Influence of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate on the surface topography and composition of nickel-titanium archwires during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

PURPOSE: To investigate the surface topography and nickel content of nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires exposed to either routine oral hygiene or a prophylactic regimen with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) during orthodontic treatment. METHODS: This in vivo study involved 40 orthodontic patients with fixed appliances, who were randomly assigned to either a routine oral hygiene group or a CPP-ACP supplementary regimen group. Twenty new NiTi archwires served as controls. All archwires underwent scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy to evaluate their surface topography and elemental composition. The nickel content was quantified as a percentage of total weight and the Ni/Ti ratio, and statistical comparisons were made using pairwise tests. RESULTS: Wires exposed to fluoride toothpaste showed signs of pitting corrosion, deep grooves, and corrosion debris. In contrast, wires exposed to supplementary CPP-ACP exhibited smooth surface areas interspersed with microdefects and deposits. Statistically significant differences in nickel content were found between the new and retrieved archwires, as well as between wires exposed to routine oral hygiene and CPP-ACP (P < 0.001). The archwires exposed to CPP-ACP had the lowest nickel content (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of CPP-ACP holds promise for application as a safe anticariogenic agent with possible protective properties during orthodontic treatment.

Toothpaste ingestion-evaluating the problem and ensuring safety: systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the ingestion of toothpaste and its sequelae. The study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted across multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 18 relevant publications. Eligible studies encompassed various designs and included both children and adults as the study population. Data extraction was carried out systematically, and relevant information on study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were collected. The assessment of bias was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tools showing variations of bias among the included studies. The overall risk of systemic toxicity was found to be low, and no severe or life-threatening events were reported in the included studies. Furthermore, some toothpaste formulations containing higher concentrations of fluoride were associated with an increased risk of dental fluorosis. These findings have several implications for practice and policy. Healthcare providers and dental professionals should emphasize the importance of promoting safe toothpaste use, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children who are more prone to accidental ingestion. Public health campaigns and educational initiatives should aim to raise awareness about appropriate toothpaste usage and the potential risks. In addition, toothpaste manufacturers and regulatory bodies should consider revising guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of oral care products, including the appropriate concentration of active ingredients. Future research should focus on investigating the long-term effects of toothpaste ingestion, exploring potential interactions between different active ingredients, and evaluating the efficacy of current preventive measures.

The Participation of Pediatric Dentists in Oral Health Promotion and Education in Serbia.

Objectives: To identify the involvement of Serbian paediatric dentists in oral health promotion and education, and to propose further actions for the improvement of these activities. Methods: This is an analysis of data collected by a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey of 445 dentists involved in the provision of dental health services to children at the primary healthcare level. We explored dentists' involvement in oral health education and promotion and the cooperation with other health professionals at the healthcare centre and the community level as well as their attitudes towards the importance of some factors influencing their work. Results: Dentists estimate their cooperation with different services with ratings higher than 3 on the scale of 1 to 5. They reported the highest satisfaction in cooperation with paediatric services for preschool and schoolchildren (4.0±1.0). At the community level, they reported excellent cooperation with kindergartens (4.4±0.8), while collaboration with Roma health mediators (3.14±1.34) and nongovernmental organizations (2.5±1.4) received lower ratings. According to the average rating (4.7±0.7), dentists perceive the motivation of patients and/or their guardians for keeping good oral health as the factor with the highest importance for the quality of interventions they provide. Conclusions: Dentists involved in the provision of dental healthcare for children and adolescents in primary healthcare centres in Serbia participate in different oral healthcare education and promotion activities in the community, and highlight the importance of strengthening cooperation with healthcare and other professionals and services aimed at vulnerable population groups, both within the health sector and nongovernmental organizations.

Oral Health in 12- and 15-Year-Old Children in Serbia: A National Pathfinder Study.

The aim of the paper is to present the oral health profile of 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren in Serbia. Basic Methods for Oral Health Surveys of the WHO were implemented to record: Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth/Surfaces Index (DMFT/DMFS), gingival bleeding, enamel fluorosis and other structural anomalies, dental erosion, dental trauma, and oral mucosal lesions. In addition, Silness and Löe plaque index and orthodontic status were assessed. A total of 36% of 12-year-olds and 22% of 15-year-olds in Serbia were caries-free. The mean DMFT was 2.32 ± 2.69 for 12-year-olds and 4.09 ± 3.81 for 15-year-olds. DMFT was made up largely by the decayed component. Gingival bleeding was present in 26% of examined 12-year-old and 18% of 15-year-old children. Dental plaque was observed in 63% of both 12- and 15-year-olds. Fluorosis, structural anomalies, dental erosion, dental trauma, and oral mucosal lesion were rarely detected. Low prevalence of malocclusions was found. Oral disease is still a common public health problem among schoolchildren in Serbia. A significant increase in the prevalence of caries disease between 12- and 15-year-old groups implies that preventive care for adolescents requires special attention. Corrective actions and reforms to the current school-based oral health prevention program are needed to further improve oral health in Serbian children.

