Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in clear aligner patients using orthodontic intermaxillary elastics assessed with diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) axis II evaluation: A cross-sectional study

Exploring artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot usage behaviors and their association with mental health outcomes in Chinese university students

Technology dependence has long been a critical public health issue, especially among young people. With the development of AI chatbots, many individuals are integrating these tools into their daily lives. However, we have limited knowledge about the issues related to AI chatbot usage and dependence. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to investigate AI chatbot usage behaviors and their association with mental health outcomes among Chinese university students. A total of 1004 students who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Our survey revealed that 45.8 % of students reported using AI chatbots in the last month, with most using them one to three days per week (78.5 %) and showing light (38.2 %) to moderate (37.6 %) dependence. University students who use AI chatbots exhibited significantly higher levels of depression (p < 0.01) and a greater proportion scoring in the moderate to high levels of depression compared to non-users (p < 0.01). Among these users, depression was directly associated with higher AI chatbot usage and dependence (β = 0.14 to 0.20, p < 0.05). However, no direct association was found between AI chatbot-related behaviors and mental well-being or resilience (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, resilience may be indirectly linked to AI chatbot usage/dependence via depression (β = -0.077 to -0.052; p < 0.05). In conclusion, AI chatbot usage is relatively common among university students, though overuse and severe dependence are infrequent. AI chatbot usage and dependence are associated with higher levels of depression; however, the causal relationship warrants further investigation.

Efficacy of Orthognathic Surgery in OSAS Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition characterised by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and associated morbidities. Orthognathic surgery (OGS) has been proposed as a treatment option for OSAS, aimed at anatomically repositioning the maxillofacial structures to alleviate airway obstruction. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of OGS in reducing apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores among OSAS patients.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases for studies assessing the outcomes of OGS in OSAS patients, focusing on changes in AHI and ESS scores. The inclusion criteria encompassed observational studies, cohort studies, and randomised control trials. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was utilised to pool mean differences (MD) of AHI and ESS scores preoperatively and postoperatively, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria, where OGS was shown to be slightly more effective in correcting OSAS than the other modalities assessed, primarily CPAP. The pooled MD for AHI demonstrated a significant reduction in scores post-OGS (MD = 29.84, 95% CI: 14.17-45.50, p < 0.0001) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 95%). For ESS, the pooled MD indicated a non-significant reduction (MD = 1.91, 95% CI: -1.29 to 5.12, p = 0.24) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 81%).

CONCLUSION

Orthognathic surgery appears to be an effective intervention for reducing AHI in patients with OSAS, suggesting a potential to improve the objective measures of sleep apnea. However, the effect on subjective sleepiness scores, as evaluated by ESS, was not statistically significant. The high heterogeneity among studies warrants individualised patient assessment when considering OGS for OSAS. Further research is needed to identify factors contributing to the variability of outcomes and to assess the long-term benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Expert consensus on the clinical strategies for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners

Clear aligner treatment is a novel technique in current orthodontic practice. Distinct from traditional fixed orthodontic appliances, clear aligners have different material features and biomechanical characteristics and treatment efficiencies, presenting new clinical challenges. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic description of the key clinical aspects of clear aligner treatment is essential to enhance treatment efficacy and facilitate the advancement and wide adoption of this new technique. This expert consensus discusses case selection and grading of treatment difficulty, principle of clear aligner therapy, clinical procedures and potential complications, which are crucial to the clinical success of clear aligner treatment.

Exosomal Biomarkers for Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-A Systematic Review of Emerging Technologies

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant health issue because of its aggressive nature and poor prognosis during the advanced stages. Exosomal biomarkers have emerged as promising entities for facilitating an enhanced existing assessment of diagnosis and prognosis in OSCC, particularly in monitoring the noninvasive behavior of tumors. The authors tried to assess the potential role of these exosomal biomarkers in the prognosis of OSCC through this systematic review.

METHODS

Seven databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and ProQuest, were searched systematically. Boolean operators, along with MeSH terms, were utilized for refining the search strings to retrieve the appropriate studies. The authors included studies focusing on exosomal biomarkers derived from OSCC tissues or cell lines, with emphasis on their potential as a prognostic.

