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Dental remineralization represents the process of depositing calcium and phosphate ions into crystal voids in demineralized enamel, producing net mineral gain and preventing early enamel lesions progression. The aim of the present study was to qualitatively and quantitatively compare the remineralizing effectiveness of four commercially available agents on enamel artificial lesions using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Thirty-six extracted third molars were collected and randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6), five of which were suspended in demineralizing solution for 72 h to create enamel artificial lesions, and one serving as control: G1, treated with a mousse of casein phosphopeptide and amorphous calcium–phosphate (CPP-ACP); G2, treated with a gel containing nano-hydroxyapatite; G3, treated with a 5% SF varnish; G4, treated with a toothpaste containing ACP functionalized with fluoride and carbonate-coated with citrate; G5, not-treated artificial enamel lesions; G6, not demineralized and not treated sound enamel. G1–G4 were subjected to pH cycling over a period of seven days. Analyses of the specimens’ enamel surfaces morphology were performed by SEM and EDS. Data were statistically analyzed for multiple group comparison by one-way ANOVA/Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The results show that the Ca/P ratio of the G5 (2.00 ± 0.07) was statistically different (p < 0.05) from G1 (1.73 ± 0.05), G2 (1.76 ± 0.01), G3 (1.88 ± 0.06) and G6 (1.74 ± 0.04), while there were no differences (p > 0.05) between G1, G2 and G6 and between G4 (2.01 ± 0.06) and G5. We concluded that G1 and G2 showed better surface remineralization than G3 and G4, after 7 days of treatment.

Psoriatic arthritis is defined as chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis. The current data regarding gender differences in clinical manifestation and therapeutic outcomes of psoriatic arthritis are limited. Generally, men show a peripheral disease manifestation, while women have an axial distribution of the lesions. If we look at temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement, epidemiological data on the involvement of the TMJ are hard to find. Few studies on therapeutic management and the related impact on the quality of life are reported in the literature. Given the morpho-functional peculiarities of the TMJ and the different pain burdens between male and female genders, when manifestation of psoriatic arthritis occurs, clinicians should face it using a multidisciplinary approach for a correct diagnosis and successful treatment. This review aims to examine the diagnostic signs of psoriatic arthritis in the TMJ, the eventual variations of this disease in male and female patients, and the therapeutical strategies. The coordination of different specialties is fundamental to the remission of clinical symptoms and lesion regression.

Background and Objectives: The use of biomaterials in dentistry is extremely common. From a commercial perspective, different types of osteoconductive and osteoinductive biomaterials are available to clinicians. In the field of osteoconductive materials, clinicians have biomaterials made of heterologous bones at their disposal, including biomaterials of bovine, porcine, and equine origins, and biomaterials of natural origin, such as corals and hydroxyapatites. In recent years, it has become possible to synthesize nano-Ha and produce scaffolds using digital information. Although a large variety of biomaterials has been produced, there is no scientific evidence that proves their absolute indispensability in terms of the preservation of postextraction sites or in the execution of guided bone regeneration. While there is no scientific evidence showing that one material is better than another, there is evidence suggesting that several products have better in situ permanence. This article describes a preliminary study to evaluate the histological results, ISQ values, and prevalence of nano-HA. Materials and Methods: In this study, we planned to use a new biomaterial based on nanohydroxyapatite for implantation at one postextraction site; the nano-HA in this study was NuvaBONE (Overmed, Buccinasco, Milano, Italy). This is a synthetic bone graft substitute that is based on nanostructured biomimetic hydroxyapatite for application in oral–maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics, traumatology, spine surgery, and neurosurgery. In our pilot case, a patient with a hopeless tooth underwent extraction, and the large defect remaining after the removal of the tooth was filled with nano-HA to restore the volume. Twelve months later, the patient was booked for implant surgery to replace the missing tooth. At the time of the surgery, a biopsy of the regenerated tissue was taken using a trephine of 4 mm in the inner side and 8 mm deep. Results: The histological results of the biopsy showed abundant bone formation, high values of ISQ increasing from the insertion to the prosthetic phase, and a good reorganization of hydroxyapatite granules during resorption. The implant is in good function, and the replaced tooth shows good esthetics. Conclusions: The good results of this pilot case indicate starting the next Multicentric study to have more and clearer information about this nanohydroxyapatite (NH) compared with control sites.

