Gabriela Fernandes Paiva Oliveira, Alexandre Silva, Yuri de Lima Medeiros, Isabel Cristina Gonçalves Leite, Karina Lopes Devito, Matheus Furtado Carvalho
{"title":"Cone beam computed tomography-based morphometric analysis of the coronoid process.","authors":"Gabriela Fernandes Paiva Oliveira, Alexandre Silva, Yuri de Lima Medeiros, Isabel Cristina Gonçalves Leite, Karina Lopes Devito, Matheus Furtado Carvalho","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The coronoid process plays a key role in mandibular function, but its morphometric characteristics remain underexplored. This cross-sectional study aimed to perform a detailed morphometric analysis of the coronoid process using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Coronoid height, condylar height, coronoid thickness, and coronoid-zygomatic distance were mea-sured bilaterally on CBCT images of 194 women and 149 men aged 18 to 86 years. The coronoid-condylar ratio (CCR) was analyzed in terms of the coronoid-condyle index, in which a CCR of 1.07 or less (≤ 1.07) is considered normal; a CCR greater than 1.07 and up to 1.15 (1.07 < CCR ≤ 1.15) is considered suggestive of pathology and should be investigated; and a CCR greater than 1.15 (> 1.15) is considered indicative of coronoid process hyperplasia. Statistical analyses included Student t test, analysis of variance, and Tukey tests for parametric measurements and Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Bonferroni tests for nonparametric measurements. A significance level of 5% was adopted. The measurements revealed that the coronoid process height was significantly greater in men than in women, but there were no statistically significant differences between age groups. The greatest condylar heights were observed in men, but the difference from the heights in women was only significant on the right side. Condylar height measurements differed with age; values decreased significantly on both sides beginning at 35 years. The coronoid thickness and coronoid-zygomatic distance were significantly reduced in individuals 35 years and older but did not differ between the sexes. There was a predominance of CCRs ≤ 1.15 on both sides, and CCRs > 1.15 were concentrated in patients aged 54 years or older. This study provides CBCT-based morphometric reference data on the coronoid process, highlighting variations by sex and age that may support diagnosis and improve surgical planning in cases of suspected anatomical alterations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 5","pages":"45-50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148791492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Natalia Vazquez Marrero, Oscar Arevalo, Carolina Duarte, Lesbia B Drukteinis
{"title":"Access to orthodontic services for pediatric and Medicaid-enrolled populations: a survey of non-orthodontists.","authors":"Natalia Vazquez Marrero, Oscar Arevalo, Carolina Duarte, Lesbia B Drukteinis","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the demographics, practice characteristics, service mix, and barriers faced by general and pediatric dentists in the provision of orthodontic care to the pediatric population, including children enrolled in Medicaid programs. A 31-item questionnaire was developed and distributed by email to 567 members of the Academy of Gp Orthodontics and the American Orthodontic Society. Analyses included descriptive and inferential statistical methods: chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Student t tests; analysis of variance; and Spearman correlation. A value of (P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. Thirty-four practitioners (6.0%), the majority male (58.8%), completed the survey. The mean (SD) age of respondents was 53.3 (11.8) years, and on average they had been practicing 23.3 (12.9) years. Respondents primarily practiced in suburban areas (47.1%), and most identified as general dentists (85.3%). Only 23.5% reported providing orthodontic services to children enrolled in Medicaid. The most common reasons for not participating in the program included low reimbursement rates, difficulty with billing, and patient noncompliance. Although time dedicated to orthodontic services varied, the majority (55.9%) allocated 10% to 25% of their practice time to such treatments. Most respondents (79.4%) referred cases to orthodontists, mainly Class III malocclusions (30.6%) and open bites (23.6%). General and pediatric dentists increase access to orthodontic services by evaluating patients, rendering care, and, when appropriate, referring patients to specialists. Respondents to this survey reported multiple barriers to providing orthodontic care, particularly for the Medicaid population. These findings underscore the need for reforms to address financial and administrative barriers to orthodontic care, particularly for underserved populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"40-48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Guided eruption of an impacted maxillary right canine: a multidisciplinary case report.","authors":"Marina Mirzabekian, Narine Arutiunian","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Maxillary