Bracket failure increases the treatment time of orthodontic therapy and burdens patients with unnecessary costs, increased chair time, and possible new appointments. To compare the bond failures of different orthodontic materials based on the results of available clinical studies. A systematic search of clinical trials was performed in the Cochrane, Embase, and Pubmed databases with no limitations. The list of investigated techniques contained conventional acid-etch primer (CM-AEP), self-etch primer (SEP), self-cure resin (SCR), and simple or resin-modified glass ionomer (RM-GIC) materials and procedures. Clinical studies reporting the failure rate of bonded brackets after using direct adhesive techniques on buccal sites of healthy teeth were included. Bracket failure rates from eligible studies were extracted by two authors independently. Risk ratios (RRs) were pooled using the random-effects model with DerSimonian–Laird estimation. Thirty-four publications, involving 1221 patients, were included. Our meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the risk of bracket failures between SEP and CM-AEP. After 6, 12, and 18 months of bonding, the values of RR were 1.04 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67–1.61], 1.37 (95% CI, 0.98–1.92), and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.72–1.20), respectively. At 18 months, bracket failure was 4.9 and 5.2% for SEP and CM-AEP, respectively. Heterogeneity was good or moderate (I² < 42.2%). The results of RM-GIC at 12 months indicated a 57% lower risk of bracket failure using SCR as compared with RM-GIC (RR: 0.38; 95% CI, 0.24–0.61). At 18 months, bracket failures for SCR and RM-GIC were 15.8 and 36.6%, respectively (RR: 0.44; 95% CI, 0.37–0.52, I² = 78.9%), demonstrating three to six times higher failure rate than in the case of etching primer applications. A major limitation of the present work is that the included clinical trials, with no exceptions, showed variable levels of risk of bias. Another possible problem affecting the outcome is the difference between the clustering effects of the split mouth and the parallel group bracket allocation methods. The results revealed no significant difference between SEP and CM-AEP up to 18 months after application. RM-GIC had much worse failure rates than acid-etching methods; additionally, the superiority of SCR over RM-GIC was evident, indicating strong clinical relevance. Prospero with CRD42020163362.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different light curing modes on the polymerization shrinkage of a bulk-fill composite and to evaluate the impact of two layering techniques on the cuspal deflection. Methods: Nine different light curing modes were tested on bulk-fill composite samples in aluminum MOD cavities. Intensity, duration, and illumination distance were the factors that changed during the different curing modes. The digital image correlation method was used to visually represent the displacement of carbon particles on the materials’ surface caused by shrinkage along both the horizontal and vertical axes. For simulating cuspal deflection, a separate protocol was used, with a bulk and horizontal layering technique. Results: The results showed that the largest horizontal displacements were present in the soft start group (6.00 ± 0.82 µm) and in the X-tra power group (5.67 ± 1.21 µm). The smallest horizontal displacements were detected in normal curing modes (4.00 ± 1.58 µm; 4.00 ± 2.68 µm). The largest vertical displacements, at the bottom layer, were present in the normal curing mode group with a 20 s curing time (5.22 ± 1.56 µm), while the smallest vertical displacements were shown in the X-tra power group (2.89 ± 0.60 µm). The observed particle displacements showing the shrinkage of the composite were correlated with the curing mode. The bulk-fill group showed less cuspal deflection than the horizontal layering group did, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.575). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that lower intensities of curing lights (1200 mW/cm²) may perform better from the point of view of material shrinkage than high and extreme light intensities do. The pulse delay mode might be recommended in the case of bulk-fill materials. The number of layers did not significantly affect the cuspal deflection in the case of the studied composite.

Background: Polymerization shrinkage of composite resins affects the marginal closure of direct dental restorations. It is responsible for developing secondary caries and indirectly affects the survival rate of restorations. This study aims to investigate the null hypothesis, which states that there are no significant differences in the marginal microleakage of Class II restorations when examined in vitro using different dental adhesives, whether the restoration material used is a composite with glass fiber reinforcement or not. Methods: Class II cavities were prepared on both proximal surfaces of thirty-six extracted human molars. A single-component (Universal VivaPen) and a two-component (Futurabond DC) self-etch adhesive system were used for the restorations in the control group (Charisma Classic) and the experimental group (Charisma Classic with Interlig glass fiber strip). An oblique layering technique and a 40-s soft-start light-curing polymerization were used. After selective pre-isolation, the specimens were placed in a 0.2% methylene blue solution and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The teeth were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction, and two examiners examined and graded the extent of dye penetration. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: All the composite restorations reinforced with glass fiber showed significantly reduced dye infiltration compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was also observed between the two adhesives. Conclusions: The null hypothesis was rejected. Glass fiber strips significantly reduced composite restoration microleakage regardless of the adhesive. The marginal fit of the restoration was also influenced by the adhesive system used.

Background/Objectives: Microorganisms are the leading cause of infections in the root canal system, contributing to the failure of endodontic treatments. This in vitro study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effects of four different endodontic sealers: Endomethasone N (Septodont, Saint Maur-des-Fossés, France), Sealapex (Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA), AH Plus Jet (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), and MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). Methods: The sealers were tested against common oral pathogens, including Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans, using the agar diffusion method. Inhibition zones were measured at 24, 48, and 72 h to assess antimicrobial efficacy. Results: The results showed that Endomethasone was the most effective sealer against all tested microorganisms, demonstrating consistent inhibition across all time intervals. MTA Fillapex also exhibited a significant antimicrobial effect, particularly against Streptococcus mutans, with its efficacy increasing over time. AH Plus Jet displayed limited effectiveness, showing significant results only against Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: Overall, this study confirms the superior antimicrobial performance of Endomethasone, while the other materials, particularly MTA Fillapex and Sealapex, also showed notable effects in experimental conditions. The antimicrobial activity of all materials, except AH Plus Jet, increased over the 72-h period.

