Magnesium alloys are considered one of the most promising materials for biodegradable trauma implants because they promote bone healing and exhibit adequate mechanical strength during their biodegradation in relation to the bone healing process. Surface modification of biodegradable magnesium alloys is an important research field that is analyzed in many publications as the biodegradation due to the corrosion process and the interface with human tissue is improved. The aim of the current preliminary study is to develop a polymeric-based composite coating on biodegradable magnesium alloys by the solvent evaporation method to reduce the biodegradation rate much more than in the case of simple polymeric coatings by involving some bioactive filler in the form of particles consisting of hydroxyapatite and magnesium. Various techniques such as SEM coupled with EDS, FTIR, and RAMAN spectroscopy, and contact angle were used for the structural and morphological characterization of the coatings. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the effect of filler particles on polymer thermostability. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed on MG-63 cells (human osteosarcomas). The experimental analysis highlights the positive effect of magnesium and hydroxyapatite particles as filler for cellulose acetate when they are used alone from biocompatibility and surface analysis points of view, and it is not recommended to use both types of particles (hydroxyapatite and magnesium) as hybrid filling. In future studies focused on implantation testing, we will use only CA-based composite coatings with one filler on magnesium alloys because these composite coatings have shown better results from the in vitro testing point of view for future potential orthopedic biodegradable implants for trauma.

Digital impression devices are used alternatively to conventional impression techniques and materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of extraoral digitalization of three types of photosensitive resin polymers used for 3D printing with the aid of a digital extraoral optical scanner. The alignment of the scans was performed by a standard best-fit alignment. Trueness and precision were used to evaluate the models. The trueness was evaluated by using bias as a measure and the standard deviation was used to evaluate the precision. After assessing the normality of the distributions, an independent Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the trueness and precision across the material groups. The Mann–Whitney test was used as a post-hoc test for significant differences. The result of the analysis showed significant differences (U = 66, z = −2.337, p = 0.019) in trueness of mesiodistal distances. Upon visual inspection of the models, defects were noticed on two out of nine of the models printed with a photosensitive polymer. The defects were presented as cavities caused by air bubbles and were also reflected in the scans. Mean precision did not vary too much between these three photosensitive polymer resins, therefore, the selection of 3D printing materials should be based on the trueness and the required precision of the clinical purpose of the model.

Background: A common strategy for the correction of Class II malocclusion is to initially distalize the maxillary molars to create a Class I relationship. Material and Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched to identify and retrieve orthodontic articles that evaluated non-compliance distalization appliances supported by mini-implants up to 11 November 2022. Results: A total of 505 articles were initially identified, and after applying the inclusion criteria, 28 studies were enlisted for evaluation. For the prospective studies, the Risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions assessment tool was used, and for the retrospective studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Regarding the palatal devices with mini-implants, the maxillary molars were distalized with a mean value ranging from 2.4 to 5.9 mm, along with a distal tipping ranging between 0.01° and 11°, while when Pendulums were used with mini-implants, the maxillary molars were distalized with a mean value from 1.8 mm to 7.9 mm, and the distal tipping ranged from 7.34° to 22.8°. Further, in the second subgroup, including the appliances placed buccally, the maxillary molars were distalized with a mean value ranging from 1.83 mm to 4.2 mm and a distal tipping ranging between 0.6° and 4.8°. Conclusions: Non-compliance appliances supported by mini-implants are effective in maxillary molar distalization, presenting no anchorage loss of the anterior dental unit in most of the appliances, while distal tipping was found to be more pronounced when the mini-implants were used with Pendulums.

Chronic and complex wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, burns and post-surgical defects, remain difficult to manage due to persistent inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, microbial colonization and insufficient extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Conventional dressings provide protection, but they do not supply the necessary biochemical and structural signals for effective tissue repair. This review examines recent advances in hydroxyapatite–collagen (HAp–Col) composite dressings, which combine the architecture of collagen with the mechanical reinforcement and ionic bioactivity of hydroxyapatite. Analysis of the literature indicates that in situ and biomimetic mineralization, freeze-drying, electrospinning, hydrogel and film processing, and emerging 3D printing approaches enable precise control of pore structure, mineral dispersion, and degradation behavior. Antimicrobial functionalization remains critical: metallic ions and locally delivered antibiotics offer robust early antibacterial activity, while plant-derived essential oils (EOs) provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects with reduced risk of resistance. Preclinical studies consistently report enhanced epithelialization, improved collagen deposition and reduced bacterial burden in HAp–Col systems; however, translation is limited by formulation variability, sterilization sensitivity and the lack of standardized clinical trials. Overall, HAp–Col composites represent a versatile framework for next-generation wound dressings that can address both regenerative and antimicrobial requirements.

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of key biomechanical parameters—orthodontic force magnitude, loading direction, and insertion depth—on stress and strain distribution in orthodontic mini-implants using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEM). Methods: A three-dimensional model of a titanium orthodontic mini-implant inserted into a mandibular bone segment was developed and analyzed under varying force magnitudes (1–10 N), loading directions (30°, 45°, and 60°), and insertion depths (2–4 mm). Cortical and cancellous bone components were included, and static loading conditions were applied using simplified, linear elastic material assumptions. Results: Stress and strain levels increased with higher force magnitudes, with implant stresses approaching critical values at loads above 9 N. Cortical bone stresses remained within physiological limits, whereas cancellous bone exceeded the microdamage strain threshold at forces greater than 3 N. A 60° loading direction reduced implant bending and strain, while deeper insertion significantly decreased strain and displacement, indicating improved primary stability. Conclusions: Within the limits of this computational model, optimal mechanical behavior was observed under 1–3 N forces, a 60° loading direction, and a 2–4 mm insertion depth. Loads above 9 N approached fatigue and interfacial risk. These findings provide computational insight into the biomechanical behavior of orthodontic mini-implants under the modeled conditions.

Background: Class II is considered one of the most common malocclusions, influencing 37% of schoolchildren in Europe and 33% of orthodontic patients in the United States. When this type of malocclusion is combined with increased overjet with proclined teeth and maxillary excess, then moving maxillary molars distally is suggested. According to the recent literature, modern appliances that lack patient cooperation can be combined with temporary anchorage devices to provide absolute and skeletal anchorage while supporting the non-compliance appliances to eliminate their side effects, such as anterior and posterior anchorage loss along with maxillary molar inclination and rotation. To counteract these limitations, the Advanced Molar Distalization Appliance (amda®), a non-compliance appliance for maxillary molar distalization supported by two mini-implants (MIs) with anterior abutments, was recently developed. Methods: In this preliminary prospective clinical trial, eight consecutive patients treated with the amda® are evaluated through lateral cephalometric radiographs, while its application, construction, and anchorage is presented and discussed. The evaluation of dentoalveolar and skeletal changes has been made with 14 variables measured on the pre- and post-cephalometric radiographs before and immediately after maxillary molar distalization (T0 and T1, respectively), along with cephalometric superimpositions by the structural method. Results: In total, the mean distal molar movement was 4.2 ± 1.37 mm, the mean distal tipping was 1.7 ± 1.9 degrees, and the vertical movement was 1.6 ± 2.6 mm. Conclusions: The amda® seems to provide an ideal option for treating patients with Class II malocclusion, achieving bodily movement of the maxillary molars with only minimal distal tipping and no anchorage loss.