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The increasing concern over environmental sustainability has prompted various industries to reassess their practices and explore greener alternatives. Dentistry, as a significant contributor to waste generation, is actively seeking methods to minimize its environmental footprint. This paper examines the environmental implications of clear aligner therapy (CAT) in orthodontics and explores strategies to prioritize sustainability in aligner manufacturing and usage. CAT has gained popularity as a viable alternative to traditional fixed appliances due to advancements in biomaterials and computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) technologies. The global market for clear aligners is expanding rapidly, with significant growth projected in the coming years. To address these challenges, this paper proposes adopting the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink (4Rs) in orthodontic practices. Strategies such as minimizing resource consumption, incorporating recycled materials, and promoting proper aligner disposal and recycling can significantly reduce environmental harm. This paper explores emerging technologies and materials to mitigate the environmental impacts of CAT. Additionally, initiatives promoting aligner recycling and repurposing offer promising avenues for reducing plastic waste and fostering a circular economy. In conclusion, while CAT offers numerous benefits in orthodontic treatment, its environmental impact cannot be overlooked. By implementing sustainable practices and embracing innovative solutions, the orthodontic community can contribute to a more environmentally conscious future while continuing to provide quality care to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing dentistry, offering new opportunities to improve the precision and efficiency of implantology. This literature review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the use of AI in implant planning assessment. The analysis was conducted through PubMed and Scopus search engines, using a combination of relevant keywords, including "artificial intelligence implantology", "AI implant planning", "AI dental implant", and "implantology artificial intelligence". Selected articles were carefully reviewed to identify studies reporting data on the effectiveness of AI in implant planning. The results of the literature review indicate a growing interest in the application of AI in implant planning, with evidence suggesting an improvement in precision and predictability compared to traditional methods. The summary of the obtained findings by the included studies represents the latest AI developments in implant planning, demonstrating its application for the automated detection of bones, the maxillary sinus, neuronal structure, and teeth. However, some disadvantages were also identified, including the need for high-quality training data and the lack of standardization in protocols. In conclusion, the use of AI in implant planning presents promising prospects for improving clinical outcomes and optimizing patient management. However, further research is needed to fully understand its potential and address the challenges associated with its implementation in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies suggest that chronic psychological stress can lead to oral health deterioration, alter the immune response, and possibly contribute to increased inflammation, which can impact the physiological healing of periodontal tissues. This cross-sectional study seeks to assess and improve clinical understanding regarding the relationship between perceived stress, mindfulness, and periodontal health. Methods: A total of 203 people were analyzed from December 2022 to June 2023. The Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) score and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), and Plaque Control Record (PCR) of every patient were registered. Subsequently, participants completed the Sheldon Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Mindfulness Awareness Attention Scale (MAAS) questionnaires. The collected data underwent statistical analysis, encompassing the evaluation of correlations and dependencies. Applying Welch's t-test to assess the relationship between MAAS and the variable indicating the presence or absence of periodontitis, a noteworthy p-value of 0.004265 was obtained. Results: This underscores a significant distinction in MAAS scores between patients affected by periodontitis and those unaffected by the condition. Additionally, Pearson correlations were computed for GBI and perceived stress, PCR and perceived stress, PCR and MAAS. The resulting p-values of 2.2–16, 3.925–8, and 2.468–8, respectively, indicate a statistically significant correlation in each instance. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the interconnectedness of these variables, emphasizing the significance of their associations in the study context. Despite the limitations, the findings of this study suggest a significant relationship between psychological stress, mindfulness, and periodontal tissue health. Clinical trials are necessary to incorporate the assessment of a patient's psychological status as a new valuable tool in the management of periodontal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 50-year-old man sought treatment for missing maxillary second premolar and first molar teeth. Treatment planning software demonstrated that the mesiodistal space of the edentulous ridge was insufficient to receive 2 implants. A screw-retained, single-implant-supported zirconia fixed partial denture with a mesial cantilever extension was used to replace the 2 missing posterior teeth. This prosthesis, produced with a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing workflow and consisting of monolithic zirconia with a connector cross- sectional area of 16 mm², offered adequate resistance to chewing loads and still provided satisfactory esthetics at a 2-year follow-up examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]