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Controlling root movement is one of the greatest challenges in orthodontic treatment with aligners, like Invisalign® aligners. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) integration into ClinCheck®, enabling bone and root visualisation, allows a more accurate follow-up of the teeth position. This study aims to compare torque measurements of the upper central incisors with and without CBCT and relate them to the upper incisor inclination and facial biotype. In a sample of 70 teeth, torque measurements were obtained by importing images into AutoCAD® software (version 2024). The angle between the tooth’s long axis with CBCT duplicate and the tooth’s long axis without CBCT was obtained to assess the difference. Statistically significant differences between torque measurements with and without CBCT were found, as well as between these measurements and the inclination of the upper incisors. No statistically significant differences were found among the facial biotypes. The average values of 27.8° ± 3.4° and 21.5° ± 3.2° were obtained for the angle between the axes. Torque without CBCT was lower than torque with CBCT, for the same tooth. The angle between the axes had a similar mean for both teeth. CBCT integration into ClinCheck® allows for a more correct torque measurement.

This systematic review aims to assess the impact of high (>30 Hz) and low (≤30 Hz) frequency vibrations on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Several articles were collected through a systematic search in the databases MEDLINE and SCOPUS, following PRISMA methodology and using a PICO question. Relevant information on selected articles was extracted, and the quality of each study was assessed by the quality assessment tools EPHPP, ROBINS-1 and STAIR. Out of 350 articles, 30 were chosen. Low-frequency vibrations did not seem to accelerate OTM with aligners or fixed appliances, despite some positive outcomes in certain studies. Conversely, high-frequency vibrations were linked to increased aligner change, tooth movement, and space closure with fixed appliances. In vivo studies reported favourable results with high-frequency vibrations (60 Hz to 120 Hz), which stimulate bone biomarkers, facilitating alveolar bone remodelling. The results suggest that high-frequency vibration effectively speeds up orthodontic tooth movement, showing promise in both in vivo and clinical studies. Larger-scale research is needed to strengthen its potential in orthodontics.

Among the adjunctive procedures to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), ultrasound (US) is a nonsurgical form of mechanical stimulus that has been explored as an alternative to the currently available treatments. This study aimed to clarify the role of US in OTM by exploring different stimulation parameters and their effects on the biological responses of cells involved in OTM. Human fetal osteoblasts and periodontal ligament fibroblasts cell lines were stimulated with US at 1.0 and 1.5 MHz central frequencies and power densities of 30 and 60 mW/cm2 in continuous mode for 5 and 10 min. Cellular proliferation, metabolic activity and protein expression were analyzed. The US parameters that significantly improved the metabolic activity were 1.0 MHz at 30 mW/cm2 for 5 min and 1.0 MHz at 60 mW/cm2 for 5 and 10 min for osteoblasts; and 1.0 MHz at 30 mW/cm2 for 5 min and 1.5 MHz at 60 mW/cm2 for 5 and 10 min for fibroblasts. By stimulating with these parameters, the expression of alkaline phosphatase was maintained, while osteoprotegerin synthesis was induced after three days of US stimulation. The US stimulation improved the biological activity of both osteoblasts and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, inducing their osteogenic differentiation.

Numerous pieces of evidence have supported the therapeutic potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) to modulate bone remodeling on mechanically stimulated teeth, proving PBM’s ability to be used as a coadjuvant treatment to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, there are still uncertainty and discourse around the optimal PBM protocols, which hampers its optimal and consolidated clinical applicability. Given the differential expression and metabolic patterns exhibited in the tension and compression sides of orthodontically stressed teeth, it is plausible that different types of irradiation may be applied to each side of the teeth. In this sense, this study aimed to design and implement an optimization protocol to find the most appropriate PBM parameters to stimulate specific bone turnover processes. To this end, three levels of wavelength (655, 810 and 940 nm), two power densities (5 and 10 mW/cm2) and two regimens of single and multiple sessions within three consecutive days were tested. The biological response of osteoblasts and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts was addressed by monitoring the PBM’s impact on the cellular metabolic activity, as well as on key bone remodeling mediators, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANK-L), each day. The results suggest that daily irradiation of 655 nm delivered at 10 mW/cm2, as well as 810 and 940 nm light at 5 mW/cm2, lead to an increase in ALP and OPG, potentiating bone formation. In addition, irradiation of 810 nm at 5 mW/cm2 delivered for two consecutive days and suspended by the third day promotes a downregulation of OPG expression and a slight non-significant increase in RANK-L expression, being suitable to stimulate bone resorption. Future studies in animal models may clarify the impact of PBM on bone formation and resorption mediators for longer periods and address the possibility of testing different stimulation periodicities. The present in vitro study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of specific PBM protocols to promote osteogenic and osteoclastogenesis responses and therefore its potential to stimulate bone formation on the tension side and bone resorption on the compression side of orthodontically stressed teeth.

