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In orthodontics, post-treatment retention phase is crucial for maintaining the obtained clinical results. In cases of crowding, a bonded fixed retainer is often chosen to maintain teeth alignment in the anterior sector of the lower dental arch. A fixed retainer can remain in the mouth for years. Therefore, it is important that it is applied with harmless materials for the level of plaque control. The present study aimed to investigate the salivary concentrations of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacilli, and the Sillness and Loe plaque index, in patients wearing metal wire versus fiberglass orthodontic retainers. Forty post-orthodontic patients were included in the sample: in 20 subjects a metal wire retainer was applied (MR), while in the others a fiberglass retainer was applied (FR). The variables were recorded at baseline (T0), after 1 month (T1), and after 2 months (T2) of follow-up. The percentage of patients with a level of S. mutans and Lactobacilli colonization > 105 increased over time in the FR group (T0 = 0%, T1 = 5%, T2 = 35%), compared with the MR group. PI increased in the FR group (T0 = 0, T1 = 14, T2 = 27), and remained almost the same in the MR group (T0 = 3, T1 = 0, T2 = 2). From the present results it appears that the metal wire retainer is better than the fiberglass retainer for the level of plaque control performed by the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacilli, and other salivary indices in subjects wearing clear aligners (CA) in comparison with multibrackets orthodontic appliances (MB). Materials and methods: A sample of 80 participants (46 males and 34 females) was included in the study: 40 subjects (aged 20.4±1.7 years) were treated with CA, and 40 (aged 21.3±1.7 years) were treated with MB. Plaque index (PI), salivary flow, buffering power of saliva, and salivary levels of S. mutans and Lactobacilli were evaluated prior to start of orthodontic treatment (t0), after 3 months (t1) and 6 months (t2). Results: CA patients maintained PI at level 0 over time, while MB participants experienced a statistically significant increasing trend of PI over time. In addition, at t2, 37.5% of MB participants (15 subjects over 40) showed risky salivary levels (CFU/ml>105) of S. mutans (odds ratio = 7.40; 95% C.I. = 1.94–28.25; chi-square = 10.32; p = 0.001) as well as Lactobacilli (odds ratio = 23.40; 95% C.I. = 2.91–188.36; chi-square = 15.31; p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Comparing all the data, subjects treated with CA achieved lower salivary microbial colonization after 6 months of treatment compared with MB. Different additional strategies for plaque control and salivary microbial colonization must be triggered considering the type of orthodontic appliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This is a 6-month observational case-control study that aims to estimate plaque index (PI), salivary flow, buffering capacity of saliva, and specific Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus rates in a mouth breathing late adolescents sample, after a professional oral hygiene procedure and home oral hygiene instructions. Subjects and Methods. A sample of 20 mouth breathing late adolescents/young adults (average: 19.2±2.5; range: 18–23 years) and a matched control group of nose breathing subjects (average: 18.3±3.2; range 18–23 years) were included in the study. All the participants were subjected to a professional oral hygiene procedure and appropriate home oral hygiene instructions (t0). After three months (t1) and six months (t2), the PI, salivary flow, buffering capacity of saliva, and S. mutans and Lactobacilli rates were recorded. Results. The mean buffering capacity of saliva and the salivary flow rate showed no significant difference between the two groups, all over the observational period. For PI, a significantly higher mode (score 1 of PI) was observed in the study group at t1 (score 0 = 35% of subjects; score 1 = 60%; score 2 = 5%) and t2 (score 1 = 65% of subjects, score 2 = 35%), with respect to control group. Furthermore, mouth breathing subjects show a significant 4 times higher risk to develop S. mutans CFU > 105 (CI lower limit: 0.95; CI upper limit: 9.48; chi-square: 4.28; p=0.03), with respect to the control subjects. Conclusions. Mouth breathing late adolescents show a significantly higher risk to develop S. mutans CFU > 105 and an increased level of PI. Interceptive orthodontic treatments in growing subjects, like palatal expansion, are encouraged to improve the nasal air flow. In older subjects, orthodontic treatments should be performed with removable appliances like clear aligners, in order to allow a better oral hygiene level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with the emerging needs of the dental patients, numerous techniques for oral tissue stimulation and regeneration were developed to be employed in the modern implant rehabilitation therapies. The Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) are a relatively new therapeutic presidium that can be used for this purpose, enhancing the regenerative potential property of blood cells. Although literature presents numerous studies evaluating the CGF for their clinical uses and efficacy, data regarding their biological characteristics