Morphologic Evaluation of Dentoalveolar Structures after Corticotomy-Assisted Orthodontic Treatment in Romanian Adult Patients.

Background and Objectives: Corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics is an approach that can be useful in treating complex orthodontic cases and that could enhance the rate of tooth movement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes that occurred in the buccal cortical bone and at the root level after an orthodontic treatment when corticotomy was used, in Romanian patients. Materials and Methods: After dividing the subjects into two groups (maxillary and mandibular corticotomy), based on CBCT, measurements were made of the thickness of the cortical buccal bone at the cervical, median and apical level, and of the root length at T0 (before corticotomy) and T1 (6 months after surgery). Several tests were used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: In the maxillary arch, the bone thickness measured after corticotomy in males was 0.64 mm at the cervical level, 0.53 mm at the medial level and 0.30 mm in the apical area. In females, the values were 0.46 mm (cervical), 0.37 mm (medial) and 0.36 mm (apical). In the lower arch, the values obtained for these three regions were 0.37 mm, 0.30 mm and 0.37 mm for males and 0.58 mm, 0.32 mm and 0.43 mm for female subjects. All values were statistically significant. The root length for the lower teeth at T0 was 11.98 ± 2.24 mm at T0 and 11.97 ± 2.24 mm at T1. For the upper teeth, the root length at T0 was 13.83 ± 2.28 mm and 13.81 ± 2.28 mm. Conclusions: Comparing the measurements, it was observed that the biggest changes in the cortical bone were at the cervical level. In the maxillary arch, the most significant modifications were registered at the canines and the level of the first premolars, and in the lower arch at the incisors level. The measured root resorption of the teeth was considered to be statistically insignificant.

[Delusional Parasitosis associated with diabetes mellitus treated in outpatient care during COVID-19 pandemic - case report].

The presenile dermatozoic delusion, subsequently referred to as Ekbom's syndrome and delusional parasitosis is a rare chronic condition, having an undetermined etiology and rising challenging treatment approaches. The diagnosis of delusional parasitosis can be presumed on the basis of the clinical history, but it is important to thoroughly assess the existence of an underlying systemic disorder or unrecognized skin disorder. A skin examination must be performed to rule out an infestation or a skin disorder. We present a 63-year-old diabetic woman with a high level of resilience towards the psychiatric treatment for whom we successfully offered outpatient psychiatric and dermatological assistance during the pandemic COVID-19. The trigger for a successful treatment scheme in outpatient care in a case of delusional parasitosis was the close and trustful relationship between the patient and the doctor. Different pharmacological treatments were approached and adjusted according to the patient adherence and the objective result (quetiapine XR, duloxetine, risperidone, olanzapine, and lamotrigine along with chronic disease treatment and wound management). Having a mutual agreed objective criteria for the treatment outcome, and creating a throughout examination scheme with frequent medical checks, increased the patient adherence to the treatment.

[Objective evaluation of orthodontic treatment need with Dental Aesthetic Index]. / Fogazati rendellenességek kezelési szükségletének tárgyilagos felmérése a Dental Aesthetic Index segítségével.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: To evaluate the frequency and severity of the malocclusions and treatment need in a group of adult patients in Târgu-Mureș, dividing them up according to age and gender. METHOD: Sixty-four, randomly selected patients were divided up according to age and gender. Ten occlusal traits related to dentofacial anomalies according to missing teeth, spacing, crowding and occlusion were used to evaluate the malocclusions on each of their study cast. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) regression equation was used to obtain the DAI score that defines severity. RESULTS: The average DAI score was 38 with a range of 18-79, showing that the majority of patients needed mandatory orthodontic treatment. No statistically significant difference was found between gender, age groups and need for treatment. CONCLUSION: More than two-fifths of the examined patients have a mandatory need for orthodontic treatment if the DAI scores are the main screening tool. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(9): 352-356.

Statistical Study Concerning Extraction and Non-Extraction Methods in Orthodontic Treatments.

