This study analyzed the publication characteristics, citation patterns, and research trends of the Turkish Journal of Orthodontics (TJO) since its Web of Science (WoS) indexing in 2017. A retrospective bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from the WoS Core Collection (2018-24) on April, 2025. Network analysis was performed using CiteSpace 6.3.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.18. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze publication trends, authorship patterns, geographical distribution, and citation performance. A total of 244 publications were analyzed, comprising 192 (78.7%) original articles, 27 (11.1%) reviews, eight (3.3%) systematic reviews, and 17 (7.0%) case reports. The journal achieved an h-index of 15, with 1408 total citations and an average of 5.77 citations per article. Türkiye contributed the most publications (58.2%), followed by India (16.8%), the USA (6.6%), and Iran (5.3%). International collaboration involved 39 countries, and the most-cited article received 32 citations. The gender distribution of authorship was closely balanced: 52.2% female and 47.8% male. 94.7% of publications were multi-authored, with an average of 3.5 authors per article. Keyword analysis revealed thematic clusters dominated by clear aligners, malocclusion, cone-beam computed tomography, and dental materials. TJO shows consistent growth in publication volume, expansion of international collaboration, and increases in citation impact since WoS indexing. The journal successfully captures emerging trends in clear aligners and rapid maxillary expansion while maintaining coverage of fundamental orthodontic topics. A strategic editorial evolution toward systematic reviews indicates a commitment to evidencebased practice. This bibliometric overview offers a data-driven foundation for future editorial decision-making and monitoring the journal's evolving role within orthodontic research.
In situations where orthodontic tooth movement is expected to exceed the preexisting alveolar envelope, surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT) has been advocated to expand the alveolar housing and reduce periodontal risks. However, detailed descriptions of soft-tissue management during SFOT remain limited. This technical note describes a surgical protocol incorporating a coronally advanced flap (CAF) within a segmental SFOT approach and illustrates its clinical application in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring simultaneous periodontal phenotype modification. The proposed CAF-assisted SFOT protocol is based on three main principles: limiting the surgical intervention to the orthodontically involved segment, applying established mucogingival surgical principles to ensure predictable flap management, and using an acellular dermal matrix to contribute to both graft containment and soft-tissue thickening. The described technique provides a structured approach for integrating soft-tissue management into SFOT procedures and may facilitate simultaneous hard- and soft-tissue augmentation in orthodontic patients requiring phenotype modification. This case provides new information as it is, to the best of our knowledge, the first technical report describing the application of coronally advanced flap principles within a segmental surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy protocol. Successful management of this case relies on accurate interdisciplinary orthodontic-periodontal diagnosis, careful treatment planning, and appropriate flap management to ensure tension-free coronal advancement and graft stabilization. The primary limitation of this report is the absence of prospective clinical studies evaluating the long-term outcomes of this technique. Orthodontic treatment sometimes requires moving teeth beyond the natural limits of the surrounding bone, which can increase the risk of gum recession and other periodontal problems. Surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT) has been introduced to expand the supporting bone and make such movements safer, but there is limited information on how to manage the gums during these procedures. This report describes a surgical approach that combines SFOT with a commonly used gum surgery technique called a coronally advanced flap. The procedure focuses only on the area where teeth are being moved, applies well-established principles of gum surgery to ensure stable healing, and uses a soft-tissue substitute to help protect the graft and thicken the gums. This technique offers a structured way to address both bone and gum deficiencies at the same time during orthodontic treatment. While promising, further clinical studies are needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness.
