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Search Results (690)

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Keywords = demineralization

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15 pages, 1845 KB  
Article
Effect of Demineralization on Fatigue-Based Shear Bond Strength Across Different Orthodontic Brackets: An In Vitro Study
by Taylan Aydoğan, Orhan Cicek and Mehmet Yetmez
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062136 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 80
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Demineralization around orthodontic brackets may compromise enamel integrity and alter the mechanical stability of the bracket–adhesive–enamel interface, thereby influencing bond performance and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of enamel demineralization on the fatigue-based shear bond strength (SBS) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Demineralization around orthodontic brackets may compromise enamel integrity and alter the mechanical stability of the bracket–adhesive–enamel interface, thereby influencing bond performance and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of enamel demineralization on the fatigue-based shear bond strength (SBS) of different orthodontic brackets. Methods: Seventy-five extracted maxillary premolars subjected to demineralization were allocated into five groups (n = 15 per group). Victory metal (Group 1), APC Clarity Advanced ceramic (Group 2), Clarity Self-ligating ceramic (Group 3), Gemini metal (Group 4), and Clarity Advanced ceramic (Group 5) brackets were bonded to the tooth surfaces using Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA). The mean demineralization values of the specimens were recorded before demineralization (T0) and after exposure to an artificial cariogenic environment (T1). Fatigue-based SBS was evaluated under cyclic loading (10 N, 0.5 Hz) at a crosshead speed of 300 mm/min using a closed-loop controlled, low-cycle fatigue testing machine and expressed as the number of shear strokes to failure. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: No significant differences in demineralization were observed among the groups at T0 (p > 0.05); however, all groups showed significant increases at T1 (p < 0.05), with Group 1 demonstrating significantly lower demineralization than the other groups (p < 0.05). Fatigue-based SBS was higher in Groups 1, 3, and 5 than in Groups 2 and 4, as indicated by a greater number of shear strokes to failure (p < 0.05). In Groups 2 and 4, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between changes in enamel demineralization and the number of shear strokes to failure (p < 0.05). No hard tissue damage was observed in Group 5 during fatigue testing. Conclusions: Increased demineralization may adversely affect fatigue-based SBS and increase the risk of hard tissue damage. Under plaque-related demineralization conditions, Victory metal and Clarity Advanced ceramic brackets may demonstrate more favorable fatigue bond behavior; however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontics: Current Advances and Future Options)
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15 pages, 2006 KB  
Article
Herbal and Alcohol-Free Mouthwashes as Chlorhexidine Alternatives for Preventing Enamel Demineralization in Orthodontic Patients: An In Vitro Study
by Nyema A. Abualsaud, Shahad T. Alameer, Lama M. Alshamrani, Abdulaziz S. Alamri, Naif N. Almasoud, Suliman Y. Shahin, Mohammed M. Gad, Osama A. Alsulaiman, Abdulrahman A. Balhaddad and Ahmed A. Alsulaiman
Dent. J. 2026, 14(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14030131 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 239
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chlorhexidine (CHX) and alcoholic (A+) mouthwashes are associated with adverse oral effects. Therefore, this study compared the efficacies of non-alcoholic mouthwashes, including fluoride (A−) and herbal (Hr) rinses, for preventing bacterial accumulation and enamel demineralization around metal brackets (MBs), ceramic brackets (CBs), [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chlorhexidine (CHX) and alcoholic (A+) mouthwashes are associated with adverse oral effects. Therefore, this study compared the efficacies of non-alcoholic mouthwashes, including fluoride (A−) and herbal (Hr) rinses, for preventing bacterial accumulation and enamel demineralization around metal brackets (MBs), ceramic brackets (CBs), and resin composite attachments (RCAs). Methods: Following the exposure to CHX, A+, A−, and Hr rinses for 1 min, the growth of Streptococcus mutans on MB, CB, and RCA was assessed using colony-forming units and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Controls included attachments without intervention. In another setting, enamel with bonded attachments was exposed to mouthwashes for 1 min and subjected to cariogenic demineralization for 24 h. Enamel’s Vickers microhardness was measured before and after the demineralization challenge. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and one-/two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s tests. Results: CHX mouthwash demonstrated superior antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans biofilms across all orthodontic attachments (p < 0.05). On metallic brackets, CHX (0 ± 0 log10) and A− (1.7 ± 0.4 log10) significantly (p < 0.001) outperformed controls (6.9 ± 0.1 log10), Hr (6.08 ± 0.2 log10), and A+ (6.2 ± 0.6 log10). Similar patterns emerged for ceramic brackets, with CHX (0 ± 0 log10) and A− (1.4 ± 0 log10) superior to controls (6.6 ± 0.4 log10). On resin composite attachments, CHX (2.9 ± 0.05 log10) and Hr (3.4 ± 0.08 log10) exceeded controls (5.4 ± 0.09 log10) in inhibiting the biofilm growth (p < 0.05). Enamel microhardness reduction was significantly influenced by attachment type (p < 0.0001) and mouthwash type (p = 0.0063), with significant interaction between variables (p = 0.0052). Conclusions: CHX and A− mouthwashes effectively inhibited S. mutans biofilms on orthodontic attachments, while attachment type and mouthwash significantly influenced enamel microhardness reduction. Full article
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24 pages, 2038 KB  
Article
Evaluating the Managerial Feasibility of an AI-Based Tooth-Percussion Signal Screening Concept for Dental Caries: An In Silico Study
by Stefan Lucian Burlea, Călin Gheorghe Buzea, Irina Nica, Florin Nedeff, Diana Mirila, Valentin Nedeff, Lacramioara Ochiuz, Lucian Dobreci, Maricel Agop and Ioana Rudnic
Diagnostics 2026, 16(4), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16040638 - 22 Feb 2026
Viewed by 376
Abstract
Background: Early detection of dental caries is essential for effective oral health management. Current diagnostic workflows rely heavily on radiographic imaging, which involves infrastructure requirements, workflow coordination, and resource considerations that may limit frequent use in high-throughput or resource-constrained settings. These contextual factors [...] Read more.
Background: Early detection of dental caries is essential for effective oral health management. Current diagnostic workflows rely heavily on radiographic imaging, which involves infrastructure requirements, workflow coordination, and resource considerations that may limit frequent use in high-throughput or resource-constrained settings. These contextual factors motivate exploration of adjunct screening concepts that could support front-end triage decisions within existing care pathways. This study evaluates, in simulation, whether modeled tooth-percussion response signals contain sufficient discriminative information to justify further translational and managerial investigation. Implementation costs, workflow optimization, and economic outcomes are not evaluated directly; rather, the objective is to assess whether the technical preconditions for a potentially scalable screening concept are satisfied under controlled in silico conditions. Methods: An in silico model of tooth percussion was developed in which enamel, dentin, and pulp/root structures were represented as a simplified layered mechanical system. Impulse responses generated from simulated tapping were used to compute the modeled surface-vibration response (enamel-layer displacement), which served as a proxy for a measurable percussion-related signal (e.g., contact vibration), rather than a recorded acoustic waveform. Carious conditions were simulated through depth-dependent reductions in stiffness and effective mass and increases in damping to represent enamel and dentin demineralization. A synthetic dataset of labeled simulated signals was generated under varying structural parameters and measurement-noise assumptions. Machine-learning models using Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) features were trained to classify healthy teeth, enamel caries, and dentin caries at a screening (triage) level. Results: Under baseline simulation conditions, the classifier achieved an overall accuracy of 0.97 with balanced macro-averaged F1-score (0.97). Misclassifications occurred primarily between healthy and enamel-caries categories, whereas dentin-caries cases were most consistently identified. When measurement noise and structural variability were increased, performance declined gradually, reaching approximately 0.90 accuracy under the most challenging simulated scenario. These results indicate that discriminative