INTRODUCTION: The need to extract permanent teeth for the correction of dento-maxillary anomalies remains even today a controversy in orthodontic therapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the orthodontist's point of view on the extraction and non-extraction methods used in orthodontic treatments, regarding clinical experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A de novo conceived questionnaire was elaborated by means of Google Forms and it comprised 22 questions regarding gender, age, different proprieties and aspects of both extraction and non-extraction methods and the percentage of treated patients who developed an increase in dental sensitivity and caries activity following the therapeutic stripping procedure. RESULTS: 204 orthodontists answered the questionnaire. The respondents chose dental stripping (IPR-interproximal reduction) as the most used non-extraction method in their orthodontic practice with 34,3%, followed by over-expansion and dental stripping 24%. The probability that females will try to avoid dental extractions is 1.888 times higher compared to males. The association is statistically significant (p-value 0.0336). 70,1% of clinicians state that they use dental stripping as a non-extraction method to gain space even when there is NO Bolton discrepancy. In Class III cases, for reducing crowding and correcting the dental relations, 65.2% of doctors opt for dental stripping, while 34.8% do not avoid the extraction of a lower incisor. CONCLUSIONS: Among the non-extraction methods for creating space, the most used by the surveyed orthodontists was dental stripping IPR. Tooth extraction remains a solution used by orthodontists for treating dentomaxillary disharmonies with crowding.

Comparative study on the results of orthodontic diagnostics by using algorithms generated by Artificial Intelligence and simple algorithms.

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is computer-generated intelligence, as opposed to the natural intelligence of humans and some animals. Kaplan and Haenlein define AI as "the ability of a system to correctly interpret external data, to learn from such data and use what it has learned to achieve specific goals and tasks through a flexible adaptation". The term "artificial intelligence" is used colloquially to describe machines that mimic the "cognitive" functions that people associate with other human minds. One of the areas where technological advances have brought significant changes is orthodontics, especially in terms of diagnosis and orthodontic prediction.The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis between the results obtained by using the complete algorithms that define Artificial Intelligence and the simple algorithms of classical medical software, used in the detection of the position and shape of teeth in various orthodontic anomalies. Methods: A group of 45 patients with maxillary-dento anomalies Angle Class I (DDM with crowding and deviation of the superior inter-incisive line) was studied. Two types of algorithms were used in the study group: modern type I algorithms and simple algorithms used in classical software to detect the position of the frontal teeth. Through the symmetrical points of the face the facial axes were determined, and after the detection of the contour of each tooth the incisional curve was calculated. The median line was analyzed against the vertical axis of the face, and the incisional curve towards the horizontal axis. Results: The study shows that AI algorithms offer an increased level of tooth position detection, compared to traditional softwares. Complex algorithms, specific to Artificial Intelligence, showed superior detection, and more stability in the analysis. Conclusion: Technological evolution and the development of machine learning capabilities have opened new perspectives in guiding orthodontic treatments through artificial intelligence (AI).

Comparative Evaluation of Dental Enamel Microhardness Following Various Methods of Interproximal Reduction: A Vickers Hardness Tester Investigation.

Interproximal enamel reduction, also known as stripping, is a common orthodontic procedure that reduces the mesiodistal diameter of teeth, allowing for a balance of available space in dental arches. The aim of this study was to assess the enamel surface microhardness resulting from the application of currently available methods for interproximal reduction. Forty-two extracted human permanent teeth were divided into six different groups, each subjected to a therapeutic stripping procedure using various methods (i.e., diamond burs, abrasive strips of 90 µm, 60 µm, 40 µm, and 15 µm, and abrasive discs). Stripping was performed by a single individual in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations for the various systems used. One of the proximal faces of the tooth underwent IPR, while the other side remained untreated for control. The hardness of the enamel surface was measured using a Vickers hardness tester. The control group achieved the hardest enamel surface (354.4 ± 41.02 HV1), while the lowest was observed for enamel surfaces treated with 90 µm abrasive strips (213.7 ± 118.6). The only statistically significant difference was identified in comparisons between the values measured for the control group and those obtained after stripping with diamond burs (p = 0.0159). Enamel microhardness varied depending on the stripping instrument used, but no statistically significant differences were found (p > 0.05). Optimal microhardness values, close to those of healthy enamel, were achieved after mechanical treatment with 15 µm abrasive strips and abrasive discs. Dental stripping is a safe therapeutic procedure that has a relatively minor influence on the microhardness of surface enamel.

Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Dentistry: Effectiveness in Preventing and Arresting Dental Caries-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Tooth decay is considered a global scourge by the World Health Organization (WHO) starting at an early age. In recent years, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has regained interest, particularly in pediatric dentistry, used to prevent the development of carious lesions or arrest their progression. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess, through a systematic review of the literature, the effectiveness of SDF, used in pedodontics, in temporary teeth, in preventing or arresting dental caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. The effect of SDF on both temporary and permanent teeth has been considered. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria identified 16 randomized controlled trials involving patients aged 18 months to 13 years and followed over a period of 12-30 months. CONCLUSIONS: SDF is a practical, accessible and effective non-invasive way to prevent and arrest caries in temporary and permanent teeth. Its application requires regular monitoring. The resulting black spot is diminished by immediate application of potassium iodide but this may affect its effectiveness.

Effect of Remineralizing Agents on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets-In Vitro Study.

Orthodontic treatment can be effective only with the proper adhesion strength of the bonded elements on the teeth. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of different remineralization products on the brackets (Evolve Low Profile Brackets 0.022 Roth prescription (DB Orthodontics Ltd., Silsden, England) shear bond strength (SBS)). In all, 40 teeth were investigated for this study; n = 30 demineralized (immersed in 0.1% citric acid for 30 min, twice a day, for 20 consecutive days) and n = 10 immersed only in artificial saliva. After the demineralization process, remineralization agents were applied to each group (n = 10): Group I: Elmex Sensitive professional® toothpaste (CP, Gaba GmbH, Witten, Germany) and GC MI Paste Plus® (GC, Leuven, Belgium), Group II: Elmex Sensitive professional® toothpaste (CP, Gaba GmbH, Germany) and GC Tooth Mousse® (Leuven, Belgium), Group III: Elmex Sensitive professional® toothpaste (CP, Gaba GmbH, Germany). For the teeth in control group C, Elmex Sensitive professional® toothpaste was used. SBS tests were performed by means of an advanced materials-testing machine that generated maximum load and tensile strength values. The data obtained underwent statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tuckey test) with a statistical threshold of p < 0.05. The SBS values were higher for group II (14.20 MPa) and I (10.36 MPa) and lower for group III (4.25 MPa) and C (4.11 MPa), with statistically significant differences between groups I and II when compared with groups III and C (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GC Tooth Mousse® and MI-Paste Plus® have no adverse effect on brackets SBS and are recommended to be used for enamel remineralization during orthodontic treatment.

A Retrospective Histological Study on Palatal and Gingival Mucosa Changes during a Rapid Palatal Expansion Procedure.

The most common inflammatory reactions in the oral mucosa are found at the gingival level. The treatment of these inflammations requires, first of all, the removal of the causative factor; often, this maneuver is sufficient. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and histopathological changes that occur in terms of gingival and palatal mucosa enlargement during palatal expansion treatment and their evolution during treatment. Twenty-five (n = 25) research participants, aged between thirteen and twenty-six years old, were examined in this retrospective study. At the end of the treatment, fragments of tissue from the affected level were obtained via incisional biopsy and sent to the histopathology laboratory for a specialized examination. The changes identified were specific to mechanical traumatic injuries, thus excluding hyperplasia from other etiologies (infectious, tumoral, or non-mechanical traumatic). The examined fragments showed hyperplasia. The histopathological examination revealed the mechanical character of the lesion, strengthening the causal relationship between the insertion of the expander and the occurrence of hyperplasia of the palatal mucosa. The type of palatal expander influenced the degree of inflammation, with the severity of hyperplasia being more pronounced in the case of mini-implant-anchored rapid palatal expander (MARPE) usage than in the case of tooth-borne rapid palatal expander (RPE) usage. The analysis of the distance between the expander and the palatal mucosa did not provide conclusive results; the incidence and severity of the reaction were variable in patients with the same distance between the expander and the palatal or gingival mucosa.

