This study investigates the release of metal ions from commonly used orthodontic archwires, specifically, stainless steel (SS), nickel–titanium (NiTi), chromium–cobalt (CrCo), and titanium–molybdenum (TMA) alloys. To simulate oral conditions, each type of wire was immersed in artificial saliva at body temperature for a four-week period. Ion release levels were analyzed through ICP-OES mass spectrometry. The findings indicate that NiTi and CrCo wires released significantly higher amounts of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) ions compared to SS wires. These findings underscore the potential risk of allergic reactions, particularly to nickel, and emphasize the need for careful consideration of biocompatibility in orthodontic material selection. This research also provides valuable insights aimed at minimizing adverse reactions in patients, especially those with metal allergies.

Background: Fluoride is vital in dentistry for caries prevention, enhancing remineralization, and inhibiting bacteria. Incorporating fluoride into restorative materials like glass-ionomer cements, compomers, and giomers has significantly increased fluoride availability in the oral cavity. This review assesses how surface coatings influence fluoride release from various dental restorative materials. Methods: In December 2023, we conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. In the Scopus database, the results were refined to titles, abstracts, and keywords, while in PubMed, they were narrowed down to titles and abstracts. In WoS, the results were refined only to abstracts. The search criteria were based on the terms fluoride AND release AND (coating OR glaze OR layer OR film OR varnish) AND (composite OR glass OR compomer), following PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. Twenty-three studies were rigorously selected and analyzed for fluoride release from coated versus uncoated materials. Results: Surface coatings typically reduce the rate of fluoride release. Glass-ionomer cements had the highest release, followed by giomers and compomers. The initial release was greater in uncoated materials but stabilized over time, influenced by variables like artificial saliva and deionized water. Conclusions: Surface coatings generally decrease fluoride release rates from dental materials. Although initial rates are high, contributing to caries prevention, more standardized research is needed to better understand the impact of coatings and optimize materials for maximum preventive benefits.

Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the proper development of a child, providing numerous health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding habits and the development of disorders in the stomatognathic system, including malocclusions and dental caries. The research involved 109 children aged 6 months to 15 years. The study included an oral examination and a questionnaire completed by parents regarding breastfeeding duration, feeding practices, and the child’s oral hygiene habits. The results showed no significant correlation between breastfeeding or formula feeding and an increase in the child’s caries intensity index (dmft) (p < 0.05). However, formula feeding at night, particularly when the child fell asleep with a bottle, was associated with a higher risk of dental caries (η = 0.716). A strong relationship was observed between prolonged breastfeeding, especially when the child slept while breastfeeding, and the occurrence of malocclusions (η = 0.605). Children breastfed beyond 12 months or who continued to breastfeed during sleep were more likely to develop malocclusions, such as open bite or crossbite. The study emphasizes the importance of proper breastfeeding habits which may contribute to the development of malocclusion. While breastfeeding provides several health advantages, certain breastfeeding habits may contribute to the development of malocclusions, necessitating further research to determine the optimal duration and methods of breastfeeding to promote balanced oral development. Dental professionals in their dental practice should educate parents about proper nutrition and childcare from birth in order to eliminate habits that may negatively affect the oral health of their children.

Introduction: Accurate tooth shade assessment is fundamental for achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes in restorative dentistry. This study aims to evaluate the impact of different lighting setups on the reliability and consistency of dental photography for shade selection. Materials and Methods: Three distinct lighting conditions were employed to capture standardized dental photographs: bare twin flash, twin flash with softbox, and twin flash with a polarizing filter. Shade assessments were performed through digital analysis of the photographs and were compared with reference measurements obtained using a spectrophotometer. Result: Preliminary findings indicate that the twin flash with a polarizing filter provides the most accurate tooth color reproduction. However, statistically significant differences were observed when compared to the spectrophotometer measurements. Notably, the closest match to the spectrophotometric values was achieved with light shades (A1, B1) photographed against a black background. Conclusions: The choice of lighting setup significantly affects the accuracy of tooth shade assessment in dental photography. Among the tested configurations, the use of a polarizing filter combined with a black background demonstrates the highest fidelity in color reproduction, particularly for lighter shades.

This study investigates the cytotoxicity of various orthodontic archwires, which are essential in directing tooth movement through biomechanical forces. With advancements in material science, different archwire materials have been developed to balance mechanical performance with aesthetic and biological considerations. The study focuses on evaluating the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of stainless steel, nickel–titanium, and chromium–cobalt archwires, particularly their cytotoxic effects on oral cavity cells. In vitro cell culture experiments with fibroblasts, combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, were conducted to assess cell viability and morphology. The results revealed significant differences in cytotoxicity, with copper wires showing high toxicity and causing extensive cell death, while nickel–titanium and chromium–cobalt wires supported better cell viability and healthier cell morphology. These findings highlight the importance of selecting archwire materials that ensure mechanical efficiency without compromising cellular health, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment of material biocompatibility in the oral environment.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a relatively rare, but potentially lethal genetic disorder. That disease is characterized by hypermetabolic response of the skeletal muscles caused by exposure to triggering agents e.g. volatile anesthetics or depolarizing neuromuscular blockers. The object of this article was to review and assess the most recent published works about the epidemiology, etiology, pathomechanism, therapy of the MH and the new advances in all these fields. Authors scrutinized PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords: malignant hyperthermia, volatile anesthetics, ryanodine receptor mutation. In addition to this, the references of chosen articles were manually scoured for supplementary applicable articles. The literature was selected on the basis of a general medicine readership and prioritized clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews and case reports. The references include the latest reports on malignant hyperthermia, apart from works of historical importance. Available treatment methods consist mainly of pharmacotherapy, symptomatic treatment and monitoring of vital parameters. Dantrolene is a first-choice drug in initial treatment of MH and is considered the only specific antidote. In spite of the constant advances in the areas of medicine there is still much to be discovered about MH. Further studies are necessary, as the amount of credible evidence is not adequate.