information is present within the modeled signals at a screening (triage) level, meaning that higher-risk categories can be distinguished probabilistically rather than with definitive diagnostic certainty. Sensitivity and specificity trade-offs were not optimized in this study, as the objective was to assess separability rather than to define clinical decision thresholds. Conclusions: Within the constraints of the in silico model, simulated tooth-percussion response signals demonstrated discriminative patterns between healthy, enamel caries, and dentin caries categories at a screening (triage) level. These findings establish technical plausibility under controlled simulation conditions and support further investigation of percussion-based screening as a potential adjunct to clinical assessment. From a healthcare management perspective, the present results address a prerequisite question—whether such signals contain sufficient information to justify translational research, rather than demonstrating workflow optimization, cost reduction, or system-level impact. Clinical validation, threshold optimization, and implementation studies are required before managerial or operational benefits can be evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics)
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20 pages, 2262 KB  
Review
Toward a Functional and Conceptual Framework for Adhesive Materials: The Role of Etching Technique
by Miguel Angel Muñoz and Issis Luque-Martinez
Dent. J. 2026, 14(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14020119 - 18 Feb 2026
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The classification of adhesive systems has historically relied on the type of etching agent and the sequence of application steps, distinguishing etch-and-rinse and self-etch categories. However, these models do not encompass the versatility introduced by universal adhesives or other emerging polymeric [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The classification of adhesive systems has historically relied on the type of etching agent and the sequence of application steps, distinguishing etch-and-rinse and self-etch categories. However, these models do not encompass the versatility introduced by universal adhesives or other emerging polymeric materials. This review aimed to integrate etching technique as a defining parameter within adhesive classification, linking material composition, bonding strategy, and clinical execution into a coherent functional framework. Methods: A structured narrative review of experimental, translational, and clinical studies published between 2010 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed and Scopus. Literature addressing adhesive categories, etching strategies, etching techniques, and smear layer characteristics was critically synthesized to identify functional relationships relevant to bonding performance and clinical decision-making. Results: The proposed taxonomy classifies materials as conventional, universal, touch-cure primers, self-adhesive/universal, and glass ionomer cements. Bonding strategies are organized as etch-and-rinse, self-etch, pre-etched, and unassisted, while etching techniques are defined as selective or nonselective families encompassing five clinically defined techniques. Incorporating etching technique clarifies the role of smear layer density, the acidity of adhesive materials, and functional monomer reactivity in demineralization and bonding. This structure enhances the understanding and teaching of adhesive concepts and supports evidence-based clinical selection of materials and techniques. Conclusions: Integrating etching technique into adhesive classification provides a functional and dynamic framework that unifies material, strategy, and technique. This taxonomy facilitates clinical decision-making and can evolve with future adhesive formulations. Further independent, long-term studies are warranted to validate the proposed combinations of materials and etching procedures. Full article
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17 pages, 687 KB  
Review
Clinical Roles of Nanoparticles in Orthodontic Bonding Materials
by Maria Arampatzi, Ellas Spyratou, Iosif Sifakakis and Efstathios P. Efstathopoulos
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041996 - 17 Feb 2026
Viewed by 291
Abstract
Orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances increases the risk of enamel demineralization and biofilm accumulation around brackets and other devices. Conventional orthodontic bonding materials provide adequate mechanical retention but limited bioactive protection. This narrative review summarizes current in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence [...] Read more.
Orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances increases the risk of enamel demineralization and biofilm accumulation around brackets and other devices. Conventional orthodontic bonding materials provide adequate mechanical retention but limited bioactive protection. This narrative review summarizes current in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence on nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated into orthodontic adhesives and cements, focusing on antimicrobial and remineralizing effects, mechanical performance, potential clinical relevance, and safety. Electronic searches of PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar identified laboratory, animal, and human studies evaluating NP-modified orthodontic bonding systems. Most available data derive from in vitro experiments, which consistently show that silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, calcium phosphate-based particles, and related nanoparticles can inhibit cariogenic biofilms, reduce enamel demineralization surrogates, and, in many formulations, maintain clinically acceptable shear bond strength while enabling fluoride or calcium/phosphate ion release. A smaller number of in vivo and short-term clinical studies suggest reduced plaque accumulation and fewer or less severe white-spot lesions when nanoparticle-containing materials are used, although study designs and outcome measures are heterogeneous. Overall, NP-enhanced orthodontic bonding materials appear promising for combining mechanical durability with biological protection. However, the current level of evidence is limited by the predominance of in vitro data, small sample sizes, and short follow-up in clinical studies. Well-designed, long-term clinical trials with standardized outcomes are required before routine clinical adoption can be recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Advanced Therapies in Oral Health)
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20 pages, 1305 KB  
Systematic Review
Dentinal Grafts, a Promising Material for Alveolar Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Syed Kowsar Ahamed, Saverio Cosola, Ali Abdullah Alqarni, Shaimaa Mohammed Alarabi, Naif Alwithanani, Fahad Saeed Algahtani, Giovanni Battista Menchini-Fabris, Yasemin Sezgin and Roshan Noor Mohamed
Dent. J. 2026, 14(2), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14020100 - 10 Feb 2026
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Background: Post-extraction alveolar ridge is an important factor affecting dental implant restoration. Among myriads of bone grafting materials, dentinal grafts are gaining faster popularity among clinicians. Unlike conventional xenografts derived from animal sources, these autogenous materials may offer advantages in terms of [...] Read more.
Background: Post-extraction alveolar ridge is an important factor affecting dental implant restoration. Among myriads of bone grafting materials, dentinal grafts are gaining faster popularity among clinicians. Unlike conventional xenografts derived from animal sources, these autogenous materials may offer advantages in terms of biocompatibility and cost. Objective: This article aims to compare their performance with other commonly used materials, like xenografts, or natural blood clots and to examine whether they could maintain bone quality and quantity during socket healing with better properties than the rest of the graft materials in terms of implants success rate. Methods: This search was conducted in multiple medical databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar) for studies published between 2015 and 2025. This search focused exclusively on randomized controlled trials. The study quality was assigned by using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, performing statistical pooling of results using random-effects meta-analysis when appropriate. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials involving 249 patients and 281 bone graft sites were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dentinal grafts produced significant increase in formation of new bone compared to xenografts (12.4% greater, 95% CI: 6.8–18.0%, p < 0.001). The grafts also resorbed more completely, leaving less foreign material behind (8.6% less residual material, p < 0.001). Importantly, implants placed in bone preserved with dentinal grafts showed comparable stability and success rates to those in bone treated with xenografts. When compared to allowing sockets to heal naturally, dentinal grafts dramatically reduced bone loss by 60–70% horizontally and 65–75% vertically. Remarkably only minor complications were observed (2.2%), with no serious adverse events across all studies. Conclusions: Our analysis indicates that dentinal grafts represent a viable and potentially superior alternative to conventional xenografts for not only preserving alveolar bone after tooth extraction but also in any existing bone defects. The evidence particularly supports using partially demineralized preparations. These materials demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, produce good bone quality, and offer cost advantages. Full article
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16 pages, 1258 KB  
Article
Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations for Predicting Rheological Behavior of Casein Micelle Dispersions
by Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Sophie Barbe, Paulo Peixoto, Manon Hiolle, Frédéric Affouard and Guillaume Delaplace
Beverages 2026, 12(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages12020024 - 6 Feb 2026
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Handling dispersion of casein powders in water is widely encountered in the milk industry. However, in silico prediction of the apparent viscosity of these colloidal dispersions is not an easy task, especially when these micellar casein suspensions are highly concentrated, as in hyper-protein [...] Read more.
