Kacper Wiertelak-Makała

Mr. Kacper Wiertelak-Makała

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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KWKacper Wiertelak-Makała
Kacper Wiertelak-Makała
ISIzabela Szymczak-Pajor
Izabela Szymczak-Pajor
KBKinga Bociong
Kinga Bociong
ASAgnieszka Sliwinska
Agnieszka Sliwinska
The dental material industry is rapidly developing resin-based composites (RBCs), which find widespread use in a variety of clinical settings. As such, their biocompatibility has gained increasing interest. This literature review presents a summary of research into the cytotoxicity of methacrylate-based composites published from 2017 to 2023. Subject to analysis were 14 in vitro studies on human and murine cell lines. Cytotoxicity in the included studies was measured via MTT assay, LDH assay, and WST-1 assay. The QUIN Risk of Bias Tool was performed to validate the included studies. Included studies (based entirely on the results of in vitro studies) provide evidence of dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity of dental resin-based composites. Oxidative stress and the depletion of cellular glutathione (GSH) were suggested as reasons for cytotoxicity. Induction of apoptosis by RBCs was indicated. While composites remain the golden standard of dental restorative materials, their potential cytotoxicity cannot be ignored due to direct long-term exposure. Further in vitro investigations and clinical trials are required to understand the molecular mechanism of cytotoxicity and produce novel materials with improved safety profiles.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KWKacper Wiertelak-Makała
Kacper Wiertelak-Makała
JNJoanna Nowak
Joanna Nowak
ASAgata Szczesio-Wlodarczyk
Agata Szczesio-Wlodarczyk
PWPiotr Wysocki
Piotr Wysocki
AZAleksandra Paulina Zimon
Aleksandra Paulina Zimon
KBKinga Bociong
Kinga Bociong
While resin-based dental composites (RBCs) are widely recognized as the golden standard in restorative dentistry, there is a need for improvement in their properties, including their potential biofunctional behavior. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hydroxyapatite (HA) filler on the mechanical properties and provide preliminary evidence of biofunctional potential of prepared experimental RBCs. The effects of two forms of HA filler, mHA (2.5 μm) and nHA (<200 nm), in three concentrations (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt.%) were tested in regard to hardness (HV), diametral tensile strength (DTS), flexural strength (TPB), flexural modulus, and calcium and phosphate ion release. Modification with HA improves the Vickers hardness and diametral tensile strength of RBCs, but has mixed effects on the flexural strength. The tested materials meet the minimum requirements for DTS and TPB for commercial composites, but their HV is closer to flowable materials. Calcium and phosphorus are detectable on the surface of HA-modified materials via SEM-EDS. There is also preliminary evidence of calcium and phosphate ion release in materials modified with HA, with the concentrations of 5 wt.% HA and above, providing the highest levels.

8 August 2026 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMarta Kwiatkowska
Marta Kwiatkowska
ZMZuzanna Małek
Zuzanna Małek
KWKatarzyna Waśkowska
Katarzyna Waśkowska
WKWeronika Kubiak
Weronika Kubiak
AWAleksandra Wyciślok
Aleksandra Wyciślok
KWKacper Wiertelak-Makała
Kacper Wiertelak-Makała
Background: White spot lesions (WSLs) are the most common esthetic complication of fixed orthodontic treatment, resulting from subsurface enamel demineralization around brackets. Athletes are a recognized high-risk group, in whom acidic sports drinks and exercise-related hyposalivation promote demineralization, linking WSL care to sports dentistry. Fluoride-based therapies (FBT) remain standard for prevention but poorly mask established lesions, whereas resin infiltration (RI) optically camouflages WSLs by refractive index matching. Aim: To compare the efficacy, esthetic outcomes, durability and safety of RI and FBT in post-orthodontic WSLs and outline evidence-based recommendations. Materials and Methods: A narrative review used PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, including trials, reviews, meta-analyses and clinical and in vitro studies (2014–2025). Results: RI provided superior immediate and short-term masking versus fluoride varnish, with significantly greater reductions in colour difference (ΔE) stable up to four years. FBT (5% NaF varnish, CPP-ACP) arrested lesions and promoted remineralization but poorly resolved discoloration. Conclusions: RI is the most predictable option for immediate esthetic management of post-orthodontic WSLs, while FBT remains essential for prevention and biological stabilization; a combined sequential strategy appears most effective, particularly in physically active patients. Long-term randomized trials with standardized outcomes are needed.