Tooth autotransplantation (TA) is a proven and effective treatment option for children with missing teeth; however, it is seldom performed in the United States due in part to the lack of knowledge about its practicality and costs. In this study the authors sought to analyze and compare costs of TA with the most common tooth replacement options being used. A comprehensive literature review and expert panel were used to establish treatment clinical pathways. Procedural costs were calculated using the CDT 2024: Current Dental Terminology codes, and their corresponding fees from FAIR Health data and the American Dental Association Survey of Dental Fees. Time costs, which were defined as work time lost per appointment for families, were calculated using the US Bureau of Labor Statistics hourly wage data and number of visits. A cost model was constructed comparing the cost of maxillary anterior TA in patients aged 8 through 25 years with the associated costs of implant-supported prosthesis, resin-bonded fixed partial denture, and orthodontic space closure. Implant-supported prosthesis without or with orthodontics was more costly (procedural costs: $9,186-$15,279) than TA with limited or comprehensive orthodontics (procedural costs: $6,134-$10,355). Resin-bonded fixed partial denture without orthodontic treatment was the least costly (procedural costs: $4,455; time costs: $437). Orthodontic space closure (procedural costs: $9,295; time costs: $2,187) was found to be more costly than TA with limited orthodontics but less costly than TA with comprehensive orthodontics. TA is a practical tooth replacement option for families, and dental care professionals should consider TA for pediatric patients who require tooth replacement in the maxillary anterior region.
Introduction Growth assessment is a fundamental process in orthodontics as accurate determination of skeletal maturity guides the timing of treatment intervention. Biochemical and radiographic indicators can be used to evaluate growth status during adolescence. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) serves as a reliable biochemical marker of active growth, while the cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI) provides a radiographic assessment of skeletal maturity. Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone metabolism and skeletal development. It may also influence growth mediators such as IGF-1. This study aims to assess and correlate levels of vitamin D with both IGF-1 and CVMI in 10-14-year-old patients. Method Patients who visited the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics at Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre of 10 to 14 years age were included in the study, provided they were not suffering from any systemic or endocrine disorders and had not consumed any vitamin D supplements. According to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 50 subjects were selected for the study. Cervical vertebral maturation stages were assessed on a lateral cephalogram, which is routinely taken for orthodontic treatment. Two milliliters of blood samples were collected under all aseptic conditions with parental consent for assessment of IGF-1 by ELISA (DRG Diagnostics IGF-1 kit in Lisa Plus Elisa microplate reader) and vitamin D level by using ichroma vitamin D neo fluorescence Immunoassay. Results  There was a statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels across CVMI stages (χ² = 14.813, p = 0.005). Mean vitamin D levels increased from Stage 2 (11.97 ± 0.96 ng/ml) to Stage 4 (24.54 ± 4.76 ng/ml), followed by a slight decline in Stage 5 (23.05 ± 4.88 ng/ml) and Stage 6 (19.10 ng/ml). Mean IGF-1 levels showed a consistent increasing trend: Stage 2 (19.57 ± 0.90 µg/dl), Stage 3 (24.77 ± 2.56 µg/dl), Stage 4 (28.78 ± 2.49 µg/dl), Stage 5 (29.25 ± 2.84 µg/dl), and Stage 6 (33.80 µg/dl). This demonstrates a progressive rise in IGF-1 levels with skeletal maturation. Considering the overall sample, there was a weak to moderately positive correlation between vitamin D and IGF-1 levels (ρ = 0.428). Conclusion Levels of vitamin D had significant variations among CVMI stages. IGF-1 showed a consistent increase with advancing stages of CVMI, reflecting its positive association with pubertal growth and skeletal maturation. Correlation analysis revealed a weak to moderately positive correlation between vitamin D and IGF-1 levels. Therefore, IGF-1 is a more reliable indicator of skeletal maturation as compared to vitamin D, while vitamin D may still play a supportive role in growth-related biologic processes and skeletal development.
This clinical report describes the interdisciplinary treatment of a patient with hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) and an anterior open occlusal relationship. Prior to referral to the prosthodontics department, she had undergone active orthodontic treatment for 5 years. As she presented with skeletal, functional, and esthetic concerns, orthodontic treatment alone was insufficient to address her complex treatment goals. Given the complexity, optimal comprehensive management necessitated an interdisciplinary approach involving orthodontics, endodontics, periodontal therapy, orthognathic surgery, and definitive rehabilitation with minimum preparation adhesively bonded complete coverage restorations. A 5-year follow-up confirmed the stability of the results, with the patient reporting no further issues.
