Forced eruption in impacted teeth: analysis of failed cases and outcome of re-operation.

BACKGROUND: Forced eruption of an impacted tooth usually requires surgical and orthodontic interventions to successfully bring the tooth into the dental arch. The clinical time required for a forced eruption is difficult to predict before treatment begins and success rates are affected by several factors before and after an eruption. This study was conducted to identify factors that affect the success of forced eruption, the duration of orthodontic treatment of impacted teeth, and the reasons for re-operation and forced eruption failure in a various teeth and cases. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the records regarding the forced eruption of 468 teeth in 371 patients from June 2006 to May 2020 at the Advanced General Dentistry Department of Yonsei University Dental Hospital were initially examined. The records of 214 teeth in 178 patients who completed orthodontic treatment were included in the analysis. Data on patient demographics, tooth characteristics, orthodontic treatment duration, re-operations, and failures were collected from electronic medical records. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in age between the success and failure forced eruption. Factors significantly affecting treatment duration were apex formation, position, rotation, and re-operation. Re-operation had a 96% success rate. The average orthodontic treatment duration was 29.99 ± 16.93 months, but the average orthodontic treatment duration for teeth that undergone re-operation was 20.36 ± 11.05 months, which was approximately 9 months shorter. Additionally, there was an interaction effect between rotation and re-operation on the duration of orthodontic treatment. The causes for failure of forced eruption in 6 cases were ankyloses (3 cases), incomplete alignment with the normal dental arch (2 cases), and a significant deviation in the impacted tooth's location (1 case). CONCLUSIONS: To increase the success rate of forced eruption, age should be considered as a priority, and in order to predict the treatment period, the apex formation status, position in the arch, and rotation should be considered in addition to age. When determining re-operation, considering factors such as ankylosis, root curvature, and apex formation can help in the success of orthodontic treatment.

Changes in masticatory performance during the retention period following 4-premolar extraction and non-extraction orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in masticatory performance (MP) during the retention period after extraction and non-extraction treatment and compare it with MP in individuals with normal occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who had completed orthodontic fixed appliance treatment comprised the extraction and non-extraction treatment groups, and those with normal occlusion comprised the control group. Their mixing ability (MA), maximum bite force (MBF), and occlusal contact area (OCA) were recorded immediately after the fixed appliance was removed and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year post-treatment. The MA was measured via the two-color chewing gum MA test using ViewGum software, and the MBF and OCA were measured using Dental Prescale II system. RESULTS: MA immediately after orthodontic treatment was lower than that in the normal group but showed a time-dependent gradual increase during a 1-year retention period (P < 0.01). The MA at 1 month post-treatment was not significantly different between the three groups (P > 0.05). The MA revealed a significant correlation with the MBF and OCA (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The MP immediately after orthodontic treatment was lower than that in the normal group but increased gradually, with levels comparable to those of the normal occlusion group at 1 month post-treatment. Further, extraction did not affect the recovery of the MP after orthodontic treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No other study has evaluated the changes in MP during the retention period after orthodontic treatment. The findings show that compared with MBF and OCA, the patients' MP improved faster to levels found in normal occlusion.

Stability of vertical dimension following total arch intrusion.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate stability of vertical dimension following total arch intrusion using miniscrews by measuring the change during treatment and relapse amount after more than one year of retention. METHODS: Thirty patients (6 men, 24 women) were included in this study. Lateral cephalographs were taken with conventional radiography at the start of treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and at least one year after treatment (T2). The evaluation was performed by measuring changes of selected parameters during treatment and the extent of relapse after more than one year. RESULTS: During total arch intrusion treatment (T1-T0), anterior and posterior teeth intruded significantly. The mean vertical distance between the maxillary posterior teeth and palatal plane was reduced by 2.30 mm (P < 0.001). The mean vertical distance between the maxillary anterior teeth and palatal plane was reduced by 2.04 mm (P < 0.001). The anterior facial height was also reduced by 2.70 mm (P < 0.001). During retention period (T2-T1), the vertical distance between the maxillary anterior teeth and the palatal plane significantly increased by 0.92 mm (P < 0.001). The anterior facial height increased by 0.81 mm (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior facial height significantly decreases after treatment. During retention period, relapse of AFH and maxillary anterior teeth observed. There was no correlation between initial amount of AFH, mandibular plane angle, or SNPog and posttreatment AFH relapse. However, there was a significant correlation between the amount of intrusion of anterior and posterior teeth achieved by the treatment and the extent of relapse.