Experimental Study on the Mechanical Behavior of Orthodontic Arches Exposed to the Environment in the Oral Cavity.

BACKGROUND: The arches used in orthodontic therapy are subject to increasing physical and chemical stresses. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This in vitro experimental study aims to highlight and compare the main mechanical properties of orthodontic arches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 40 springs, 2 materials, 20 of Ni-Cr and 20 of Co-Cr, of different diameters, 0.7 mm 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm, subjected to the environment of artificial saliva and artificial saliva with cola for one month and two months, respectively. Five springs of each material were tested at different times: T0, before application in the oral cavity, then at time T1, T2, T3, T4. Three lengths of the lever arm were considered for bending forces acting on the springs (dental wires). These lengths were 15, 10 and 5 mm. The wires were tested under the action of bending forces on a Hans Schmidt HV 500N stand, obtaining the characteristics of the wires: deformation-force-time. RESULTS: Graphical determinations show that the degree of deformation of the wires is influenced by the applied force, diameter and obviously by the immersion time, respectively by the type of solution in which the springs were immersed. CONCLUSIONS: The final degree of bending is higher for Co-Cr arcs than for Ni-Cr at all three dimensions.

Effects of Disinfection and Steam Sterilization on the Mechanical Properties of 3D SLA- and DLP-Printed Surgical Guides for Orthodontic Implant Placement.

Three-dimensional printed surgical guides increase the precision of orthodontic mini-implant placement. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of disinfection and of two types of autoclave sterilization on the mechanical properties of 3D printed surgical guides obtained via the SLA (stereolithography) and DLP (digital light processing) printing methods. A total of 96 standard specimens (48 SLA and 48 DLP) were printed to analyze the tensile and flexural properties of the materials. A total of 80 surgical guide (40 SLA and 40 DLP) specimens from each printing method were classified into four groups: CG (control group); G1, disinfected with 4% Gigasept (Gigasept Instru AF; Schülke & Mayer Gmbh, Norderstedt, Germany); G2, autoclave-sterilized (121 °C); and G3, autoclave-sterilized (134 °C). Significant differences in the maximum compressive load were determined between the groups comprising the DLP-(p < 0.001) and the SLA- (p < 0.001) printed surgical guides. Groups G2 (p = 0.001) and G3 (p = 0.029) showed significant parameter modifications compared with the CG. Disinfection with 4% Gigasept (Gigasept Instru AF; Schülke & Mayer Gmbh, Norderstedt, Germany) is suitable both for SLA- and DLP-printed surgical guides. Heat sterilization at both 121 °C and 134 °C modified the mechanical properties of the surgical guides.

Comparative Assessment of Retention and Caries Protective Effectiveness of a Hydrophilic and a Conventional Sealant-A Clinical Trial.

