Professor Shen's orthodontic team publishes third paper in Journal of Aligner Orthodontics

SHANGHAI, July 8, 2026 – Professor Gang Shen, Chief GS R&D Scientist of Smartee Denti-Technology and Chief Orthodontist at Taikang Dental, alongside his orthodontic team, has published a new research article titled "Pathological Mandibular Retrusion: Causality and Orthodontic Intervention."

The publication marks the team's third consecutive paper in the Journal of Aligner Orthodontics (JAO) since 2025. Together with previous publications, the latest study expands on the classification of malocclusions, treatment mechanisms, and the pathogenesis and orthodontic management of pathological mandibular retrusion.

The new paper focuses on the etiology, clinical characteristics, and orthodontic management of pathological mandibular retrusion (MPaR). It describes MPaR as a clinical condition linked to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) status, mandibular morphology, and characteristic occlusal features. The study proposes a framework for patient assessment and discusses orthodontic treatment approaches based on long-term clinical observations.

According to the authors, individuals with skeletal facial convexity and a triangular mandibular shape may be more susceptible to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The article also explores condylar resorption as a potential factor contributing to mandibular retrusion and identifies associated occlusal features that could aid in earlier detection and more comprehensive clinical evaluation.

This research series highlights the team's ongoing work on mandibular repositioning and related clinical topics. Through continued collaboration between Smartee Denti-Technology and Professor Shen's team, research findings are being explored for translation into digital orthodontic technologies and clinical applications, supporting evidence-based clear aligner therapy.