Accuracy of bracket position using thermoplastic and 3D-printed indirect bonding trays.

AIM: The positional accuracy of bracket placement planned through tooth setup vs actual placement was evaluated by means of conventional thermoplastic indirect bonding trays and customized 3D-printed indirect bonding trays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 280 bracket positions placed on the crowns of 10 dental plaster models were evaluated. The manual setup method and a thermoplastic indirect bonding tray were used for the manual group. For the CAD/CAM group, the bracket was positioned using a digital setup and a corresponding 3D-printed tray. The positional accuracy of the bracket placement on the duplicated gypsum model using the trays was evaluated by means of 3D software. Six errors of bracket position (height, depth, mesiodistal, torque, rotation, and tip errors), including linear and angular errors, were measured. Differences in variables were compared across subgroups using the independent t test or the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Only the height error differed significantly (P < 0.05) between groups (manual: 0.2 mm; CAD/CAM: 0.12 mm). For both incisors and molars, the manual group showed significantly greater height errors than the CAD/CAM group (P < 0.05). The analysis of variance of the position error to the whole bracket showed statistically significant differences between tooth positions, linear measurements, and angular measurements (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A 3D-printed indirect bonding tray showed accuracy similar to that of conventional methods for bracket placement, with slightly greater bracket height accuracy. Further studies should strive to improve accuracy in terms of tooth positions.

Long-Term Stability of Pre-Orthodontic Orthognathic Bimaxillary Surgery Using Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy Versus Conventional Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term stability of bimaxillary surgery using an intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) with and without presurgical orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study included 31 consecutive patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions who had undergone bimaxillary surgery (Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral IVRO). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on treatment type: pre-orthodontic orthognathic surgery (POGS; n = 17) and conventional surgery with presurgical orthodontic treatment (CS; n = 14). Lateral cephalograms were obtained before surgery, 1 day after surgery, 1 month after surgery, 1 year after surgery, and 2 years after surgery to evaluate skeletal and soft tissue changes between the 2 groups. Data were analyzed using χ2 tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, repeated-measures analyses of variance, and independent t tests. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in skeletal or soft tissue measurements-with the exception of the angle between the sella-and-nasion plane and the occlusal plane (SN-OP; P < .001)-between the CS and POGS groups at 2 years after IVRO. The SN-OP had increased in the CS group but decreased in the POGS group at 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that POGS and CS have similar long-term stability in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion.

Accuracy of 3-Dimensional Virtual Surgical Simulation Combined With Digital Teeth Alignment: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of virtual surgical simulation combined with digital teeth alignment and the applicability of this technique to the diagnosis and establishment of a 3-dimensional (3D) visualized treatment objective for orthognathic surgery by comparing virtual simulation images with actual post-treatment images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) before and after treatment. The 3D digital images were constructed from the initial CT images and dental cast scan data, and virtual surgical simulation combined with digital teeth alignment was performed. Accuracy of the virtual simulation was analyzed by comparing the distances of skeletal and dental landmarks in the horizontal, sagittal, and coronal reference planes with those on post-treatment images using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the degree of concordance between the 2 images. RESULTS: The study sample included 11 patients (mean age, 18.8 yr). Most landmarks had differences smaller than 2 mm in the 3 reference planes between virtual simulation and post-treatment images; these differences were not statistically significant (P > .05). Most skeletal landmarks, except the A point, B point, and gonion, showed normal to high concordance between the virtual simulation and post-treatment images in the 3 reference planes (P < .05); dental landmarks exhibited a broad range of concordance. CONCLUSION: The 3D virtual surgical simulation combined with digital teeth alignment using pretreatment CT images yielded results sufficiently accurate to be used for the diagnosis and establishment of visualized treatment objectives for orthognathic surgery.