The Invisalign® system (SmartForce® G8) aims to guarantee aesthetics and provide good orthodontic treatment results. Dentoalveolar expansion is possible with clear aligners and can be used to correct dentoalveolar crossbite, resolve crowding or modify the arch shape. Despite the treatment’s effectiveness, there is still disagreement among professionals concerning its true clinical potential. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and predictability of coronal tooth expansion movement in permanent dentition in patients who had completed the first phase of treatment with Invisalign® orthodontic aligners. Materials and Methods: The tooth movement tables of 75 previously selected cases were analyzed in terms of dental-arch width and expansion efficiency, through the Invisalign® platform, considering the pre-treatment (T0), planned treatment (TP) and post-treatment models (T1) using ClinCheck Pro® 6.0 software. All patients were treated by an orthodontic specialist and Invisalign® Diamond Provider in a private practice (T.P.). Results: Difference between T1 and T0: for each maxillary and mandibular measurement, there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-aligner treatment values. The greatest amount of expansion occurred in both the upper and the lower premolars. Difference between TP and T1: for each maxillary measurement, statistically significant differences were verified for the molar and canine. At the mandibular level, statistically significant differences were only verified in the first molar. Conclusions: The Invisalign® clear aligners are effective for simultaneous intra-arch expansion in both jaws.

Coronal torque is one of the key factors in orthodontic treatment. An adequate torque value has an impact on aesthetics and soft tissue profile. The aim of this quantitative, comparative and observational longitudinal cohort study was to analyze the efficacy of the maxillary central incisor coronal torque in the Invisalign® system and evaluate the relation between coronal torque movement and patient’s facial biotype. In total, 27 patients were selected. The planned movements (TP) were obtained from the Invisalign Doctor Site® using mathematical formulas that consider the T0 measurements. Pre-treatment (T0) and after full use of the first set of aligners (T1) scanners were evaluated using Geomagic® Control X TM by superimposing T0 and T1 models using a transverse plane and the long axis of the tooth crown. IBM® SPSS® software was used for statistical purposes. We found statistically significant differences between T0 and T1 in pro-inclination and retro-inclination, as well as between achieved and planned values in pro-inclination (p = 0.011). We verified that hyperdivergent clinical cases presented higher mean values of coronal torque, and hypodivergent cases presented lower values. In pro-inclination, the differences between the planned and achieved values were greater in hypodivergent cases and smaller in hyperdivergent cases. In retro-inclination, the differences between the planned and achieved values were greater in normodivergent cases and smaller in hypodivergent cases. This study highlights that inefficacy is more accentuated in pro-inclination. Aligners are an effective tool for producing coronal repercussions of torque movement, being more effective in retro-inclination.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen widely used as a synthetic precursor of resin monomers. There is arise need to acquire BPA-free resin-matrix composites to prevent the health effects of BPA. Six composites with distinctive manufacturer specifications were considered to evaluate the degree of release of BPA and bisphenol A-Diglycidyl Methacrylate (Bis-GMA) in a dental composite. The light-cured resin-matrix specimens (n = 5 for each composite type) were incubated at 37 °C in 1 mL of a 75% ethanol–water solution in a sealed amber glass vial for 7 days. The 75% ethanol–water solution was replaced daily and immediately frozen (−20 °C) until liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. BPA was not detected in any studied resin-based materials. However, Bis-GMA was detected in almost all the studied samples during the experiment, except AF and BF. The highest Bis-GMA concentration was released from ED at 67.43 ng/mL, followed by BE, FS, and NC with 40.75 ng/mL, 8.30 ng/mL, and 0.94 ng/mL, respectively. There is a clear need for more precise and standardized analytical methods to assess the short- and long-term release of resin-based materials. Furthermore, manufacturers should be obliged to provide complete details of the chemical composition of dental products and to promote the development of materials without estrogenic potential.

Treatment of unilateral or bilateral maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is challenging, time-consuming, expensive, and requires careful treatment planning, predictability, and esthetics. This review aimed to identify differences in esthetic perception among orthodontists, general dentists, differentiated dentists, and laypersons, which may interfere with treatment options. EBSCO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar were searched using keyword pairing and a Boolean expression, “(congenitally missing OR agenesis OR hypodontia) AND (maxillary lateral incisors) AND (esthetic perception OR smile) AND (laypersons OR dental professional OR general dentist OR orthodontists).” Reviews and case studies were excluded. A total of 13 studies were selected for qualitative analysis (adapted ROBINS-I) and 11 were selected for meta-analysis (p < 0.05) after being sub-grouped into “Opening vs. Closure” and “No remodeling vs. Dental remodeling vs. Dental and gingival remodeling” groups. A meta-analysis evaluated the magnitude of the difference between groups based on differences in means and effect sizes (α = 0.05; 95% CI; Z-value 1.96), revealing that the esthetic perception of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis treatment remains controversial even among professionals. Gingival remodeling was not valued compared to isolated dental remodeling. Studies lack rigorously comparable methodologies. Discussion with the patient is pertinent in doubtful situations, as the best treatment option remains unclear, and overtreatment should be avoided.