Handling dispersion of casein powders in water is widely encountered in the milk industry. However, in silico prediction of the apparent viscosity of these colloidal dispersions is not an easy task, especially when these micellar casein suspensions are highly concentrated, as in hyper-protein milk beverages, which are experiencing exponential market growth. In this work, Coarse-Grained (CG) models using Lennard-Jones potentials to model interactions were built for simulating rheological properties of colloidal micellar casein dispersions (native and demineralized). In a first approach, a polydisperse explicit CG model was developed. For this polydisperse CG model, the representation chain was composed of four large smooth spheres of different sizes mimicking the real distribution of casein colloids. The CG simulation results were validated by comparison with experimental rheological data for native colloidal casein dispersions. Both in-house experimental results and available data found in the literature were used for this purpose, covering a wide range of casein concentrations ([10 g/L–200 g/L], [8–20%] corresponding to casein concentration, colloid volume fraction and solid/liquid volume fraction, respectively). In a second approach, a simplified model using a monodisperse CG model was developed. This simplified model only included one type of soft sphere and was found to preserve the accuracy of the rheological prediction. Finally, a monodisperse CG model was set up to predict the behavior of demineralized micellar casein dispersions, for which a decrease in the average size of the micelle size distribution is observed when demineralization occurs. For all models, the comparison between the predicted and experimental rheological behavior is fully satisfactory, proving that the CG models proposed for casein-based micellar dispersions are physically well founded and that the proposed simplified representation chain, based on micelle size observation, makes sense. Full article
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17 pages, 3186 KB  
Article
Tooth Root-Derived Graft Promotes Complete Bone Replacement in Alveolar Ridge Preservation: Comparative Study with a Collagenic Xenograft in Dogs
by Yasushi Nakajima, Takahisa Iida, Elio Minetti, Maria Permuy, Giuliano Roberto, Ermenegildo Federico De Rossi, Giovanna Iezzi and Daniele Botticelli
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(2), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17020077 - 5 Feb 2026
Viewed by 474
Abstract
Background: Autogenous tooth-derived grafts have been proposed as an alternative to xenografts for alveolar ridge preservation, offering biological similarity to bone and potentially more favorable remodeling. This study compared the healing outcomes of a collagenated xenograft, and a tooth-derived graft prepared with an [...] Read more.
Background: Autogenous tooth-derived grafts have been proposed as an alternative to xenografts for alveolar ridge preservation, offering biological similarity to bone and potentially more favorable remodeling. This study compared the healing outcomes of a collagenated xenograft, and a tooth-derived graft prepared with an automated processing device. Methods: Six Beagle dogs underwent bilateral extraction of the third and fourth mandibular premolars. Each animal contributed two sockets grafted with root-derived particulate prepared using an automated device for tooth cleaning, grinding, and demineralization, and two sockets grafted with a collagenated xenograft, all covered by a collagen membrane. After 3 months, histological sections were analyzed to assess crestal dimensions and the relative proportions of mature (lamellar) and immature bone (woven/parallel fibered), residual graft material, and soft tissues. Results: Lingual crest height did not differ between groups, whereas the buccal crest was slightly higher at xenograft sites compared with the tooth-graft sites. The tooth-graft group exhibited significantly fewer residual particles (0.5 ± 1.1%) and a higher proportion of total bone (65.6 ± 9.1%) compared with the xenograft group, which showed 19.7 ± 16.0% graft remnants (p = 0.032). Corticalization at the socket entrance was observed predominantly in the tooth-graft sites. No inflammatory infiltrates were detected in the examined section. Conclusions: Tooth-derived grafts promoted an almost complete replacement by vital bone with minimal residual material, whereas xenografts provided slightly better buccal contour preservation but resulted in regenerated tissues containing persistent graft particles. The biological differences observed may have implications for subsequent implant placement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bone Biomaterials)
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23 pages, 755 KB  
Review
Dental Erosion Management: From Remineralization to Emerging Regenerative Approaches—A Narrative Review
by Ruvienath Daham Weerasinghe Rajapaksa, Yu-Ching Wang, Yong Chen Chin, Kevin Jang, Abdala Abdal-hay, Sašo Ivanovski and Sandleen Feroz
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020107 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 741
Abstract
Dental erosion has emerged as a significant modern oral health problem, characterized by the chemical dissolution of tooth structure resulting from frequent exposure to intrinsic or extrinsic acids. With a high global prevalence ranging from 30% to 50% in children and 20% to [...] Read more.
