Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Quantification of Optic Nerve Cross Sectional Area on MRI: A Novel Protocol using Fiji Software
Published on: September 4, 2021
The Two by Four appliance: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
V Quinzi1, R Ferro2, F A Rizzo1
1Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, Postgraduate School of Orthodontics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
The 2x4 appliance is widely used by orthodontists (93.94%) and about half of general dentists (51.49%). Treatment duration varied, with general dentists often using it for over six months, while orthodontists
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Dental Technology
- Clinical Dentistry
- Dental Practice Management
Background:
- The 2x4 appliance is a common orthodontic tool.
- Understanding its usage patterns among Italian dental professionals is crucial for assessing current clinical practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of the 2x4 appliance's use among Italian general dentists and orthodontists.
- To identify the treatment applications and duration of use for the 2x4 appliance in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 2016 to January 2017.
- An 8-question online survey was distributed to Italian dentists and orthodontists affiliated with the Italian Society of Paediatric Dentistry (SIOI).
- The survey included 200 participants (101 general dentists, 99 orthodontists).
Main Results:
- 93.94% of orthodontists and 51.49% of general dentists reported knowledge and use of the 2x4 appliance (p<0.001).
- Both groups primarily used the appliance for space management and correcting incorrect overjet, often combined with pre-adjusted brackets and accessories.
- Treatment duration showed significant differences: 67.21% of general dentists used it for >6 months, while orthodontists were split (49.46% <6 months, 50.54% >6 months) (p=0.041).
Conclusions:
- The 2x4 appliance is highly prevalent among orthodontists and moderately used by general dentists in Italy.
- Usage patterns and treatment durations differ between general dentists and orthodontists.
- Findings highlight the established role of the 2x4 appliance in contemporary orthodontic and general dental practices.
More Related Videos
08:31Horizontal Whole Mount: A Novel Processing and Imaging Protocol for Thick, Three-dimensional Tissue Cross-sections of Skin
Published on: August 2, 2017
10:55Procedure for the Development of Multi-depth Circular Cross-sectional Endothelialized Microchannels-on-a-chip
Published on: October 21, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Cross-Sectional Research
Surveys
Finding Volume Using Cross-Sectional Area
Profile Leveling and Cross Sections
Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...
Introduction to Surveying, Plane Surveying and Geodetic Surveys