Meta-Analysis of In-Vitro Bonding of Glass-Ionomer Restorative Materials to Primary Teeth.

Restoration of primary teeth is among the main clinical applications of glass-ionomer cements (GIC). The aim of the study was to review and summarize existing evidence of in vitro bond strength of glass-ionomer (GI) restoratives to enamel and dentin of primary teeth. A literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies published until April 2021. The search strategy was: ("glass") and ("ionomer") and ("primary" or "deciduous") and ("bond" or "tensile" or "shear"). Two researchers independently retrieved articles that reported on the bond strength of GIC to primary dentin and/or enamel. The meta-analysis was performed to compare the bond strength values of conventional (C) GIC and resin-modified (RM) GIC to different substrates. From 831 potentially eligible articles, 30 were selected for the full-text examination, and 7 were included in the analysis. Studies were rated at high (3), medium (3), and low (1) risk of bias. RM-GIC showed higher bond strength to primary enamel and dentin compared to the C-GIC. Meta-analysis of in vitro studies, evaluating bonding properties of GI restoratives to primary teeth, suggests the superior performance of RM-GIC. However, there is a lack of studies that examine the properties of novel GI formulations.

Dental Age Estimation According to European Formula and Willems Method: Comparison Between Children With and Without Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: To assess dental age and deviations of dental from chronological age according to the Willems and Cameriere methods (European formula) in patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) and compare it with control group. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Clinic of Orthodontics. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine patients with CL/P between 6 and 15 years of age (55 with unilateral and 14 with bilateral CL/P) with 148 panoramic radiographs. The same number of radiographs was examined in the age-matched control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Estimation and comparison of dental age and differences of dental from chronological age in relation to the type of cleft, sex, and age in the group of patients with and without CL/P according to Willems and Cameriere method. RESULTS: No significant intersex and intergroup differences were found in deviations of dental from chronological age according to Cameriere method (P > .05). Significant difference in deviation of dental from chronological age was found between the patients with and without CL/P according to Willems method (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Cameriere European formula for dental age estimation, which is not influenced by sex and tooth morphology, showed similar dental development of children with and without CL/P. However, Willems method detected that deviation of dental from chronological age significantly differed between children with and without clefts.

Bone microRNA-21 as surgical stress parameter is associated with third molar postoperative discomfort.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an association between bone levels of inflammation/oxidative stress mediators and postoperative discomfort after third molar conventional or piezosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six subjects with bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars, who underwent either piezo or conventional surgery, were included in a split-mouth design study. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) expression, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in alveolar bone, were evaluated. Pain intensity, the first pain appearance, analgesic first use and total dose taken, trismus, and swelling were clinically recorded. RESULTS: MiR-21 expression was higher while VEGF protein was lower in piezosurgery vs. conventional groups. The differences in IL-1ß protein and SOD activity were not significant between groups. The pain intensity on the first day was significantly decreased in piezosurgery group. The first pain appearance and the first analgesic taken were reported sooner in conventional vs. piezosurgical group. Significantly pronounced trismus on the third day following conventional surgery was found. In conventional group, significantly increased trismus was observed on the third compared to the first postoperative day. MiR-21 showed significant correlation with the first pain appearance. CONCLUSION: Delayed onset of less pronounced postoperative pain after piezosurgical vs. conventional extraction of impacted lower third molar was significantly associated with expression of bone miR-21. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alveolar bone miR-21 may reflect surgical stress and is associated with third molar postoperative pain onset.

Differences in cytocompatibility, dynamics of the oxide layers' formation, and nickel release between superelastic and thermo-activated nickel-titanium archwires.

Superelastic (SE) and thermo-activated (TA) nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires are used in everyday orthodontic practice, based on their acceptable biocompatibility and well-defined shape memory properties. However, the differences in their surface microstructure and cytotoxicity have not been clearly defined, and the standard cytotoxicity tests are too robust to detect small differences in the cytotoxicity of these alloys, all of which can lead to unexpected adverse reactions in some patients. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the differences in manufacture and microstructure of commercially available SE and TA archwires may influence their biocompatibility. The archwires were studied as-received and after conditioning for 24 h or 35 days in a cell culture medium under static conditions. All of the tested archwires, including their conditioned medium (CM), were non-cytotoxic for L929 cells, but Rematitan SE (both as received and conditioned) induced the apoptosis of rat thymocytes in a direct contact. In contrast, TruFlex SE and Equire TA increased the proliferation of thymocytes. The cytotoxic effect of Rematitan SE correlated with the higher release of Ni ions in CM, higher concentration of surface Ni and an increased oxygen layer thickness after the conditioning. In conclusion, the apoptosis assay on rat thymocytes, in contrast to the less sensitive standard assay on L929 cells, revealed that Rematitan SE was less cytocompatible compared to other archwires and the effect was most probably associated with a higher exposition of the cells to Ni on the surface of the archwire, due to the formation of unstable oxide layer.

The correlation between pain perception among patients with six different orthodontic archwires and the degree of dental crowding.