In this manuscript, the authors propose a new technique for inserting implants immediately into the sockets corresponding to the lower first molars and, in any case, in the sockets in which the alveolar septum is still present. Immediate post-extraction implants are a widely discussed topic in the literature. Most authors currently consider the insertion of implants immediately after extraction less useful in terms of the procedure’s questionable benefits in maintaining the height of the alveolar bone and more useful in terms of lessening patients’ discomfort. Due to the anatomy of the post-extraction socket and its traditionally cylindrical geometry, this procedure is not always possible.: Next-generation REX-type blade implants were used via their insertion into the septum accompanied by a cortical lamina for periosteal inhibition without filling any of the alveoli.: In the 20 patients treated, the REX implant proved to be stable and surrounded by newly formed bone at the 18-month follow-up. This simple, easily employable technique allows an implant to be inserted immediately after extraction and in the same surgical session, with good patient compliance and good preservation of the alveolus due to the facilitation of periosteal inhibition. The excellent clinical results obtained with the use of a blade implant in the posterior sectors suggest that it is possible to reduce surgical sessions even in conditions of post-extraction sockets whose septum alone can ensure the primary stability essential for osseointegration. The use of a larger number of patients will also provide us with significant statistical results in support of this preliminary clinical work. New clinical studies are needed to understand the true potential of this method for application in daily clinical practice.

This paper aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation in accelerating orthodontic treatment with clear aligners in correcting an orthodontic malocclusion characterized by severe crowding and agenesis in an adult subject. An adult male patient with Class I malocclusion, a mild Class III skeletal base and severe crowding was treated with 88 Invisalign® (Align Technology, Santa Clara, CA, USA) pairs of aligners replaced every 5 days in combination with an Orthopulse™ (Biolux Research, Vancouver, BC, Canada) photobiomodulation device for home use by the patient. The total orthodontic treatment time was 440 days. Orthopulse™ is a photobiomodulation device that generates continuous beams of near-infrared light (NIR—near-infrared) with a wavelength of 850 nm and a power of 42 mW/cm2 to produce an average energy density on the surface of the silicone impression of 9.3 J/cm2. The combined use of clear aligners and the Orthopulse™ device allowed the patient to replace the aligners according to an experimental 5-day protocol to speed up the orthodontic therapy and, thus, resolve the malocclusion in less time than the manufacturer’s standard.