The risk of endocarditis is caused by Streptococcus viridans, which is found in the mouth and can cause dental issues. Men over 45 are at higher risk of endocarditis, and orthodontic appliances can disrupt mouth bacteria, increasing the risk of endocarditis and oral streptococci. Good oral hygiene and checkups can prevent complications, and patients in orthodontic treatment should be monitored for heart conditions and educated on oral hygiene. A 31-year-old male with known aortic valve disease was admitted for infective endocarditis and was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone. Fixed orthodontic appliances increase the risk of endocarditis and oral Streptococci, but patients can reduce these risks by maintaining oral hygiene and adhering to home oral hygiene routines; regular professional dental cleanings can also help maintain oral health during fixed orthodontics.
Skeletal Class III malocclusion represents a significant challenge in orthodontics due to its impact on facial aesthetics and function, particularly in patients with limited residual growth. Bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) with miniplates has emerged as an effective alternative to conventional orthopaedic approaches, providing greater skeletal effects with less dentoalveolar compensation. This study reports the clinical management of a patient with limited growth potential and skeletal Class III malocclusion, treated with miniplate-assisted maxillary protraction followed by aligner therapy. A 9-year-8-month-old female patient, presenting with maxillary retrusion and mild mandibular protrusion (SNA=79.2°, SNB=80.8°, ANB=-1.6°, AO-BO=-11.1mm), was treated with four Bollard miniplates and Class III elastics for 9 months. The orthopaedic phase resulted in significant maxillary advancement (SNA increased to 85.1°), improved sagittal relationship (ANB increased to 3.5°), and improved Wits score from -11.1mm to 1.8mm, with minimal changes in mandibular position. Structural overlays demonstrated that the maxillary advancement achieved during the orthopaedic phase was accompanied by vertical mandibular development during the orthodontic phase, thereby favourably redirecting the initial hypodivergent pattern and improving facial balance. Subsequent orthodontic refinement was performed with clear aligners, totalling 130 aligners in multiple refinement stages, leading to Class I relationships in the canines and molars, improved intercuspation, and correction of midline deviation. Although aligner therapy required multiple refinements, satisfactory functional and aesthetic results were obtained without the need for orthognathic surgery in this case. Maxillary protraction assisted by miniplates followed by aligner therapy was effective for the treatment of this case of skeletal Class III malocclusion.
This protocol describes a non-invasive workflow for quantifying salivary RANKL and OPG gene expression in orthodontic patients undergoing intermaxillary elastic traction. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected by passive drooling at three predefined time points: baseline before elastic initiation (T0), 24 h (T1), and 7 days (T2), from 30 female orthodontic patients allocated to Class I fixed appliance-only, Class II elastics, and Class III elastics treatment groups. Salivary pellets obtained by sequential centrifugation and physiological saline washing were subjected to column-based total RNA extraction, spectrophotometric quality control, and first-strand cDNA synthesis. Relative gene expression of RANKL and OPG was quantified by RT-qPCR using β-actin as the internal reference gene. Fold-change expression was calculated relative to individual patient baseline values. Group and temporal comparisons were performed using linear mixed models with Bonferroni-corrected pairwise contrasts. This protocol provides sufficient procedural detail for direct replication in prospective cohort investigations of mechanically induced molecular events in orthodontic treatment.•A complete clinical workflow using non-invasive saliva collection for column-based RNA extraction and RT-qPCR amplification following MIQE guidelines.•Optimised pre-analytical and analytical steps.•A prospective three-group design enables isolation of vector-specific gene expression changes during fixed appliance mechanics.