INTRODUCTION: Forces generated in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances create tension and compression zones in the periodontal ligament resulting in a painful experience for patients. In the first phase of orthodontic treatment, when leveling of teeth is needed, nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires can be completely engaged in brackets, even in the cases of extreme crowding, exerting small forces. There is a great individual variation in the pain perception related to the application of orthodontic forces. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the pain perception among patients with dental crowding after insertion of six different NiTi orthodontic archwires as a part of fixed appliances in the first stage of orthodontic treatment. METHODS: The study was conducted on a sample of 189 orthodontic patients receiving one of six different either superelastic or heat activated NiTi archwires, in the first phase of orthodontic treatment. Pain perception was evaluated in groups of patients with different degree of crowding. The modified McGill Pain Questionnaire with Visual Analogue Scale was used to evaluate the quality and intensity of pain. Statistical analysis was performed using simple descriptive statistics, and Pearson's chi-square test with statistical significance of p<0.05. RESULTS: Majority of patients reported pain as discomfort or pressure of moderate intensity caused by chewing or biting, started within 12 hours, carried on for 3-4 days, and decreased over time without self-medication. CONCLUSION: No correlation was found between pain perception among patients with different types of NiTi archwires and the degree of crowdinq.

[Dentaoalveolar changes in young adult patients with class II/1 malocclusion treated with the herbst appliance and an activator].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Functional appliances can be used effectively in the treatment of skeletal Class II/1 malocclusions. The best treatment results are obtained during active period of facial growth when skeletal, as well as dentoalveolar, changes occur. In comparison with removable functional appliances, such as activator, that are effective only during adolescent period of growth, the Herbst fixed appliance is also successful at the end of the growth period. It also offers a shorter treatment time and a patient compliance is not necessary. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare dentoalveolar changes in the group of young adult patients with Class II/1 malocclusion treated with the Herbst appliance and an activator. METHODS: The sample for this study consisted of 50 patients of both sexes, 14-21 years of age with Class II/1 malocclusion. For estimating the effect of functional appliances used, the following cephalometrics parameters were determined: inclination of the upper and lower incisors, interincisal angle, antero-posterior molars relationships, overjet and overbite. The results obtained were statistically tested. RESULTS: The cephalometric findings after the treatment indicated retroinclination of upper incisors (average value of 9 degrees) and proclination of lower incisors (average value of 7 degrees), mostly expressed in the patients treated by Herbst appliance (p < 0.001). Increased overjet and distocclusion were completely corrected in the group of patients treated with the Herbst appliance, while the correction of malocclusion in the activator group was only partially accomplished. No changes in the overbite were noticed at the end of the treatment in both groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that the Herbst appliance is more effective in the treatment of Class II/1 malocclusion in young adults in comparison with the activator.

[Orthodontic treatment of nongrowing patient with Class II Division 2 malocclusion by Herbst appliance].

BACKGROUND: Inheritance is most casual etiological factor of Class II division 2 malocclusion. This kind of malocclusion is very difficult for treatment specially in older patients. CASE REPORT: In the female patient, 20 years old, at the beginning of the treatment at the School of Dentistry in Belgrade, lateral cephalogram showed skeletal and dentoalveolar Class II division 2 malocclusion. She was in the Herbst treatment for 8 months and 12 months more with a fixed multibracket appliance. The measurements were performed on lateral cephalograms before and after the treatment: ii, is, mi, ms, Pg and ss. The distance from these points to occlusal perpendicular line (Olp) were measured and compared from cephalogram before to cephalogram after the treatment. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tomograms were compared from before and after the treatment by superimposition. Correction was found in molar and incisor relation, overjet and overbite. There were found sagital skeletal changes and soft tissue profile improvement. CONCLUSION: Herbst appliance is effective in the treatment of Class II malocclusions, even in adult patients. Dental and skeletal changes as a result of Herbst treatment could be good choice instead of camouflage orthodontics or surgical decision.

Craniofacial complex specificities in five men with sex reversal syndrome.

In order to clarify the role of sex chromosome constitution in craniofacial growth control, we compared craniofacial morphology of men with sex reversal syndrome (46, XX) with the morphology of normal men, Klinefelter's syndrome and normal women, using cephalometric measurements. Due to physical resemblance between men with 46, XX karyotype and men with 47, XXY karyotype, cephalometric analysis comprised parametres which had already been found to be specific for Klinefelter's syndrome, i.e. cranial base length and flexion, maxillary and mandibular base length, jaw position in relation to cranial base and sagittal jaw relationship. Linear measurements showed reduction of about 10% in maxillary base length in 46, XX men in relation to normal men. Mandibular base in men with sex reversal syndrome was also shortened for about 10% in relation to both normal men and Klinefelter's syndrome. Cranial base flexion in men with Klinefelter's syndrome and in men with sex reversal syndrome showed similarity. The basal angle was found to be more acute, for about 4 degrees , in comparison to individuals with normal karyotype. Unlike in men with Klinefelter's syndrome, mandibular and maxillary prognathism were not registered in men with sex reversal syndrome.