are very few. The present study evaluates and describes the CGF structural morphology by means of classical histological methods, using haematoxilin-eosin and azan mallory stains. A three layers organization with a fibrin complex network was noted, with blood corpuscular elements entrapped, especially in the most external layer. These descriptions enrich the knowledge about this new type of membrane, showing the bio-morphological side of the regenerative techniques. These findings will be useful in clinical practice for the choice of the most suitable technique in each implant rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of 3D-TMT, previously used only for dynamic testing, in a static cephalometric evaluation. Material and Method. A group of 40 patients (20 males and 20 females; mean age 14.2 ± 1.2 years; 12-18 years old) was included in the study. The measurements obtained by the 3D-TMT cephalometric analysis with a conventional frontal cephalometric analysis were compared for each subject. Nine passive markers reflectors were positioned on the face skin for the detection of the profile of the patient. Through the acquisition of these points, corresponding plans for three-dimensional posterioranterior cephalometric analysis were found. Results. The cephalometric results carried out with 3D-TMT and with traditional posterior-anterior cephalometric analysis showed the 3D-TMT system values are slightly higher than the values measured on radiographs but statistically significant; nevertheless their correlation is very high. Conclusion. The recorded values obtained using the 3D-TMT analysis were correlated to cephalometric analysis, with small but statistically significant differences. The Dahlberg errors resulted to be always lower than the mean difference between the 2D and 3D measurements. A clinician should use, during the clinical monitoring of a patient, always the same method, to avoid comparing different millimeter magnitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of NeoHeal during laser-assisted oral surgery. Background data: Laser-assisted surgery is a less invasive technique than conventional surgery using a blade; however, the heat produced by the laser can damage tissue proximal to the treated area. We hypothesized the hydrogel NeoHeal could be applied during oral surgery and have similar benefits as those already described for dermatological surgery. Methods: In our randomized controlled trial, we first selected 30 patients who were to undergo laser surgical intervention using a diode laser. Both at the end of intervention and at follow-up, each patient filled out a questionnaire comprising two questions. The answers to the questions were statistically analyzed with regard to frequency of each response, and validated by the Wilcoxon test with a p value <0.05 being considered significant. Results: The use of NeoHeal significantly reduced the pain experienced by patients both during the intervention and at the 7-day follow-up. NeoHeal clearly reduces surgery-related pain experienced by patients. Conclusions: The results show positive feedback from the patients, demonstrating how the hydrogel pads are necessary, useful, and effective as a cooling aid in laser-assisted dental surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the periodontal effects during rapid palatal expansion (RPE) or slow palatal expansion (SPE) and to compare them by means of some clinical indices, in order to establish the possible differences and advantages of one of these treatments in periodontal terms. Methods: 10 patients (aged 6 to 7 years; average age 6.3 years) were submitted to RPE treatment and other 10 patients (aged 6 to 8 years, average age 6.3 years) to SPE treatment. They were treated with the Haas expander. The selected clinical indices (plaque index, PI; papillary bleeding index, PBI; probing pocket depth, PPD) were collected three times during the treatment (t0, detected 7 days after the periodontal prophylaxis, at the beginning of the active orthodontic therapy; t1, detected during the active therapy; t2, detected after retention). All measurements were performed by the same examiner. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee. Results: The effects of the prophylaxis were excellent to control inflammation and dental plaque before the beginning of the orthodontic-orthopaedic treatment, as in both the two groups, the PI and the PBI values were equal to 0. In the group receiving slow expansion, the PPD remained unchanged from t0 to t1, while it significantly increased from t0 to t1 in the group of rapid expansion. At t2 the values of the two groups returned to be overlapping. Conclusions: Both rapid and slow expansion treatments present potential irritation effect (increase of PI index and PBI index) on the periodontium, suggested by the significant increase of PI and PBI from t0 to t1 in both the two groups; therefore prophylaxis and periodic controls are very important. There are no long-term benefits that might be referred unequivocally to one of the two treatments in terms of periodontal consequences, as demonstrated by the lack of significant differences between the two groups at t2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the microbial level of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. during an orthodontic