Three-dimensional technologies are one of the most recent and relevant advancements in the field of Dentistry. These systems, including intraoral scans, 3D imaging exams (CAT scan, CBCT and MRI), CAD/CAM 3D printing devices and 3D computer software, have enabled clinicians to greatly improve patient care along with reducing treatment planning time. The present descriptive study aims to explore possible applications of 3D technologies during the diagnosis, treatment plan, case monitoring and result assessment in orthodontics. The overall upgrade provided by these technologies can improve the clinicians’ workflow and effectiveness by simplifying conventional techniques considered to be especially arduous.

Three-dimensional (3D) resin medical-dental devices have been increasingly used in recent years after the emergence of digital technologies. In Orthodontics, therapies with aligners have gained popularity, mainly due to the aggressive promotion policies developed by the industry. However, their systemic effects are largely unknown, with few studies evaluating the systemic toxicity of these materials. The release of bisphenol A and other residual monomers have cytotoxic, genotoxic, and estrogenic effects. This systematic review aims to analyze the release of toxic substances from 3D resins used in Orthodontics and their toxic systemic effects systematically. The PICO question asked was, “Does the use of 3D resins in orthodontic devices induce cytotoxic effects or changes in estrogen levels?”. The search was carried out in several databases and according to PRISMA guidelines. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies were included. The in vitro studies’ risk of bias was assessed using the guidelines for the reporting of pre-clinical studies on dental materials by Faggion Jr. For the in vivo studies, the SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used, and for the clinical studies, the Cochrane tool. A total of 400 articles retrieved from the databases were initially scrutinized. Fourteen articles were included for qualitative analysis. The risk of bias was considered medium to high. Cytotoxic effects or estrogen levels cannot be confirmed based on the limited preliminary evidence given by in vitro studies. Evidence of the release of bisphenol A and other monomers from 3D resin devices, either in vitro or clinical studies, remains ambiguous. The few robust results in the current literature demonstrate the absolute need for further studies, especially given the possible implications for the young patient’s fertility, which constitutes one of the largest groups of patients using these orthodontic devices.

Background: There has been an increase in demand for orthodontic treatment within the adult population, who likely receive restorative treatments using ceramic structures. The current state of the art regarding the most effective method to achieve an appropriate bond strength of brackets on ceramic surfaces isn’t consensual. This systematic review aims to compare the available surface treatments to ceramics and determine the one that allows to obtain the best bond strength. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and the PICO methodology was used, with the question “What is the most effective technique for bonding brackets on ceramic crowns or veneers?”. The research was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. In vitro and ex vivo studies were included. The methodological quality was evaluated using the guidelines for reporting of preclinical studies on dental materials by Faggion Jr. Results: A total of 655 articles searched in various databases were initially scrutinized. Sevety one articles were chosen for quality analysis. The risk of bias was considered medium to high in most studies. The use of hydrofluoric acid (HF), silane and laser afforded the overall best results. HF and HF plus laser achieved significantly highest bond strength scores in felsdphatic porcelain, while laser was the best treatment in lithium disilicate ceramics. Conclusions: The most effective technique for bonding brackets on ceramic is dependent on the type of ceramic.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is used to determine bone density in several pathologies, namely osteoporosis and fracture risk in post-menopausal women. The aim of this study was to identify, appraise and synthesize all available evidence about the correlation between Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) techniques through a systematic review. A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed via MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science Core Collection, along with several sources of grey literature. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools were used to perform the qualitative assessment of the selected studies. A total of 913 articles were initially scrutinized and 11 were included for qualitative analysis, of which 3 were included in a meta-analysis. Most of the included studies revealed a low risk of bias (7 out of 11). A strong correlation (min r = 0.46 max r = 0.62) between DEXA and CBCT values were found. Thus, opportunistic CBCT scans may be used to assess the bone mineral density and fracture risk, improving the ability to track disease progression and providing better care.

Craniofacial bone defects are one of the biggest clinical challenges in regenerative medicine, with secondary autologous bone grafting being the gold-standard technique. The development of new three-dimensional matrices intends to overcome the disadvantages of the gold-standard method. The aim of this paper is to put forth an in-depth review regarding the clinical efficiency of available 3D printed biomaterials for the correction of alveolar bone defects. A survey was carried out using the following databases: PubMed via Medline, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and gray literature. The inclusion criteria applied were the following: in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and clinical studies; and studies that assessed bone regeneration resorting to 3D printed biomaterials. The risk of bias of the in vitro and in vivo studies was performed using the guidelines for the reporting of pre-clinical studies on dental materials by Faggion Jr and the SYRCLE risk of bias tool, respectively. In total, 92 publications were included in the final sample. The most reported three-dimensional biomaterials were the PCL matrix, β-TCP matrix, and hydroxyapatite matrix. These biomaterials can be combined with different polymers and bioactive molecules such as rBMP-2. Most of the included studies had a high risk of bias. Despite the advances in the research on new three-dimensionally printed biomaterials in bone regeneration, the existing results are not sufficient to justify the application of these biomaterials in routine clinical practice.

Velopharyngeal insufficiency may occur as a result of an anatomical or structural defect and may be present in patients with cleft lip and palate. The treatment options presented in the literature are varied, covering invasive and non-invasive methods. However, although these approaches have been employed and their outcomes reviewed, no conclusions have been made about which approach is the gold-standard. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize the current literature regarding velopharyngeal insufficiency treatments in cleft lip and palate patients, evaluating their effectiveness based on systematic reviews. A standardized search was carried out in several electronic databases, namely PubMed via Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using AMSTAR2 and degree of overlap was analyzed using Corrected Covered Area. Thirteen articles were included in the qualitative review, with only 1 in the non-invasive method category, and 12 in the invasive method category. All reviewed articles were judged to be of low quality. In symptomatic patients, treatment did not solely comprise speech therapy, as surgical intervention was often necessary. Although there was no surgical technique considered to be the gold standard for the correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency, the Furlow Z-plasty technique and minimal incision palatopharyngoplasty were the best among reported techniques.