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This study aimed to investigate salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacilli, and other salivary indices in subjects wearing clear aligners (CA) in comparison with multibrackets orthodontic appliances (MB). A sample of 80 participants (46 males and 34 females) was included in the study: 40 subjects (aged 20.4±1.7 years) were treated with CA, and 40 (aged 21.3±1.7 years) were treated with MB. Plaque index (PI), salivary flow, buffering power of saliva, and salivary levels of S. mutans and Lactobacilli were evaluated prior to start of orthodontic treatment (t0), after 3 months (t1) and 6 months (t2). CA patients maintained PI at level 0 over time, while MB participants experienced a statistically significant increasing trend of PI over time. In addition, at t2, 37.5% of MB participants (15 subjects over 40) showed risky salivary levels (CFU/ml>105) of S. mutans (odds ratio = 7.40; 95% C.I. = 1.94-28.25; chi-square = 10.32; p = 0.001) as well as Lactobacilli (odds ratio = 23.40; 95% C.I. = 2.91-188.36; chi-square = 15.31; p = 0.0001). Comparing all the data, subjects treated with CA achieved lower salivary microbial colonization after 6 months of treatment compared with MB. Different additional strategies for plaque control and salivary microbial colonization must be triggered considering the type of orthodontic appliance.

Invisible orthodontic aligners (IOAs) have been introduced in the orthodontic field as an innovative alternative for fixed brackets, in relation to their ability to be easily inserted/removed from the oral cavity without affecting the chewing ability and the aesthetic of the patients. The paper provides a complete physicochemical and mechanical characterization of thermoplastic materials in the form of disks used for commercial IOAs. A wide palette of specific techniques is considered, from tensile tests and dynamic-mechanical analysis, to X-Ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) analyses and water absorption tests. The disks are investigated before and after immersion into staining beverages (red wine, coffee, nicotine and artificial saliva), in terms of colour variations, transparency, and microscopic surface modifications by means of colorimetry, UV-VIS absorbance and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among all the samples, polyurethane (PU) exhibited the highest crystallinity and the highest values of mechanical and thermal resistance, while the poly(ethylene terephthalate)-glycol (PETG) samples presented better transparency and less ability to absorb water. Moreover, red wine and coffee give noticeable colour variations after 14 days of immersion, together with a slight reduction of transparency.

The field of regeneration interventions in oral and maxillofacial surgeries still represents a challenge for researchers and clinicians. Understanding the biological and morphological behaviour of human cells towards the materials used for the regeneration surgeries is key to successfully choosing and applying the appropriate biomaterials for specific clinical situations. The aim of the study was the biological and morphological evaluation of autologous platelet concentrate materials obtained with different protocols, in culture with human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLF). The study design included the evaluation of Leukocyte-Platelet-Rich-Fibrin (L-PRF), Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) and autologous platelet gel (APG) in contact with the HPLF cell line after 24 h, 72 h and 7 days of in vitro culture. Cell proliferation and, therefore, viability were evaluated with XTT assays. The morphological response of the cells was evaluated by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. The XTT assay showed an interesting response in the growth curve. In particular, the material that gave the best results was the CGF. The morphological data supported the XTT assay, showing the best results for the CGF and L-PRF. In conclusion, all the platelet-derived materials stimulated the onset of the growth of the HPLF cell line, making them promising options for periodontal regeneration interventions.

SARS-CoV-2 propagation in the world has led to rapid growth and an acceleration in the discoveries and publications of various interests. The main focus of a consistent number of studies has been the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in binding the virus and its role in expression of the inflammatory response after transmission. ACE2 is an enzyme involved in the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), whose key role is to regulate and counter angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), reducing the amount of angiotensin II and increasing angiotensin 1–7 (Ang1–7), making it a promising drug target for treating cardiovascular diseases. The classical RAS axis, formed by ACE, angiotensin II (Ang II), and angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1), activates several cell functions and molecular signalling pathways related to tissue injury and inflammation. In contrast, the RAS axis composed of ACE2, Ang1–7, and Mas receptor (MasR) exerts the opposite effect concerning the inflammatory response and tissue fibrosis. Recent studies have shown the presence of the RAS system in periodontal sites where osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and osteoclasts are involved in bone remodelling, suggesting that the role of ACE2 might have a fundamental function in the under- or overexpression of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-7 (IL-7), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), associated with a periodontal disorder, mainly during coinfection with SARS-CoV-2, where ACE2 is underexpressed and cannot form the ACE2–Ang1–7–MasR axis. This renders the patient unresponsive to an inflammatory process, facilitating periodontal loss.