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) remains one of the most prevalent chronic conditions among preschool children worldwide. Feeding practices during infancy play a significant role in shaping oral microbial colonization and caries risk. This study aimed to evaluate the association between breastfeeding, artificial feeding, and the occurrence of ECC among children aged 3–5 years. Methods: A cross-sectional clinical and epidemiological study was conducted involving 103 children aged 3–5 years. Parents completed a structured questionnaire. Participants were divided into three groups based on infant feeding history: exclusively breastfed, exclusively artificially fed, and mixed-fed. Clinical oral examinations assessed dmft indices. Statistical analysis included Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests for dmft scores, Chi-square tests for categorical variables, Spearman correlations, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of dental caries. Results: Among participants, 43.6% were exclusively breastfed, 41.7% mixed-fed, and 14.5% exclusively artificially fed. The mean dmft index was highest in formula-fed children (4.2 ± 3.78), followed by mixed-fed (2.97 ± 3.19) and breastfed children (1.75 ± 2.99). Kruskal–Wallis analysis showed significant differences in dmft among groups (p = 0.005), with breastfed children having lower dmft than both formula-fed (p = 0.009) and mixed-fed (p = 0.006) children. Caries presence was significantly associated with feeding type (χ² = 14.00, p = 0.001) and fluoride toothpaste use (χ² = 7.56, p = 0.023). A weak negative correlation was observed between dmft and breastfeeding duration (ρ = −0.266, p = 0.007). Logistic regression identified longer breastfeeding duration (OR = 0.889, 95% CI: 0.81–0.97, p = 0.010) and use of fluoride toothpaste (OR = 0.323, 95% CI: 0.13–0.81, p = 0.012) as protective factors against dental caries. Parental questionnaire responses suggested prolonged bottle feeding and nocturnal feeding habits as contributing factors. Conclusions: Longer breastfeeding duration and regular use of fluoride toothpaste were associated with lower risk of dental caries in children. Formula feeding was associated with higher dmft scores. Infant feeding practices significantly influence the risk of early childhood caries. Encouraging breastfeeding and educating parents on appropriate weaning and oral hygiene measures may reduce ECC incidence and support better long-term oral health outcomes.

Absztrakt: Bevezetés: A fogazat a szervezet egységes részeként nem képez kivételt az embernek a fejlődéstani okokból és életformából következő fizikai antropológiai változásai alól. A különböző káros stresszhatások mellett a természetes kiválasztódás is hozzájárul bizonyos fogmorfológiai jellemzők hangsúlyosabbá válásához. Célkitűzés: Középkori embertani leletek és mai páciensek gipszmintáin végzett odontometriai elemzés eredményeinek, valamint a járulékos csücskök jelenlétének összehasonlítása. Anyag és módszer: A 19 embertani leletből származó 132, valamint 30 páciens modelljén meglévő 694 fog morfológiai jellegzetességeit figyeltük meg. A koronák mesiodistalis, incisivogingivalis és vestibulooralis átmérőinek kétdimenziós képanalízise során nyert értékeit összehasonlítottuk, és megvizsgáltuk az antropológiai szempontból kiemelt fontosságú Carabelli- és taloncsücsköket. Eredmények: A XIV. századi és a jelenkori fogak méretei között statisztikai szempontból jelentős változást találtunk néhány fogcsoport esetében. A középkori leleteken az oldalsó fogak kevésbé széles koronával rendelkeztek, mint a mai populációban mért fogak. A történeti leleteken talált Carabelli-csücskök a Dahlberg-skála szerinti 1. és 3. fokozathoz tartoztak (23,07%-os előfordulás), míg a mai eseteken megfigyelt Carabelli-csücskök a 3., 4., 5., 6. és 7. fokozathoz tartoztak (50,90%-os előfordulás). Taloncsücsökkel a jelenkori csoportban találkoztunk, mindössze egy esetben. Következtetés: A vizsgált jelenkori fogakon a Carabelli-csücskök hangsúlyosabb morfológiai formában és nagyobb gyakorisággal jelentek meg, ami a mai populáció europid jellegét hangsúlyozza. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(30): 1235–1240. Introduction: Teeth, as an integral part of human organism, are not exceptions from the physical anthropology changes caused by biological evolution and the way of living. Different stress factors and the natural selection are contributing to the emphasis of certain morphological characteristics. Aim: Comparison of dental metric characteristics and the presence of accessory tooth cusps between human remains from the Middle Ages and dental study models of today’s patients. Material and method: Morphological characteristics of 132 teeth from 19 skulls and 694 teeth on dental models of 30 patients were examined. The mesiodistal, incisivocervical and buccolingual diameters of crowns were measured by a validated 2D image analysis method. Carabelli and talon cusps were also examined using a magnifying glass. Results: Statistically significant differences between the size of the 14th-century and the present-day teeth were found in some of the teeth groups. In medieval artifacts, lateral teeth had smaller crown width than teeth measured in the contemporary population. The Carabelli cusps found in the archeological human remains belonged to grades 1 and 3 on Dahlberg scale (23.07%), while the Carabelli cusps observed in the contemporary group belonged to grades 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (50.90%). Talon cusp occurred only once in the contemporary group. Conclusion: In case of the contemporary teeth, the Carabelli cusps appeared in a more pronounced morphological form and with a higher frequency, which emphasizes the European origin of today’s population. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(30): 1235–1240.