10 August 2026 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JKJulia Kalsztein
Julia Kalsztein
WKWeronika Kubiak
Weronika Kubiak
OCOlgierd Czapiński
Olgierd Czapiński
ZMZuzanna Małek
Zuzanna Małek
AWAleksandra Wyciślok
Aleksandra Wyciślok
MKMarta Kwiatkowska
Marta Kwiatkowska
Background Gummy smile (GS), or excessive gingival display (EGD), is defined as >2–3 mm of visible gingiva during smiling. It affects 10.5–29% of the population, with a higher prevalence in women, and may significantly impair self-esteem and quality of life. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving skeletal, dental, muscular, and soft tissue factors. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of contemporary treatment methods for gummy smile and provide an etiology-based framework for selecting the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Materials and Methods A literature review was performed focusing on classification systems (Mazzuco and Hexsel, Mercado-Rosso), severity scales (Chu and Garber-Salama), and diagnostic techniques, including clinical examination, CBCT, electromyography (EMG), and digital smile analysis. Results BTX-A effectively reduces gingival display by relaxing the LLSAN, LLS, and ZMi muscles, with maximal improvement after 14 days and a duration of 3–6 months. HA fillers used for myomodulation provide longer-lasting correction (6–18 months) and greater patient satisfaction. Surgical lip repositioning improves smile aesthetics but is associated with recurrence, which may be reduced by adjunctive BTX-A. Laser gingivectomy provides predictable results in altered passive eruption, whereas orthodontic intrusion using TADs offers a less invasive alternative to orthognathic surgery. MAFT produces a stable spacer effect lasting up to 24 months. Conclusions Successful management of gummy smile requires accurate diagnosis and etiology-driven treatment selection. Combined protocols integrating surgical or orthodontic procedures with pharmacological modulation, particularly BTX-A, provide the most predictable and durable outcomes. Minimally invasive methods are especially advantageous for athletes because of shorter recovery. Further standardized protocols and long-term prospective studies are needed.

9 June 2026 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
OCOlgierd Czapiński
Olgierd Czapiński
MKMarta Kwiatkowska
Marta Kwiatkowska
ZMZuzanna Małek
Zuzanna Małek
AWAleksandra Wyciślok
Aleksandra Wyciślok
KWKacper Wiertelak-Makała
Kacper Wiertelak-Makała
AKAdrianna KęPa
Adrianna KęPa
Background Cephalometric analysis is a fundamental diagnostic tool in orthodontics, enabling clinicians to assess craniofacial morphology, classify skeletal relationships, and develop treatment plans. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has created new opportunities to automate and standardize this diagnostic process, making everyday practice more efficient and less prone to error. Aim The aim of this study was to examine the application of artificial intelligence algorithms in cephalometric landmark identification and orthodontic treatment planning, with particular focus on their accuracy, comparison with human expert performance, clinical limitations, and future perspectives. Materials and Methods A narrative review of the current literature was conducted, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence mechanisms in image analysis, their accuracy, and future potential for full autonomy. Results The available literature indicates that AI-based systems consistently achieve clinically acceptable accuracy in automated cephalometric landmark detection on 2D lateral cephalograms. The proportion of landmarks detected within the 2 mm clinical threshold frequently matches experienced clinician performance. Three-dimensional CBCT-based landmarking demonstrated improving but still inferior accuracy compared to 2D analysis. Conclusions Artificial intelligence has become a reliable supporting tool in 2D cephalometric landmark identification, with current systems achieving the accuracy of experienced orthodontists within the clinical threshold. Three-dimensional CBCT analysis and AI-assisted treatment planning are advancing rapidly but are not yet equally reliable. Insufficient ethnic diversity in training datasets and domain shift across imaging devices remain ongoing concerns. AI should be regarded as an instrument that supports, not replaces, the expertise and responsibility of the orthodontist.

12 July 2026 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ZMZuzanna Małek
Zuzanna Małek
KWKatarzyna Waśkowska
Katarzyna Waśkowska
AWAleksandra Wyciślok
Aleksandra Wyciślok
OCOlgierd Czapiński
Olgierd Czapiński
WKWeronika Kubiak
Weronika Kubiak
JKJulia Kalsztein
Julia Kalsztein
Background: Oroantral Communication (OAC) is a pathological connection between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. It is most frequently created as a complication during the extraction of posterior maxillary teeth, with an incidence ranging from 0,31 to 4,8%. If the OAC is not managed and closed within 48-72 hours, the tract of connection undergoes epithelialization and progresses to an oroantral fistula (OAF). This leads to chronic sinusitis, causing headaches, passage of fluids, and a significant reduction in the patient’s quality of life. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to assess diagnostic possibilities, preventive strategies, and therapeutic techniques, and to compare modern and traditional methods for managing the OAC. Material and methods: This paper searched the literature on electronic databases, including PubMed, using the keywords: “Oroantral Communication”, “Oroantral Fistula”, “Extraction Complications”, and “CBCT”. Articles include randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews from 2007 to the present year. Results: Research shows that CBCT is the gold standard for assessing the risk of OAC. It provides a three-dimensional evaluation of the root apex position and orientation, allowing precise procedure planning and minimizing iatrogenic risk. When it comes to treatment, surgical closure has an over 90% success rate. Evidence shows that the buccal fat pad is the most efficient technique when the OAC size exceeds 5 mm. For smaller communications, up to 5 mm, the use of PRF and collagen membranes (GTR) allows for effective closure without reducing vestibular depth. The flapless techniques are also better tolerated by patients. Conclusions: Oroantral communication is a relatively frequent complication; its early management is key to preventing chronic sinusitis. The treatment plan depends on the size of the communication track, the patient’s health condition, and further treatment plans.