Sealants are highly efficient and the most secure method for the prevention of caries lesions from pits and fissures in recently erupted permanent teeth. The aim of this study is to clinically assess and compare the retention and evolution of caries of a moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant with a conventional hydrophobic resin-based sealant. Material and method: We have included in the study 28 children with between 6 and 8 years old. For each child we sealed 4 permanent molars (a total of 112 teeth). The study group was divided into two subgroups: the Embrace Group­consisting of 56 first permanent molars that underwent dental sealing with moisture-tolerant resin-based fissure sealant (Embrace™ WetBond™ Pulpdent, Watertown, MA, USA) and the Helioseal Group­represented by the same number of 56 first permanent molars that were sealed with conventional hydrophobic resin-based sealant (Helioseal F™, Ivoclar Vivadent Schaan, Liechtenstein). The retention and the incidence of new carious lesions of each sealant were assessed clinically at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Results: The 12-month follow-up assessment showed perfect integrity in 50 molars (89.28%) sealed with moisture-tolerant resin-based material (Embrace Group), and in 51 molars (91.07%) with conventional resin-based sealant (Helioseal Group). At the 24-month recall, the retention was maintained in 44 molars (78.57%) in the Embrace Group and in 45 molars (80.35%) in the Helioseal Group, respectively. The follow-up assessments showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.5) between the two materials regarding sealant retention. First evidence of new carious lesions was present at 12 months on two molars sealed with Embrace WetBond and on one molar sealed with Helioseal. At the 24-month evaluation, the prevalence of caries in the Embrace Group was 7.14% (four caries) and 3.56% (two caries) in the Helioseal Group. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two materials regarding new caries development at any of the follow-up assessments. Conclusions: Moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant was effective in terms of retention and caries prevention.

Effects of Laser Therapy on Periodontal Status in Adult Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment.

Orthodontic treatment with fixed devices should only be indicated in case of a stable, non-active periodontal disease status. Throughout orthodontic treatment, a careful assessment of the periodontal status is advised. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, laser therapy is frequently used as an adjunct to classic periodontal therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages and limitations of the use of laser therapy on periodontal status during orthodontic treatment. Throughout the 9 months during which this placebo-controlled, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, 32 patients were included in the study, divided into two groups: microscope "+" (patients who observed the bacteria within the dental plaque-sample examination on the screen of a dark-field microscope in real time) and microscope "-" (patients who did not see the oral pathogens using a dark-field microscope). For all patients, using the split-mouth study design, laser therapy was applied to one hemiarch (HL), whereas the other hemiarch received treatment without active light (HC). After one month, by analyzing the main indicators of periodontal health status, we found that the plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) values were significantly decreased after receiving treatment (for PI: HL-p = 0.0005, HC-p = 0.0297; for BOP: HL-p = 0.0121, HC-p = 0.0236), whereas the probing-depth (PD) values remained almost the same as before treatment (HL-p = 1.5143; HC-p = 1.4762). Conclusions: The use of the dark-field microscope proved to be beneficial in sensitizing patients to the presence of bacteria in the oral cavity and motivated them to strictly follow the rules of oral hygiene. Laser treatment can be a valuable aid in periodontal therapy, but only in adjunction with mechanical therapy.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Bracket Systems' Bond Strength: Conventional and Self-Ligating.

Adhesion remains a key element in dentistry, whether approached in prosthetics, odontology, or orthodontics. It is a continuously researched aspect, as improved materials and adhesive methods keep emerging in the market. No orthodontic treatment can be effective without the proper adhesion strength of the bonded elements on the teeth. The objective of this research, in the broad context of self-ligating versus conventional brackets, was to compare active and passive self-ligating systems with a conventional one by conducting an in vitro study on human-extracted premolars. Shear bond strength tests were executed by means of an advanced materials-testing machine that generated maximum load and tensile strength values. The data obtained underwent statistical analysis with a statistical threshold of p < 0.05. The results regarding the statistical significance were acquired when comparing the passive self-ligating system with the active self-ligating and conventional systems (load-at-maximum-load mean 204.9, SD 91.09, and p < 0.05). In this study, the passive self-ligating bracket system appears to present increased shear bond strength.

Effects of Laser Application on Alveolar Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Osteoblasts: An In Vitro Study.

Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the bone marrow have a great differentiation potential, being able to produce many cell lines, including osteoblasts. Osteoblasts have an important role in bone remodeling by actively participating in the maturation and mineralization of the extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of laser application on the viability and proliferation of osteoblasts. METHODS: Alveolar bone was harvested from 8 patients and placed into a culture medium to induce proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells. These were differentiated into osteoblasts in special conditions. The cells from each patient were split into two groups, one was treated using a 980 nm laser (1W output power, pulsed mode, 20 s, 50 mm distance) (laser "+") and the other one did not receive laser stimulation (laser "-"). RESULTS: Using the confocal microscope, we determined that the cells from the laser "+" group were more active when compared to the laser "-" group. The number of cells in the laser "+" group was significantly greater compared to the laser "-" group as the ImageJ-NIH software showed (p = 0.0072). CONCLUSIONS: Laser application increases the proliferation rate of osteoblasts and intensifies their cellular activity.

Extra-Oral Three-Dimensional (3D) Scanning Evaluation of Three Different Impression Materials-An In Vitro Study.

Impression materials are used to record and reproduce the exact morphology of the patient's oral cavity. The dimensional stability of a material is its ability to maintain the accuracy of recording the details of the oral cavity for a longer period of time, including the time during imprinting and immediately after. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of three different impression materials commonly used in the dental practice with the aid of an extra-oral three-dimensional (3D) scanner using an in vitro analysis. A typodont tooth model of the maxillary dental arch and mandibular dental arch, containing 16 permanent teeth, was used for evaluation. With the aid of three different impression materials, this model was imprinted fifteen times, resulting in fifteen different plaster models. A capsule extra-oral scanner device was used to digitalize the models and the same device was later used to align, compare, and measure scanned model surfaces. After performing the Kruskal-Wallis test for each measurement category (model), only two out of the fifteen measurements showed statistically significant differences between the material groups: vestibular-oral and mesial-distal width. Post hoc analysis showed that the alginate model (mean range = 29.13) had significantly higher bias scores than the addition silicone model (mean range = 16.75) (z = 2.501, p = 0.037). The difference between the average values of the model bias made from condensation-based silicone and addition-based silicone was initially significant, but after applying the Bonferroni correction for further comparisons, this relationship did not remain significant (z = 2.197, p = 0.084). Addition-based silicone models had the highest accuracy in terms of fidelity, followed by condensation-based silicones, and then by alginate models. Silicone-based impression materials improved over time, being highly used in all areas of dentistry. Alginate impressions had the lowest pattern of accuracy among those studied.

The Assessment of Sealants' Effectiveness in Arresting Non-Cavitated Caries Lesion-A 24-Month Follow-Up.

Dental sealants are excellent means to prevent pits and fissure caries. Nowadays, the application of sealants is extended to therapeutic use in arresting non-cavitated carious lesions. This relatively new concept still lacks evidence to support its routine use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a resin-based sealant applied on first permanent molars with carious lesions (ICDAS 1−3), in comparison with its effectiveness when applied on sound surfaces (ICDAS 0). Included in the study were 114 children aged between six and eight years old, with a high caries risk (according to the CAMBRA system), with all four permanent molars erupted and with deep pits and fissures. A total number of 407 molars were sealed and assessed. A total of 49 were excluded (they had caries, which according to the ICDAS II classification were classified with code 4−6 or had older sealants or fillings). Out of these 407 molars, 213 were sound (code 0) and 194 had caries lesions as follows: 56 teeth classified as code 1, 79 teeth classified as code 2, and 59 teeth classified as code 3 according to the ICDAS II classification. The retention of the sealant and carious lesions were assessed clinically at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Regarding sealant retention, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) among the two types of sealed teeth, sound (ICDAS 0) and decayed (ICDAS 3), showed at 18- and 24-month follow-up intervals. Regarding caries lesions, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) showed between sound (ICDAS 0) and decayed (ICDAS 3) molars at 24-month follow-up. Our study results supported the resin-based sealant effectiveness in arresting incipient carious lesions, which according to the ICDAS II classification have received codes 1 and 2 but did not support sealant effectiveness in arresting caries lesions classified according to the same classification with code 3.

Is Teledentistry a Method for Optimizing Dental Practice, Even in the Post-Pandemic Period? An Integrative Review.