Dental caries is a major public health concern among children, with Streptococcus species, particularly Streptococcus mutans, playing a key role in its development. This study aimed to compare the effect of alkaline water, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and tap water on the salivary Streptococcus count in children aged 10-12 years. A single-blinded preliminary clinical study was conducted on 60 healthy children aged 10-12 years. Three groups of participants were randomly assigned: one group used alkaline water, another group used mouthwash containing 0.12% chlorhexidine, and the third group used tap water as a control. Participants were followed for three weeks. Children with systemic diseases, orthodontic appliances, or recent use of antibiotics or corticosteroids were excluded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention. Salivary Streptococcus counts were determined using standard microbiological techniques. After 3 weeks, mean salivary Streptococcus mutans counts (CFU ×105/ml) were 3.0 ± 0.36 in the alkaline water group, 2.1 ± 1.9 in the chlorhexidine group, and 7.9 ± 0.3 in the tap water group. Both intervention groups demonstrated significantly lower bacterial counts compared with the control group (p < 0.001), while chlorhexidine showed significantly lower counts than alkaline water. Within the short-term limitations of this study, rinsing with alkaline water demonstrated a significant reduction in salivary Streptococcus mutans counts, although chlorhexidine showed lower bacterial counts after 3 weeks under the conditions of this study. These preliminary findings suggest its potential as an adjunctive oral hygiene agent, and highlight the need for long-term clinical trials to assess its effectiveness in caries prevention.Trial registration: The trial was registered with the Clinical Trial.gov (Number and date NCT06511336, 07/09/2024).
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are effective alternatives for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet robust predictors of response are lacking, and the phenomenon of device-induced expiratory velopharyngeal obstruction (EVO) remains overlooked. This study conducted an exploratory clinical simulation to compare the efficacy and airway dynamics of a custom-fitted, maximally protrusive advanced MAD simulator versus a conventional edge-to-edge oral appliance (OA) during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). In this prospective observational study, 75 adults with OSA underwent target-controlled infusion DISE. Upper airway obstruction (VOTE classification) and EVO were assessed in supine and head-rotated positions under three conditions: baseline, conventional OA, and advanced MAD simulator. A monitored subset (n=18) underwent simultaneous home sleep apnea testing to quantify apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (SpO2). The primary outcome was the change in upper airway obstruction severity at each VOTE anatomical site. Compared to the conventional OA, the advanced MAD simulator resolved complete velum obstruction in 34.8% of cases (supine, P = 0.015) and achieved 80.0% resolution for epiglottic obstruction during head rotation (P < 0.001). Velum responders in the supine position were younger and had a lower body mass index (BMI) and lower baseline AHI compared to non-responders (P < 0.05). In the monitored subset, the advanced simulator reduced AHI and improved lowest SpO2 compared to the conventional OA (P < 0.05). The incidence of EVO was higher with the advanced device (64.0% vs 41.3% in supine, P < 0.001), showing no significant association with tongue pressure. While the advanced MAD simulator effectively resolves inspiratory obstruction at the velum and epiglottis, it significantly increases EVO. This exploratory simulation highlights a critical mechanical trade-off between inspiratory patency and expiratory resistance. These hypothesis-generating results warrant further longitudinal research to determine the net clinical impact on long-term treatment adherence and sleep quality.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between unilateral maxillary impacted canines (UMIC) and condylar morphology by comparing ipsilateral and contralateral condyles within affected individuals using panoramic radiography. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 364 patients with UMIC (169 with impacted right canines and 195 with impacted left canines). Panoramic radiographs were used to evaluate mandibular condylar morphology. Condyles were classified into four categories (round, angled, flat, and pointed) and additionally dichotomized as round or non-round for binary comparisons. Paired ipsilateral and contralateral comparisons were performed using McNemar's test for binary outcomes with analyses stratified by age (<20 and ≥20 years). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Age-stratified McNemar analyses demonstrated no statistically significant side-related differences in binary condylar morphology (round vs. non-round) between ipsilateral and contralateral sides of the patients (p>0.05). Descriptive evaluations showed that round condylar morphology was less prevalent in patients aged ≥20 years, whereas angled and pointed morphologies were more frequently observed compared to those aged <20 years, on both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. Based on the present findings, UMIC alone does not appear to be associated with side-specific differences in condylar morphology. Further studies using advanced three-dimensional imaging techniques are needed to better characterize condylar morphology.
