Abstract Introduction: Orthodontic retention is fundamental to prevent tooth relapse after the treatment. Plaque accumulation is a serious concern, affecting periodontal health. In this study, the effects of fixed retainers with removable vacuum formed retainers on plaque accumulation by evaluating the Plaque Indices were compared. Aim of the study: The aim of the present systematic review is to comprehend which orthodontic retainer between fixed retainers and the removable vacuum formed retainers results in the least amount of plaque accumulation. Material and Methods: For evaluation a literature review was carried out by all the reviewers by consulting PubMed, ScienceDirect, The Lancet, Sciendo, and Google Scholars electronic databases for biomedical and health literature. The articles were selected from 2017 onwards with the restriction of the English language. Results: 5 studies were selected, reporting on a total of 249 patients both males and females who after debonding orthodontic appliances followed up with either a fixed or vacuum formed retainer. Conclusion: Within their limits, the results seem to show that patients who wear Vacuum Formed Retainers tend to accumulate less plaque than the ones that wear Fixed Retainers. However, subsequent studies are required to address this matter and draw a definitive conclusion.

Abstract Introduction: Several variables can impact the choice of shade. Having a thorough understanding of these factors and following the proper selection technique is crucial for achieving favorable esthetic results. Aim of the study: To review the characteristics of esthetic perception of teeth in different lighting conditions, by individuals with different levels of experience in dentistry. Material and methods: Thirty volunteers, dentistry students, and general dentists were recruited. The participants were asked to determine the color of 4 mock-ups containing artificial teeth, under standardized conditions. Therefore, the samples were introduced in a custom-made box and illuminated by two different light conditions (4300 K and 5500 K), and three different colors (black, gray, and pink) were selected as background colors. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant difference between the two examined light conditions, the number of correct color determinations was significantly higher under the light with a color temperature of 5500K (p<0.00001). It can be seen that the gray background color proved to be statistically significantly more beneficial than the black and pink background colors. Conclusions: Among dentistry students and practitioners, environmental changes that affect shade determination have been demonstrated. Further research is still necessary regarding the perception of the esthetic expectations of dental treatments for color determination.

Abstract Introduction: Flowability and hydrophilicity are essential properties of accurate impressions and casts. Aim of study: This study aimed to quantify these characteristics of elastomeric impression materials. Material and Methods: A total number of eight impression materials, including vinyl polysiloxane (PVS), polyether (PE), and condensation silicone (CS) were thoroughly investigated in this study. The flowability of elastomers was proven with the shark fin test (SFT), and the hydrophilicity was determined with contact angle (CA) measurements. Results: The shark fins’ (SF) of VPSs presented 11.57 mm (SD 3.49), while the PE 11.37 mm (SD 5.06) and CS 8.1 mm average values. Some of the products showed better flowability. Based on 128 measured CAs, the examined polyethers had the lowest CAs which indicate good hydrophilicity. Conclusions: A good performance of an impression material in one of the involved tests (SFT and CA) does not mean a similar result in the other analysis. All investigated impression materials could be considered hydrophilic as their CA was lower than 90°. The SFTs of light-bodied VPSs and PEs suggest reliable use of them in dental practice.

Abstract Introduction: Periodontitis is a multifactorial condition that impacts the support tissues of the teeth. The purpose of the research was to correlate the results obtained in the treatment of patients with at least stage II periodontitis by scaling and root planing alone (SRP), or by the laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), and to assess the outcomes and patients' perceptions regarding the influence of these therapies on their quality of life by using The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Materials and methods: The oral cavities of 15 patients were divided into quadrants, and, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two quadrants were allocated to one of the groups after the effectuated therapy: SRP or LANAP. The patient’s periodontal status (VPI, PPD, BOP, and CAL) was assessed and filed in a periodontal chart at baseline and 6 weeks after the implementation of the treatments, along with the OHIP-14 questionnaire. SRP was conducted for the first group of patients, in the selected quadrant and in the two remaining quadrants that were not included in the study. The LANAP protocol was applied to the quadrant belonging to the second group (LANAP) using a 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser (Lightwalker AT-S, Fotona®, Slovenia). Results: The results showed that both noninvasive treatments are effective in diminishing VPI, PPD, BOP, and CAL in periodontal patients, and the scores obtained 6 weeks after the end of the periodontal treatments determined the improvement of the patient's perception in the questionnaire. Conclusion: Both the association of the Nd: YAG laser with scaling and root planing (LANAP) and SRP alone provided safe and efficient outcomes, resulting in high levels of satisfaction among patients at 6 weeks after treatment.

