Case reports and their contribution to evidence-based orthodontics

The clinical case report represents a means of dissemination which is prepared in a simple way and allows us to describe detailed information about the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment alternatives for patients with rare findings in the clinical practice that have not been published and that mention the monitoring and evolution of the treatment or the adverse effects that may arise. This kind of papers represents a fundamental element for the update on: the use of dental materials, treatment philosophies and to learn about the application of scientific and technological developments that can be used in patients who receive orthodontic treatment.

When performing a search using the terms «case report in orthodontics» in the last 40 years there are 8,329 clinical case reports in orthodontics. The analysis of the information found in the clinical case reports, clinical practice guidelines or «Guidelines», as they are named in English, published in indexed or high impact journals reveals a reference to evidence-based dentistry. This information allows us to formulate clinical questions in a systematic way to propose or contradict scientific hypothesis and/or design studies that have as their purpose to carry out clinical, epidemiological, experimental, or multidisciplinary research in orthodontics.

The Revista Mexicana de Ortodoncia of the Faculty of Dentistry had the purpose of devoting this number exclusively to the publication of clinical case reports. This type of studies required for its proper developing a search on a variety of sources of information, the analysis and critical discussion of the published literature, a drafting structure according to research methodology and to the specific guidelines set by the Editorial Committee. The published information may contribute to clinical evidence that might help teaching processes at an undergraduate and graduate level to favor decision-making for students, academics and orthodontic specialists.