Background: Alveolar socket preservation is a topic of serious interest, and researchers have investigated this problem quite extensively. In terms of aesthetics, it is very important to avoid bone resorption if the clinician decides to insert the implant immediately after the extraction. Recently, a new approach utilizing a barrier external to the socket has been developed, which has advanced the evolution of this technique. Immediate implants have also created some difficulty when re-evaluated in long-term follow-up, especially when an aesthetic result is part of the goal of the procedure. Methods: The modified periosteal inhibition (MPI) technique, which has shown interesting outcomes, is evaluated in this paper on a large group of patients. In this case series, among 14 patients, 11 received immediate implants using the MPI technique and immediate provisionalization, and 3 received immediate implants using the MPI technique and customized healing abutment. All patients showed ridge preservation to different degrees, ranging from 0.02 to 1.17 mm, with an average gain of 0.51 mm. Results: all of the 14 patients maintained the original ridge shape, and 1 showed an increase in bucco-lingual size. Conclusions: This case series confirms the promising information reported in earlier studies on this technique. Larger samples will be necessary to confirm the predictability of this new approach.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate a possible correlation between the characteristics of the mandibular ramus and lower third molar impaction by comparing a group of subjects with an impacted lower third molar and a second group with normal eruption for an early prediction of this pathology. This comparison was made using linear and angular measurements, which were taken on digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and methods: A total of 726 orthopantomographs (OPT) were examined, and 81 were considered suitable for the present study. The results were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. The control group comprised 38 cases in which patients had at least one lower third molar that had erupted, and the experimental group comprised 43 cases in which patients had at least one lower third molar that was impacted or partially impacted. In total, 16 variables (11 linear, 4 angular, and 1 ratio) were determined and measured by an experienced observer. Results: The control group had a larger retromolar space, a larger impaction angle and a higher ratio of retromolar area to the third molar, compared to the experimental group. In contrast, the experimental group showed a deeper sigmoid notch depth than the control group did. In the control group, moderate positive correlations were found between both the length of the coronoid and the width of the third molar, and the retromolar space. Furthermore, in the experimental group, moderate positive correlations were found between both the angular condyle–coronoid process and the inclination of the lower posterior teeth, and the retromolar space. Conclusion: this study showed that the angle of a lower third molar, in relation to mandibular pain, can be an index for predicting tooth inclusion.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has been shown to be an optimal technique to accelerate the bone regeneration process thanks to the action of membrane barriers that promote tissue healing through the process of osteogenesis, inducing the repopulation with osteoprogenitor cells that prevent the invasion of non-osteogenic tissue. However, current membranes, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or rubber dam, have some disadvantages that could potentially reduce the effectiveness of GBR. Recently, some scaffolds with magnetic properties have been tested to promote rapid osteogenesis. The aim of this laboratory study was to evaluate the intensity of the magnetic field generated by a custom-made rubber dam magnetised with neodymium-iron-boron (Nd2F14B) (three layers of latex filled with Nd2F14B powder on the inner surface) and to understand the effects of such a membrane on cell viability. A magnetic field of 750 G, 400 G, and 900 G was generated on the surface and on the long and wide sides of 3 and 2 cm in contact with the rubber dam. At a distance of 1 mm from the magnetic dam, a magnetic field of 300 G, 150 G, and 400 G was measured on the surface and on the long and wide sides of the rubber dam, respectively. After 72 h, the MG-63 osteoblast-like line showed a slight decrease in cell proliferation (85 ± 10) compared with the unmodified dam (95 ± 6) and the cell control population. According to our findings, this magnetic cofferdam is able to generate a static magnetic field and significantly affect cell proliferation in contrast to other nonabsorbable membranes. Further laboratory studies and subsequent clinical trials are needed to evaluate the significant improvements that can be achieved by using this type of magnetic rubber dam in GBR.

Nowadays, the “pink” aesthetic possesses a significant role in the success of a dental treatment. Extended or small recessions should be solved to achieve harmony between tooth and gingival tissue. Gingival cleft (GC) is a condition that can lead to unpleasant gingival recession in the anterior area. The etiology of GC is still not clear and is often resolved using surgical treatments that, although minimal, are still interventions which can cause risks and discomfort to the patient. Therefore, this case report aims to propose a non-invasive treatment for GC, consisting of a combination of a non-surgical technique with herbal extracts therapy. A non-smoker, healthy patient was subjected to professional oral hygiene treatment supported by Croton Lechleri resin application and at-home supplementation with natural vitamin C (Myrciaria Dubia). The patient entirely followed the instructions and, after 12 months, the GC almost disappeared. In spite of its limitations, since further clinical cases are needed, the proposed non-surgical periodontal technique combined with herbal extracts therapy can represent a promising way to solve or at least reduce GC, before considering surgical treatment.