Abstract White spot lesions, pathologically characterized by enamel demineralization, present a significant challenge in dentistry. Notably, intervention at the white spot stage is crucial to impede further lesion progression. Recent advances studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of flowable resin infiltration as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatment modalities. This technique allows for the concurrent treatment of multiple lesions in a single appointment, circumventing the necessity for local anesthesia or extensive cavity preparation. Clinically, this method has shown consistent stability, evidenced by maintained enamel integrity, enhanced rigidity, and preservation of adjacent healthy dental tissues. Additionally, the aesthetic outcomes of this approach are noteworthy, with a gradual diminution of lesion visibility over time. The present case report elucidates the long-term clinical outcomes and the efficaciousness of the Icon kit in the targeted management of specific white spot lesion pathologies.

Abstract Introduction: The fundamental mechanical properties of 3D printed surgical guides used in orthodontics represent an important indicator for the accuracy of the insertion of skeletal anchorage devices. The tensile strength of devices printed by stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) methods, respectively, is influenced by factors such as finishing process. Aim of the study: This study illustrates a comparison of the tensile strength in two different types of 3D printed devices (SLA, DLP respectively) undergoing or not a standard process of polishing. Material and methods: Twenty-four specimens obtained according to ASTM D638-14 (Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics) were used for the evaluation of tensile strength. Four groups of 6 samples from each category were created: SLA polished, SLA unpolished, DLP polished and DLP unpolished. After removing the support, finishing was performed to obtain smooth surfaces, according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Type V specimen was used to perform tensile tests in accordance with the standard procedures ASTM D638-14 which recommends at least five specimens to be tested for each sample. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test showed statistically significant results at p < 0.05. SPSSv17 software was used for statistical analysis of the numerical variables, and also descriptive statistics were performed. Results: The measurements included: tensile strength (maximum load), tensile stress at maximum load and tensile strain at maximum load. The maximum load (tensile strength) of the polished specimens was lower, both for the SLA and DLP, with no statistical significance results. Conclusions: The conclusions indicated differences between maximum load and tensile stress at maximum load between polished and unpolished specimens, in both SLA and DLP groups. Althought the polishing process reduces the tensile strenght, the data analysis did not present statistically significant results.

Abstract Introduction: Prosthetic restorations in the frontal teeth, in addition to functional and prophylactic requirements, must respond in a special way to aesthetic needs. This desideratum is a challenge, especially when the support for the future prosthetic parts is not characterized by a uniformity of color. This paper wants to highlight the importance of the color of prosthetic abutments, in the case of single restorations, for the frontal teeth. Case presentation: This manuscript presents the clinical case of a patient, with different prosthetic abutments, namely: a hybrid implant abutment - titanium and zirconium (lateral incisor - 1.2), nonvital natural teeth (central incisors – 1.1 and 2.1) and a vital natural tooth (lateral incisor – 2.2). Three single ceramic crowns on zirconium were confectioned, one with implant support and the other two on dental support, and a veneer for the vital lateral incisor. Conclusions: The prosthodontist must develop the best prosthetic solution for each individual case, together with the technician, so that the aesthetic results are not negatively influenced by the different colors of the existing prosthetic abutments.

Abstract Noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) have a multifactorial etiology. The terms abfraction, abrasion, and erosion are also used to describe the same lesion. NCCLs can lead to gum recession which is one of the most frequent gingival defects. NCCLs generally also involve loss of tooth structure. Therefore, treatments should be planned and performed in an interdisciplinary manner. When NCCL is minimal, the choise to use simple direct restorations is the main therapeutic option. If it is serious, microsurgical treatment or, more precisely, interdisciplinary treatment might be necessary. Root coverage by microsurgical methods is the most challenging esthetic procedure. There are many techniques available of which we must always choose the method that can ensure and control root coverage in the long term.

Abstract An overdenture is a denture supported partly by soft tissues and partly by retained teeth or implants. Magnetic tooth-retained overdentures are used to increase support, retention, and stability but also prevent alveolar ridge resorption. Magnetic attachments increase the retention of partial or complete dentures regardless of the path of the insertion and, in addition, can be used for abutment teeth with periodontal disease. This paper discusses two oral rehabilitation cases with total and partial tooth-retained overdenture.