Strain of bone-implant interface and insertion torque regarding different miniscrew thread designs using an artificial bone model.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the initial stability of dual-thread miniscrews by analyzing the strain at the bone-implant interface and insertion torque during implantation in artificial bone models with different cortical bone thicknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Insertion torque, and strain, measured with a five-element strain gauge in 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0-mm artificial cortical bone, during insertion of single- (OAS-T1507) and dual-thread (MPlant-U3) type self-drilling miniscrews were assessed. RESULTS: Both dual- and single-thread miniscrews showed greater than 7790 µstrain for all cortical bone thicknesses, and dual-thread miniscrews reached up to 19580 µstrain in 2.00 m m cortical bone. The strain of dual-thread miniscrews increased with increasing cortical bone thicknesses of 1.0-2.0mm. For single-thread miniscrews, the maximum insertion torque was relatively constant, but maximum insertion torque increased significantly in dual-thread groups with increasing cortical bone thicknesses (P < 0.0001). The maximum insertion torque with all cortical bone thicknesses was significantly lower with single- than dual-thread types (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Self-drilling dual-thread miniscrews provide better initial mechanical stability, but may cause strain over the physiological bone remodelling limit at the bone-implant interface in thick cortical bone layers.

Correlation analysis of three-dimensional changes of hard and soft tissues in class III orthognathic surgery patients using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the correlation between changes of the soft and hard tissues three-dimensionally in class III orthognathic patients using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained within 2 weeks before surgery and at 6 months after surgery in 18 adult class III patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Subjects were divided into group 1 with no mandibular asymmetry (menton deviation, <2 mm; n = 9) and group 2 with mandibular asymmetry (menton deviation, >4 mm; n = 9). Landmarks were designated on the reconstructed three-dimensional models. Correlations and proportions of changes of the soft tissue to hard tissue were calculated. RESULTS: There were significant correlations of ΔB' to ΔB and ΔPog' to ΔPog in both groups on the horizontal axis (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.53 and 0.67 in group 1 and 0.77 and 0.88 in group 2, respectively. There were significant correlations of ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe on the sagittal axis in both groups (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.94, 0.84, and 0.96 in group 1 and 0.95, 0.91, and 1.03 in group 2, respectively. There were significant correlations of the three-dimensional distances between ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe in both groups (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.92, 0.79, and 0.95 in group 1 and 0.92, 0.88, and 0.97 in group 2, respectively. However, there were no significant correlations between changes in soft and hard tissues on the vertical axis in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In class III orthognathic patients with mandibular asymmetry, the proportions of ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe on the horizontal and sagittal axes and the three-dimensional distances were different from patients with no mandibular asymmetry.

Dentoalveolar compensation according to skeletal discrepancy and overjet in skeletal Class III patients.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to investigate dentoalveolar compensation in untreated skeletal Class III patients with either positive or negative overjet. METHODS: The positive overjet groups consisted of 104 adults, divided into group 1 (angle between sella-nasion to mandibular plane (SN-MP) > 38°, n = 30), group 2 (30° < SN-MP < 38°, n = 43), and group 3 (SN-MP <30°, n = 31). The negative overjet groups (groups 4-6) consisted of 90 adults who were closely matched to the positive overjet groups with regard to the ANB and SN-MP angles. Twenty-two cephalometric measurements were compared between the matched groups. In the positive overjet groups, correlation analysis was performed between the skeletal and dental measurements, and regression analysis was performed to determine the incisor-mandibular plane angle. RESULTS: The maxillary incisors were more proclined and the occlusal plane was more flattened in the positive overjet groups than in the negative overjet groups; however, there was no statistically significant difference between them with regard to mandibular incisor inclination. The inclinations of the maxillary and mandibular incisors were correlated with both the sagittal and vertical skeletal measurements. Eight regression equations for the incisor-mandibular plane angle were calculated with the highest coefficient of determination of 0.547. CONCLUSIONS: Proclination of the maxillary incisors and flattening of the occlusal plane contributed to a positive overjet. Mandibular incisor inclination was more closely associated with sagittal and vertical skeletal discrepancies and was not affected by the incisal relationship.