The present study compares the anti-plaque efficacy of two commercially available dentifrices containing natural salivary enzymes in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. This prospective, parallel- arm, double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 54 participants undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy who were diagnosed with moderate to severe gingivitis and were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 18 per group). Group A received Dente 91® dentifrice, Group B received Enzycal 950™ dentifrice, and Group C served as the control group. Intergroup differences were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Within-group comparisons across multiple time points were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc analysis, while paired t-test was used for comparisons between two-time intervals. Correlations between clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated using Pearson's correlation test. Primary outcomes included clinical parameters- Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Bleeding on probing (BOP) which were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. The secondary outcomes involved evaluation of salivary biomarkers namely Advanced Oxidative Protein Products (AOPP) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels which were estimated at baseline and at 24 weeks. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between and within the three experimental groups at different time intervals with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Both enzyme-based dentifrices (Groups A and B) showed significantly greater improvements in PI, GI, and BOP compared to the Group C (control) (p < 0.05). The salivary biomarkers, AOPP significantly decreased in Groups A and B (p = 0.0002), compared to Group C at 24th week study interval. Strong positive correlations were found between clinical indices (PI, GI, BOP) and AOPP (p < 0.001) whereas MPO levels did not exhibit a significant correlation (p = 0.76) with any of the measured clinical parameters at study time points. These findings suggest that enzyme-based dentifrices provide effective plaque control and may additionally contribute to reduction in oxidative stress, thereby offering dual benefits for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. This clinical trial was prospectively registered on 21st July 2023 with the Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI/2023/07/055494).
Orthodontic pain remains a significant barrier to patient compliance, affecting up to 95% of individuals. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifactorial nature of this pain, encompassing demographic, systemic, intraoral, and treatment-related variables. Furthermore, the paper critically evaluates a spectrum of management strategies beyond traditional pharmacotherapy, assessing their clinical efficacy and quality of evidence. Based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework, non-pharmacological alternatives show varying levels of support: low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and chewing therapy are backed by moderate-certainty evidence, whereas vibration and emerging psychological interventions currently rely on low-certainty evidence. By identifying key research gaps in optimizing these modern therapies, the review emphasizes the urgent need for larger, highly standardized clinical trials to develop personalized, evidence-based pain management protocols and improve the patient experience.
To determine the prevalence of dental caries and analyze associated factors among children aged 6 to 12 years in Conakry, Guinea. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 869 children in Conakry, Guinea, from July to December 2023. Sociodemographic characteristics of children and their caregivers were evaluated. The DMFT index was used to measure caries prevalence. Explanatory variables included age, sex, education, district of residence, oral hygiene (OHI-S), gingival inflammation, orthodontic anomalies, and brushing habits. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with caries prevalence. Among 869 children, 72.8% had dental caries (DMFT > 0) and 27.2% were caries-free. The mean DMFT score was 2.24 ± 1.96. In multivariable analysis, four factors were independently associated with dental caries: age group 10-12 years (aOR=3.44; 95% CI: 2.41-4.90; p < 0.001), poor oral hygiene as assessed by OHI-S (aOR=1.54; 95% CI: 1.10-2.16; p = 0.013), gingival inflammation (aOR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.16-2.96; p = 0.010), and use of non-standard brushing materials (aOR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.00-2.23; p = 0.050). This study found a high prevalence of dental caries among children in urban Conakry, Guinea, driven by behavioral and clinical factors. Age group, poor oral hygiene, and gingival inflammation were identified as the main independent risk factors, with children aged 10-12 years being particularly vulnerable. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including school-based oral health education and improved access to affordable dental care to address this significant health burden.
