Effects of miniscrew location on biomechanical performances of bone-borne rapid palatal expander to midpalatal suture: A finite element study.

This study investigated the effects of miniscrew location on biomechanical performance of bone-borne rapid palatal expander (B-RPE) to midpalatal suture, using finite element (FE). Three cases of B-RPE with different miniscrew locations (3 and 6 mm from midpalatal suture and palatal interdental site) were simulated activations in partly ossified midpalatal suture maturation. This study compared the expansion amount and pattern along the suture line. Equivalent von Mises (EQV) stresses at appliance, miniscrew, midpalatal sutures, and elastic strain at the bone around miniscrew were evaluated. In all cases, they could not break the midpalatal suture of palatine bone. However, midpalatal suture at the maxilla was expanded. The expansion amount and unparallel expanding pattern were increased when miniscrews were positioned away from the suture. The interdental miniscrew position extended the suture more than the other 2 cases, but the pattern was unparallel. When the miniscrews were positioned away from the suture, the EQV stress at the appliance and elastic strain at the bone around the miniscrew were reduced. In the case of the palatal interdental miniscrew, all parameters were of lower magnitude. All cases could expand the partly ossified midpalatal suture maturation. The distance between the midpalatal suture and the miniscrew influenced appliance EQV stress, elastic strain at the bone around the miniscrew, and expansion characteristics.

Physical/mechanical and antibacterial properties of orthodontic adhesives containing Sr-bioactive glass nanoparticles, calcium phosphate, and andrographolide.

White spot lesions around orthodontic brackets are the major complication during fixed orthodontic treatment. This study prepared orthodontic adhesives for promoting mineral precipitation and reducing bacterial growth. Adhesives with added calcium phosphate monohydrate/Sr-bioactive glass nanoparticles (Sr/CaP) and andrographolide were prepared. The physical/mechanical and antibacterial properties of the adhesives were tested. The additives reduced the monomer conversion of the materials (62 to 47%). The addition of Sr/CaP and andrographolide increased the water sorption (from 23 to 46 µg/mm3) and water solubility (from 0.2 to 5.9 µg/mm3) but reduced the biaxial flexural strength (from 193 to 119 MPa) of the adhesives. The enamel bond strengths of the experimental adhesives (19-34 MPa) were comparable to that of the commercial material (p > 0.05). The Sr/CaP fillers promoted Ca, Sr, and P ion release and the precipitation of calcium phosphate at the debonded interface. An increase in the Sr/CaP concentration enhanced the inhibition of S. mutans by 18%, while the effect of andrographolide was not detected. The abilities of the adhesives to promote ion release, calcium phosphate precipitation, and the growth inhibition of cariogenic bacteria were expected to reduce the occurrence of white spot lesions. The additives reduced the physical/mechanical properties of the materials, but the corresponding values were within the acceptable range.

Physical/Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Orthodontic Adhesives Containing Calcium Phosphate and Nisin.

Enamel demineralization around orthodontic adhesive is a common esthetic concern during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to prepare orthodontic adhesives containing monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and nisin to enable mineralizing and antibacterial actions. The physicomechanical properties and the inhibition of S. mutans growth of the adhesives with added MCPM (5, 10 wt %) and nisin (5, 10 wt %) were examined. Transbond XT (Trans) was used as the commercial comparison. The adhesive containing a low level of MCPM showed significantly higher monomer conversion (42-62%) than Trans (38%) (p < 0.05). Materials with additives showed lower monomer conversion (p < 0.05), biaxial flexural strength (p < 0.05), and shear bond strength to enamel than those of a control. Additives increased water sorption and solubility of the experimental materials. The addition of MCPM encouraged Ca and P ion release, and the precipitation of calcium phosphate at the bonding interface. The growth of S. mutans in all the groups was comparable (p > 0.05). In conclusion, experimental orthodontic adhesives with additives showed comparable conversion but lesser mechanical properties than the commercial material. The materials showed no antibacterial action, but exhibited ion release and calcium phosphate precipitation. These properties may promote remineralization of the demineralized enamel.