The use of xenogenic cortical bone laminas in Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) has been well described in the literature over the past decade. These biomaterials present a very low degree of complications due to their nature (porcine or equine collagenated bone) and the fact that when they become exposed, they simply hydrolyze without major complications. One of the problems related to the first generation of these laminas was their extreme rigidity and return elasticity, often forcing clinicians to anchor them with pins and/or screws. A new generation of bone laminas called Flex Cortical Sheet (FCS) have recently been introduced with machine-made thicknesses of 0.2, 0.5, and 0.9 mm and increased flexibility and adaptability to ridge defects. This paper has the goal of presenting a case of vertical and horizontal reconstruction performed by means of a 0.5 mm FCS and showing the workflow necessary to successfully restore a complex situation. After 8 months of healing, the GBR resulted in a horizontal and vertical augmentation of 8 mm and 8 mm, respectively. The radiographic examination at 18 months demonstrated great stability of new bone around implants.

Irrigation represents a crucial step in endodontics for bacteria disinfection and smear layer removal. Several irrigation strategies have been proposed, although their effects are controversial. This study aims to assess the comparison of four different irrigation systems on the smear layer removal utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Forty sound monoradicular teeth were collected and casually allocated into four groups (n = 10): Group A, conventional irrigation; Group B, IrriFlex irrigation; Group C, ultrasonic irrigation system; Group D, apical negative pressure irrigation. After chemo-mechanical preparation and longitudinal root separation, the three root thirds were analyzed by SEM. Micrographs were carried out at ×2000 to analyze the smear layer residual in each third of the root canal. Statistically significant differences were found between Group A and Group D (p < 0.05). Groups B and C showed satisfactory results in the coronal and middle thirds, while Group D was the only system that achieved satisfactory results in the apical third. However, the complete smear layer removal in the root canal was never achieved with any of the four systems tested. In conclusion, among the four tested irrigation systems, the greatest efficacy on smear layer removal was reached by Group D.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of static magnetic field (SMF) generated by innovative cover screws made of NeFeB on early bone healing around dental implants. The study was carried out on humans in a private dental practice. Eight 3i implants (Biomet, Palm Beach, FL, USA) were placed in the posterior mandible at 3.6 and 3.7. The control implants were closed with a conventional screw (G1), while the test implants were closed with a Supercharged® screw (G2). Both groups were compared for stability at 0, 7, 14, 21, 50, and 90 days using a resonant frequency analyzer with Ostell Mentor (Osstell AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). After 50 days, the Supercharged® cover screw was removed. A significant increase in implant stability quotient (ISQ), corresponding to a lower degree of bone resorption, was observed in G2 throughout the follow-up period (p < 0.05), while an initial ISQ decrease was observed until day 21 in G1. In conclusion, the effect of SMF seems to be in the early stages of osseointegration and increases the stability of dental implants.

Several Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) procedures have been proposed over the years. The purpose of this study was to describe the new Modified Periosteal Inhibition (MPI) technique for ARP. Seven patients were enrolled (age range: 28–72 years old; 5 males, 2 females). In total, nine hopeless teeth were treated. Following the elevation of a full-thickness flap, atraumatic tooth extraction was conducted, preserving the buccal bone of the alveolar socket. OsteoBiol® Lamina Soft (Tecnoss®, Giaveno, Italy), 0.5 mm thick, was suitably shaped (8–10 mm in height, extending from the mesial and to the distal corners of the socket). The lamina was gently positioned between the buccal periosteum and the buccal bone plate. Tisseel® (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) was applied to seal the cortical membrane. The flaps were sutured with PTFE 4-0 (Omnia, Fidenza, Italy). Postoperative instructions were provided. Patients were strictly monitored during the follow-up. No early or late biological complications were experienced. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) exams were performed at baseline and 4 months later. The thickness of the buccal cortical bone at baseline was 1.18 ± 0.57 mm. The pre-operative and post-operative ridge widths were 10.74 ± 1.54 mm and 11.16 ± 1.57 mm, respectively. A horizontal ridge increase of 0.41 ± 0.21 mm was observed during the healing period. At 4 months of healing, the bone volume was adequate for implant placement and no additional bone regeneration procedures were required. MPI technique was effective in preventing the horizontal contraction of the post-extraction socket. Further studies will be needed in the future to confirm our positive results.

