ABSTRACT
AIM: The objective of this study was to explore the effects of fixed orthodontic appliances on enamel structure by assessing microfractures, surface roughness, and alterations in color. METHODS: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A systematic search of online databases was conducted using the keywords 'enamel' AND 'orthodontic debonding'. Eligibility criteria included both in vivo and ex vivo clinical trials conducted on human teeth. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 14 relevant papers were analyzed. Various instruments and techniques were utilized across different studies to assess surface roughness, color change, and surface fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that ceramic brackets may lead to an increase in enamel fractures, particularly during bracket removal. The surface roughness of enamel exhibits variability depending on the adhesive substance and polishing methods used post-removal. Fixed orthodontic appliances could induce changes in enamel color, which may be alleviated by the use of nano-hydroxyapatite or specific polishing techniques. Further research is necessary to identify effective strategies for managing these color changes and improving the overall outcomes of fixed orthodontic treatment.
ABSTRACT
This review analyzes muscle activity following mandibular condylar fracture (CF), with a focus on understanding the changes in masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was performed on online databases using the keywords "masticatory muscles" AND ("mandibular fracture" OR "condylar fracture"). The eligibility criteria included clinical trials involving human intervention and focusing on muscle activity following a condylar fracture. RESULTS: A total of 13 relevant studies were reviewed. Various studies evaluated muscle activity using clinical evaluation, bite force measurement, electromyography (EMG), magnetic sensors and radiological examinations to assess the impact of mandibular fractures on masticatory muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular condylar fractures can lead to significant changes in muscle activity, affecting mastication and TMJ functioning. EMG and computed tomography (CT) imaging play crucial roles in assessing muscle changes and adaptations following fractures, providing valuable information for treatment planning and post-fracture management. Further research is required to explore long-term outcomes and functional performance after oral motor rehabilitation in patients with facial fractures. Standardized classifications and treatment approaches may help improve the comparability of future studies in this field.
ABSTRACT
Botulinum toxin (BTA) is a bacterial-derived extract that can inhibit muscle contraction, acting directly on the absorption of acetylcholine. Thanks to this property, botulinum has been used in aesthetic and general medicine for several years. Nowadays, the use of botulinum toxin is being deepened to address the problem of bruxism. In this scoping review, the results of the studies in the literature of the last 10 years were analyzed. Indeed, 12 reports (found on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, entering the keywords "BRUXISM" and "BOTULINUM TOXIN") were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. In the studies reviewed, BTA was injected into different muscle groups: masseters, masseter and temporalis or masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid. Botulinum toxin injection is a viable therapeutic solution, especially in patients with poor compliance or without improvement in conventional treatment.
ABSTRACT
Precision medicine using highly precise technologies and big data has produced personalised medicine with rapid and reliable diagnoses and targeted therapies. The most recent studies have directed precision medicine into the study of tumours. The application of precision medicine in the oral microbiota can be used both in the field of prevention and treatment in the strictly dental field. This article aims to evaluate the interaction between microbiota and oral cancer and the presence of biomarkers as risk predictors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed analysing the various interactions between microorganisms, biomarkers, and oral cancer. RESULTS: After screening processes, 21 articles were selected for qualitative analysis. CONCLUSION: The correlation between oral diseases/cancers and changes in the microbiota explains the increasing utility of precision medicine in enhancing diagnosis and adapting treatment on the individual components of the microbiota. Diagnosing and treating oral diseases and cancers through precision medicine gives, as well as economic advantages to the health care system, predictable and rapid management of the patient.
ABSTRACT
Piercing insertion is a common practice among people of all ages for different reasons (e.g., esthetics, culture, religion). In the oral cavity, the jewel can be placed in the lips, cheeks, tongue, and frenulum. The presence of an oral piercing could cause local and systemic complications in the short term. In the long term, irreversible damage may occur to the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Different authors in the past have produced publications focusing on this issue. This study analyzes 10 published articles sourced from online databases according to the PRISMA flowchart. These articles were chosen from the 501 suitable papers initially found. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used as the online databases for searching for papers that matched the topic, using the keywords "complication" and "oral piercing". The purpose of this review is to describe and analyze all possible complications related to the presence of a piercing in the mouth. Local and systemic complications are related to the presence of plaque and localized pathogenic micro-organisms that can spread via the bloodstream, although they rarely occur in patients without predisposing conditions. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and frequent check-ups are essential to avoid the onset of complications.