Vibration synergistically enhances IL-1ß and TNF-α in compressed human periodontal ligament cells in the frequency-dependent manner.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether mechanical vibration at 30 or 60 Hz combined with compressive force alter IL-1ß and TNF-α expression in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. METHODS: hPDL cells isolated from the roots of first premolar teeth extracted from four independent donors were cultured and exposed to vibration (0.3 g, 20 min per cycle, every 24 h for 3 cycles) at 30 or 60 Hz (V30 or V60), 2.0 g/cm2 compressive force for 2 days (CF), or a combination of compressive force and vibration at 30 Hz or 60 Hz (V30CF or V60CF). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to determine IL-1ß and TNF-α mRNA and protein, respectively. RESULTS: The levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α did not alter in groups V30 and V60. While, they were upregulated in groups CF, V30CF and V60CF. In addition, IL-1ß mRNA and TNF-α mRNA and protein were expressed at significantly higher levels in group V30CF compared to CF group. However, IL-1ß protein levels between V30CF and CF groups did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: 30 Hz vibration had the synergistic effects with compressive force on the upregulation of IL-1ß mRNA and TNF-α mRNA and protein in PDL cells, while 60 Hz vibration did not have this synergistic effect.

Low magnitude high frequency vibration induces RANKL via cyclooxygenase pathway in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of PGE2 on RANKL expression in response to vibration and vibration in combination with compressive stress and characterise this transduction pathway in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. METHODS: Cultured human PDL cells obtained from extracted premolar teeth (from six individuals) were subjected to three cycles of vibration (0.3 g, 30 Hz for 20 min every 24 h; V), compressive stress (1.5 g/cm2, 48 h; C) or vibration in combination with compressive stress (VC). To investigate whether the expression of RANKL and PGE2 was COX-dependent, PDL cells were treated with indomethacin prior to the onset of mechanical stimulation. RANKL and OPG expressions were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Quantification of PGE2, soluble RANKL (sRANKL) and OPG productions were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs). RESULTS: All mechanical stresses (V, C and VC) significantly increased PGE2 and RANKL. OPG was not affected by vibration, but was downregulated in compressed cells (C and VC). Indomethacin abolished induction of RANKL and downregulated OPG in response to all mechanical stresses. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that vibration, compressive stress and vibration in combination with compressive stress induce RANKL expression in human PDL cells by activating the cyclooxygenase pathway.

Effects of low magnitude high frequency mechanical vibration combined with compressive force on human periodontal ligament cells in vitro.

Objective: Vibration can be used to accelerate tooth movement, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low magnitude high frequency (LMHF) vibration combined with compressive force on periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in vitro. Materials and methods: Human PDL cells were isolated from extracted premolar teeth of four individuals. To determine the optimal frequency for later used in combination with compressive force, three cycles of low-magnitude (0.3 g) vibrations at various frequencies (30, 60, or 90 Hz) were applied to PDL cells for 20 min every 24 h. To investigate the effects of vibration combined with compressive force, PDL cells were subjected to three cycles of optimal vibration frequency (V) or 1.5 g/cm2 compressive force for 48 h (C) or vibration combined with compressive force (VC). Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. PGE2, soluble RANKL (sRANKL), and OPG production were quantified by ELISA. RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 expression were determined using real-time PCR. Results: Cell viability was decreased in groups C and VC. PGE2 and RANKL, but not OPG, were increased in groups V, C, and VC, thus increasing the RANKL/OPG ratio. The highest level was observed in group VC. sRANKL was increased in groups V, C, and VC; however, no significant different between the experimental groups. Runx2 expression was reduced in groups C and VC. Conclusions: Vibration increased PGE2, RANKL, and sRANKL, but not OPG and Runx2. Vibration had the additive effects on PGE2 and RANKL, but not sRANKL in compressed PDL cells.