canine impaction is a relatively common eruption disturbance that can compromise smile esthetics and functional occlusion. Successful management of impacted canines often requires a multidisciplinary approach combining surgical exposure, orthodontic traction, and radiographic monitoring. A 16-year-old girl presented with a chief concern of dissatisfaction with her smile esthetics. Clinical and radiographic evaluations revealed a palatally impacted maxillary right canine and a retained primary maxillary right canine, which was subsequently extracted. Orthodontic treatment was initiated to create adequate space for eruption of the impacted tooth. Following conservative surgical exposure from the palatal aspect, an orthodontic button with an elastic chain was bonded to the exposed crown. Light continuous forces were applied to gradually guide the tooth into the dental arch. Periodic cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) confirmed favorable tooth movement and the absence of resorption of adjacent roots. The multidisciplinary approach demonstrated in this case--integrating surgical exposure, orthodontic biomechanics, and CBCT monitoring--allowed for controlled eruption of the impacted canine with maintenance of bone integrity, resulting in esthetic improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"56-60"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Application of orthodontic elastics for the treatment of midline diastemas.","authors":"Rahul Kulkarni, Harshit Agarwal, Rakeshkumar Kontham","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with a midline diastema smaller than 2 mm are often treated with orthodontic elastics applied on composite resin esthetic buttons bonded to incisors or incorporated in clear removable trays. However, these methods of applying elastics for diastema closure have shortcomings, including the additional clinical steps of etching the facial tooth surface and bonding for composite resin buttons; occlusal derangement and dependence on patient compliance for trays; and compromised esthetics for both treatment approaches. This article presents an alternative technique that overcomes the limitations of those methods by applying orthodontic elastics directly on the central incisors without the use of esthetic buttons or removable trays. The technique can lead to tipping of the incisors and therefore is restricted to treatment of diastemas up to 2 mm. The technique is straightforward to perform with readily available materials and can be performed by a general dentist. Once the desired space closure is achieved, the corrected position of the incisors can be retained with a resin-bonded splint to counter labial tipping movement and aid in root alignment. In some cases, esthetic restorations such as laminate veneers are indicated to close the redistributed interdental spaces, and the contact areas of the restorations could serve as a form of retention.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"61-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cristiano Pires E Silva, Odirlei Arruda Malaspina, Roberta Tarkany Basting
{"title":"Influence of the thickness of high-translucency ceramics on the bond strength of a universal resin cement following different storage times.","authors":"Cristiano Pires E Silva, Odirlei Arruda Malaspina, Roberta Tarkany Basting","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Light transmission during photopolymerization is reduced by the intrinsic optical properties of ceramics, which vary with material and thickness. The higher translucency of lithium disilicate contrasts with the chemical inertness and opacity of third-generation zirconia materials, which often require dual-cure resin cements to ensure adequate polymerization. This study evaluated the influence of the thickness of lithium disilicate and monolithic zirconia ceramics on the bond strength of a universal resin cement following 24 hours and 6 months of water storage. High-translucency lithium disilicate and zirconia discs were milled in 2 thicknesses: 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm (n = 10). Cylinders of light-curing resin cement, 0.7 mm in diameter, were bonded following application of a universal adhesive system. Microshear bond strength testing and failure mode analysis were performed after 24 hours and 6 months of water storage in a temperature-controlled, light-protected environment. Mixed generalized linear models showed that the 1.5-mm zirconia group presented a higher mean bond strength (P < 0.05). The 1.5-mm zirconia group showed significantly higher mean bond strengths than the 1.5-mm lithium disilicate group at both evaluation times (P < 0.05). Both 0.5- and 1.5-mm-thick zirconia discs exhibited a statistically significant reduction in bond strength after 6 months of storage (P < 0.05), whereas lithium disilicate discs in both thicknesses maintained stable bond strengths over time (P > 0.05). The chi-square test revealed a significant association between premature failure and the material group, with no premature failures occurring in the 0.5-mm lithium disilicate group after either storage time. Although the bond strength of zirconia decreased over time, 1.5-mm-thick zirconia still attained a higher value than 1.5-mm-thick lithium disilicate at the 6-month timepoint. Lithium disilicate showed stable values at both thicknesses.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"70-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael L Abromovage, Monica P Schneider, Jeffery B Price, John K Brooks, Nasir Bashirelahi
