Evaluation of IL-1ß and CRP mRNA expression levels by RT-PCR in postorthodontic treatment patients with temporomandibular joint disorders: a cross-sectional Study.

Aim: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which affects the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint, and surrounding tissues, can manifest as inflammation. This study aims to explore the expression levels of the inflammatory biomarkers, interleukin (IL)-1ß and C-reactive protein (CRP), in TMD patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Buccal swabs from 105 postorthodontic treatment patients were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction to assess the expression levels of IL-1ß and CRP in each group after messenger ribonucleic acid extraction. Patients were also examined using the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) to determine if they met the criteria for a TMD diagnosis. The TMD group was subdivided into three categories based on the DC/TMD. Results: The study included 37 patients who did not develop TMD (group 0) and 68 participants who developed TMD after orthodontic treatment, including 17 with pain-related TMDs (group 1), 29 with intra-articular TMDs (Group 2), and 22 with combined pain-related and intra-articular TMDs (group 3). CRP expression was higher than IL-1ß in groups 1 and 2, and IL-1ß expression was higher than CRP in group 3. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that IL-1ß and CRP expression levels in groups 1, 2, and 3 were not statistically different. Sex and adult age had considerable effects on the occurrence of TMD in patients after orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: Higher IL-1ß expression was found in postorthodontic treatment patients with more complex TMD. This study strengthens the evidence of inflammation through IL-1ß and CRP expression in individuals with TMD, especially after orthodontic treatment.

Immunoglobulin A response to SARS-CoV-2-N-protein potentially persists in oral fluids of patients with periodontitis six months after mRNA vaccine administration.

Few studies have investigated the mucosal immune response after BNT162b2-booster vaccination in individuals with periodontitis. In this study, we evaluated the persistence of IgA anti-SARS-CoV-2-N-protein in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with periodontitis for at least six months post BNT162b2 vaccine booster. We included patients with moderate (n = 7) and severe (n = 7) periodontitis and participants without periodontitis (n = 7) as controls. The Bradford method measured the protein concentrations in the samples, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein was performed to analyze the targeted IgA level. For the tested SARS-CoV-2 antigen (N-protein), IgA levels in saliva and GCF showed a strong and significant correlation. Therefore, in patients with moderate or severe periodontitis, saliva and GCF can provide information regarding the IgA response against SARS-CoV-2-N-protein. The neutralizing activity of IgA against SARS-CoV-2 was not investigated in this study, necessitating further research.

Accuracy of digital dental models and three-dimensional printed dental models in linear measurements and Bolton analysis.

Background: Due to advances in digital technology, it is possible to obtain digital dental models through intraoral scanning. The stereolithographic data collected from the scanner can subsequently be printed into a three-dimensional dental model in resinic material. However, the accuracy between digital dental models and printed dental models needs to be evaluated since it might affect diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digital models scanned by a Trios intraoral scanner and three-dimensional dental models printed using a Formlabs 2 3D printer in linear measurements and Bolton analysis. Methods: A total of 35 subjects were included in this study. All subjects were scanned using a Trios intraoral scanner to obtain digital study models. Stereolithographic data from previous scanning was printed using a Formlabs 2 3D printer to obtain printed study models. Mesiodistal, intercanine, intermolar, and Bolton analysis from all types of study models were measured. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess intraobserver and interobserver reliability. All data were then statistically analyzed. Results: The reliability tests were high for both intraobserver and interobserver reliability, which demonstrates high reproducibility for all measurements on all model types. Most of the data compared between study models showed no statistically significant differences, though some data differed significantly. However, the differences are considered clinically insignificant. Conclusion: Digital dental models and three-dimensional printed dental models may be used interchangeably with plaster dental models for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes. Keywords: Accuracy, 3D printing, digital dental model, printed dental model.

Association Between Psychosocial Status and Orthodontic Treatment Needs in Indonesian High School Students

Abstract Objective: To determine whether psychosocial status is associated with orthodontic treatment needs in high school students using the Psychosocial Impact of the Dental Aesthetic Questionnaire (PIDAQ) and the Index of Orthodontic Need (IOTN). Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 95 adolescents, both genders, aged 15-17 years old. PIDAQ was used to assess psychosocial status. The IOTN Aesthetic Component (IOTN-AC) and the IOTN Dental Health Component (DHC) was used to assess treatment needs. Examination of the oral cavity was carried out with the help of the IOTN ruler by observing the MOCDO components: missing teeth, overjet, crossbite, displacement, and overbite. The Chi-square test was used to determine the association of psychosocial status and orthodontic treatment need. The reliability test was carried out by using Cronbach's Alpha test (0.978). Results: There was an association between psychosocial status and orthodontic treatment need based on the IOTN-AC (p=0.001) and between psychosocial status and orthodontic treatment need based on the IOTN-DHC (p=0.140). Conclusion: There is an association between psychosocial status based on the PIDAQ and subjective orthodontic treatment need based on the IOTN-AC, but there is no association between psychosocial status based on the PIDAQ and objective orthodontic treatment need based on the IOTN-DHC in students of SMAN 27 Jakarta.