Objectives: The aim was to analyze current orthodontic retention protocols in Croatia and their trend over a 10-year period. Subjects and Methods: In a repeated cross-sectional survey, questionnaires were distributed to 150 orthodontists in Croatia in 2013 and 185 of them in 2023 (representing 69% and 85% of practicing orthodontists with response rates of 61% and 75%). Results: Significant changes in retainer types across different malocclusions and treatment protocols were observed over a 10-year period. There was an increase in the use of VFR and a decrease in acrylic retention plates in both jaws (p≤0.001). Over the decade, the use of only fixed retention in the mandible declined from 20% to 7% (p=0.007), and the combination of fixed and removable retention in the maxilla dropped from 29% to 17% (p≤0.033). Increased use of removable retainers was noted in cases involving rotations, open bites, and extractions. Conversely, fixed-removable retainers were more frequently used in spacing cases (p≤0.001). There was a trend toward fewer check-ups (p=0.001) and toward increased patient self-monitoring (p=0.021). Personal experience as the primary reason for choosing a retention protocol increased from 39% to 62% (p<0.001). Additionally, the use of written information on retention rose from 39% to 69% (p<0.001). Conclusion: Retention practices in Croatia have evolved over the past decade, characterized by increased use of VFRs, more frequent implementation of dual retention in the mandible, and greater provision of written retention information. Additionally, follow-up protocols have shifted toward fewer scheduled visits, with increased emphasis on patient self-monitoring.
Objectives: This study investigated whether toothpastes containing different fluoride compounds influence cytotoxic and genotoxic alterations in buccal mucosal cells, with particular attention to the type of fluoride, the presence of fluoride itself, and the duration of exposure. Materials and Methods: Eighty-eight participants were randomly assigned to four parallel groups: a control group using fluoride-free toothpaste and three intervention groups using formulations containing sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, or amine fluoride. Buccal cell samples were obtained at baseline (T0), after 30 days (T1), and after 45 days (T2), and evaluated using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay to quantify nuclear abnormalities and cytotoxic markers. Results: All fluoride-containing toothpastes led to higher frequencies of micronuclei, nuclear buds, and “broken egg” cells at T1 and T2 compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.001). Amine fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate produced sustained increases in cytogenetic markers, including nuclear buds (AmF: P = 0.013; NaMFP: P ≤ 0.001) and “broken egg“ cells (AmF: P ≤ 0.001; NaMFP: P = 0.004), while sodium fluoride demonstrated a slower, progressive increase in “broken egg“ cells (P = 0.036). Conclusion: The findings suggest that fluoride-based toothpastes may modulate cytogenetic responses in buccal epithelial cells, and that these effects differ according to the fluoride compound and exposure duration. The findings should be interpreted with caution due to study limitations, and further research is needed to clarify the long-term biological consequences of repeated fluoride exposure in oral hygiene.
Objective: Statins exhibit pleiotropic effects on bone metabolism, including osteogenic and angiogenic activity. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether local application of simvastatin combined with a bovine-derived xenogeneic bone substitute enhances histomorphometric outcomes of socket preservation compared with the bone substitute alone after a three-month healing period. Materials and Methods: This prospective split-mouth clinical study included nine patients requiring bilateral tooth extraction. One socket was treated with cerabone® plus alone (control), while the contralateral socket received cerabone® plus combined with locally applied simvastatin (1 mg/0.2 mL saline). Bone core biopsies were harvested three months after grafting and analyzed histomorphometrically. The proportions of newly formed bone (NB/TV), residual bone substitute material (BSM/TV), and connective tissue (CT/TV) were quantified. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated a similar tissue composition in both groups. Connective tissue represented the predominant component in the control and statin-treated sites (59.1 ± 12.0% and 64.3 ± 9.4%, respectively; p = 0.31). Newly formed bone accounted for 31.0 ± 15.5% in the control group and 26.2 ± 11.6% in the statin group (p = 0.45). Residual bone substitute material showed comparable values between groups (9.9 ± 8.5% vs. 9.5 ± 9.7%; p = 0.91). No statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusions: The addition of locally applied simvastatin to a bovine-derived xenogeneic bone substitute did not result in significant histomorphometric differences in socket preservation after three months. At the tested dose and delivery method, simvastatin did not enhance early mineralized tissue formation compared with the bone substitute alone.
Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of bioactive glasses containing a small proportion of fluoride and zinc in lower (BAG1) and higher ratios (BAG2) on the Vickers microhardness (VHN), surface morphology and chemical composition of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement and glass hybrid cement. Materials and Methods: Fuji IX (Fuji) and EQUIA Forte HT (Equia) were modified with 5 wt% BAG1 and BAG2. Six groups were prepared and stored in distilled water: Fuji, Fuji+ BAG1, Fuji+BAG2, Equia, Equia+ BAG1, and Equia+BAG2. BAG1 and BAG2 were characterized using FTIR. VHN was measured after 24 hours and 7 days. Representative samples from all groups were stored in phosphate buffered solution and analyzed using SEM-EDS. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and paired t-tests (α = 0.05). Results: Fuji and Fuji+BAG1 showed the highest VHN at both time points, whereas BAG2 significantly reduced microhardness compared to original materials Fuji and Equia (p<0.05). All groups exhibited increased VHN over 7 days (p<0.05). FTIR confirmed the amorphous silicate and fluoride content. SEM-EDS confirmed the absence of crystalline precipitates on the material’s surface when stored in phosphate containing solution. Conclusions: BAG1 preserved or slightly enhanced microhardness, while BAG2 significantly reduced it. There were no crystalline precipitates on original or on materials modified with 5 wt% bioactive glass. Optimizing BAG composition is essential to balance mechanical stability and bioactivity of glass ionomers.
Background: Dental age estimation is a relevant procedure in forensic odontology, but it becomes increasingly challenging as age advances. In such cases, the use of third molars stands out, as they are the last teeth to complete the maturation process. However, it has been observed that these teeth have the highest rate of impaction. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to assess whether dental impaction influences the mineralization process of third molars and whether this condition affects the accuracy of age estimation methods. Methods: A search was carried out in the Embase, LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, using terms related to the topic in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Two independent evaluators applied eligibility criteria to select and evaluate the relevant articles. Results: After selection by title, abstract, and fulltext reading, 11 articles were included. The risk of bias was analyzed using the checklist proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data extraction revealed that the populations studied were from India, Germany, Lebanon, Switzerland, China, Canada, South Africa, and Denmark. All studies were separated by sex, though in different sample sizes, except for one study, which used equal numbers of 260 orthopantomograms for each sex. Furthermore, all studies demonstrated that dental impaction, regardless of its degree, influences tooth mineralization. Conclusion: In conclusion, third molar impaction may delay the process of dental mineralization, raising concerns that these teeth, when impacted, should not be considered the first choice for age estimation methods.