Scissor bite (SB.) is a rare malocclusion that is challenging to diagnose and is often associated with a retrognathic mandible and a series of functional and structural abnormalities that negatively affect the patient. This article intends to analyze the treatment approaches applied to growing patients younger than 16 years old, comparing the conventional appliances described in the literature and a clinical case treated with clear aligners with mandibular advancement (MA.). SB is primarily related to skeletal Class I and II, according to Angle classification. In the various cases analyzed, it can also be mentioned as a significant number of cases with SB of dental origin (seven of dental and four of skeletal) in young patients. In children and adolescents who still have growth potential, the therapeutic possibilities are numerous. A comprehensive literature search was manually performed from 2002 until January 2023, in PubMed and BVS databases with the following conjugated keywords: “scissor bite OR brodie bite” AND “malocclusion” AND “treatment OR correction OR therapeutics”. The present case report on a young patient demonstrated the efficiency of the clear aligners with MA to correct an SB, associated with several functional and structural anomalies such as Class II division 1 with an increased overjet and overbite as well as a severe curve of Spee in a hypodivergent biotype.

The literature search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, EBSCO, Scielo, between 2012 and 2022. The methodological quality was assessed by using the Newcastle–Ottawa Study Quality Assessment Scale. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and combined in meta-analyses. A total of 1202 participants were included in this systematic review (690 with TMD; 512 without TMD), with 22 articles being included in the qualitative analysis. Only three studies enabled the comparative analysis of the results. Ten articles showed a high methodological quality and a low risk of bias, and twelve had a low methodological quality and an increased risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed that the differences between the intervention and control groups were not statistically significant for the percentage overlapping coefficient of the anterior temporal muscle, for the masseter, and for the torque coefficient. The parameters analyzed with the compound technique for chewing showed altered mandibular functions in individuals with TMD. With the EMG method, it was possible to suggest that TMD in adult individuals causes compensatory muscle behaviors, and several changes in the masticatory function were found.

The increasing demand for more aesthetic/comfortable orthodontic alternatives fostered the utilization of clear aligners in recent years. However, the efficacy of clear aligners for treating complex malocclusions is often treated with scepticism. This case series aims to evaluate the predictability of the Invisalign® First system in moderate and severe cases requiring interceptive orthodontic treatments in mixed dentition. A total of 23 patients with 102 interceptive orthodontic malocclusion traits were selected for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® First and were examined over 18 months (Phase 1). Clinical assessments included ClinCheck® predictions, cephalometric measurements, and measuring tools commonly used to quantify tooth movement. Measurements taken at the beginning and end of the treatment were compared. The complexity degree of each case was established based on the set of problems presented by each patient. All treatment objectives were achieved within 18 months, except for two Class II cases, with 69% of them solved with the first set of aligners. Additional aligners were used in the remaining cases. Even though these 23 cases suggest that the Invisalign® First (Phase 1) may be effective in most interceptive problems, controlled randomized clinical trials are required to evaluate movement predictability and how this relates to the problem complexity and additional aligners required.

Roasting is a key step for preparing sesame oil that leads to important changes in its organoleptic properties and quality. In this study, white sesame seeds were roasted for 20 min in an electric oven at different temperatures (120, 150, 180, 210, 250 and 300 °C). The oils extracted from unroasted and roasted seeds were compared for their chemical composition: fatty acids (including trans isomers), phytosterols, lignans (sesamin and sesamolin), tocopherols and total phenolic compounds, as well as their oxidative stability and antiradical capacity. There were no obvious differences in the oil densities, refractive indexes or iodine values, but the saponification values were affected by temperature. Relevant primary and secondary lipid oxidation were observed at T > 250 °C, resulting in a higher p-anisidine value and K232 as well as K268 values. Roasting improved oil yield (from 33.5 to 62.6%), increased its induction period (from 5.5 to 10.5 h) and enhanced the total phenolic content (from 152 to 194 mg/100 g) and antiradical activity of the extracted oil. Depending on roasting temperature, a gradual decline was recorded in total amounts of phytosterols (up to 17.4%), γ-tocopherol (up to 10.6%), sesamolin (maximum of 27.5%) and sesamin (maximum of 12.5%). All the investigated oils presented a low quantity in triglyceride polymers, clearly below the maximum tolerated quantity according to the European regulation. The optimal roasting temperature for obtaining high nutritional grade oil within the permissible values was 210 °C. The unsaponifiable components (including lignans and sterols) extracted from roasted seeds have been shown to be natural additives to fresh meatball products to extend shelf life. The results of this study may help to boost the nutritional content of plant-based diets by allowing for the use of roasted sesame seed oil and its components.