Biologic evaluation of a hollow-type miniscrew implant: an experimental study in beagles.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to assess the biologic stability of a newly designed hollow (H-type) miniscrew compared with conventional (C-type) miniscrews through histomorphometric and histologic analysis. METHODS: Both types of miniscrews were placed into the maxillae and the mandibles of 12 beagles. Maximum insertion torque, Periotest (Siemens AG, Bensheim, Germany) value, bone-implant contact, and bone volume were measured. RESULTS: The overall success rates of the H-type were 78.3% in the maxilla and 60.0% in the mandible. Mean maximum insertion torque values of the H-type were 14.2 N-cm in the maxilla and 20.9 N-cm in the mandible. The Periotest values of the H-type were -1.5 in the maxilla and -6.4 in the mandible. Mean maximum insertion torque and Periotest values of the H-type were higher than those of the C-type. In the maxilla, the bone-implant contact values of the H-type were 37.3% and 32.3% at 3 and 12 weeks, respectively. In the mandible, the bone-implant contact values were 31.4% and 18.5% at 3 and 12 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the lower success rate and the insufficient bone-implant contact and bone volume of the H-type in the mandible, the clinician should choose a suitable combination of miniscrews depending on local bone quality and implantation site, such as an H-type in the maxilla and a C-type in the mandible.

Comparison of virtual and manual tooth setups with digital and plaster models in extraction cases.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the virtual and manual tooth setups with digital and plaster models in extraction cases by measuring various occlusal parameters and applying the American Board of Orthodontics objective grading system. METHODS: Linear intra-arch and interarch dimensions (arch width and length, perimeter, overjet, and overbite), angular variables (tip, torque, and rotation), and American Board of Orthodontics objective grading system scores obtained from a digital virtual setup model were compared with those from a plaster model setup. RESULTS: The digital virtual setup model resulted in smaller arch perimeters than did the plaster setup model by 2.20 mm in the maxillary arch (P <0.01) and 1.30 mm in the mandibular arch (P <0.05). The digital virtual setup also exhibited significantly lower values for overbite and overjet (P <0.01). The digital virtual setup had tendencies toward mesial angulation of the anterior teeth, labial inclination of the maxillary anterior teeth (P <0.05), and distal in-rotation of the mandibular teeth (P <0.05). The resulting American Board of Orthodontics objective grading system evaluation showed that larger deductions for overjet, occlusal contact, and total score (P <0.01) were required for the digital than for the manual setup model. CONCLUSIONS: Digital and manual setups lead to similar measurements for intra-arch and interarch occlusal variables. However, because of the possibility of collision on proximal and occlusal contact, delicate adjustments in proximal and occlusal contacts are required.

Accuracy of miniscrew surgical guides assessed from cone-beam computed tomography and digital models.

INTRODUCTION: Several methods are available to enhance the precision of miniscrew placement. The use of surgical guides based on cone-beam computed tomography is indicated especially in patients with risky or difficult anatomic situations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of miniscrew placement by using surgical guides developed with computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques. METHODS: Miniscrews were placed in cadaver maxillae using stereolithographic computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques with assistance from surgical guides (surgical guide group, n = 25) or periapical x-rays (control group, n = 20). Insertion sites were selected using a 3-dimensional surgical planning program by fusing maxillary digital model images and cone-beam computed tomography images. Deviations between actual and planned placements were measured as 3-dimensional angular deviations and distance (coronal and apical) deviations. RESULTS: In the surgical guide group, the angular deviation was a median of 3.14° (range, 1.02°-10.9°), and the mesiodistal deviations in the coronal and apical areas were medians of 0.29 mm (range, 0.03-0.73 mm) and 0.21 mm (range, 0.03-0.97 mm), respectively. The deviations differed significantly between operators in the control group, but not in the surgical guide group. In the surgical guide group, there was no root damage from miniscrew placement, and 84% of the miniscrews were placed without contacting adjacent anatomic structures. In the control group, 50% of the miniscrews were placed between the roots (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical guide accuracy was improved when digital model imaging was used. Miniscrews were placed more accurately when using surgical guides than when using a direct method.

