The use of anticholinergic medications is increasing in younger ages, yet information about xerostomia, the most common anticholinergic side effect, is limited. This case–control retrospective study examines the relationship between anticholinergic medication-induced xerostomia and caries status among adults between 18 and 65 years of age. The study sample comprised 649 cases with xerostomia and 649 age- and gender-matched controls. The anticholinergic burden was estimated using the anticholinergic drug scale (ADS). Caries experience was recorded by calculating the Decayed, Missing, Filled Tooth (DMFT) index. Individuals with xerostomia had a higher mean DMFT index (16.02 ± 9.50), which corresponded with a higher level of anticholinergic exposure from medications (3.26 ± 2.81) compared to their age and gender-matched controls without xerostomia (13.83 + 8.83 and 1.89 ± 2.45, respectively). Logistic regression analysis verified the effects of DMFT, the total number of AC medications, and the ADS burden on xerostomia status. Comparing adults with or without xerostomia revealed statistical differences in several risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, sleep apnea, and the utilization of anticholinergic medications. A personalized dental care plan should include the evaluation of the anticholinergic burden from medications regardless of the patient’s age to prevent increased caries severity.

The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the postoperative facial swelling (FS) and occlusion attained with clear aligner therapy (CAT) and fixed orthodontic therapy (OT) after orthognathic surgery (OS). The focused question was “Is there a difference in postoperative FS and occlusion attained with CAT and fixed OT after OS?” Indexed databases were searched up to and including October 2023 using different keywords. Original clinical studies that compared postoperative FS and occlusion attained with CAT and fixed OT after OS were included. Risk of bias (RoB) and quality of evidence were also assessed. Four retrospective studies were included. One study reported no difference in postoperative FS among patients that underwent CAT or fixed OT after OS. In one study, patients treated with CAT demonstrated less FS in the first post-surgical week than individuals that underwent fixed OT. In one study, postoperative occlusion was comparable among patients that underwent CAT or fixed OT, whereas in another, postoperative occlusion was better in patients that underwent fixed OT than CAT. All studies had a moderate RoB and none of the investigations were based on power-adjusted data. Based upon the sparsity and questionable quality of available evidence, there is a need to render a firm conclusion. However, it seems that CAT and fixed OT are comparable in relation to postoperative occlusion and FS after OS.

Objective: The objective was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) amongst six orthodontic bracket groups. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional printed polycrystalline alumina brackets (3DBs), ceramic brackets (CBs), and metal brackets (MBs), divided into six groups, were bonded to bovine incisors using different bonding procedures. The SBSs were obtained using a universal testing machine, and the ARIs were assessed with a stereomicroscope. The statistical analyses included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for SBS differences and Fisher’s exact test to show ARI differences amongst the groups (p < 0.05). Results: No significant differences (p > 0.05) were measured amongst the SBSs of the 3DB groups (12.3 MPa, 12.6 MPa, 12.3 MPa, 11.0 MPa, respectively). The latter four groups generally had significantly lower SBSs (p < 0.001) than the conventional bracket groups, CB and MB (16.9 MPa and 19.3 MPa, respectively). Also, there was no significant difference in SBSs for the CB and MB groups (p > 0.05). A high ARI for CBs and MBs (2) indicated that more than 50% of the adhesive remained on the enamel surface. The four 3DB groups had no residual adhesive or less than 50% adhesive on the enamel surface after debonding (ARI scores 0 and 1). A significant difference in ARI levels existed across the types of brackets (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Three-dimensional printed polycrystalline alumina brackets exhibited adequate SBS values for successful bonding. However, the values were lower compared to those for conventional ceramic and metal brackets. The majority of the adhesive remnant for the 3D-printed brackets was mainly located on the bracket base.

(1) The aim was to evaluate the predictability of treatment outcomes using clear aligner therapy (CAT) and ClinCheck Web 1.4 (Align Technology, Inc., San Jose, CA, USA) software in mandibular incisor intrusion in both children and adults with deep bite malocclusion. (2) This study included healthy children and adults with skeletal Class I or mild to moderate Class II/III malocclusions, mild to moderate dental crowding (<5 mm), and deep overbite (OB) who underwent CAT. Pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment (T2) orthodontic treatment records were assessed and compared to initial planned ClinCheck movements. The cephalometric parameters evaluated included bodily intrusion (Centroid-C point), IMPA, L1-NB, and L1-A-Po. Clinical expression of CAT was compared to ClinCheck predictions using paired sample t-tests, and differences between growing and non-growing groups were assessed using a repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc analysis. (3) The sample included 48 patients (mean age 19.79 ± 11.78 years), including 18 adults (mean age 30.28 ± 13.79 years) and 30 children (mean age 13.5 ± 2.05 years). The predicted vertical mandibular incisor movement (intrusion) was significantly higher using ClinCheck (2.32 mm) compared to clinical treatment (0.22 mm). The angular movements of IMPA, L1-NB, and L1-APo were all significantly higher using ClinCheck (4.6°) compared to clinical expression of 0.79°, 0.55°, and 1.21°, respectively. There were no significant differences between children and adults with respect to vertical or angular tooth movements. (4) CAT and ClinCheck software significantly overpredicts orthodontic tooth movements related to mandibular incisor intrusion in both adults and children with no statistical difference between the groups.

(1) Objectives: To estimate the impact of chewing bite wafers in reducing pain associated with fixed orthodontic treatment (OT) compared with conventional analgesic drugs (CADs) (Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen). (2) Materials and methods: Unrestricted and manual searching was achieved up to November 2023 and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model. The available evidence quality was considered using the GRADE approach. (3) Results: Seven RCTs were included. Five RCTs used the Visual Analog Scale for self-reported pain assessment, while two RCTs used the Numeric Rating Scale. Four RCTs had a high RoB, and three RCTs had a moderate RoB. Separate meta-analyses were performed by pooling quantitative data from two RCTs that compared self-reported orthodontic pain between the bite wafer and Ibuprofen groups and three RCTs that compared the bite wafer and Acetaminophen groups for the different timepoints after orthodontic treatment. None of the timepoints individually indicated a significant difference in pain scores between the bite wafer and control groups, except on day 3, indicating significantly lower pain scores in the bite wafer versus the Acetaminophen groups. The overall level of evidence was very low. (4) Conclusions: Chewing bite wafers is possibly a useful option for CADs to relieve pain during early fixed OT.

Background: Xerostomia, or the subjective sensation of dry mouth, is a prevalent side effect of medications. While its impact on oral function is well documented, limited research has examined how xerostomia influences beverage consumption and the timing of food intake, especially in non-cancer, middle-aged populations. Objectives: To examine associations between beverage intake, meal timing, and subjective and objective measures of salivary gland function in individuals with medication-induced xerostomia. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study included 90 adults aged 45–66 taking anticholinergic medications. Salivary function was assessed via unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), minor salivary flow (MSF), and the Xerostomia Inventory (XI). Validated questionnaires evaluated habitual water and beverage intake, and meal timing. Multivariable models were adjusted for demographics, medication use, and comorbidities. Results: Hyposalivation (UWS ≤ 0.3 mL/min) was associated with higher XI scores (p = 0.033) and greater anticholinergic medication burden (p = 0.024). The later timing of last intake and last snack was independently associated with greater xerostomia severity. Total beverage and water intake were not associated with salivary flow or XI scores. Nighttime eating was correlated with higher anticholinergic burden. Conclusions: The timing of intake, rather than fluid volume, may better reflect symptom burden in medication-induced xerostomia, underscoring the behavioral adaptations to oral dryness.