This study aimed to define the shelf life of canned sardines after opening to increase consumer awareness of their quality and safety and reduce food waste. For this purpose, canned sardines (Sardina pilchardus) packed with different sauces were opened and stored at 4 °C for 7 days. Microbiological, sensorial, physical and chemical stability was monitored daily by standard methodologies. Results show that the overall quality and safety are highly dependent on the sauce type. To preserve their full quality, sardines in brine and in vegetable oil should be consumed up to 1 day after opening, while sardines in tomato sauce were stable for up to 3 days, although none were considered nonedible up to the 7th day. Many parameters demonstrated statistical differences and correlations with storage, although they were not as decisive as sensory evaluation. This integrated approach should be adopted by the food industry and regulating authorities to provide information to consumers regarding the quality and safety of handled goods.

In Mozambique, rural communities produce flours from the dried pulp of Strychnos madagascariensis fruits. Owing to its high lipid content, the oil from this flour is frequently separated by pressing to be used as seasoning and medicine. Aiming to characterize this oil, flour samples (n = 24), dried at two different temperatures (55 °C and 65 °C), were collected from four local communities, together with a control sample prepared in the lab (50 °C). The resulting oil was fluid at room temperature, deep orange, and characterized by a high content of oleic acid (62–63%), followed by palmitic (20%) and linoleic (7%). It contained considerable amounts of tocols (25–34 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (8–10 mg/100 g), as well as sterols (431 ± 10 mg/100 g) and triterpenic alcohols (823 ± 4 mg/100 g mg/100 g). The overall composition was highly consistent between origins and temperatures, with only small statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), mostly between the community dried flours and control group. However, its high free fatty acid content (22–25%) reveals intensive enzymatic hydrolysis during the drying/fermentation steps, whose extension can be reduced by optimizing its technological process. Its chemical profile supports some of its folklore uses, revealing that it can be a promising source of edible oil, with health and technological potential that is worth optimizing and exploring.

The high proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) represent one of the most important technological and nutritional features of olive oils. The present study details the fatty acid (FA) composition of autochthonous cultivars (Lentisca, Madural, Redondal, Rebolã, Verdeal, and Verdeal Transmontana) produced from centenarian trees during five crop years (2013–2017). Olive cultivar highly influenced the FA composition, namely, oleic acid (70.3% for Madural to 80.7% for Redondal) and palmitic acid (10.4% for Lentisca to 13.5% for Verdeal). Similarly, crop year significantly influenced the individual FA contents. Principal component analysis of FA data enabled the unsupervised classification by cultivar and, within each cultivar, by crop year. Furthermore, the levels of nine individual FAs, together with the polyunsaturated fatty acid contents, selected using the simulated annealing algorithm, allowed for their correct classification, on the basis of linear discriminant analysis, according to the olive cultivar, with an overall sensitivity of 92%, for leave-one-out cross-validation procedure. Globally, the cultivar effect superimposed that of crop year, showing that some cultivars, such as Redondal and Verdeal Transmontana, have consistently high and homogeneous proportions of MUFA, indicating that they are worth exploring in terms of future selection of cultivars that are able to produce olive oils with increased nutritional value and that are less prone to oxidation.

Oleaster (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), or the wild olive tree, has great interest as a source of genetic material for olive breeding programs. Nevertheless, information about its oil composition is scarce. In the present work, the characterization of oleaster fruit morphology and oil chemical composition from three different tree populations in Northeastern Portugal (Moncorvo, Alijó and Vila Nova de Foz Côa) was performed. The three studied populations presented some morphological differences in the fruits, but similar oil chemical composition. Oleic acid (68.9–70.6%) was the most abundant fatty acid. High variability was observed in total tocopherol content, ranging between 263 and 503 mg/kg. Additionally, high amounts of total sterols were found, from 1742 to 2198 mg/kg of oil. A rich composition in phenols was found with 14 phenolic compounds identified. The evaluated parameters for oleander oils allowed discriminating the oils according to the geographical origin and were consistent with those commonly found in olive oil, showing that they are particularly rich in antioxidants and can be exploited in breeding programs to increase the amounts of bioactive compounds in cultivated oils.