{"title":"What every dentist needs to know about the use of artificial intelligence in orthodontic treatment planning.","authors":"Michael L Abromovage, Monica P Schneider, Jeffery B Price, John K Brooks, Nasir Bashirelahi","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into orthodontic treatment planning has the potential to transform the profession of orthodontics, offering the ability to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization while increasing clinical productivity. The objective of this article is to discuss how AI can streamline orthodontic workflows through automated functions, including cephalometric analysis, appliance designs, predictive simulations, and real-time patient monitoring. Both supervised and unsupervised machine learning operations allow deep learning algorithms to process large, complex datasets, optimizing diagnoses and enhancing treatment outcome predictions. Furthermore, AI can enhance patient-clinician communication through treatment visualizations that more closely align expectations with projected results, thereby achieving greater patient compliance and satisfaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"28-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carolyn Griffin, Qingzhao Yu, Nubaira Rizvi, Richard W Ballard, Paul C Armbruster
{"title":"Assessing the perceived need for maxillary expansion: a survey of general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists.","authors":"Carolyn Griffin, Qingzhao Yu, Nubaira Rizvi, Richard W Ballard, Paul C Armbruster","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated and compared the perceptions of general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists regarding the need for transverse maxillary expansion for Class I malocclusions with posterior crossbite. An electronic survey consisting of digitally manipulated intraoral images depicting 8 clinical scenarios was distributed to 10,000 general dentists, 8734 pediatric dentists, and 2400 orthodontists. A total of 566 practitioners responded (2.7% response rate): 85 general dentists, 339 pediatric dentists, and 142 orthodontists. For each case, participants assessed the need for expansion, type of expansion, and referral preferences. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression, which were adjusted for specialty, years of experience, and geographic region. Significant differences in perception were observed in 6 of the 8 cases (P < 0.05), primarily influenced by specialty training. Orthodontists demonstrated significantly higher odds of recommending expansion than general dentists, particularly in more complex presentations. Pediatric dentists more frequently opted for referral rather than treatment. Neither years of practice nor geographic region significantly influenced diagnostic decisions. Survey reliability demonstrated moderate to substantial agreement across repeated cases (κ = 0.424 to 0.677), and power analysis indicated sufficient sample size and effect sizes for most scenarios. These findings suggest that specialty training strongly influences the perceived need for transverse maxillary expansion, highlighting a potential need for enhanced orthodontic diagnostic education in dental and pediatric residency programs to promote consistency in the diagnosis and management of transverse discrepancies across dental specialties.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"21-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Geetika Pable, Suparna G Saha, Mainak K Saha, Rolly Agarwal, Manasi Kewlani, Affrin Shaikh
{"title":"Effect of immediate vs delayed polishing on the surface roughness of microhybrid and nanohybrid composite resins.","authors":"Geetika Pable, Suparna G Saha, Mainak K Saha, Rolly Agarwal, Manasi Kewlani, Affrin Shaikh","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the surface roughness of microhybrid and nanohybrid composite resins subjected to polishing procedures immediately after curing or after 24 hours of immersion in distilled water. Two groups, comprising a total of 60 disc-shaped (10 × 2-mm) specimens, were prepared using microhybrid and nanohybrid composite resins (n = 30 per material) and further categorized into subgroups based on the polishing protocol. Specimens were fabricated by packing the appropriate composite resin into a cylindrical mold, compressing the material between transparent polyester film strips at both ends, and curing each side of the specimen with an LED light for 40 seconds. All specimens were finished immediately after polymerization using a 12-fluted tungsten carbide bur in a high-speed handpiece for 15 seconds under water cooling. The specimens in each material group were then divided