Universal nanofilled adhesives were recently introduced in restorative dentistry to simplify clinical procedures and improve adhesion in different clinical situation. This study investigated the effectiveness of two universal adhesives on both sound and dentinogenesis imperfecta type II (DI-II)-affected teeth. To evaluate the effectiveness of adhesion on both sound and DI-II-affected teeth, four samples, two sound extracted molars and two extracted molars affected by DI-II were selected. Coronal enamel and dentin were exposed, and the samples were used for testing two different universal adhesives, Universal Bond (Tokuyama) and All-Bond Universal (Bisco). After the adhesive procedures, the samples were stored in saline at room temperature for one week prior to SEM investigation for the interfacial bonding layer. The samples were longitudinally sectioned into two parts, obtaining two sections for the evaluation of the adhesive interface to the SEM. The SEM-morphology of the hybrid layer on the enamel was similar for the two universal adhesives tested. The study of the hybrid layer on sound dentin confirmed the great versatility of All-Bond Universal and Universal Bond adhesives in managing adhesion even on pathological dental substrates. Both universal adhesives tested showed encouraging results on DI-II-affected dentin, creating an effective hybrid layer even on the atubular and less mineralized altered dentin.

Dental anxiety is a common problem in younger children, especially those who have had traumatic or perceived traumatic dental treatments. Nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen (O2) have been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as the optimal approach for uncooperative or anxious patients. The study aimed to evaluate the cooperation of children treated on deciduous teeth without local anesthesia and with rubber dam. A retrospective study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020 in a private dental practice on children aged 4–10 years who had previously reported cases of dental anxiety during dental procedures or refused to undergo them. After an initial cognitive examination, the children underwent conservative treatment lasting a maximum of 30 min. Initially, 100% O2 was administered, then N2O dose was gradually increased to 35%. At the end of the treatment, 100% pure O2 was administered for 5 min. Children’s cooperation was assessed by Venham score before treatment (T0), at the end of induction (T1), and during the treatment (T2). A total of 371 children (age: 6.3 ± 1.7 years) were included in the study. Cooperation increased significantly from baseline at T1 (p < 0.001) and T2 (p < 0.001). Younger children (4–6 years) showed lower levels of cooperation at baseline (p < 0.001) but achieved optimal levels of cooperation at T1 (p = 0.022). Only 2.7% of children reported side effects. N2O/O2 proved to be an effective and safe method in achieving a good level of cooperation in younger children.

The therapeutic use of ozone has been suggested for a long time in general dentistry and paediatric dentistry for its antimicrobial, virucidal, disinfectant, and biocompatible properties. Ozone has also anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunostimulant properties, and it promotes tissue regeneration. Dental treatment in children is often complex and ozone could support the clinician to enhance the approach and prognosis with young patients, non-cooperant children, or special needs patients. The efficiency of ozone will certainly increase if studies continue to show positive outcomes in a growing number of dental paediatric conditions. This review explores the recent literature of ozone therapy in paediatric dentistry and suggests fields of application for future randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

The world of dentistry knows the benefits and results of guided bone regeneration. One of the most successful techniques introduced a decade ago utilizes, as a barrier membrane, a sheet made of collagenated xenograft called bone lamina. Indications and applications with different surgical techniques have been well described by several authors. This technique not only presents a very low degree of complications, but also has some added benefits that this article will highlight. The so called ‘GTR effect’ means that the GBR not only reproduces the required bone volume for placing implants, but also improves attachment levels on the teeth adjacent to the augmented area. Bone lamina produces both GBR and GTR effects.

