Comparative evaluation of fluoride-free remineralization agents with and without Er,Cr:YSGG laser on artificial enamel remineralization.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fluoride-free remineralizing agents in initial enamel caries, with and without combined Er,Cr:YSGG laser application. The remineralization effect of various agents and their combinations on artificial initial caries was investigated using 10 experimental groups (n = 7): NC, negative control; PC, positive control; TM, calcium-phosphate compounds (CPP-ACP); TD, theobromine-containing toothpaste; RG, ROCS® remineralizing gel; L, Er,Cr:YSGG laser (2780 nm; 0.25 W; repetition rate, 20 Hz; pulse duration, 140 µs; tip diameter, 600 µm; without air/water cooling); L + fluoride toothpaste; L + TM; L + TD; and L + RG. The demineralized bovine enamel specimens were subjected to an 8-day pH cycle by daily application of the remineralizing agents and laser therapy once prior to the pH cycle and paste application. The enamel samples underwent the Vickers surface microhardness test, and one sample per group was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to compare the microhardness recovery percentage (SMHR%) for each group, and multiple comparisons were made with the Dunn test. Groups L (p = 0.003), RG (p = 0.019), L + TM (p < 0.001), L + fluoride toothpaste (p = 0.001),and L + RG (p = 0.036) exhibited significant increase in SMHR%. The tested remineralizing agents exhibited no statistically significant difference in effect when used alone and in combination with Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Combined application of Er,Cr:YSGG laser and ROCS® remineralization gel effectively promoted enamel remineralization, while use of CPP-ACP and fluoride toothpaste alone was ineffective. Theobromine-containing toothpaste exhibited the least SMHR%. Long-term evaluation of these agents is recommended.

Does the face mask increase the impact of rapid maxillary expansion on sagittal airway dimensions?

Purpose: Airway dimensions associated with the transversal and sagittal position of the maxilla are affected by orthodontic treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and RME followed by face mask (FM) therapies on the airway space and investigate whether application of the FM increases the short-term and long- term impact of RME on sagittal airway dimensions. Materials and methods: A total of 26 patients were divided into two groups. Group I included 14 adolescents treated with RME (3 males, 11 females; mean age: 12.2 11 ± 2.1 years), and Group II included 12 adolescents treated with RME followed by FM therapy (7 males, 5 females; mean age: 11.6 ± 1.3 years). Sagittal and vertical skeletal measurements, as well as ten linear cross-sectional airway measurements, were calculated from pretreatment, posttreatment, and postretention cephalometric radiographs. Results: RME followed by FM resulted in a significant increase in the SNA angle, ANB angle, and Wits parameter by the forward movement of the maxillary bone. A significant increase in the vertical dimensions was also observed. Regarding the airway measurements in both groups, significant oropharyngeal increases were revealed, and these were maintained in the follow-up period. However, there were no other significant differences in the short-term and long-term results obtained for Groups I and II. Conclusion: The dimensions of the airway were significantly affected by both therapies. However, no additional effect of FM was observed.