Dental erosion has emerged as a significant modern oral health problem, characterized by the chemical dissolution of tooth structure resulting from frequent exposure to intrinsic or extrinsic acids. With a high global prevalence ranging from 30% to 50% in children and 20% to 40% in adults, its management is a clinical priority to prevent long-term complications like dentine hypersensitivity and functional impairment. This review outlines the multifactorial etiology of erosion, encompassing dietary acids, gastroesophageal reflux, and reduced salivary flow. The historical context of oral care is explored, leading to a discussion on contemporary management strategies centered on remineralization. Fluoride ions play a crucial role by inhibiting demineralization, facilitating the formation of acid-resistant fluorapatite, and exerting antibacterial effects. A major focus is placed on advanced biomimetic, calcium phosphate-based topical agents such as Casein Phosphopeptide–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP), functionalized Tricalcium Phosphate (fTCP), and Hydroxyapatite (HAP), which effectively replenish lost minerals. The review further explores innovative methods, such as laser-assisted and electrically enhanced remineralization. Finally, it outlines next-generation regenerative strategies, including self-assembling peptides (P11-4), stem cell therapies, 3D bioprinting, and gene-editing (CRISPR) technologies, which aim to biologically regenerate lost enamel and dentine. The field is rapidly evolving from a preventive to a restorative paradigm, with future directions focusing on biologically based, minimally invasive therapies to fully restore tooth structure and function. Full article
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17 pages, 16432 KB  
Article
Enamel Remineralization Potential of Conventional and Biomimetic Toothpaste Formulations: A Comparative In Vitro Study
by Cristina-Angela Ghiorghe, Ionuţ Tărăboanţă, Sorin Andrian, Galina Pancu, Corneliu Munteanu, Bogdan Istrate, Fabian Cezar Lupu, Claudia Maxim and Ana Simona Barna
Dent. J. 2026, 14(2), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14020082 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, making enamel remineralization a key objective in minimally invasive dentistry. This in vitro study compared the remineralization efficacy of five therapeutic toothpastes containing fluoride, NovaMin, CPP-ACP, nano-hydroxyapatite, arginine, and xylitol. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, making enamel remineralization a key objective in minimally invasive dentistry. This in vitro study compared the remineralization efficacy of five therapeutic toothpastes containing fluoride, NovaMin, CPP-ACP, nano-hydroxyapatite, arginine, and xylitol. Methods: Sixty enamel specimens were prepared from extracted human posterior teeth and artificially demineralized. Samples were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10): one negative control (C1) stored in artificial saliva and five treatment groups (P1–P5). A 28-day remineralization protocol with twice-daily applications was performed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to assess surface morphology and elemental composition (Ca, P, F, Na, O, Ca/P ratio) at days 1, 14, and 28. Vickers microhardness testing was used to evaluate changes in mechanical properties. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, and Kruskal–Wallis where appropriate (α = 0.05). Results: All therapeutic toothpastes produced some increase in mineral content compared to the demineralized control. At day 28, significant intergroup differences were observed for calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride (p < 0.001). The arginine–fluoride formulation (P4) and the NovaMin-based formulation (P3) showed the most consistent increases in Ca and P, with SEM revealing the formation of a continuous, compact surface layer and marked reduction in prismatic porosities. Fluoride-containing toothpastes (P1, P3, P4) showed significant fluoride incorporation (p < 0.001 vs. control). The nano-hydroxyapatite/xylitol prototype (P5) produced a delayed but progressive increase in Ca and P, with partial filling of prismatic spaces. The CPP-ACP-based toothpaste (P2) led to limited changes, with only slight differences vs. control at day 28. Vickers microhardness values increased significantly in groups P1, P3, P4, and P5 (p < 0.05), in agreement with the higher mineral levels found in these samples. Conclusions: Under the present in vitro conditions, toothpastes containing fluoride in combination with NovaMin or arginine, as well as nano-hydroxyapatite/xylitol, demonstrated the highest remineralization potential under the present in vitro conditions, both chemically and mechanically. Xylitol-based formulations without a direct mineral supply showed limited effects. The pH and active composition of the toothpaste strongly influenced enamel remineralization outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Preventive Dentistry)
