This systematic review aims to highlight the differences between different clear aligner therapies that differ in the presence of attachments or in attachment configuration. Eight electronic databases were searched up to March 2020. Two authors independently proceeded to study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The analysis of the results was carried out examining six groups of movements (mesio-distal tipping/bodily movement; anterior bucco-lingual tipping/root torque; posterior bucco-lingual tipping/expansion; intrusion; extrusion; rotation). Five clinical trials were selected and all of them showed a medium risk of bias. Literature showed that attachments mostly increase the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, improving anterior root torque, rotation, and mesio-distal (M-D) movement; they are also important to increase posterior anchorage. However, some articles showed contradictory or not statistically significant results. Attachments also seem to improve intrusion, but the evidence about this movement, as well as extrusion, is lacking. No studies evaluated posterior bucco-lingual tipping/expansion. Further clinical trials are strongly suggested to clarify the influence of attachments and their number, size, shape, and position on each orthodontic movement.

Background: Is well known that oral health and dental aesthetic have significant effects on the sociality of human beings. The aim of the present study was to assess some aspects of oral health with possible repercussions in adolescent and youth, with particular reference to gender differences. Methods: A total of 190 subjects with female prevalence (F = 62.6%, M = 37%) and ages between 14 and 29 years old (Mean = 23.8; SD = 3.27) participated. Evaluation was carried using standardized instruments to assess quality of oral life (PIDAQ), negative impact of oral conditions (OHIP-14), and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale). Correlational and difference analyses and linear regressions were performed. Results: Significant gender differences were found in terms of gender, in reference to variables such as self-confidence and convictions. Positive correlations emerged between psychological impact and social impact, aesthetic concern and social impact, convictions and self-confidence, oral health with psycho-social impact, and aesthetic concern, self-esteem with oral health. Inverse correlations emerged between psycho-social impact and self-confidence, aesthetic concern and self-confidence, oral health, and self-confidence. Multivariate linear regression indicated relations between age and psychological impact, sex and self-confidence, crooked teeth and conviction. Conclusions: The impact of oral health on the psychological well-being of young people is relevant. These factors, if considered within clinical practice, can improve the quality of life of the subject.

Periodontitis is a dental disease that produces the progressive destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth. Especially, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is involved in the deterioration of the alveolar bone, inducing the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, which cause periodontal tissue inflammation. Luteolin (Lut), a molecule of natural origin present in a large variety of fruits and vegetables, possess beneficial properties for human health. On this basis, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Lut in a model of periodontitis induced by LPS in rats. Animal model predicted a single intragingival injection of LPS (10 μg/μL) derived from Salmonella typhimurium. Lut administration, was performed daily at different doses (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, orally), starting from 1 h after the injection of LPS. After 14 days, the animals were sacrificed, and their gums were processed for biochemical analysis and histological examinations. Results showed that Lut (30 and 100 mg/kg) was equally able to reduce alveolar bone loss, tissue damage, and neutrophilic infiltration. Moreover, Lut treatment reduced the concentration of collagen fibers, mast cells degranulation, and NF-κB activation, as well as the presence of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Therefore, Lut implementation could represent valid support in the pharmacological strategy for periodontitis, thus improving the well-being of the oral cavity.

Background: Body image and psychosocial functioning represent central challenges during adolescence and early adulthood. Malocclusion, defined as an irregularity in the alignment of the teeth, is known to negatively influence psychological outcomes. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of malocclusion, together with age, gender, and dental class, in body image and psychological functioning. Methods: A total of 126 participants aged from 12 to 19 years old (mean: 15.87, SD: 2.35, female participants: 52.4%, male participants: 47.6%) were recruited. Participants were visited at the University Hospital of Messina, Italy, and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Body Image Concern Inventory (I-BICI), and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ). Results: Significant correlations were found between age, dental class, the BICI, and the PIDAQ. In particular, age showed a positive and significant correlation with PIDAQ—total score. The correlations between occlusal status and the BICI variables were all significant and positive. All correlations between occlusal status and the PIDAQ variables were all significant and positive, except for dental self-confidence. The correlations between the variables of the PIDAQ and BICI instruments were all significant and positive, except for dental self-confidence, where the directions were significant and negative. Moreover, age, gender, and occlusal status predicted BICI and PIDAQ scores. Age was a positive predictor for PIDAQ self-confidence, gender for BICI and PIDAQ total scores, along with dysmorphic symptoms, social impact, psychological impact, and aesthetic concerns. Several significant gender differences were highlighted by the analyses, with higher scores in the female group on all the BICI variables, except symptom interference, and all the PIDAQ variables, except dental self-confidence. Conclusions: Malocclusion appeared to play a central role in the psychological, representational, and psychosocial life of the participants. This research suggests that malocclusion and dental issues influence the psychological, representational, and psychosocial life of adolescents. Further research is required to examine the psychological impact of dental problems.

Background: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is often used in different fields of dental science, especially in complex anatomical districts like the endodontic one. The aim of this study is to propose a low-dose CBCT protocol useful in cases of endodontic lesions. Methods: The device used was a MyRay Hyperion X9-11x5; the low dose setting of the machine was 90 Kv, 27 mAs, CTDI/Vol 2.89 mGy. The absorbed organ doses have been evaluated with an anthropomorphic phantom loaded with thermoluminescent dosimeters positioned at the level of sensitive organs like brain, bone marrow, salivary glands, thyroid, esophagus, oral mucosa, extrathoracic airways, and lymph nodes. Equivalent and effective doses have been calculated; the last one has been calculated using the recommendations approved by the Main Commission of ICRP (International Commission Radiological Protection) in March 2007. For the assessment of image quality, five senior clinicians, independent and experienced clinicians, were asked to state if CBCT scans were accurate enough to assess endodontic lesions. Results: The use of a low-dose CBCT acquisition produced the lowest organ dose (5.01 microSv) at the level of the esophagus. Image quality has been considered accurate enough for endodontic diagnostic needs. Conclusions: CBCT low-dose protocol can be used over the standard one in endodontic special cases because it provides a significantly lower radiation dose to the patients while ensuring good image quality. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the opportunity of low-dose CBCT exams in endodontic clinical practice.

The focus of this article was to evaluate the link between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and periodontitis, considering various hypotheses supporting the relationship between respiratory disorders and periodontitis. The literature review for this study was performed using the PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, and Proquest databases. The review process was guided by the PRISMA guidelines. The PECOS protocol (Population, Exposure, Control, Outcome, Study) was followed in developing the search strategy to ensure consistent and accurate selection of articles. To evaluate quality, cross-sectional studies were reviewed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Case-control studies were assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). The research included a total of 10 studies, encompassing 88,040 participants. The meta-analysis observed a statistically significant association between OSAS and periodontitis, with an odds ratio OR = 2.4620 (95%-CI: 1.7345–3.4946 p ≤ 0.0001). The results suggest a potential association between OSA and periodontitis. Further investigations are warranted to confirm this association and elucidate its underlying mechanism.