RESULTS

We included 7 studies that probed the role of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and proteins in exosomes. A few particular miRNAs, such as miR-155, miR-21, miR-126, and miR-130a showed significant correlation with the patients' outcomes along with the progression of OSCC. These miRNAs continuously showed association with pathways having activities related to the promotion of tumor growth, regulation of the immune system, and angiogenesis. Interestingly, the studies on proteins like Arginase-1 and CKAP4 demonstrated significance in metastasis via exosomes and could be exploited in the risk assessment for metastasis. Another group of lncRNAs screened in exosomal contents has opened the exciting possibility of uncovering the functions of noncoding RNAs in the pathogenesis of OSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results conclude that exosomal biomarkers, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and proteins, have great potential to improve the accuracy of prognosis and thus outcomes in OSCC. Some miRNAs were proven to be particularly instrumental for non-invasive diagnostics, whereas proteins and lncRNAs were more informative concerning complicated mechanisms of progression. The above inconsistency in molecular targets between the studies indicates that exosomes play a complex role in OSCC and future studies should focus on combining these different types of biomarkers for further enhancement of potential clinical applications and management of OSCC patients.

Lessons to be learned when designing comprehensible patient-oriented online information about temporomandibular disorders

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a prevalent ailment with a global impact, affecting a substantial number of individuals. While some individuals are receiving treatment from orthodontists for TMD, a significant proportion of individuals obtain knowledge through websites.

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose had been to evaluate, from a patient-oriented perspective, the readability of home pages of websites scored in the 10 most prominent devoted to TMD. We also determined what level of education would have been needed to get an overview of the information on the websites under scrutiny. This approach ensures that our findings are centred on the patient experience, providing insights into how accessible and understandable websites about TMD.

METHODS

We determined the top 10 patient-focused English language websites by searching for 'temporomandibular disorders' in the 'no country redirect' plugin of the Google Chrome browser (www.google.com/ncr). The readability of the texts was assessed using the Gunning fog index (GFI), Coleman Liau index (CLI), Automated readability index (ARI) Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincald grade level (FKGL), Flesh reasing ease (FRE) (https://readabilityformulas.com).

RESULTS

The mean Flesch reading ease index score was determined to be 48.67, accompanied by a standard deviation of 15.04 and these websites require an average of 13.49 years of formal education (GFI), with a standard deviation of 2.62, for ease of understanding.

CONCLUSION

Our research indicates that a significant proportion of websites related to TMD can be defined as a level of complexity that exceeds the ability to read comprehension of the general population.

Efficacy of hyaluronic acid in temporomandibular disorders evaluated with diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD)

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) in managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) using the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD). There has been an ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of HA as a treatment option for TMD, which necessitated a thorough evaluation.

METHODS

The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines conducted across eight different databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO and CINAHL. The selection criteria included studies that evaluated the efficacy of HA in TMD patients, utilised DC/TMD, and were published in English. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. ROB-2 tool was employed to assess methodological quality of the assessed studies.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. They demonstrated that HA was effective in improving various symptoms of TMD, such as pain, mouth opening and joint sounds over control group. But on the other end, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was found to be better than HA intervention in alleviation of TMD symptoms. However, the degree of improvement varied across the studies. Some studies reported adverse effects, but these were typically minor and transient. Risk of bias assessment was low in all the included studies.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that HA can be an effective treatment for TMD when evaluated with DC/TMD. However, the variation in effectiveness across studies indicates the need for individualised treatment planning and careful monitoring of adverse effects. Further research is needed to refine the treatment protocols and understand the long-term effectiveness and safety of HA in TMD management.

Effect of the maternal sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea on feto-placental Doppler: A systematic review

Literature evidenced an association of maternal sleep disturbances and maternal obstructive sleep apnea with significant obstetric complications. Moreover, the maternal sleep disturbances effect on feto-placental circulation had not been extensively examined. Our objective is to explore the possible maternal sleep disturbances impact on the feto-placental indices evaluated through the Doppler study. A systematic review of the following databases was performed: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from the beginning to June 2024. Only studies that enrolled pregnant women with signs and symptoms of maternal sleep disturbances or obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis, which analysed the feto-placental Doppler parameters, were considered eligible (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024553926). We included a total of four studies with 1715 cases of pregnant women. Various instrumental and non-instrumental diagnostic methods were adopted for detection of maternal sleep disturbances. The ultrasound exam was performed mainly in the third trimester of pregnancies, and all the studies explored the uterine Doppler parameters. Only two studies explore the foetal Doppler parameters. Only one study disclosed that maternal sleep disturbances are related to altered uterine Doppler indices with probable placental dysfunction. This review did not evidence a significant influence of maternal sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea on foetal Doppler indices. Moreover, one large prospective study showed a possible impact of maternal sleep disturbances on uterine Doppler with a potential impairment of the placentation function. Additional studies with detailed data and larger samples are needed to throw light on this relationship and its impact on the foetal outcomes.

