Cristina Valeri

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a syndrome characterized by episodes of complete cessation of breathing (apnea) or inadequate breathing (hypopnea) during sleep. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified 1,532 records; after screening, 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published between 2009 and 2020, met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 698 participants aged 5–75 years. Results: Nine randomized trials (n = 698; 2009–2020) showed that myofunctional therapy (MFT), alone or as an adjunct, for example, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and nasal washing, reduced apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) versus control in adults and children. Snoring intensity improved in trials that measured it; several studies reported gains in oxygen saturation and mouth-breathing reduction. Protocols targeted the soft palate, tongue, and facial muscles with daily home exercises. Discussion: MFT appears to be a promising non-invasive treatment for reducing AHI, especially in pediatric patients. Its benefits extend beyond AHI reduction, supporting orofacial function and nasal breathing. However, its clinical integration remains limited due to a lack of standardized protocols and inconsistent reporting of patient adherence. Most studies also have short follow-up periods, which makes it difficult to assess long-term efficacy. To advance evidence-based use of MFT, future research should adopt standardized outcomes, monitor adherence systematically, and include long-term follow-up.

Background/Objectives: The injection moulding technique (IMT) is a minimally invasive restorative treatment. This technique enables the application of thin, flowable composite layers into a stable, transparent silicone index that serves as a mould. Due to the fluid properties of the composite, it efficiently fills the silicone tray and seamlessly integrates with the tooth structure, often obviating tooth preparation and preserving overall tooth integrity. The procedure employs the etch-and-rinse protocol and is highly reproducible. Minimally invasive restorative techniques are particularly relevant following orthodontic treatment, where minor tooth adjustments are often required to achieve optimal aesthetics and function. Integrating orthodontic and restorative treatments is pivotal for long-term success, especially in complex interdisciplinary cases. Methods: This retrospective study describes the application of conservative restoration using the IMT in two pediatric patients (12.6 years old and 12.3 years old) to restore maxillary lateral incisors before and after orthodontic treatment. The technique provides a viable option for temporary composite restorations until the patients are suitable candidates for permanent all-ceramic veneers. Results: The injectable technique is ideal for minimal diastemas, small interdental spaces, or retruded teeth. The cases presented, involving irregular tooth sizes and morphologies, demonstrate the suitability of the IMT in scenarios requiring an additive approach. This technique effectively addresses such irregularities without necessitating invasive preparation. Conclusions: The IMT is a valuable tool for pediatric patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, both at its initiation and completion. The technique assists orthodontists in finalising treatment by addressing Bolton index discrepancies and correcting tooth shape anomalies. Additionally, a digital workflow reduces clinical sessions, as thermo-printed retainers can be delivered during the same appointment as the IMT, providing economic and organisational benefits. This approach underscores the utility of the IMT in enhancing treatment efficiency and outcomes in orthodontic–restorative care.

Introduction: Autotransplantation is a surgical technique in which a tooth is repositioned after extraction. It is commonly used for impacted canines, which affect about 2% of the population and are more prevalent in females. These canines may remain embedded due to their late eruption. Treatment options include orthodontic appliances or autotransplantation, especially when canines are positioned too high or angled more than 45 degrees from the occlusal plane. Aim: To review the literature regarding the effects of autotransplantation on patient satisfaction, aesthetic outcomes, and the long-term stability of the autotransplantation. Materials and Methods This systematic review, registered with PROSPERO (CRD4202341), followed the PICO framework. Extensive searches were conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, VHL Regional Portal, and Web of Science, covering literature up to April 1, 2023. Results: The review analyzed 11 studies involving the autotransplantation of 395 canine teeth, including two mandibular canines. Findings indicate higher success rates in younger patients, with a higher prevalence of transplantation in females (1 6 4) than males (1 0 5). The survival rate of transplanted canines was up to 67.9 % after 21 years, with some surviving up to 27.8 years. Success factors included young age, female gender, minimal extraoral time, proper root canal treatment, and effective post-operative care. Negative factors included ankylosis, root resorption, root fractures, infections, and periodontal issues. Complications included tooth darkening and the need for crowning. Patient satisfaction was rarely reported, with only three studies mentioning it and none addressing quality of life directly. Conclusion: Autotransplantation of canine is a viable option for selected patients when other treatments are insufficient. Despite various influencing factors, consensus guidelines for procedural decisions are lacking, and reports on patient satisfaction and quality of life impacts are infrequent.

Introduction: Teledentistry is a specialized area within telemedicine employs digital technology and telecommunications to remotely manage dental patients, offering care, advice, education, and treatment. The significance of teledentistry escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This study presents a bibliometric analysis of teledentistry, based on a retrospective search of the Scopus database. Materials and methods: The research utilized Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software. Results: Publications on teledentistry have shown a recent surge, particularly since 2020, attributed to the pandemic. Out of 369 articles, just 28 (7.5%) were single-authored, while most involved collaborative efforts. These articles were dispersed across 160 journals, with the Journal Of Telemedicine And Telecare, International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, and Telemedicine And E-Health each publishing over 15 articles. Remarkably, 66% of the journals featured open-access content. The University of Western Australia emerged as the most prolific institution, with 12 publications, while the United States, Chile, and Brazil led in the number of published documents. Conclusions: The growing interest in teledentistry, mainly fueled by the pandemic, has promising implications for dental practice. Despite the existing limitations, it holds potential. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the field and offers valuable quantitative insights for shaping future research and funding strategies, especially concerning protocol development and digital risk assessment.

Objectives. The study aims at assessing the accuracy of the process of attachment bonding in aligner treatments. The analysis leads to the error estimation in the faithful reproduction of master model attachments using two types of transfer templates and two light‐curing resin‐based composites usually used in orthodontics. Methods. The authors have used two transfer templates made of two different materials. The first, named Leone‐biocompatible thermoforming material hard/soft, has a lower Young’s modulus and is labelled as soft, while the other, named Leone‐biocompatible thermoforming material, is marked as rigid. The resin‐based composites possess different mechanical and rheological properties. Specifically, Transbond™ XT Light Cure Paste Adhesive, 3M has a higher viscosity than the TetricEvoflow, Ivoclar Vivadent, a flowable nanohybrid composite. The authors attempt to estimate the performance ranking between the four possible couples obtained by combining the two light‐curing resin‐based composites and transfer templates. Each combination was repeated in six models and compared with twelve master models, resulting in 36 total samples. A 3‐D laser scanner is used to generate a digital model of each model. The comparison between digital models is the base for a comparative assessment in terms of relative and absolute error. The relative error is estimated using scalar performance indicators ranging from 0 to 1, where 1 indicates the optimum matching. The absolute error estimated from the mean square error between the coordinates of each digital model yields the reproduction accuracy in micrometer. Furthermore, the authors attempted to assess the error distribution by evaluating the point‐by‐point difference between the digital models. Results. This analysis aims at localizing the sources of error in the considered models. The use of Transbond™ XT Light Cure Paste Adhesive, 3M with a rigid transfer template is always associated with significant accuracy and minor dispersion. However, in a few instances, using the soft template or the flowable resin‐based composite can lead to bad performances. Significance. The data processing bestowed the following performance ranking from the first with lower reproduction error to the last characterized by the worst performance: (1) attachments bonding with rigid template and Transbond™ XT Light Cure Paste Adhesive, 3M, (2) attachments bonding with soft template and Transbond™ XT Light Cure Paste Adhesive, 3M, (3) attachments bonding with rigid template and TetricEvoflow, Ivoclar Vivadent, and (4) attachments bonding with soft template and TetricEvoflow, Ivoclar Vivadent.