into 2 subgroups (n = 15 each). One subgroup was polished immediately after finishing; the other was stored in distilled water at 37°C in a dark environment for 24 hours prior to polishing. Polishing was performed using a planar motion with 10 strokes at a low speed of 12,000 rpm, applying light pressure for 30 seconds. Surface roughness (R<sub>a</sub>) was analyzed with a profilometer. Independent t tests were performed to compare the R<sub>a</sub> data of the groups, and values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The R<sub>a</sub> values of nanohybrid specimens were significantly lower than those of microhybrid specimens, regardless of whether polishing was performed immediately or delayed. Delayed polishing significantly reduced the R<sub>a</sub> values of both materials. Nanohybrid composite resins demonstrated superior polishability and surface smoothness, making them a preferred choice for both immediate and delayed polishing.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"65-68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lorena de Mello Alcântara Garrido, Marco Antônio Húngaro Duarte, Milena Perraro Martins, Índia Olinto de Azevedo Queiroz, Ana Grasiela Limoeiro, Clovis Monteiro Bramante
{"title":"Evaluation of the push-out bond strength of fiber posts in canals treated with conventional or ultrasonic preparation protocols.","authors":"Lorena de Mello Alcântara Garrido, Marco Antônio Húngaro Duarte, Milena Perraro Martins, Índia Olinto de Azevedo Queiroz, Ana Grasiela Limoeiro, Clovis Monteiro Bramante","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This in vitro study aimed to compare the effects of conventional and ultrasonic root canal preparation on the adhesion of glass fiber posts to root canal dentin. A total of 20 human maxillary central incisors were instrumented and then filled with gutta percha and sealant using the lateral condensation technique. The teeth were randomly divided into 2 equal groups (n = 10), gutta percha was removed, and canals were prepared using a different protocol for each group: in the conventional group, a Gates-Glidden drill, a Largo drill, and post bur kit were used; in the ultrasonic group, ultrasonic tips were operated in endo mode. Microcomputed tomography was used to confirm complete removal of the filling material, and fiber posts were cemented with self-adhesive resin cement. The apical ends of the roots were discarded, and the remaining portions were transversely sectioned into 3 segments, each 1.5 mm thick. The sections underwent push-out testing to determine bond strength, and the adhesion defects were examined with scanning electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy to determine the failure mode. Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, followed by analysis of variance with Tukey test for group comparisons and chi-square tests to evaluate any associations regarding failure mode. A 5% significance level was applied. Tukey tests revealed that the conventional group exhibited statistically significant lower push-out bond strengths than the ultrasonic preparation groups across all thirds; no statistically significant differences were noted among the cervical, middle, and apical thirds within the same group. There were no statistically significant differences in failure modes between the preparation groups, and adhesive failure was the most prevalent mode. The ultrasonic method effectively removed gutta percha from canals and enhanced the bond strength of fiber posts.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"34-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
John K Brooks, Elvia D Jimenez Ciriaco, Sara D Meade, Azin Parsa, Ahmed S Sultan, Jeffery B Price, Rafael F Casasola-Barrios, Christina L Platia, Abdullah Hanfesh, Joshua E Lubek
{"title":"Giant compound odontoma associated with a severely displaced mandibular canine: a case report.","authors":"John K Brooks, Elvia D Jimenez Ciriaco, Sara D Meade, Azin Parsa, Ahmed S Sultan, Jeffery B Price, Rafael F Casasola-Barrios, Christina L Platia, Abdullah Hanfesh, Joshua E Lubek","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Giant odontomas are infrequently encountered in clinical practice. The objective of this article is to present a well-documented case report with radiographic and surgical images of a compound odontoma arising in the mandibular anterior region. Other salient findings of the case included displacement of multiple proximate teeth, overretention of a primary canine with extensive root resorption, an impacted permanent mandibular canine lying along the inferior cortical plate, and painless clinical expansion of the affected alveolar bone. The lesion was easily enucleated, and the surgical specimen exhibited numerous tooth-like structures, consistent with a compound odontoma. At the 6-month follow-up, radiographic imaging demonstrated evidence of osseous regeneration of the surgical site.</p>","PeriodicalId":12571,"journal":{"name":"General dentistry","volume":"74 4","pages":"49-54"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148294560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}