Unraveling the Complexities of Sleep Disturbances: A Scientific Perspective

How to cite this article: Uzunçıbuk H, Fiorillo L, Ronsivalle V, et al. Unraveling the Complexities of Sleep Disturbances: A Scientific Perspective. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(12):1081-1083. Keywords: Circadian rhythm disorders, İnsomnia, Obstructive sleep apnea, Sleep disturbances.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Masticatory Muscle Function

How to cite this article: Russo D, Almeida LE, Ronsivalle V, et al. Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Masticatory Muscle Function. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(11):997-1000. Keywords: Apnea-hypopnea index, Diabetes, Obstructive sleep apnea, Temporomandibular joint.

Stem Cells: Present Understanding and Prospects for Regenerative Dentistry

Regenerative medicine in dentistry focuses on repairing damaged oral tissues using advanced tools like stem cells, biomaterials, and tissue engineering (TE). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from dental sources, such as dental pulp and periodontal ligament, show significant potential for tissue regeneration due to their proliferative and differentiative abilities. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, evaluated fifteen studies and identified effective strategies for improving dental, periodontal, and bone tissue regeneration through scaffolds, secretomes, and bioengineering methods. Key advancements include the use of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) to boost cell viability and manage inflammation. Additionally, pharmacological agents like matrine and surface modifications on biomaterials improve stem cell adhesion and promote osteogenic differentiation. By integrating these approaches, regenerative medicine and TE can optimize dental therapies and enhance patient outcomes. This review highlights the potential and challenges in this field, providing a critical assessment of current research and future directions.

Navigating the Interconnected World of Tooth Wear, Bruxism, and Temporomandibular Disorders

How to cite this article: Ronsivalle V, Russo D, Cicciù M, et al. Navigating the Interconnected World of Tooth Wear, Bruxism, and Temporomandibular Disorders. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(10): 911-913. Keywords: Bruxism, Sleep disorders, Temporomandibular disorders, Tooth wear.

Debonding issues in orthodontics: an RCTs systematic review

Background: This systematic review aims to critically assess the literature on the debonding process of orthodontic brackets from enamel surfaces. The review evaluates Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to determine the effectiveness and implications of various debonding techniques and materials. Methods: The study followed PRISMA guidelines, selecting RCTs published from 1999 onwards that compared the outcomes of various orthodontic bracket debonding techniques. Selection criteria included studies utilizing human teeth, with outcomes such as enamel surface roughness and Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) analyzed. Data sources included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Results: Out of 1,587 records identified, five studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies provided comparative data on the effectiveness of various debonding techniques, including tungsten carbide and diamond burs, in minimizing enamel damage and optimizing adhesive removal. Findings indicated that tungsten carbide burs produced the least enamel roughness. Discussion: Utilizing tungsten carbide burs for debonding orthodontic brackets significantly minimizes enamel surface roughness and potential damage, thereby enhancing the preservation of enamel integrity post-treatment. The systematic review highlights current debonding techniques are effective in adhesive removal, and the choice of instrument significantly affects enamel integrity and clinical outcomes. The findings support the need for continuous improvement and innovation in removing braces to improve orthodontic treatment results and patient satisfaction.

Bidirectional Association between Periodontitis and Thyroid Disease: A Scoping Review

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Due to the development of chronic inflammation, periodontitis can contribute to the development of several systemic diseases, including thyroid disease. Thyroid pathology includes benign, malignant, and autoimmune conditions leading to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or euthyroidism. Alterations in thyroid hormones, especially hypothyroidism, can reveal significant oral manifestations, including periodontitis. This scoping review aims to explore the probable causal relationship between periodontitis and thyroid disease, in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. The search strategy follows the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched from January 2014 to January 2024, entering the MESH terms "periodontitis" and "thyroid". Of 153 initial records, 20 articles were selected and discussed. There is a high prevalence of periodontitis among patients with thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer. The causes at the basis of this association are genetic factors, the oral microbiome, and proinflammatory cytokines. Periodontal treatment, specifically scaling and root planning, can ameliorate thyroid parameters. Although there are a few randomized controlled studies in the literature, this review lays the foundation for a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and thyroid disease, the link to which is, once again, systemic inflammation.