Severe positional obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (POSAS) is a common clinical respiratory disorder with an incidence of 26.7% to 74.5%. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) combined with positional therapy is the gold standard of treatment. However, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an effective alternative to CPAP when compliance with CPAP is low or if CPAP is rejected by the patient. A 63-year-old Caucasian male (BMI 26.1 kg/m2) complaining of repeated episodes of daytime sleepiness and heavy snoring was diagnosed with POSAS and treated with a MAD. After two years, polysomnographic (PSG) control analysis showed a significant reduction in the number of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea episodes per hour (AHI) by 58.9% in the lateral position and 75.5% in the supine position, complete remission of symptoms, a significant reduction in the severity of POSAS, and an overall improvement in quality of life. No adverse events or reduction in compliance were observed during the follow-up period. For severe POSAS, MADs may be an alternative method that is well tolerated by patients and has a good safety profile.

The aim of this study was to compare the epithelial biological response to machined titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 and titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 coated with zirconia (ZrN) by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Human keratinocytes were cultured in six-well plates. Machined titanium TiAl4V4 grade 5 (T1) and ZrN-coated titanium TiAl4V4 grade 5 (T2) discs were placed in two different wells. The remaining two wells served as control (C). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to compare the T1 and T2 surfaces. Subsequent analyses were performed to explore the effect of T1 and T2 contact with human keratinocyte HUKE cell lines. Cell viability was evaluated using a trypan blue exclusion test and MTT assay. Cell lysates from C, T1, and T2 were Western blotted to evaluate E-cadherin and Integrin-α6β4 expression. SEM revealed that T2 was smoother and more homogeneous than T1. EDS showed homogeneous and uniform distribution of ZrN coating on T2. Cell viability analyses did not show significant differences between T1 and T2. Furthermore, E-cadherin and Integrin-α6β4 expressions of the epithelial cells cultured in T1 and T2 were similar. Therefore, titanium Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 surfaces coated with ZrN by PVD seem to be similar substrates to the uncoated surfaces for keratinocyte adhesion and proliferation.

Recently, the demineralized dentin matrix has been suggested as an alternative material to autologous bone grafts and xenografts for clinical purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different times of demineralization on the chemical composition and the surface morphology of dentinal particles. Extracted teeth were ground and divided into 5 groups based on demineralization time (T0 = 0 min, T2 = 2 min, T5 = 5 min, T10 = 10 min, and T60 = 60 min) with 12% EDTA. The analysis was performed using Fourier-Transform Mid-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) (p < 0.05). The FT-MIR analysis showed a progressive reduction of the concentration of both PO43− and CO32− in the specimens (T0 > T2 > T5 > T10 > T60). On the contrary, the organic (protein) component did not undergo any change. The SEM examination showed that increasing the times of demineralization resulted in a smoother surface of the dentin particles and a higher number of dentinal tubules.

Clear and removable tooth aligners for orthodontics treatments have become an increasingly popular alternative to fixed appliances. Even if protocols suggest removing aligners before eating or drinking, most patients retain them when they drink beverages. Alterations in the material during the daily use could determine a reduction in the application forces, affecting the desired orthodontic movement; the knowledge of how this material reacts when subjected to different aging processes is mandatory to establish the predictability of the orthodontic treatment. According to this, the aim of the present study was to assess a new objective approach, coupling spectroscopic and chemometric tools, to evaluate the changes occurring in Invisalign® aligners, the most widely used brand, exposed in vitro to coffee, tea, Coca Cola® and UV radiation for 24 and 48 h. In particular, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to characterize, at the molecular level, the chemical and color modifications in the surfaces of the appliances; the obtained data were submitted to PCA and one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Moreover, a colorimetry analysis was carried out to evaluate any changes in color and transparency. Coffee and tea samples displayed the major color changes between the tested groups. The differences highlighted in the spectral features of coffee, tea and UV-treated samples were mainly ascribable to color and transparency changes, because the chemical properties remained unaltered.

