The study focuses on in vitro tracing of some fundamental changes that emerge in teeth at the initial stage of caries development using multiple approaches. The research was conducted on a mostly sound maxillary molar tooth but with a clearly visible natural proximal white spot lesion (WSL). Values of mineral density, reduced Young’s modulus, indentation hardness and creep as well as the molecular composition and surface microstructure of the WSL and bordering dentine area were studied. The results obtained were compared to those of sound enamel and dentine on the same tooth. A decrease of mechanical properties and mineral density both for the WSL and bordering dentine was detected in comparison to the sound counterparts, as well as increase of creep for the enamel WSL. Differences in molecular composition and surface microstructure (including the indenter impressions) were found and described. WSL induces a serious change in the state of not only the visually affected enamel but also surrounding visually intact enamel and dentine in its vicinity. The results provide the basis for future studies of efficacy of minimal invasive treatments of caries.

In the present research, nanoindentation, atomic-force microscopy and optical microscopy were used to study the mechanical and microgeometrical parameters of tooth tissues. A nanoindentation test unit equipped with Berkovich indenter was used to determine the values of the reduced Young’s modulus and indentation hardness and both nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy using a diamond probe on a silicon cantilever were used to study microgeometrical parameters of human tooth root cementum. Three areas of cementum were studied: the cervical region near the dentine–enamel junction, the second third of the tooth root, and the apex of the tooth root. The interpretation of the results was carried out using the Oliver–Pharr method. It was established, that the mechanical properties of cementum increase from the cervical region to the central part of the root, then decrease again towards the apex of the tooth root. On the contrary, the microgeometrical characteristics of cementum practically do not demonstrate any change in the same direction. A decrease in the roughness parameters in the direction from cellular cementum to dentine was observed. Additionally, a decrease in the reduced Young’s modulus and indentation hardness of dentine in the cervical area compared to dentine in the crown part of the tooth was found using nanoindentation. The investigation of the dentine–cementum junction with high resolution revealed the interspaced collagen fiber bridges and epithelial rests of Malassez, whose sizes were studied. The parameters of the topographic features of the cementum in the vicinity of the lacunae of cementocytes were also established.

The authors presented the results of a clinical and dental examination of 118 adult patients of young and middle age with deep incisal overlap. Based on the identified main types of complaints of patients with this anomaly of the maxillofacial system, their classification was carried out, gender differences of disturbing symptoms were established. Face morphometry was carried out on the basis of images obtained using lateral cephalometric radiography. Chewing function was investigated using the method of quantitative analysis of crushed particles. The results can be used for timely diagnosis and an effective treatment plan for anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Among the anomalies of the dentoalveolar system, narrowing of the upper dental arches in a permanent bite occurs in 57% of the cases examined. Aligners are a preferable method for correcting the position of the teeth and expanding dental arches. Planning and modeling treatment outcomes when using clear aligners are essential parts, since it is the quantitative assessment of treatment outcomes that improves clinical practice. The ClinCheck software allows making an almost fully automated design and manufacturing of Invisalign. AIM: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of predicting the expansion of the upper arch using the ClinCheck software. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective clinical study included 19 patients with dentoalveolar anomalies whose dental arch parameters were measured before and after treatment with Invisalign Full and Invisalign Teen. Evaluation of the accuracy of predicted expansion using ClinCheck was carried out by comparing the simulated parameters and actual outcomes. To assess the achieved results, individual tooth from the original ClinCheck model was superimposed on the digital model from the post-treatment scan. For the studied parameters, the arithmetic mean was calculated, and significant differences were established at a significance level of p 0.05. RESULTS: As regards treatment result, patients showed a significant expansion of the upper dental arch in the premolar and molar region as well as protrusion of the incisors. Data showed a high accuracy of prediction using ClinCheck, since no significant differences were found between the mean values obtained as a result of treatment and those predicted using ClinCheck. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Invisalign technology is effective in widening the upper arch. Following treatment, patients showed significant differences in the width for the first premolars at 4.030.24 mm, for the second premolars at 3.610.25 mm, for the first molars at 2.110.31 (p 0.05), as well as clinically significant incisor protrusion of 6.531.41 (p 0.05). 2) Differences between the mean values obtained following treatment and simulated in the ClinCheck program were as follows: expansion along the canines, 0.050.11 mm (p 0.05); expansion along the first premolars, 0.040.23 mm (p 0.05); expansion along the second premolars, 0.0030.14 mm (p 0.05); expansion along the first molars, 0.0020.13 mm (p 0.05), and incisor protrusion, 0.120.92 (p 0.05).

