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CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) is an imaging investigation that provides three-dimensional (3D) images of craniofacial structures. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanical behavior of an orthodontic system where the lingual treatment technique was used in a 25-year-old female patient from whom a set of CBCT scans was used. CBCT images were processed through software programs such as Invesalius, Geomagic, and Solid Works, to create models containing virtual solids. These models were then imported into Ansys Workbench 2019 R3 (a finite element method software program) for successive simulations to generate displacement maps, deformations, stress distributions, and diagrams. We observed that in the lingual technique, the lowest force occurring on the maxillary teeth is at 1.1, while the highest force appears at 2.3. In the mandible, the lowest force occurs at 4.6, and the highest force at 3.1. The values of the forces and the results of the finite element method can represent a basis for the innovation of new orthodontic springs and also of bracket elements. Thus, by using new technologies, orthodontic practice can be significantly improved for the benefit of patients. Other virtual methods and techniques can be used in future studies, including the application of virtual reality for orthodontic diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercultural education in the Romanian space is an insufficiently addressed topic. Against the background of the significant increase in foreign students who choose to study at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Craiova, as well as the implementation of study programs in English which in turn have attracted many students from both European and non-EU countries we decided to develop a study aimed at the socio-cultural integration capacity of students at the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Craiova with a teaching program in English. The general objectives of the study aim at the following aspects: the degree of social integration of students; degree of satisfaction of educational needs; the effectiveness of the feedback system; problems encountered throughout the years of study: conflicts, discrimination phenomena, etc. the quality of courses and internships compared to their countries of origin. The target group of the study is represented by the students of Dental Medicine from Craiova, within the teaching program in English, study years I-III. The students who participated in this study come from both EU and non-EU member states. The total number of students enrolled in this study program is 93, and in our study a total of 71 respondents gave their informed consent to complete the distributed questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness evolution of several finished and polished composites when bleaching materials are applied. The research was conducted on four microhybrid or nanofilled composites that are used in dental restorations. Materials and Methods: For each composite type, 5 samples were selected for control, 5 samples were subjected to the bleaching protocol "office bleach" with 40% hydrogen peroxide, and 5 other samples were subjected to the "home bleach" protocol with 16% carbamide peroxide, resulting in a total number of 60 samples. The surfaces of all the samples were tested for roughness, and the values of the most relevant parameter (Ra), were collected. Comparisons between composites and samples were performed using one-way ANOVA (in Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Results: After the bleaching protocol with 40% hydrogen peroxide gel, it was found that the roughness of the group increased considerably compared to the control group, so the highest roughness was found at GC Gradia direct anterior group, and the lowest value was registered for the 3M ESPE Valux Plus group. Following the bleaching protocol with 16% carbamide peroxide (home bleach), it was noted that the sample surfaces were not as affected. In this case, the lowest roughness was found at 3M ESPE Valux Plus group, and the highest roughness was registered for the GC G-aenial anterior group. Following the interpretation of the results, all four types of dental composites tested showed significant surface roughness differences between the groups subjected to bleaching protocols and those kept as control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The surfaces of the samples were affected by the bleaching protocols by increasing the roughness compared to the control samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report presents a patient with a bilateral palate fibroma of an uncommonly large size, located at the hard palate, treated using a diode laser. The patient is also diagnosed with Addison's disease. Histological examination revealed that the tumors were consistent, of very low cellularity inside the collagenous fibrous tissue, with few inflammatory cells and stratified squamous epithelium with ortho- and parakeratoris. The final diagnosis was benignant fibrous hyperplasia. Laser softtissue surgery is well accepted by patients and doctors, due to its advantages, compared to the traditional procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Orthodontic therapy is a complex process involving a series of specialists in the dental field: the oral-maxillo-facial surgeon, the periodontologist, sometimes even the prosthetist, implantologist, or general practitioners. The injuries of the oral mucosa induced by orthodontic therapy include gingival overgrowths, traumatic lesions of the oral mucosa, different degrees of periodontal damage manifested by gingival retraction, alveolar bone resorption. Methods. From a total of 327 subjects who came to the Dental Clinic in Craiova 74 subjects were selected, who presented with gingival overgrowth associated with fixed orthodontic therapy. Subjects’ age ranged from 14 to 56 years and experienced bleeding and gingival discomfort as well as alterations in physiognomic function. None of the patients included in the study have systemic diseases and are not under medical treatment. The clinical and statistical study took place between May 2022 and December 2023. Each patient was given a personal record containing personal data as well as oral and systemic health status. The examination of the periodontal status aimed at the evaluation of the following indices: assessment of oral hygiene using the OHI-S index and the O’Leary plaque index, assessment of superficial periodontal status using the Löe/ Silness gingival inflammation index, periodontometry was performed in order to determine the depth of periodontal pockets, the level of gingival insertion, and the McGaw gingival overgrowth index. OHI-S index comprises two elements: the Debris Index and the Calculus Index. The purpose of our study is to present the incidence of cases of gingival overgrowth induced by fixed orthodontic therapy and to highlight how certain irritating factors can exacerbate the symptoms of gingival overgrowth of orthodontic etiology. Results. The majority of patients were female, aged between 30 and 55 years. Most clinically examined patients have presented with Grade II gingival hyperplasia. Factors that have exacerbated the symptoms of orthodontically induced gingival overgrowth include: incorrectly adapted prosthetic restorations, unpolished massive coronal fillings, root remnants, bacterial plaque, and tartar. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed the presence of gingival inflammation (localized or generalized), simple or complicated, treated and untreated odontal lesions, and coronal fillings made of light-curing composite material of significant size, being unfinished and unpolished, sometimes with sharp edges directly injuring the adjacent gingival mucosa, marginally incorrectly adapted prosthetic works. In the case of child and adolescent patients, significant amounts of bacterial plaque and tartar buildup were observed. In most of the cases examined, it was observed that the gingival overgrowth had a firm consistency, pinkish-reddish colour and gingival bleeding was evident during probing. Conclusion. Gingival overgrowth caused by orthodontics induces a number of important periodontal changes. It is worth noting that gingival overgrowth induced by fixed orthodontic therapy, in most of the cases examined, co-exists with favouring factors that amplify its severity. In our study, the favouring factors were bacterial plaque and calculus accumulation, sharp-edged odontal lesions, marginally ill-fitting prosthetic restorations or massive unfinished crown fillings. Therefore, removing the contributing factors can help improve the symptoms but also to reverse the inflammatory phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]