Restorative procedures for caries affecting primary molars are a daily challenge for pediatric dentistry, and one of the main factors influencing the results of these restorative procedures is the choice of dental material used: bioactive materials were recently introduced, combining the strength of composites and the benefits of glass ionomers. The present study’s objective is to clinically evaluate the aesthetic, functional and biological properties of Activa™ Bioactive composite in approximal and occlusal carious lesions for 1 year using the FDI criteria for evaluating direct dental restorations. Forty-five children with occlusal or approximal caries in first or second primary molars were included in the study: the cavities were then randomized to be restored with either Activa BioActive or SDR Bulk-fill and evaluated over time according to Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) criteria. Results showed that Activa BioActive composite has similar performance over time compared to Bulk-fill composite, for both functional and aesthetic properties. Thus, within the limitations of this study, including the short follow-up period, it can be concluded that bioactive materials might be the material of choice to restore primary molars. A longer follow-up period is desirable to confirm these findings.

Aim. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical defects and etiological factors potentially involved in the onset of MIH in a pediatric sample. Methods. 120 children, selected from the university dental clinic, were included: 60 children (25 boys and 35 girls; average age: 9.8 ± 1.8 years) with MIH formed the test group and 60 children (27 boys and 33 girls; average age: 10.1 ± 2 years) without MIH constituted the control group. Distribution and severity of MIH defects were evaluated, and a questionnaire was used to investigate the etiological variables; chi-square, univariate, and multivariate statistical tests were performed (significance level set at p<0.05). Results. A total of 186 molars and 98 incisors exhibited MIH defects: 55 molars and 75 incisors showed mild defects, 91 molars and 20 incisors had moderate lesions, and 40 molars and 3 incisors showed severe lesions. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis showed a significant association (p<0.05) between MIH and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders and the antibiotics used during pregnancy (0.019). Conclusions. Moderate defects were more frequent in the molars, while mild lesions were more frequent in the incisors. Antibiotics used during pregnancy and ENT may be directly involved in the etiology of MIH in children.

Conservative dentistry in primary dentition aims to remove and repair existing carious lesions and to prevent secondary caries up until exfoliation of the primary tooth happens, in order to maintain the important role in terms of the space maintenance and guidance for eruption that deciduous teeth have. Many different materials are used, and some of them, recently commercialized, show bioactive properties able to prevent secondary caries. This trial’s primary focus is to evaluate the biological, functional, and aesthetic characteristics of Cention-N alkasite material compared to glass ionomer cement (GIC) through the use of standardized FDI criteria for direct restorations. A blinded, split-mouth study was designed for this purpose, including 112 deciduous molars in 45 children showing class II caries restored with either GIC or alkasite material. The data from this study indicates that the Cention-N alkasite material showed equal performance compared with Fuji IX GIC after one year. A thorough evaluation of exfoliated teeth restored with this material will provide long-term data and an evaluation on infiltration rates.

Primary dentition is crucial in influencing the emergence of permanent teeth. Premature primary tooth loss can result in undesired tooth motions and space loss in the permanent dentition. Typically, fixed or removable dental appliances are adopted to maintain edentulous space until the eruption of permanent teeth. However, traditional space maintainers have limitations in terms of variability in tooth anatomy, potential allergic reactions in some individuals (i.e., nickel sensitivity), difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene, and patient acceptance. The present study introduces a fully digital framework for the design and manufacturing of customized pediatric unilateral space maintainers using generative algorithms. The proposed approach overcomes the current challenges by using a biocompatible resin material and optimizing the device’s size, design, and color. The methodology involves intraoral scanning, surface selection, and trim, generative 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and additive manufacturing (AM) through vat photopolymerization. FEA results demonstrate the device’s mechanical performance and reliability, while additive manufacturing ensures design freedom, high resolution, surface finishing, dimensional accuracy, and proper fit. The mechanical interlocking system facilitates easy and effective positioning of the device. This digital approach offers the potential for wider usage of space maintainers and can be further validated through experimental assessments and clinical studies.