Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Sourabh Dutta maintains an active interest in orthodontic and craniofacial research — including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anatomy, skeletal malocclusion, and growth pattern analysis. This page shares published research and the clinical interests behind it.
Journal publications
Assessment of Changes in Articular Eminence Inclination in Different Skeletal Malocclusions with Various Growth Patterns Using Orthopantomograms
Authors: Dutta S, Bhardwaj M, Yadav S, Singh A, Mahtab S, Gupta S · Journal of Neonatal Surgery, Vol. 14, No. 33S (2025), pp. 31–37 · Published 16 December 2025 · Open access
This study examined the temporomandibular joint's articular eminence — a structure that influences jaw movement and how bite forces are transmitted during chewing — looking at how its shape and angle vary across different skeletal bite patterns and facial growth types. Using orthopantomogram X-rays and manual angle measurements, the research found that the horizontal growth pattern group showed meaningful differences in eminence angle between skeletal classes, while the vertical and average growth pattern groups did not show statistically significant differences. The findings add to the broader understanding of how jaw joint anatomy relates to skeletal bite classification and facial growth pattern — relevant to diagnosing and planning treatment for patients with jaw joint (TMJ) concerns alongside orthodontic needs.
Occlusal Splint Therapy – Myth or Fact? A Case Report
Authors: Bhardwaj M, Khattri S, Dutta S, Ahluwalia R · Journal of Contemporary Orthodontics (official journal of the Indian Orthodontic Society), Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024), pp. 365–369 · Open access
This case report follows a 27-year-old patient with a jaw joint disorder (TMD) whose symptoms included pain in the head, neck and shoulder. He was treated without surgery, using a custom-made occlusal splint — a removable bite appliance — worn alongside simple daily jaw exercises. Over eight months, his headaches and neck pain became less frequent, his shoulder pain settled, he no longer needed regular painkillers, and his mouth opening improved; CBCT scans also showed measurable changes in the spaces within the jaw joint. The case shows how a conservative, non-surgical approach can relieve jaw joint symptoms in suitable patients.
Recent Advancements in Molar Distalization
Heal Talk – A Journal of Clinical Dentistry, Vol. 16, No. 5 (2024), pp. 54–57 · Open access
A review of molar distalization — gently moving the upper back teeth (molars) backwards to create space — as a way to correct Class II bites, where the upper teeth sit too far ahead of the lower ones, while reducing the need to remove healthy teeth. It traces how the appliances have developed, from early designs to modern ones such as the Modified C-Palatal Plate, the Carrière Distalizer, the Beneslider, the SHU-lider and the Frog appliance, including designs anchored on small temporary mini-screws and planned with CAD/CAM technology. Together, these newer appliances give orthodontists more precise control of tooth movement while keeping treatment comfortable — relevant when planning braces for patients who would prefer to avoid extractions.
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3694-5917
ORCID is the international researcher registry that links each researcher to their published work under one unique ID.
What Dr. Dutta's research focuses on
How temporomandibular joint structure relates to skeletal bite classification and facial growth patterns.
How different skeletal bite patterns present radiographically and what that means for treatment planning.
How jaw and facial growth trajectories affect orthodontic diagnosis and timing of treatment.
How occlusal forces and jaw function inform orthodontic case planning.
This research background feeds directly into clinical practice at Smile Align — cases involving jaw joint discomfort, complex skeletal bite patterns, or growth-related concerns in younger patients are approached with this diagnostic depth in mind, not just a standard orthodontic checklist.