To investigate the effect of beveling side (apical vs occlusal) on the extrusive biomechanics of clear aligners compared to unbeveled attachments when tracking issues occur. An in vitro Orthodontic Force Simulator (OFS) was used to simulate extrusion of a maxillary canine and first molar. Three attachment designs (beveled apical, beveled occlusal, and conventional rectangular) were digitally designed on the target teeth and directly milled in zirconia material. Aligners were thermoformed for each design and target tooth. The tooth-aligner mismatch was created on the target tooth up to 1.0 mm to simulate the tracking issue. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted to simulate the OFS experiment and analyze stress distribution and deformation. The attachment designs yielded significant differences in extrusion forces and bucco-palatal moments on both teeth. Beveled apical attachments consistently produced the lowest forces and moments, especially as displacement increased. This was attributed to a sliding motion of the aligner along the tooth movement path, mitigating the negative effects of tracking errors. Rectangular and beveled occlusal attachments, while offering strong initial engagement, resulted in higher stress concentrations and variability in force delivery as the simulated aligner-tooth mismatch grew. The beveled apical design provides more predictable and consistent extrusion forces, reducing unwanted side effects, particularly for large movements and high risk of tracking issues.
Vertical facial discrepancies (VFD) are common craniofacial conditions influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study investigated whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the WNT10A and WNT11 genes are associated with VFD in Brazilian children and adolescents. This study included 247 orthodontic patients aged 5-16 years. VFD was assessed using the VERT index from lateral cephalograms. Six SNPs in WNT10A (rs3806557, rs10177996) and WNT11 (rs596339, rs689095, rs1533767, rs1568507) were genotyped using real-time PCR. Cephalometric measures were summarized by principal component analysis (PCA). Associations were tested using univariate analyses and multivariate Robust Poisson regression models, adjusted for relevant covariates, with uncorrected p-values (alpha = 5%). Prevalence Ratios (PRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated. The rs689095 (p = 0.037; PR = 1.97; CI 95% 1.05-3.71) and rs1568507 (p = 0.049; PR = 1.96; CI 95% 1.00-3.83) SNPs in WNT11 were associated with a light dolichofacial pattern in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p < 0.05). The rs3806557 (WNT10A) genotype was associated with a higher prevalence of dolicho- and severe dolichofacial patterns (p = 0.047; PR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.01-4.42) and with higher mandibular rotation (p = 0.002; β = 0.76; Standard Error = 0.24). The rs10177996 (WNT10A) was also associated with higher mandibular rotation (p = 0.015; β = 0.51; Standard Error=0.21). SNPs in WNT10A and WNT11 are associated with VFD in Brazilian children and adolescents. These results suggest that the Wnt signaling pathway may contribute to craniofacial development and highlight potential genetic markers for predicting VFD.
This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of graphene-based quantum dots (GBQDs) in oral healthcare, focusing on their physicochemical properties tailored to the oral microenvironment, their applications in dental disease management, current research limitations, and future perspectives for clinical translation. systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for publications from the last 15 years up to February 2026. Keywords included "graphene quantum dots", "graphene oxide quantum dots", "dentistry", "oral", "antibacterial", "tissue regeneration", "oral cancer", and "dental materials". Manual searching of reference lists was also performed. From 401 initially identified records, 49 studies underwent full-text review, and 20 representative studies were included based on their relevance to the oral microenvironment and scientific contribution to the field. Studies were categorized into four key areas: antibacterial applications, tissue regeneration, oral cancer therapy, and dental material modification. GBQDs exhibit unique properties such as nanoscale dimensions, tunable fluorescence, high surface area for drug loading, and multimodal antibacterial mechanisms, which make them particularly suitable for the complex oral environment. Current applications span infectious disease management, tissue regeneration, oral cancer theranostics, and dental material enhancement. However, challenges remain in expanding applications beyond current focus, understanding microbial interactions, and achieving vascular and neural regeneration. Future efforts should prioritize disease-specific design, multi-species inhibition strategies, and clinical translation. This scoping review provides clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of GBQDs' potential in dentistry, highlighting the role in targeted drug delivery, antimicrobial therapy, tissue engineering, and diagnostic imaging, thereby informing future clinical applications and research directions in nanodentistry.