Therapeutic Strategies and Genetic Implications for Periodontal Disease Management: A Systematic Review

The objective of this review is to identify the microbiological alterations caused by various therapy modalities by critically analyzing the current findings. We limited our search to English-language papers published between 1 January 2004 and 7 May 2024 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science that were relevant to our topic. In the search approach, the Boolean keywords "microbio*" AND "periodontitis" were used. A total of 5152 papers were obtained from the databases Web of Science (2205), PubMed (1793), and Scopus (1154). This resulted in 3266 articles after eliminating duplicates (1886), and 1411 entries were eliminated after their titles and abstracts were examined. The qualitative analysis of the 22 final articles is included in this study. Research on periodontal disease shows that periodontitis alters the oral microbiome and increases antibiotic resistance. Treatments like scaling and root planing (SRP), especially when combined with minocycline, improve clinical outcomes by reducing harmful bacteria. Comprehensive mechanical debridement with antibiotics, probiotics, EMD with bone grafts, and other adjunctive therapies enhances periodontal health. Personalized treatment strategies and advanced microbial analyses are crucial for effective periodontal management and antibiotic resistance control.

Difference in the Intestinal Microbiota between Breastfeed Infants and Infants Fed with Artificial Milk: A Systematic Review

The gut microbiota (GM) plays a crucial role in human health, particularly during the first years of life. Differences in GM between breastfed and formula (F)-fed infants may influence long-term health outcomes. This systematic review aims to compare the gut microbiota of breastfed infants with that of F-fed infants and to evaluate the clinical implications of these differences. We searched databases on Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed with the following keywords: "gut microbiota", "gut microbiome", and "neonatal milk". The inclusion criteria were articles relating to the analysis of the intestinal microbiome of newborns in relation to the type of nutrition, clinical studies or case series, excluding reviews, meta-analyses, animal models, and in vitro studies. The screening phase ended with the selection of 13 publications for this work. Breastfed infants showed higher levels of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while F-fed infants had a higher prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridium difficile and Enterobacteriaceae. Infant feeding type influences the composition of oral GM significantly. Breastfeeding promotes a healthier and more diverse microbial ecosystem, which may offer protective health benefits. Future research should explore strategies to improve the GM of F-fed infants and understand the long-term health implications.

The Role of Curcumin in Oral Health and Diseases: A Systematic Review

Curcumin (Curcumin) belongs to the polyphenol family. It is extracted by drying the root of a plant of Asian origin, belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. The best-known species is Curcumincuma Longa. Curcumin has been recognized as having great therapeutic powers since ancient times. Studies on curcumin have since confirmed its powerful antioxidant properties, preventing both the formation of free radicals and their neutralization, having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunological, and neuroprotective properties, as well as being a regulator of the intestinal microbiota with beneficial effects on the clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome. Our study aimed to highlight how all these therapeutic aspects could benefit oral health, both preventing and improving the course of pathological processes. The effect of mouthwashes, and curcumin-based gels on the regulation of bacterial plaque and in the control of gingivitis, was largely comparable to that of using 0.20% chlorhexidine, with fewer side effects. Being a highly hydrophobic substance, it has a high permeability to cross the cell membrane. Bioavailability increases when combined with liposoluble substances (e.g., olive oil) and piperine, which improves absorption. Curcumin also has a negligible degree of toxicity, making it an excellent alternative to the use of gold standard products for oral disinfection.

