), 289-294 , 2004 2004 Citations: 83
Complete unilateral cleft lip and palate: validity of the five-year index and the Goslon yardstick in predicting long-term dental arch relationships M Mars, P Batra, E Worrell The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal 43 (5), 557-562 , 2006 2006 Citations: 71
OrthoAligner “NAM”: a case series of presurgical infant orthopedics (PSIO) using clear aligners P Batra, BF Gribel, BA Abhinav, A Arora, S Raghavan The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal 57 (5), 646-655 , 2020 2020 Citations: 67
Alkaline phosphatase activity in gingival crevicular fluid during canine retraction P Batra, OP Kharbanda, R Duggal, N Singh, H Parkash Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research 9 (1), 44-51 , 2006 2006 Citations: 65
X-linked hypophosphatemia: dental and histologic findings. P Batra, Z Tejani, M Mars Journal of the Canadian Dental Association 72 (1) , 2006 2006 Citations: 61
Current status of presurgical infant orthopaedic treatment for cleft lip and palate patients: A critical review PP Niranjane, RH Kamble, SP Diagavane, SS Shrivastav, P Batra, ... Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery 47 (03), 293-302 , 2014 2014 Citations: 51
Bilateral dentigerous cyst associated with polymorphism in chromosome 1qh+ P Batra, A Roychoudhury, P Balakrishan, H Parkash Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 28 (2), 177-181 , 2005 2005 Citations: 47
Use of platelet‐rich fibrin membrane as a palatal bandage SP Aravindaksha, P Batra, V Sood, A Kumar, G Gupta Clinical Advances in Periodontics 4 (4), 246-250 , 2014 2014 Citations: 45
Comparative study of presurgical infant orthopedics by modified Grayson method and dynacleft with nasal elevators in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate—a clinical … BA Abhinav, P Batra, S Chander Sood, K Sharma, A Srivastava, ... The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal 58 (2), 189-201 , 2021 2021 Citations: 41
Aesthetic perceptions and psychosocial impact of malocclusion: comparison between cleft and non-cleft patients and their parents S Raghavan, K Philip, P Batra, A Marcusson European journal of orthodontics 41 (1), 38-45 , 2019 2019 Citations: 39
Recalcitrant osteomyelitis following tooth extraction in a case of malignant osteopetrosis P Batra, N Shah International dental journal 54 (6), 418-423 , 2004 2004 Citations: 37
Long term results of mandibular distraction P Batra, FS Ryan, H Witherow, ML Calvert Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry 24 (1), 30-39 , 2006 2006 Citations: 36
A comparative assessment of transfer accuracy of two indirect bonding techniques in patients undergoing fixed mechanotherapy: A randomised clinical trial V Chaudhary, P Batra, K Sharma, S Raghavan, V Gandhi, A Srivastava Journal of Orthodontics 48 (1), 13-23 , 2021 2021 Citations: 34
Focal dermal hypoplasia: oral and dental findings Z Tejani, P Batra, C Mason, D Atherton Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 30 (1), 67-72 , 2006 2006 Citations: 33
Dentofacial characteristics in Apert syndrome: a case report P Batra, R Duggal, H Parkash JOURNAL-INDIAN SOCIETY OF PEDODONTICS AND PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY 20 (3), 118-123 , 2002 2002 Citations: 31
Transmigration of a maxillary canine. A case report FS Ryan, P Batra, H Witherow, M Calvert Primary Dental Care, 70-72 , 2005 2005 Citations: 30
