Clear aligners are an increasingly popular alternative to fixed appliances for mild-to-moderate malocclusion, but their effectiveness in correcting crowding remains variable. Therefore, it is of interest to compare the alignment effectiveness between clear aligners and fixed appliances in mild-to-moderate dental crowding. Hence, sixty adults with mild-to-moderate crowding received clear aligner or fixed appliance therapy, with little’s irregularity index (LII) measured before and after alignment. Mean LII reduction was 3.56 mm (85.2%) for clear aligners and 3.76 mm (88.7%) for fixed appliances, a difference that was not statistically significant (p = 0.12). Both modalities achieve substantial correction of mild-to-moderate crowding, with a small, non-significant numerical advantage for fixed appliances. Thus, data shows that both clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances provide substantial correction of mild-to-moderate dental crowding in adults.
Digital twin technology (DTT) is an emerging innovation in dentistry that enables virtual representation of individual patients. It integrates intraoral scans, CBCT data, deep learning, sensor inputs and finite element analysis to create dynamic patient models. These models support personalised treatment planning, procedural guidance, error reduction and remote patient monitoring. Clinical implementation remains challenging due to high costs, data integration, privacy concerns, secure data transfer and real-time accuracy. Thus, DTT’s potential to advance predictive, personalised dental care while identifying barriers requiring further research is reviewed.
Excessive digital screen time is increasingly linked to musculoskeletal complaints in young adults. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the relationship between screen time and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders among students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 undergraduate and postgraduate students using a screen-time questionnaire and a joint pain index. A clear dose-dependent rise in TMJ pain, headache and jaw dysfunction was observed with increasing daily screen exposure. Screen-time reduction and ergonomic awareness are recommended as preventive measures for young students. This study provides evidence of a dose-dependent association between excessive digital screen time and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms among undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Injectable hydrogels can conform to irregular peri-implant defects, but their mechanical stability and osteogenic behaviour depend on composition and interaction with titanium. Therefore, it is of interest to compare the injectable gelatin-methacryloyl/nano-hydroxyapatite (GelMA/nHA) scaffold with GelMA and collagen controls around sandblasted, acid-etched titanium surfaces. The formulations were assessed for injectability, gelation, swelling, degradation, compressive modulus, cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization using human mesenchymal stromal cells. GelMA/nHA showed higher compressive modulus, lower 28-day mass loss and greater day-14 ALP activity and day-21 mineral deposition than both comparators (p < 0.001), while all groups' maintained viability above 85%. Thus, data support further peri-implant evaluation of GelMA/nHA as an injectable scaffold with favourable handling, structural stability, cytocompatibility and osteogenic activity.
Cranial PeTEP enables extraperitoneal mesh repair of selected ventral and incisional hernias. This multicentre retrospective study evaluated 24 adults undergoing cranial PeTEP repair. Mean operative time was 137 +/- 47 minutes, with a median hospital stay of one day. Two patients (8.3%) experienced surgical site occurrences, with no surgical site infections. No recurrence was recorded during a mean 5.3-month follow-up, although longer surveillance is required.