The Role of Sulfhydryl (Thiols) Groups in Oral and Periodontal Diseases

AIM

The sulfhydryl (thiols) group of glutathione plays an important role in the neutralization of foreign organic compounds and the reduction in peroxides. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the concentration of sulfhydryl groups in the gingival tissue of healthy individuals and those with gingivitis or periodontitis, and to examine the differences between these groups.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To assess the concentration of sulfhydryl groups (thiols) in the gingival tissue of healthy individuals and those with gingivitis or periodontitis, we used spectrophotometric analysis using dithionitrobenzoate (DTNB) as a reagent to measure the accessible sulfhydryl groups present in gingival tissue proteins. The sample was divided into three distinct groups: individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis, and different indices were used to assess the periodontal status of the participants. Next, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the concentrations of sulfhydryl groups among the different groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed significantly decreased levels of sulfhydryl (thiols) groups in gingival tissue from patients with gingivitis and periodontitis, compared with healthy people (control group). These results confirm the role of sulfhydryl (thiols) groups in defense against free radicals. They share a significant role in detoxification, signal transduction, apoptosis, and various other functions at the molecular level.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of resveratrol on oral cancer: potential therapeutic implications

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of resveratrol on oral neoplastic parameters through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has shown promising potential as a therapeutic agent in various cancer types, including oral neoplasms. Understanding the collective findings from existing studies can shed light on the efficacy and mechanisms of resveratrol in oral cancer management. The systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed to identify relevant studies from various databases, registers, websites, and citation searches. The inclusion criteria encompassed in-vivo studies investigating the impact of resveratrol on oral neoplastic parameters in animal models. After screening and assessment, a total of five eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the selected studies revealed that resveratrol treatment exhibited a potential impact on reducing oral neoplastic proliferation and promoting neoplastic apoptosis. The combined analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in neoplastic parameters with an overall effect size (ES) of 0.85 (95% CI: [0.74, 0.98]). Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential variations among different cellular types and exposure compounds, providing further insights into the efficacy of resveratrol in specific contexts. This systematic review and meta-analysis support the potential of resveratrol as a promising therapeutic agent in oral cancer management. The findings indicate that resveratrol may effectively modulate neoplastic proliferation and apoptosis in various cellular types within animal models of oral cancer. However, further well-controlled studies and clinical trials are warranted to validate these observations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of resveratrol's actions. Resveratrol holds promise as a complementary therapeutic approach in the prevention and treatment of oral neoplastic conditions.

Exploring the Link between Sleep Quality and Temporomandibular Disorders

How to cite this article: Vlasa A. Exploring the Link between Sleep Quality and Temporomandibular Disorders. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):293-294. Keywords: Sleep quality, Temporomandibular disorders, Temporomandibular joint.

Prediction of interactomic hub genes in PBMC cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In recent years, the complex interplay between systemic health and oral well-being has emerged as a focal point for researchers and healthcare practitioners. Among the several important connections, the convergence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, chronic periodontitis, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a remarkable example. These components collectively contribute to a network of interactions that extends beyond their domains, underscoring the intricate nature of human health. In the current study, bioinformatics analysis was utilized to predict the interactomic hub genes involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, and periodontitis and their relationships to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by machine learning algorithms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene Expression Omnibus datasets were utilized to identify the genes linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), dyslipidemia, and Periodontitis (GSE156993).Gene Ontology (G.O.) Enrichr, Genemania, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were used for analysis for identification and functionalities of hub genes. The expression of hub D.E.G.s was confirmed, and an orange machine learning tool was used to predict the hub genes.

RESULT

The decision tree, AdaBoost, and Random Forest had an A.U.C. of 0.982, 1.000, and 0.991 in the R.O.C. curve. The AdaBoost model showed an accuracy of (1.000). The findings imply that the AdaBoost model showed a good predictive value and may support the clinical evaluation and assist in accurately detecting periodontitis associated with T2DM and dyslipidemia. Moreover, the genes with p-value < 0.05 and A.U.C.>0.90, which showed excellent predictive value, were thus considered hub genes.

CONCLUSION

The hub genes and the D.E.G.s identified in the present study contribute immensely to the fundamentals of the molecular mechanisms occurring in the PBMC associated with the progression of periodontitis in the presence of T2DM and dyslipidemia. They may be considered potential biomarkers and offer novel therapeutic strategies for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Evaluation and assessment of the survival of tooth implant supported prosthesis in tooth and implant supported rehabilitation cases with metal frameworks

INTRODUCTION

Over the years, implant therapy has been a commonly used treatment option for individuals who are partially or totally edentulous, with a long-term success rate of over 90%. With significant advancements in biomaterials and technology, implant dentistry can now conduct prosthetic rehabilitations in the majority of patients catering to all types of needs. However, in order to meet the demands of a patient base that is always growing, new trends in implantology are emerging in recent years that are focused on minimally invasive surgery and financial sustainability. In certain clinical scenarios, connecting teeth and implants to support fixed partial prosthesis (FPPs) may be a predictable and workable course of treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

22 patients were selected for this study who had tooth and implant supported prosthesis placed as a final restoration. Out of these 22 patients; 12 were male and 10 were female patients. Implants were placed following proper protocol and if grafting procedures were required they were carried out. A second stage surgical procedure was carried out and delayed loading protocols were followed. The statistical analysis was done using the IBM SPSS 24.0, Chicago, USA. The survival of the implants and teeth were measured by the Kaplan Meier survival scale. Bone loss was assessed at baseline(upon loading), 12 months and 24 months.