This paper offers a critical assessment of the value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) through the analysis of the coherence of the definitions of and semantic relationships among the theoretical constructs at the heart of the model. Some of the criticisms detected here refer to inconsistencies of the VAIC with the most consolidated concepts developed by the Intellectual Capital (IC) literature as well as to the constructs internal to the model and generated by the misalignment of Pulic’s theoretical assumptions with the way they have been translated into the mathematical model. Other criticisms derive from the time mismatch in the relationship among the variables constituting the three ratios and from the ambiguous meanings of human capital efficiency and structural capital efficiency. Implications for both researchers and managers are discussed.

Tissue engineering represents a novel approach that aims to exploit the use of biomaterials composed mainly of scaffolds, cells (or grafts), and growth factors capable of restoring a specific tissue. Biomaterials represent the future of dental and oral regeneration due to their biocompatibility and affinity with the receiving site. The aim of this review was to collect results and considerations about a new type of biomaterial based on the use of micrografts in combination with different scaffolds. Micrografts are tissue particles enriched with progenitor cells (PCs), which are defined as descendants of stem cells that can differentiate into specialized cells belonging to the same tissue. PCs in the oral cavity might be extracted from various tissues such as dental pulp, periosteum, or periodontal ligament. Moreover, these cells are easy to isolate through a mechanical process that allows for the filtration of cells with a diameter of 80 μm, in contrast with enzymatic procedures where reagents are used and various culture periods are needed. The aim of this review was to collect data regarding the use of micrografts, developed by a Rigenera® chair-side machine, in oral regeneration evaluating the clinical, histological, and radiographical outcomes. There have been encouraging results for the application of micrografts in bone and periodontal regeneration, but further randomized clinical trials are needed to validate this promising outcome.

Objectives To compare volume and shape changes of pulp chamber of maxillary posterior teeth between tooth-borne and bone-borne maxillary expansions in adolescents. Materials and methods This study included 36 adolescents with bilateral maxillary crossbite who received tooth-borne rapid maxillary expansion (TB group, average age 14.4 years) or bone-borne rapid maxillary expansion (BB group, average age 14.7 years). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was taken before treatment (T1) and after a 6-month retention period (T2). Volumetric and shape changes of pulp chamber of maxillary first molars and premolars were detected by referring to a specific 3D digital technology involving deviation analysis of T1/T2 CBCT–derived models of pulp chamber. Student’s t tests were used to (1) compare T1 and T2 volumes of pulp chambers in TB and BB groups and (2) assess differences between the two groups in the post-treatment volumetric changes and in the percentage of matching of 3D pulp models. Results All investigated teeth showed a reduction of pulp volume, being this difference significant in both TB ( p  < 0.0001) and BB ( p  < 0.0001) groups. The volumetric reduction was greater in the TB group; also, subjects in the TB group showed a lower percentage of matching between T1 and T2 pulp models ( p  < 0.0001). The area most affected by shape change was that of pulp horns. Conclusions TB expander could induce a higher volumetric reduction of pulp chamber of posterior teeth compared with BB expander, in the short term. Clinical relevance The present findings add new information concerning the effects of RME protocols on pulp tissue.