Reorientation methodology for reproducible head posture in serial cone beam computed tomography images.

Low dose and accessibility have increased the application of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Often serial images are captured for patients to diagnose and plan treatment in the craniofacial region. However, CBCT images are highly variable and lack harmonious reproduction, especially in the head's orientation. Though user-defined orientation methods have been suggested, the reproducibility remains controversial. Here, we propose a landmark-free reorientation methodology based on principal component analysis (PCA) for harmonious orientation of serially captured CBCTs. We analyzed three serial CBCT scans collected for 29 individuals who underwent orthognathic surgery. We first defined a region of interest with the proposed protocol by combining 2D rendering and 3D convex hull method, and identified an intermediary arrangement point. PCA identified the y-axis (anterioposterior) followed by the secondary x-axis (transverse). Finally, by defining the perpendicular z-axis, a new global orientation was assigned. The goodness of alignment (Hausdorff distance) showed a marked improvement (> 50%). Furthermore, we clustered cases based on clinical asymmetry and validated that the protocol was unaffected by the severity of the skeletal deformity. Therefore, it could be suggested that integrating the proposed algorithm as the preliminary step in CBCT evaluation will address a fundamental step towards harmonizing the craniofacial imaging records.

Comparison of translucency, thickness, and gap width of thermoformed and 3D-printed clear aligners using micro-CT and spectrophotometer.

The present study compared the thickness and gap width of thermoformed and 3D-printed clear aligners (CAs) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and evaluated their translucency using spectrophotometer. Four groups of CAs were tested: thermoformed with polyethylene terephthalate glycol (TS) or copolyester-elastomer combination (TM), and 3D-printed TC-85 cleaned with alcohol (PA) or with centrifuge (PC). CIELab coordinates were measured (n = 10) to evaluate translucency. CAs (n = 10) were fitted onto respective models and micro-CT was performed to evaluate the thickness and gap width. Thickness and gap width were measured for different tooth type and location in sagittal sections on all sides. The PC group showed significantly higher translucency than the PA group, which was similar to the TS and TM groups (p < 0.01). After the manufacturing process, thickness reduction was observed in the thermoformed groups, whereas thickness increase was observed in the 3D printed-groups. The TM group showed the least gap width amongst the groups (p < 0.01). Thermoformed and 3D-printed CAs had significantly varied thicknesses and regions of best fit depending on the tooth type and location. Differences in the translucency and thickness of the 3D-printed CAs were observed depending on the cleaning methods.

Three-dimensional soft tissue landmark detection with marching cube algorithm.

Current method of analyzing three-dimensional soft tissue data, especially in the frontal view, is subjective and has poor reliability. To overcome this limitation, the present study aimed to introduce a new method of analyzing soft tissue data reconstructed by marching cube algorithm (Program S) and compare it with a commercially available program (Program A). Cone-beam computed tomography images of 42 patients were included. Two orthodontists digitized six landmarks (pronasale, columella, upper and lower lip, right and left cheek) twice using both programs in two-week intervals, and the reliability was compared. Furthermore, computer-calculated point (CC point) was developed to evaluate whether human error could be reduced. The results showed that the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of Program S (99.7-100% and 99.9-100%, respectively) were higher than that of Program A (64.0-99.9% and 76.1-99.9%, respectively). Moreover, the inter-examiner difference of coordinate values and distances for all six landmarks in Program S was lower than Program A. Lastly, CC point was provided as a consistent single point. Therefore, it was validated that this new methodology can increase the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of soft tissue landmark digitation and CC point can be used as a landmark to reduce human error.