BACKGROUND: For the past two and half years, dentists all across the world, along with their patients, have faced numerous challenges. In this context, the aim of this integrative review was to assess if dentists' and patients' attitudes regarding teledentistry (TD) have changed since the COVID-19 outbreak, and if the use of TD will continue to rise, even in the post-pandemic period; (2) Methods: A literature search was performed between August 2021 and January 2022. The PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched for articles published between 2012 and 2022 using a combination of the following Mesh terms: "COVID-19", "pandemic", "oral telemedicine", "teledentistry"; (3) Results: Among the 52 included papers, nine papers were published between 2011 and 2019, and 43 articles were published after 2020 (12 were published in 2020, 29 papers were published in 2021, and two in 2022). Among the articles published before 2020, seven out of nine included papers were reviews, and two were original research. Among the 43 papers published after 2020, 18 were reviews and 25 original research. (4) Conclusions: Based on the results of this integrative review, there is clear evidence that the interest in teledentistry and teleassistance in the dental field has increased rapidly, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, while dental practitioners should be encouraged to keep themselves updated about new technologies, patients should also be constantly informed about their options for receiving special oral health care.

Statistical Study on the Motivation of Patients in the Pediatric Dentistry.

Our statistical study included 344 participants selected from the patients of the Pedodontics-Orthodontics Discipline of the Tîrgu-Mures University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The patients' age was between 6 and 18 years, with an average of 13.70 and a standard deviation of 4.62. The study participants were informed and agreed to complete two questionnaires of our conception regarding their health status, oral hygiene, and motivation for pedodontics or orthodontic treatment. The results of the two questionnaires were interpreted according to the gender and age of the patients. Data processing was performed with NCSS/PASS Dawson Edition statistical software, using the CHI2 test, considering a p of less than 0.05 as significant for comparative results. Results showed that girls were more motivated than boys in addressing pedodontic services due to dental, periodontal, and articular problems. Children, aged between 11 and 14 years, were less intrinsically motivated to solve oral health problems due to their low frequency. The intrinsic motivation for a more beautiful dentition was very strong, regardless of age and sex. Girls were more intrinsically motivated for orthodontic treatment than boys. There was a linear increase together in the age of those who wanted to improve their smile and facial appearance. Children between 11 and 14 years had the best self-perception of the appearance of their teeth, mouth, smile, and facial harmony. The strongest extrinsic motivation for orthodontic treatment came from parents or another doctor. The most important reason for orthodontics was dental malpositions, the last one was the improvement of masticatory efficiency. The extrinsic motivation from parents for orthodontics decreases linearly with age, along with the increase in motivation from the person with whom the participants relate emotionally and from the group of friends.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Bracket Systems' Kinetic Friction: Conventional and Self-Ligating.

Friction is an intensely studied feature in orthodontics, as the sliding mechanics approach remains one of the most utilized techniques in current practice, and the question of whether self-ligating brackets produce less friction than conventional brackets still stands. The objective of this study was to compare a self-ligating system with different closing mechanisms and a conventional system with different ligating mechanisms regarding their frictional properties. Laboratory measurements were performed using an advanced materials testing machine generating tensile strength and load at maximum Load values, which were statistically analyzed and compared. These two parameters have been associated with the frictional resistance generated at the archwire-bracket slot interface. Statistically significant results were obtained when comparing the active self-ligating brackets with the passive self-ligating (tensile strength mean 1.953, SD 0.4231; load at maximum moad mean 6.000, SD 1.3000) and conventional brackets (tensile strength mean 1.953, SD 0.4231; load at maximum load mean 6.000, SD 1.3000), as well as when comparing the passive self-ligating brackets with the conventional brackets (tensile strength mean 1.708, SD 0.8628; load at maximum load mean 5.254, SD 2.645). The active self-ligating brackets tended to produce more friction when compared to the passive self-ligating brackets but were similar to conventional brackets with stainless steel ligatures.