treatment, and compare the data with untreated control subjects. Sixty young adult subjects were selected (average 20.5, DS 1.62), among which 40 underwent an orthodontic treatment (20 were treated with self-ligating brackets and 20 with conventional brackets) and 20 were controls. Plaque Index, salivary flow and buffering capacity of saliva were assessed before the beginning of the orthodontic treatment. Then the microbial counts were obtained by using an in-office bacteria test. The plaque index (PI) increased over time in each group as well as salivary flow, mostly in subjects treated with self-ligating brackets, suggesting a difference between conventional and self-ligating brackets. S.mutans showed a different trend of colonization in the two treated groups, as for subjects treated with conventional brackets it showed the greater value at the early stage of treatment (T1), followed by a decrease at T2. Lactobacillus spp. showed significant increase over time in the two treated groups, respect to the control group. Linear regression analysis showed no significant predictor for the microbial count at T2. The assortment of the various species of bacteria change over time during the orthodontic treatment, and seems to show different trends, depending on the type of orthodontic device. Consequently a periodical microbial monitoring using in-office bacteria tests, seems indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Studies on the relationship between occlusal problems and the spine are of increasing interest. In this study, we monitored the sEMG activity of masticatory, neck, and trunk muscles during the treatment of scoliosis in young patients, and compared the data with a control of untreated group. Subjects and methods: Twelve white Caucasian patients (nine males and three females; mean age of 8.0±1.5years) with scoliosis and Class I occlusion (without crowding) were included in this study (study group). Fifteen healthy subjects (nine males and six females; mean age of 9.5±0.8years) were recruited as control group. The subjects were visited before they underwent the treatment of scoliosis, as well as after 3 (T1) and 6months (T2) of their treatment for scoliosis. The patients were instructed to wear the device during sleep and during the day, according to the protocol given by their orthopedic. Results: The treated group showed statistically significant changes in the sEMG activity of masticatory, neck, and trunk muscles, both at rest and during MVC of the mandible with respect to T0. The masseter and the anterior temporalis showed a significant improvement in the asymmetry index from T0 to T2. On the other hand, subjects in the control group did not register much change. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the use of a functional device for the treatment of scoliosis induces a significant reduction in the asymmetry index of the trunk muscles, as well as a significant increase in the contractility of masticatory muscles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to investigate the histological features of deproteinized equine bone mineral (DEBM) and anorganic bovine bone (ABB) after human sinus augmentation with the lateral approach. Twenty-three sinus augmentations were performed in 16 patients (male: 10/female: 6) using DEBM or ABB in a randomized fashion. Healing took place over the next 6 months. Bone core biopsies (N = 23) were obtained for each subject prior to placing the dental implants. The biopsies were processed for both histological descriptions and histomorphometric analysis. Statistical analyses were applied as appropriate, defining statistical significance as p < 0.05. Core bone biopsies revealed no differences in terms of newly formed bone between groups, or differences in terms of tissue inflammation. Both DEBM and ABB appear to be suitable biomaterials for bone augmentation in sinus lift surgery in the short term. However, dedicated studies are required to confirm these results and their stability in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling for implant site preparation generates heat, which can cause bone necrosis if temperatures exceed 47 °C for over a minute. Factors influencing heat include drill size, speed, pressure, irrigation, and tool wear. Frequent drill replacement is essential, as wear from repeated use and sterilization affects performance. This study compared three pilot drills with similar designs from different manufacturers, testing each on pig ribs for 15 perforations after 15 sterilization cycles. Researchers measured temperature increase, drilling time, and surface wear. Results showed that drill no. 1 generated more heat than drills no. 2 and no. 3, though none reached critical temperatures. Drill no. 2 took the longest to reach the desired depth and displayed the most deformation. Findings highlight the importance of adhering to the recommended operational limits, suggesting that drills should be replaced after 15 cycles to ensure efficacy and patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the publication of this article [1], there is an error in the Family Name and Given Name of the authors since these were interchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess by surface electromyography (sEMG) the changes in sub-mental, orbicularis oris, and masticatory muscle activity