Introduction Teledentistry is a specialized area within telemedicine employs digital technology and telecommunications to remotely manage dental patients, offering care, advice, education, and treatment. The significance of teledentistry escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective This study presents a bibliometric analysis of teledentistry, based on a retrospective search of the Scopus database. Materials and methods The research utilized Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software. Results Publications on teledentistry have shown a recent surge, particularly since 2020, attributed to the pandemic. Out of 369 articles, just 28 (7.5%) were single-authored, while most involved collaborative efforts. These articles were dispersed across 160 journals, with the Journal Of Telemedicine And Telecare, International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, and Telemedicine And E-Health each publishing over 15 articles. Remarkably, 66% of the journals featured open-access content. The University of Western Australia emerged as the most prolific institution, with 12 publications, while the United States, Chile, and Brazil led in the number of published documents. Conclusions The growing interest in teledentistry, mainly fueled by the pandemic, has promising implications for dental practice. Despite the existing limitations, it holds potential. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the field and offers valuable quantitative insights for shaping future research and funding strategies, especially concerning protocol development and digital risk assessment.

Aim This study aimed to investigate salivary concentrations of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and some Lactobacilli, and plaque index (PI) in patients wearing fixed versus removable orthodontic appliances. Methods A sample of 90 orthodontic patients (56 males and 34 females) was included in the study: 30 subjects (aged 21.5±1.5 years) were treated with removable clear aligners (CA), while for other 30 cases (aged 23.3±1.6 years) a fixed multibrackets appliance (MB) were utilized, and 30 patients (aged 18.2 ±1.5 years) wearied a removable positioner (RP). Salivary concentrations of S. mutans and Lactobacilli and PI were evaluated prior to start of the orthodontic treatment, after 3 months and 6 months. Results After 6 months, 40% of MB patients (12 subjects over 30) showed a concentration of S. mutans associated to high risk of developing tooth decay (CFU/ml>105), differently from participants wearing removable appliances (odds ratio = 5.05; 95% C.I. = 1.72‐14.78; chi‐square = 9.64; p = 0.0019). The same trens was observed for the concentration of Lactobacilli (odds ratio = 4.33; 95% C.I. = 1.53‐12.3; chi‐square = 8.229; p = 0.004). In addition, over the duration of the study, CA patients maintained PI at 0 level, while MB patients experienced a statistically significant increasing trend of PI over time, and their PI became clinically/statistically relevant after 6 months, respect to CA and RP patients. Conclusions Comparing all the data, while, after 6 months, only about 10% of CA patients and 13.3% of RP patients achieved a microbial colonization which may lead to high risk of caries development, about 40% of MB patients ‐ and 20% after 3 months ‐ showed a high level of vulnerability to developing caries, which require additional strategies for plaque control and microbial colonization to be employed.

Background The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in palate dimension and morphology after treatment of functional posterior crossbite (FPXB) with elastodontic devices (EAs). Methods The treatment group (TG) consisted of 25 subjects (mean age 7.3 ± 0.9 years) who received treatment with EA for one year. The control group (CG) comprised 14 untreated subjects (mean age 6.8 ± 0.7 years). Inclusion criteria: intra-oral scan registered before (T0) and after treatment (T1), FPXB with a mandibular shift towards the crossbite site of ≥ 2 mm, class I molar relationship. Exclusion criteria: missing teeth, anterior crossbite, temporomandibular disorders, previous orthodontic treatment, carious lesions, mobility of deciduous posterior teeth, craniofacial deformities. Digital models were analyzed to assess the inter-canine (ICW) and inter-molar widths (IMW) and the corresponding emi-lateral measurements (eICW and eIMW) using the median palatine plane as reference. According to a specific 3D imaging technology, the morphology and symmetry of the palate was investigated by analysing the 3D deviation between the two specular models of the palate. Results At T0, both groups showed a significantly narrower dimension of eICW and eIMW at the crossbite side compared to the non-crossbite side ( p  < 0.05). Also, the 3D deviation analysis demonstrates a limited matching percentage of the original/mirrored models in both TG (81.12%) and CG (79.36%), confirming the asymmetry of the palate. The area of mis-matching was located at the alveolar bone level. At T1, subjects in the TG showed a significant increment of ICW and IMW ( p  < 0.05), a reduction of the differences of eICW and eIMW between both sides ( p  < 0.05) and an increment of the percentage matching (TG = 92.32%) ( p  < 0.05), suggesting a significant recovery of the palatal asymmetry. No significant changes were found between T0 and T1 in the CG ( p  > 0.05). Conclusions EAs could be successfully used to correct FPXB in mixed dentition and could restore the harmonious development of the palate in children.