RESULTS

The implant survival rate was measured at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. At 24 months, one implant showed failure, so the survival rate of the implants were 95.4%. Bone loss of 1 mm was seen around one implant at 12 months. Bone loss of 1 and 2 mm was present around two implants and one implant respectively at 24 months.

CONCLUSION

From the results of this study, we can conclude that tooth implant supported prosthesis show very good survival when used in rehabilitation cases.

Impact of clear aligner therapy on masticatory musculature and stomatognathic system: a systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions

BACKGROUND

Clear aligner therapy has gained popularity as a minimally invasive orthodontic treatment option. However, its impact on the masticatory musculature and the stomatognathic system is an area of growing interest, as it involves the adjustment of occlusion and tooth movement. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess and synthesise existing evidence regarding the influence of clear aligner therapy on the masticatory musculature and the stomatognathic system.

METHODS

An exhaustive search was performed on electronic databases that adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Clinical studies that evaluated the impact of patients receiving aligner orthodontic treatment on the muscles of the mastication and stomatognathic systems were included. A standardised data extraction form was devised for relevant variables. Two reviewers extracted the data variables. ROB-2 was used for bias evaluation in the selected studies.

RESULTS

A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria. The wearing of clear aligners significantly impacted the muscles of mastication. Muscle activity and discomfort showed a significant alteration in the initial days of appliance placement. but this observation was temporary, with no significant changes thereafter in subsequent follow-up. Bite force reduction was also noted. All the studies evaluated showed good methodological quality.

CONCLUSION

The review found that aligned orthodontic treatment may have a variable impact on muscles of mastication, with a potential for initial exacerbation of symptoms followed by possible improvement. However, due to the limited number of studies and their heterogeneous nature, further robust research is recommended to fully understand the relationship between aligned orthodontic treatment and masticatory muscles.

Evaluation and assessment of the wettabilty and water contact angle of modified poly methyl methacrylate denture base materials against PEEK in cast partial denture framework: an in vitro study

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of adults with partially dental arches is expected to be more than imagined and patients requiring replacement of missing teeth are slowly increasing in number too. Removable partial dentures are known to provide for substantial replacement for the missing teeth with also added advantages when compared to fixed or implant prosthesis, mainly in elderly patients. Denture base material performance and durability are greatly influenced by wettability and water contact angle. In the case of dentures; adequate moisture distribution is necessary to ensure excellent wettability which has an influence on comfort and oral health. The purpose of conducting this study was to find out whether the advancements made using PEEK (Polyether ether ketone) would prove to be more beneficial than the current upgrades in the current material spectrum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed under in vitro conditions. All the fabrication and processing was done only by one operator. The materials used were divided into three groups each comprising 20 samples. Group A was modified polymethylmethacrylate (Bredent Polyan), Group B was polyoxymethylene acetal resin (Biodentaplast) and Group C was PEEK. An Ossila Goniometer was used to measure the contact angle. The three types of liquids used for the testing included distilled water, natural saliva and mouth wetting solution (Wet Mouth Liquid, ICPA India). Human saliva was collected from an individual with no medical conditions and normal salivary secretion.

RESULTS

The data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and a pairwise comparison using the Post Hoc Tukey's Honest Significant Difference. Table 1 consists of the mean water contact angles of the denture base materials and mean contact angles of various denture base materials. In saliva, mouth wetting solution and distilled water, the highest mean and least mean contact angle was seen in Polyan and Biodentaplast respectively. A signicant difference was seen between PEEK and Polyan and Biodentaplast and Polyan on further comparison.

CONCLUSION

From the resources and the materials at our disposal, it could be concluded that Polyan, Biodentaplast and PEEK and could be used as viable options in cast partial denture framework.