after a lingual frenulectomy. Rehabilitation exercises in subjects with ankyloglossia, characterized by Class I malocclusion, were assessed as well. A total of 24 subjects were selected. Thirteen subjects (mean age 7 ± 2.5 years) with Class I malocclusion and ankyloglossia were treated with lingual frenulectomy and rehabilitation exercises, while 11 subjects (mean age 7 ± 0.8 years) with normal occlusion and normal lingual frenulum were used as controls. The inclusion criteria for both groups were the presence of mixed dentition and no previous orthodontic treatment. The sEMG recordings were taken at the time of the first visit (T0), and after 1 (T1) and 6 months (T2) for the treated group. Recordings were taken at the same time for the control group. Due to the noise inherent with the sEMG recording, special attention was paid to obtain reproducible and standardized recordings. The tested muscles were the masseter, anterior temporalis, upper and lower orbicularis oris, and sub-mental muscles. The sEMG recordings were performed at rest, while kissing, swallowing, opening the mouth, clenching the teeth and during protrusion of the mandible. These recordings were made by placing electrodes in the area of muscle contraction. At T0, the treated group showed different sEMG activity of the muscles with respect to the control group, with significant differences at rest and during some test tasks ( p < 0.05). In the treated group, an increase in sEMG potentials was observed for the masseter muscle, from T0 to T2, during maximal voluntary clenching. During swallowing and kissing, the masseter and sub-mental muscles showed a significant increase in their sEMG potentials from T0 to T2. During the protrusion of the mandible, the masseter and anterior temporalis significantly decreased their sEMG activity, while the sub-mental area increased significantly. No significant change was observed in the control group during the follow-up. The sEMG potentials of treated patients at T2 reached about the same values as those of the control group at T2. At T0 and T1 the differences between the two groups were more diffused, suggesting a clinical improvement of muscular functions after treatment. Lingual frenulectomy and rehabilitation exercises seem to affect the function of the orofacial muscles. Improvement in muscle sEMG potentials after treatment was demonstrated by sEMG, which can be considered the correct method to monitor this intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of skin disorders with skin fragility characterized by blistering from minimal mechanical trauma with rupture at the dermoepidermal junction. There are four major classical heritable EB types, due to mutations in as many as 20 distinct genes: EB simplex (EBS), junctional EB (JEB), dystrophic EB (DEB), and Kindler EB (KEB). This study is aimed at reporting case series on patients (N = 8 ; males, n = 5 and females, n = 3 , age range 12-68 years) affected by EB and performs a review of the literature on this topic. This group of disorders can affect oral soft and hard tissues in various ways, resulting in various effects including enamel hypoplasia, dental caries, microstomia, ankyloglossia, oral blistering, and ulcerations early-onset periodontal disease. From the sample results, it can be concluded that the clinical manifestation of EB patients is highly variable and very different in prognosis. Oral health deeply influences the quality of life of EB patients. Dental management is essential to prevent the aggravation of soft tissue damage and tooth loss and to improve the quality of life through prosthetic and restorative therapies. Dentists should consider the oral alterations of EB subtypes to perform a personalized approach to the patients' needs in a preventive and therapeutic point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this case report was to describe the surgical-orthodontic treatment of an unerupted mandibular canine tooth in a 9-year-old girl.Case Presentation: A 9-year-old white girl presented with an unerupted right mandibular canine tooth. Combined surgical-orthodontic treatment was performed to correct dental impaction and to achieve good aesthetic and functional results.Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment achieved all of the required objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the leakage observed for 2 different microbial species at the level of the implant-abutment (I-A) interface, and the marginal fit and size of microgap at the I-A interface in 2 different implant connections. Methods: Ten specimens of each group were tested. The inner parts of 5 implants per group were inoculated with 0.1 μL of a viable Enterococcus faecalis suspension and 5 implants per group with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. All of the vials containing the control specimens were incubated at 37℃ under aerobic condition for E. faecalis and 37℃ in presence of 5% CO2 for A. actinomycetemcomitans. They were maintained for 14 days, and the possible penetration of bacterial suspension into the surrounding solution was determined by the observation of turbidity of the broth. The I-A interface was evaluated for size of microgap and measured under SEM. Five implants of each group were evaluated. The marginal fit between implant and abutment was measured at 8 random locations in each assembly, under different magnifications at the interface. Results: No leakages through the I-A interface were demonstrated for either type of connection evaluated. The microgap values of all I-A interfaces ranged from 0.008 to 2.009 µm; the differences between the 2 systems were statistically significant. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that a good marginal fit of implant components seemed to be able to prevent bacterial leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that include obesity, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Recently, more attention has been reserved to the correlation between periodontitis and systemic health. MetS is characterized by oxidative stress, a condition in which the equilibrium between the production and the inactivation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) becomes disrupted. ROS have an essential role in a variety of physiological systems, but under a condition of oxidative stress, they contribute to cellular dysfunction and damage. Oxidative stress may act as a common link to explain the relationship between each component of MetS and periodontitis. All those conditions show increased serum levels of products derived from oxidative damage, promoting a proinflammatory state. Moreover, adipocytokines, produced by the fat cells of fat tissue, might modulate the balance between oxidant and antioxidant activities. An increased caloric intake involves a higher metabolic activity, which results in an increased production of ROS, inducing insulin resistance. At the same time, obese patients require more insulin to maintain blood glucose homeostasis - a state known as hyperinsulinemia, a condition that can evolve into type 2 diabetes. Oxidation products can increase neutrophil adhesion and chemotaxis, thus favoring oxidative damage. Hyperglycemia and an oxidizing state promote the genesis of advanced glycation end-products, which could also be implicated in the degeneration and damage of periodontal tissue. Thus, MetS, the whole of interconnected factors, presents systemic and local manifestations, such as cardiovascular disease and periodontitis, related by a common factor known as oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invisible orthodontic aligners (IOAs) have been introduced in the orthodontic field as an innovative alternative for fixed brackets, in relation to their ability to be easily inserted/removed from the oral cavity without affecting the chewing ability and the aesthetic of the patients. The paper provides a complete physicochemical and mechanical characterization of thermoplastic materials in the form of disks used for commercial IOAs. A wide palette of specific techniques is considered, from tensile tests and dynamic-mechanical analysis, to X-Ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) analyses and water absorption tests. The disks are investigated before and after immersion into staining beverages (red wine, coffee, nicotine and artificial saliva), in terms of colour variations, transparency, and microscopic surface modifications by means of colorimetry, UV-VIS absorbance and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among all the samples, polyurethane (PU) exhibited the highest crystallinity and the highest values of mechanical and thermal resistance, while the poly(ethylene terephthalate)-glycol (PETG) samples presented better transparency and less ability to absorb water. Moreover, red wine and coffee give noticeable colour variations after 14 days of immersion, together with a slight reduction of transparency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The retrieval of unerupted teeth in pedodontics is always significant to preserve the trophism of adjacent tissues, establish the correct space, provide adequate function and maintain good esthetics for the patient. The treatment plan is based on radiographic examinations and measurements, and on an accurate clinical evaluation; it aims to achieve the best treatment possible depending on the complexity of the specific case.In the most difficult clinical cases it is very important to have an early diagnosis, which is essential to plan the treatment and achieve success. In these cases, the pediatrician is in a strategic position to give an early diagnosis through a child's medical history and by counting the child's teeth.Case Presentation: This article presents two different difficult clinical cases of impacted teeth diagnosed during pediatric age, with a radiological analysis, and successfully treated with orthodontic devices designed for these specific cases. Clinical case 1 describes a 13-year-old Italian girl; clinical case 2 describes a 9-year-old Italian girl. The use of these devices achieved the desired treatment goals. The problems associated with impacted teeth and the biomechanical interventions used for these patients are discussed.Conclusions: An early and careful diagnosis followed by an accurate treatment plan for the individual cases can lead to retrieval of the impacted teeth without affecting other anatomic structures and adjacent teeth. In these cases, the pediatrician is in a strategic position to give an early diagnosis through a child's medical history and by counting the child's teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]