Temporomandibular disorders often involve internal derangements such as anterior disc displacement, which can alter the centric relation (CR). Clinicians frequently rely on a splint-guided therapeutic position (ThP), without imaging confirmation of the condyle-disc relationship before for fabrication and adjustment of a repositioning splint. This case report presents magnetic resonance imaging across two mandibular positions-centric occlusion (CO) and ThP-and describes a mismatch between disc position and condylar seating. It suggests that partial disc recapture observed in a ThP may not coincide with a CR in long-standing, structurally advanced joint pathology. A 30-year-old female reported over seven years of nocturnal clenching and persistent right-side clicking. Her history included fixed orthodontic treatment (2014-2016) followed by retention splints. A nightguard fabricated in 2018 did not alleviate symptoms. Examination revealed a reproducible reciprocal click on the right. CR was established using Dawson's manoeuvre after muscle deprogramming and recorded with addition silicone. Magnetic resonance imaging in CO, CR, ThP, and maximal opening demonstrated advanced degenerative changes and anterior disc displacement without reduction on the right, with no recapture in any position; the left joint showed anterior displacement with reduction. In the ThP, partial recapture of the left disc occurred, but the condyle still failed to reach a CR. A maxillary repositioning splint with retrusive control and anterior guidance was fabricated from the constructive bite. With nocturnal wear and 10-14-day follow-ups over three months, joint clicking diminished and function improved, with all effects remaining reversible. A ThP may facilitate partial disc recapture and symptomatic relief in chronic temporomandibular disorder, yet the condyle may remain non‑physiologic position. Magnetic resonance imaging in CO, CR, and ThP may help identify discrepancies between disc position and condylar seating before selecting a mandibular position for prolonged splint therapy or irreversible prosthodontic or orthodontic treatment. The ThP can be considered a reversible, intermediate stage within a controlled splint protocol rather than a definitive target. As this is a single-case report, the observations are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in case series or comparative observational studies.
The initiation of bone remodeling by periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) in response to force is pivotal for mediating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Piezo1 plays a pivotal role in the process of bone remodeling under mechanical stimulation. Our objective was to elucidate the role and mechanism of Piezo1 in force-treated PDLCs, and its influence on orthodontic bone remodeling. Human PDLCs (hPDLCs) were isolated and treated with compressive force, along with either si-PIEZO1 or Yoda1. The expression of Piezo1 and the receptor activator of NF-kB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) ratio were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blots. Intracellular calcium ion influx was assessed with Fluo4-AM staining. The effect of force-treated hPDLCs on the osteoclastic differentiation of RAW264.7 cells was analyzed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, qPCR and Western blots. After constructing the OTM model, rats were injected with GsMTx4 or Yoda1. OTM distance, osteoclast differentiation, and the expression of RANKL and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 was analyzed with micro-computed tomography, hematoxylin and eosin, TRAP, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining. Compressive force-activated Piezo1 in hPDLCs mediated RANKL/OPG upregulation via ERK1/2 phosphorylation, thereby facilitating osteoclast differentiation. Yoda1 amplified this effect, while knocking down Piezo1 suppresses it in force-treated hPDLCs. In vivo, Yoda1 enhanced OTM and osteoclastogenesis in rats, while GsMTx4 inhibited these processes. The expression of phosphorylated-ERK1/2 in periodontal ligaments on the compressive side was enhanced by Yoda1 and attenuated by GsMTx4. Compressive force-activated Piezo1 in PDLCs triggers the osteoclast differentiation and orthodontic bone remodeling via ERK1/2 signal pathway.
Icariin, a prenylated flavonoid derived from plants of the Epimedium genus, has attracted increasing attention due to its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, particularly its anticancer potential. Accumulating evidence indicates that icariin exerts strong inhibitory effects on tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis through modulation of multiple cellular and molecular pathways. Icariin regulates critical signaling cascades, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB, leading to the suppression of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and reversal of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, icariin demonstrates the ability to modulate tumor immune responses and enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic regimens. Preclinical studies across diverse cancer models, such as breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers, consistently highlight its therapeutic promise. Despite these encouraging results, limitations remain regarding its poor bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have shown potential to overcome these challenges, improving stability, absorption, and targeted delivery. Collectively, current findings underscore icariin as a multifunctional natural compound with significant promise for cancer prevention and therapy. Future research should focus on well-designed clinical studies and innovative delivery strategies to fully translate its anticancer potential into clinical applications.