Discrepancies in Cephalometric Analysis Results between Orthodontists and Radiologists and Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review

Cephalometry is a crucial examination in orthodontic diagnostics and during the planning of orthognathic surgical procedures. The objective of this article was to compare cephalometric measurements conducted by different specialists and systems tailored for such measurements, as well as to evaluate the capabilities of artificial intelligence in this field. In January 2024, we conducted electronic searches in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. In the Scopus database, the results were refined to titles, abstracts, and keywords, while in PubMed, they were narrowed down to titles and abstracts. In WoS, the results were refined only to abstracts. The search criteria were based on the following terms: (cephalometric) AND (analysis) AND (discrepancy) AND ((orthodontic) OR (radiologist)). A total of 263 articles were identified, of which 17 met the criteria and were incorporated into the review. The review allowed us to conclude that the accuracy of cephalometric measurements relied on the expertise of the operator—specialists with more experience exhibited greater precision compared to novices or individuals not specialized in orthodontics. Cephalometric measurement computer programs yielded outcomes that streamlined work processes, minimized human errors, and enhanced precision. A novel aspect involved the application of artificial intelligence, which also demonstrated high precision and a substantial reduction in working time, although its utilization still necessitates further enhancements. Further research was required to address these limitations and to optimize the incorporation of technology in orthodontic and orthognathic surgery practices

Bite Reconstruction in the Aesthetic Zone Using One-Piece Bicortical Screw Implants

The aim of this article was to present the clinical application of a new, smooth surfaced one-piece bicortical screw implant with immediate loading protocol. An 18-year-old, healthy male patient with a history of total dislocation and replantation of teeth 11 and 21 in early childhood was admitted to the clinic. Teeth 11 and 21 were extracted, and two long one-piece implants were inserted at extraction sockets in one surgical session under local anesthesia. Temporary composite crowns were placed in the patient on the same day. After 3 months, the single-phase two-layer impression was made and the composite crowns were replaced with metal-ceramic crowns. After 12 months, satisfactory aesthetic and functional results were obtained

The Effect of Er:YAG Laser on a Shear Bond Strength Value of Orthodontic Brackets to Enamel—A Preliminary Study

We sought to evaluate the effects of Er:YAG laser (LightTouch, LightInstruments, Israel) conditioning on enamel roughness and shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets on enamel. Eighteen human molars (n = 9) and premolars (n = 9), were divided into 3 groups depending on the enamel conditioning method; Er:YAG laser (G1, n = 6), conventional etching with 37% orthophosphoric acid (G2, n = 6), Er:YAG laser combined with conventional etching (G3, n = 6). Er:YAG laser parameters were as follows: energy: 100 mJ, frequency: 10 Hz, exposure time: 10 s, applicator diameter: 600 μm, fluence: 35.37 J/cm2, distance: 1 mm away from a tooth, cooling: 80%. An MTS 858 MiniBionix® machine was used to determine the shear bond strength (MTS System, Eden Prairie, MN, USA). The enamel structure was assessed using X-ray microtomography (SkyScan 1172, Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). The highest values of shear bond strength were obtained in the G3 group (9.23 ± 2.38 MPa) and the lowest values in the G2 group (6.44 ± 2.11 MPa) (p < 0.05). A significant change in the enamel surface was noted after applying laser, reaching up to 9% of enamel thickness, which was not observed in the etched samples. Moreover, the Er:YAG laser-irradiated enamel surface was characterized by the greatest roughness. The combined use of an Er:YAG laser with a conventional etching improves the adhesion of composite materials to the tooth

Clinical and therapeutic aspects of root caries including the Er:YAG laser and ozone therapy

Próchnica korzenia jest chorobą cementu korzeniowego występującą zazwyczaj u osób starszych. Przyczyną jest odsłonięcie cementu korzeniowego i zalegająca płytka nazębna. Odsłonięcie następuje poprzez obniżenie przyczepu nabłonkowego w wyniku recesji lub choroby przyzębia. Czynnikami ryzyka próchnicy korzenia są zła higiena, dieta bogata w węglowodany, zaburzenia wydzielania śliny. Zasadnicze leczenie polega na eliminacji czynników ryzyka, profilaktyce fluorkowej, leczeniu odtwórczym. Obecnie coraz częściej wykorzystuje się ozonoterapię oraz opracowywanie chorobowo zmienionych tkanek przy pomocy lasera erbowo-yagowego.The root caries is a root’ cement disease that usually occurs in older people. The cause is the exposure of the root cement and residual plaque. Exposure occurs by lowering the epithelial attachment as a result of recession or periodontal disease. Risk factors for root caries are poor hygiene, a carbohydrate-rich diet, salivary flow disorders. The basic treatment consists in the elimination of risk factors, fluoride prophylaxis and restorative treatment. Currently, the ozone therapy and the erbium-yag laser are more often used in root caries treatment

SEM Evaluation of Tooth Surface after a Composite Filling Removal Using Er:YAG Laser, Drills with and without Curettes, and Optional EDTA or NaOCl Conditioning