One of the current major challenges in implant therapy is to minimize marginal bone loss around implants, since it can trigger bacterial colonization of the implant’s neck, leading to its failure. The present study aimed (1) to scientifically validate a new mathematical rule based on soft tissues thickness, for choosing the correct implant position with respect to the bone level, in order to provide a better tissue adaptation to the abutment/implant surface to avoid bacterial invasion, and (2) to apply this mathematical rule to the Biological Oriented Immediate Loading (B.O.I.L.) surgical protocol, avoiding peri-implant bone resorption. N. 127 implants were inserted following B.O.I.L. protocol: implants were placed according to the mathematical rule Y = X − 3, which correlates the position of the implant from the bone crest level (Y) with the thickness of the soft tissues (X). All the implants were inserted in fresh extraction sockets, and immediately loaded with temporary abutments and prostheses. Bone levels were evaluated through radiographic examination just after surgical procedure (T0), and after 10 days (10D), 6 months (6M), 1 year (1Y), and 5 years (5Y). After 5 years, the implant survival rate was 100%, with a medium marginal bone loss around implants of 0.0704 mm (SD = 0.169 mm). One-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test was performed for statistical evaluations (p < 0.05). This protocol provided a safe and successful procedure, with a good soft tissue seal against bacterial challenge. The application of the mathematical rule allows the implant placement in a correct vertical position from the bone crest, avoiding bone resorption and bacterial infiltrations. Moreover, the use of Multi Unit Abutment (MUA) determined a stable biological seal, favouring the implant healing and preserving the adhesion of hemidesmosomes to the titanium of MUA.

The use of dental implants for prosthetic rehabilitation in dentistry is based on the concept of osteointegration. This concept enables the clinical stability of the implants and a total absence of inflammatory tissue between the implant surface and the bone tissue. For this reason, it is essential to understand the role of the titanium surface in promoting and maintaining or not maintaining contact between the bone matrix and the surface of the titanium implant. Materials and Methods: Five types of titanium discs placed in contact with osteoblast cultures of osteosarcomas were studied. The materials had different roughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photos were taken before the in vitro culture to analyze the surfaces, and at the end of the culturing time, the different gene expressions of a broad pattern of proteins were evaluated to analyze the osteoblast response, as indicated in the scientific literature. Results: It was demonstrated that the responses of the osteoblasts were different in the five cultures in contact with the five titanium discs with different surfaces; in particular, the response in the production of some proteins was statistically significant. Discussion: The key role of titanium surfaces underlines how it is still possible to carry out increasingly accurate and targeted studies in the search for new surfaces capable of stimulating a better osteoblastic response and the long-term maintenance of osteointegration.

Background: Orthodontic treatment in adult patients is hindered by several problems, such as little time for regular dental visits and financial costs. In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has been shown to significantly reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment and significantly increase patient compliance. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of PBM in shortening the orthodontic treatment duration in adult patients while ensuring optimal patient compliance. Methods: A total of 170 orthodontic patients with a Little’s irregularity index (LII) ≥ 3 mm treated with Invisalign clear aligners (Align Technology, Santa Clara, CA, USA) were included. The treatment group (PBM) (n = 90 patients) was trained in the use of the OrthopulseTM device (Biolux Research, Vancouver, Canada) according to an application protocol of 5 min per day. The control group (n = 80 patients) was treated with transparent Invisalign® without PBM applications. The LII was measured at a baseline and each aligner change until the end of the treatment when the LII was less than 1 mm. The crowding resolution rate (CRR), expressed in mm/week, and the total treatment time were measured. Results: The alignment rate of the PBM group was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.33 mm/week vs. 0.21 mm/week) with a reduction in the treatment time of 57.5 weeks in the PBM group compared with the control group. Conclusion: The PBM performed with the Orthopulse™ is shown to be an effective and noninvasive technique for accelerating teeth movements and can contribute in a relevant way to increase access to orthodontic treatment by the adult population as well as increase its compliance.