Background/Objectives: Oral breathing is a common condition, particularly in children, and it is associated with significant changes in craniofacial development, dentomaxillary anomalies, and overall health. Despite extensive research, the role of oral breathing in the development of malocclusion remains controversial, with debates on whether it is a causative factor or a secondary adaptation to existing craniofacial issues. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes studies published in the last 15 years, focusing on the impact of oral breathing on dentofacial development and mandibular posture. A comprehensive search was conducted on four electronic databases (Embase, Medline, ProQUEST, Scopus) using keywords related to oral breathing, malocclusion, mandibular posture, and craniofacial development. Studies were included if they focused on the effects of oral breathing on craniofacial morphology, malocclusion, and postural changes in children and adolescents aged 6–18 years. Results: Results indicate a strong link between oral breathing and dentofacial changes such as adenoid facies, Class II malocclusion, posterior crossbite, and anterior open bite. It causes cranial posture changes, particularly increased craniocervical extension, as a compensatory mechanism to maintain airway patency. Conclusions: Oral breathing is a risk factor for malocclusion prognosis, especially in growing children. Dentofacial changes in oral breathers include adenoid facies, convex facial profile, and increased lower facial height. Oral breathing also leads to significant changes in cranial posture, often accompanied by mandibular, lingual, and palatal alterations.

Enhancement of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) through local administration of biofunctional molecules has become increasingly significant, particularly for adult patients seeking esthetic and functional improvements. This comprehensive systematic review analyzes the efficacy of various biofunctional molecules in modulating OTM, focusing on the method of administration and its feasibility, especially considering the potential for topical application. A search across multiple databases yielded 36 original articles of experimental human and animal OTM models, which examined biofunctional molecules capable of interfering with the biochemical reactions that cause tooth movement during orthodontic therapy, accelerating the OTM rate through their influence on bone metabolism (Calcitriol, Prostaglandins, Recombinant human Relaxin, RANKL and RANKL expression plasmid, growth factors, PTH, osteocalcin, vitamin C and E, biocompatible reduced graphene oxide, exogenous thyroxine, sclerostin protein, a specific EP4 agonist (ONO-AE1-329), carrageenan, and herbal extracts). The results indicated a variable efficacy in accelerating OTM, with Calcitriol, Prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGE2), RANKL, growth factors, and PTH, among others, showing promising outcomes. PGE1, PGE2, and Calcitriol experiments had statistically significant outcomes in both human and animal studies and, while other molecules underwent only animal testing, they could be validated in the future for human use. Notably, only one of the animal studies explored topical administration, which also suggests a future research direction. This review concluded that while certain biofunctional molecules demonstrated potential for OTM enhancement, the evidence is not definitive. The development of suitable topical formulations for human use could offer a patient-friendly alternative to injections, emphasizing comfort and cost-effectiveness. Future research should focus on overcoming current methodological limitations and advancing translational research to confirm these biomolecules’ efficacy and safety in clinical orthodontic practice.

Background/Objectives: The relationship between chronological age, dental age, and cervical vertebral maturation is critical for assessing the reliability of dental age as an indicator of skeletal age and for identifying the patient’s growth peak. This assessment facilitates the planning of appropriate orthodontic-orthopedic treatment. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed data from the Clinical Department of Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The sample included 73 patients with Class II malocclusion (31 males and 42 females), with data obtained from orthopantomography and lateral cephalometric radiographs. Dental age was evaluated using both the Demirjian method and the Chronology of Eruption method. Skeletal age was determined based on Baccetti’s cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) staging method. Results: A strong and statistically significant correlation was found between cervical vertebral maturation and chronological age (r = 0.81, p < 0.001), as well as between cervical vertebral maturation and dental age assessed using the Demirjian method (rs = 0.72, p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between cervical vertebral maturation and dental age assessed using the Chronology of Eruption method (rs = 0.78, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The correlation found between dental age and skeletal maturity suggests that dental age (DA) assessment might serve as a supplementary tool for estimating a patient’s growth peak in Class II malocclusion cases. Future research exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in panoramic radiograph analysis could improve the accuracy and consistency of DA assessment, contributing to more reliable skeletal maturity evaluations.

Enhancement of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) through local administration of biofunctional molecules has become increasingly significant, particularly for adult patients seeking aesthetic and functional improvements. This comprehensive systematic review analyzes the efficacy of various biofunctional molecules in modulating OTM, focusing on the method of administration and its feasibility, especially considering the potential for topical application. A search across multiple databases yielded 36 original articles of experimental human and animal OTM models, which examined biofunctional molecules capable of interfering with the biochemical reactions that cause tooth movement during orthodontic therapy, accelerating the OTM rate through their influence on the bone metabolism (Calcitriol, Prostaglandins, Recombinant human Relaxin, RANKL and RANKL expression plasmid, growth factors, PTH, osteocalcin, vitamin C and E, biocompatible reduced graphene oxide, exogenous thyroxine, sclerostin protein, a specific EP4 agonist (ONO-AE1-329), carrageenan and herbal extracts). The results indicated a variable efficacy in accelerating OTM, with Calcitriol, Prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGE2), RANKL, growth factors and PTH, among others, showing promising outcomes. PGE1, PGE2 and Calcitriol experiments had statistically significant outcomes in both human and animal studies, and, while other molecules underwent only animal testing, they could be validated in the future for human use. Notably, only one of the animal studies explored topical administration, which also suggests a future research direction. This review concluded that while certain biofunctional molecules demonstrated potential for OTM enhancement, the evidence is not definitive. The development of suitable topical formulations for human use could offer a patient-friendly alternative to injections, emphasizing comfort and cost-effectiveness. Future research should focus on overcoming current methodological limitations and advancing translational research to confirm these biomolecules' efficacy and safety in clinical orthodontic practice.

In dental medicine, preventive measures combined with both classic and aesthetic orthodontics appliances resulted in an increase of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their appearance and social acceptance as well as function and oral health. Adult patients bring distinctive characteristics like tooth mobility and periodontal disease that might interfere with the treatment and call for a multidisciplinary approach. This observational study aimed to evaluate the degree of collaboration with periodontologists and the approach implemented by orthodontists in periodontal affected patients. Material and methods: A questionnaire was designed and electronically submitted to orthodontic specialists and postgraduates in orthodontics from Romania. The answers gathered were compared to current literature on the topic. Conclusion: An interdisciplinary treatment of orthodontic and periodontal therapies is effective for adult patients with periodontal disease as long as the periodontium is healthy, and hygiene well maintained throughout treatment with orthodontic appliances.