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the microporosity of the tooth surface structure adjacent to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) after the removal of composite fillings with a drill in comparison with removal by an Er:YAG laser and after cleaning with a periodontal curette, chemical EDTA and NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) conditioning. (2) Methods: The research material consisted of 30 extracted premolars with cervical composite fillings. The teeth were divided into six groups according to the method of tooth preparation: group G1 (n = 5)—a diamond drill; group G2 (n = 5)—a diamond drill + curette; group G3 (n = 5)—a diamond drill + 24% EDTA (PrefGel, Straumann, Switzerland); group G4 (n = 5)—an Er:YAG laser (LightWalker, Fotona, Ljubljana, Slovenia) set with the following parameters: power: 1.65 W (composite removal, CR), 1.2 (tooth conditioning, TC), energy: 110 mJ (CR), 80 mJ (TC), frequency: 15 Hz, pulse duration: 50 μs, tip diameter: 1 mm, air/fluid cooling: 4, distance 1.5 mm, energy density: 14.01 J/cm2 (CR), 10.19 J/cm2 (TC); group G5 (n = 5)—an Er:YAG laser + 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); group G6 (n = 5)—an Er:YAG laser + 5.25% NaOCl. In each tooth, three cavities were made and subjected to analysis. The dentin surface was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). (3) Results: Groups G1 and G2 exhibited mechanical damage to the tooth surface structure caused by the rotary motion of a diamond drill. The SEM image showed a smear layer that could only be removed chemically using 24% EDTA gel (group G3). The tooth surfaces prepared with the Er:YAG laser (groups G4–G6) revealed a homogeneous structure without damage along with open dentinal tubules (without smear layer) and visible denaturation of collagen fibers. The sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) conditioning did not increase the visibility of dentinal tubules. (4) Conclusions: Dentin surfaces have open dentinal tubules after removal of the composite filling using the Er:YAG laser and therefore do not require additional NaOCl conditioning

Fluoride Release by Restorative Materials after the Application of Surface Coating Agents: A Systematic Review

Background: Fluoride is vital in dentistry for caries prevention, enhancing remineralization, and inhibiting bacteria. Incorporating fluoride into restorative materials like glass-ionomer cements, compomers, and giomers has significantly increased fluoride availability in the oral cavity. This review assesses how surface coatings influence fluoride release from various dental restorative materials. Methods: In December 2023, we conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. In the Scopus database, the results were refined to titles, abstracts, and keywords, while in PubMed, they were narrowed down to titles and abstracts. In WoS, the results were refined only to abstracts. The search criteria were based on the terms fluoride AND release AND (coating OR glaze OR layer OR film OR varnish) AND (composite OR glass OR compomer), following PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. Twenty-three studies were rigorously selected and analyzed for fluoride release from coated versus uncoated materials. Results: Surface coatings typically reduce the rate of fluoride release. Glass-ionomer cements had the highest release, followed by giomers and compomers. The initial release was greater in uncoated materials but stabilized over time, influenced by variables like artificial saliva and deionized water. Conclusions: Surface coatings generally decrease fluoride release rates from dental materials. Although initial rates are high, contributing to caries prevention, more standardized research is needed to better understand the impact of coatings and optimize materials for maximum preventive benefits

The Influence of Fluoride Gels on the Physicochemical Properties of Tooth Tissues and Dental Materials—A Systematic Review

The aim of the presented systematic review is to update the state of knowledge and relate the properties and composition of fluoride gels to their potential application. This article aims to explore the effect of fluoride gel application on changes in the properties of dental biomaterials and tooth tissues. The review includes articles assessing studies on the effects of fluoride gel on dental tissues and materials. Employing the PRISMA protocol, a meticulous search was conducted across the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, utilizing keywords such as fluoride, gel, and properties. The publications were selected without limitation by the year of publication, and then Cohen’s κ test was used to assess the agreement of the respondents. Exclusion criteria included non-English studies, opinion pieces, editorial papers, letters to the editor, review articles and meta-analyses, clinical reports, studies lacking full-text accessibility, and duplicates. The quality of the chosen papers was assessed by two independent reviewers. A total of 2385 were located in databases, of which only 17 met the inclusion criteria. All publications showed increased surface mineralization, and seven studies showed the effect of fluoride gel on the surface of dental tissues. Three articles stated a negative effect of fluoride gels on titanium and stainless steel alloys and glass ionomer fillings. The effects on shear bond strength and plaque deposition require further investigation because the study results are contradictory

Development and application of home cage monitoring in laboratory mice and rats: a systematic review

We are conducting a systematic review on home cage monitoring in laboratory mice and rats. A major advantage of home cage monitoring is that the animals can be examined in their home environment, which reduces stress and allows to monitor the animals 24/7. Moreover, this approach minimizes the influence of the human presence on the animals’ behavior. Therefore, home cage-based monitoring is interesting for phenotyping in mice and rats since it may reduce data variability and improve reproducibility. In addition, it can provide a useful tool for welfare assessment. The requirements for home cage monitoring changed over the last decades driven by technology and digitalization. The goal of this systematic review is to identify these historical changes and describe the current state of the art. After phase 1 (title/Abstract screening), it was decided to perform phase 2 (full text screening) and phase 3 (data extraction) simultaneously. Therefore, an updated protocol was uploaded