Effect of strontium substitution on functional activity of phosphate-based glass.

Phosphate-based glass (PBG) is a bioactive agent, composed of a glass network with phosphate as the primary component and can be substituted with various therapeutic ions for functional enhancement. Strontium (Sr) has been shown to stimulate osteogenic activity and inhibit pro-inflammatory responses. Despite this potential, there are limited studies that focus on the proportion of Sr substituted and its impact on the functional activity of resulting Sr-substituted PBG (PSr). In this study, focusing on the cellular biological response we synthesized and investigated the functional activity of PSr by characterizing its properties and comparing the effect of Sr substitution on cellular bioactivity. Moreover, we benchmarked the optimal composition against 45S5 bioactive glass (BG). Our results showed that PSr groups exhibited a glass structure and phosphate network like that of PBG. The release of Sr and P was most stable for PSr6, which showed favorable cell viability. Furthermore, PSr6 elicited excellent early osteogenic marker expression and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, which was significant compared to BG. In addition, compared to BG, PSr6 had markedly higher expression of osteopontin in immunocytochemistry, higher ALP expression in osteogenic media, and denser alizarin red staining in vitro. We also observed a comparable in vivo regenerative response in a 4-week rabbit calvaria defect model. Therefore, based on the results of this study, PSr6 could be identified as the functionally optimized composition with the potential to be applied as a valuable bioactive component of existing biomaterials used for bone regeneration.

Changes in mechanical and bacterial properties of denture base resin following nanoceria incorporation with and without SBA-15 carriers.

Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a commonly used material for the fabrication of biomedical appliances. Although PMMA has several advantages, it is susceptible to microbial insults with practical use. Therefore, different bioactive nanomaterials, such as nanoceria (CeN), have been proposed to enhance the properties of PMMA. In this study, we investigated the effect of the incorporation of CeN into PMMA with and without the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticle (SBA-15) carriers. The unmodified PMMA specimens (control, CTRL) were compared to groups containing SBA-15, CeN, and the synthesized SBA-15 impregnated with CeN (SBA-15@CeN) at different loading percentages. The mechanical and physical properties of the different SBA-15@CeN groups and their effects on cell viability were investigated, and the optimal CeN concentration was identified accordingly. Our results revealed that flexural strength was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in the SBA-15@CeN3× group (containing 3-fold the CeN wt. %). Although the surface microhardness increased with the increase in the wt. % of SBA-15@CeN, cell viability was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). The SBA-15@CeN1× group had the optimal concentration and displayed significant resistance to single-and multispecies microbial colonization. Finally, the enzymatic activity of CeN was significantly high in the SBA-15@CeN1× group. The proinflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, CD80, and CD86) showed a significant (P < 0.001) multifold reduction in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW cells treated with a 5-day eluate of the SBA-15@CeN1× group. These results indicate that the addition of SBA-15@CeN at 1.5 wt % improves the biological response of PMMA without compromising its mechanical properties.

Polybetaine-enhanced hybrid ionomer cement shows improved total biological effect with bacterial resistance and cellular stimulation.