BACKGROUND: Among the anomalies of the dentoalveolar system, narrowing of the upper dental arches in a permanent bite occurs in 57% of the cases examined. Aligners are a preferable method for correcting the position of the teeth and expanding dental arches. Planning and modeling treatment outcomes when using clear aligners are essential parts, since it is the quantitative assessment of treatment outcomes that improves clinical practice. The ClinCheck software allows making an almost fully automated design and manufacturing of Invisalign. AIM: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of predicting the expansion of the upper arch using the ClinCheck software. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective clinical study included 19 patients with dentoalveolar anomalies whose dental arch parameters were measured before and after treatment with Invisalign Full and Invisalign Teen. Evaluation of the accuracy of predicted expansion using ClinCheck was carried out by comparing the simulated parameters and actual outcomes. To assess the achieved results, individual tooth from the original ClinCheck model was superimposed on the digital model from the post-treatment scan. For the studied parameters, the arithmetic mean was calculated, and significant differences were established at a significance level of p 0.05. RESULTS: As regards treatment result, patients showed a significant expansion of the upper dental arch in the premolar and molar region as well as protrusion of the incisors. Data showed a high accuracy of prediction using ClinCheck, since no significant differences were found between the mean values obtained as a result of treatment and those predicted using ClinCheck. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Invisalign technology is effective in widening the upper arch. Following treatment, patients showed significant differences in the width for the first premolars at 4.030.24 mm, for the second premolars at 3.610.25 mm, for the first molars at 2.110.31 (p 0.05), as well as clinically significant incisor protrusion of 6.531.41 (p 0.05). 2) Differences between the mean values obtained following treatment and simulated in the ClinCheck program were as follows: expansion along the canines, 0.050.11 mm (p 0.05); expansion along the first premolars, 0.040.23 mm (p 0.05); expansion along the second premolars, 0.0030.14 mm (p 0.05); expansion along the first molars, 0.0020.13 mm (p 0.05), and incisor protrusion, 0.120.92 (p 0.05).

BACKGROUND: One of the most difficult tasks in clear aligner treatment is maintaining anchorage during molar distalization. Traditional anchorage methods often lead to unwanted side effects in the anterior segment. AIM: To analyze the effectiveness of maxillary molar distalization using clear aligners and to optimize this treatment protocol based on a comparative analysis of clinical results obtained with the standard protocol versus a protocol using micro-implants. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with Class II malocclusion were examined and treated. The patients were divided into two groups: the study group (aligners + micro-implants) and the control group (aligners + Class II elastics). Results were evaluated based on cone-beam computed tomography data and superposition of 3D jaw models. RESULTS: In the study group, bodily molar movement of 3.2 ± 0.4 mm was achieved without loss of anchorage. In the control group, incisor protrusion (average 2.3°) and distal crown tipping (tipping) of the molars were observed. CONCLUSION: The integration of micro-implants into the aligner treatment protocol provides predictable results and minimizes dependence on patient compliance. Skeletal anchorage provides absolute anchorage, preventing undesirable incisor protrusion and ensuring bodily control of molar movement. The use of this technique increases the predictability of digital planning and reduces the dependence of treatment outcomes on patient compliance with elastic wear.