Hybrid ionomer cements (HICs) are aesthetic polyelectrolyte cements that have been modified with a resin. The setting of HICs occurs by both monomer polymerization and an acid-base reaction. In addition, HICs contain a resin, which is substituted for water. Thus, the competition between the setting reactions and reduced water content inherently limits polysalt formation and, consequently the bioactive interactions. In this study, we explored the effects of polybetaine zwitterionic derivatives (mZMs) on the augmentation of the bioactive response of HICs. The polybetaines were homogenized into an HIC in different proportions (α, ß, and γ) at 3% w/v. Following basic characterization, the bioactive response of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) was evaluated. The augmented release of the principal constituent ions (strontium, silica, and fluoride) from the HIC was observed with the addition of the mZMs. Modification with α-mZM elicited the most favorable bioactive response, namely, increased ion elution, in vitro calcium phosphate precipitation, and excellent biofouling resistance, which deterred the growth of the bridging species of Veillonella. Moreover, α-mZM resulted in a significant increase in the hDPSC response, as confirmed by a significant increase (p < 0.05) in alizarin red staining. The results of mRNA expression tests, performed using periodically refreshed media, showed increased and early peak expression levels for RUNX2, OCN, and OPN in the case of α-mZM. Based on the results of the in vitro experiments, it can be concluded that modification of HICs with polybetaine α-mZM can augment the overall biological response.

Cerium oxide nanozymes confer a cytoprotective and bio-friendly surface micro-environment to methacrylate based oro-facial prostheses.

Poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is the preferred biomaterial for orofacial prostheses used for the rehabilitation of naso-palatal defects. However, conventional PMMA has limitations determined by the complexity of the local microbiota and the friability of oral mucosa adjacent to these defects. Our purpose was to develop a new type of PMMA, i-PMMA, with good biocompatibility and better biological effects such as higher resistance to microbial adhesion of multiple species and enhanced antioxidant effect. The addition of cerium oxide nanoparticles to PMMA using a mesoporous nano-silica carrier and polybetaine conditioning, resulted in an increased release of cerium ions and enzyme mimetic activity, without tangible loss of mechanical properties. Ex vivo experiments confirmed these observations. In stressed human gingival fibroblasts, i-PMMA reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species and increased the expression of homeostasis-related proteins (PPARg, ATG5, LCI/III). Furthermore, i-PMMA increased the levels of expression of superoxide dismutase and mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK and Akt), and cellular migration. Lastly, we demonstrated the biosafety of i-PMMA using two in vivo models: skin sensitization assay and oral mucosa irritation test, respectively. Therefore, i-PMMA offers a cytoprotective interface that prevents microbial adhesion and attenuates oxidative stress, thus supporting physiological recovery of the oral mucosa.

Maxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis with 2 different types of distractors.

OBJECTIVE: Maxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis (DO) has been the alternative treatment option for patients with midfacial retrusion. To investigate a potentially more effective maxillary anterior segmental DO, a newly designed intraoral alveolar distractor was applied. The objectives of this study were to investigate the skeletal and dental effects of maxillary anterior segmental DO and the relapse pattern. METHODS: The study was carried out for 8 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (mean age, 16 years 7 months). Four patients were treated with an intraoral appliance (IA), and the remaining with a rigid external distractor (RED). Dental and skeletal measurements were obtained for both groups. These measurements were compared for different time points including pre-DO (T1), post-DO (T2), postconsolidation (T3), and 1-year follow-up (T4). RESULTS: Horizontal change of A point was significantly larger after distraction period (T2) in the RED group (mean, 11.0 mm; median, 10.1 mm) than in the IA group (mean, 6.6 mm; median, 7.4 mm) (P < 0.05). Relapse of A point was observed in both RED (mean, -2.3 mm; median, -2.3 mm) and IA groups (mean, -2.6 mm; median, -1.5 mm) at T4. The vertical position of the anterior nasal spine was found to have moved downward in the RED group (mean, 5.5 mm; median, 4.9 mm) but upward in the IA group (mean, -2.5 mm; median, -2.7 mm) after distraction, showing a significant difference between groups (P < 0.05). Axis of upper incisor increased at T2 in the IA group (mean, 10.4 degrees; median, 11.3 degrees), but decreased in the RED group (mean, -10.2 degrees; median, -9.0 degrees) (P < 0.05). It recovered in the RED group at T4. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary anterior segmental DO is effective for the treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate. The alveolar space is regained, and the facial profile is improved without velopharyngeal problems. Superior results are obtained using the RED appliance for maxillary anterior segmental DO relative to the use of the intraoral distractor appliance.