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14 pages, 3029 KB  
Article
Characteristics of Interface Zone Between Glass-Based Restorative Materials and Sound and Caries-Affected Primary Dentine
by Jelena Vulovic, Vukasin Kosutic, Sanja Kojic, Lazar Milic, Jovana Kuzmanovic Pficer, Bojan Petrovic, Aleksandar Racic, Marko Zivkovic and Tamara Peric
Materials 2026, 19(3), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19030568 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 411
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate the interface zone between glass hybrid (GH), high-viscosity (HV), and resin-modified (RM) glass-ionomer cements (GIC) and sound (SD) and artificially created caries-affected (ACAD) primary dentin. Occlusal cavities were prepared in 120 extracted primary molars and randomly assigned to [...] Read more.
The aim was to evaluate the interface zone between glass hybrid (GH), high-viscosity (HV), and resin-modified (RM) glass-ionomer cements (GIC) and sound (SD) and artificially created caries-affected (ACAD) primary dentin. Occlusal cavities were prepared in 120 extracted primary molars and randomly assigned to SD or ACAD. Samples were restored with GH (Equia Forte HT-EF), HV-GIC (Equia Fill-E; Ketac Molar-KM), or RM-GIC (Fuji-II LC-FII; Photac Fill-PF) and exposed to thermal aging. Microleakage (methylene-blue) was analyzed using an optical digital microscope. The interface between dental tissues and restorative materials was analyzed using a scanning electron (SE) microscope. SE microphotographs were manually annotated for intimate contact and cracks/gaps at the material-enamel/dentin interface and analyzed using a custom Python-based algorithm to quantify the respective percentages. No microleakage was noted only in the SD group for EF (50%), FII (42%), and E (33%). All materials showed higher microleakage in ACAD than SD (p < 0.05). No continuous intimate contact between restorative material and dental tissues was observed along the entire interface. The mean proportion of intimate contact between the material and SD was EF (76%) > KM (55%) > E (38%) > FII (7%) > PF (4%), and EF (32%) > KM (24%) > E (16%) > FII (15%) > PF (0%) for ACAD (p < 0.05). Caries-induced demineralization affects the quality of the material–dentin interface. GH are likely to provide better sealing compared to the previous generations of GI materials. Full article
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13 pages, 4790 KB  
Article
The Use of Raman Spectroscopy in the Assessment of the Infiltration Depth of Experimental and Commercial Resin Materials in Extracted Teeth
by Andra Clichici, Rareș-Mario Borșa, Anca Onaciu, Nicoleta Simona Vedeanu, Cristina Gasparik, Corina Prodan, Diana Dudea, Mărioara Moldovan, Codruța Saroși, Rareș Ionuț Știufiuc and Valentin Toma
Sensors 2026, 26(3), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26030940 - 1 Feb 2026
Viewed by 328
Abstract
Early enamel lesions result from pH imbalance in the oral cavity, causing subsurface de-mineralization. Resin infiltration has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option that can halt lesion progression, filling and stabilizing enamel while improving esthetics and microhardness. Raman spectroscopy provides rapid, non-destructive [...] Read more.
Early enamel lesions result from pH imbalance in the oral cavity, causing subsurface de-mineralization. Resin infiltration has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option that can halt lesion progression, filling and stabilizing enamel while improving esthetics and microhardness. Raman spectroscopy provides rapid, non-destructive analysis of enamel by detecting molecular vibrations that reflect its chemical composition and structural changes. It allows efficient characterization and depth profiling of dental tissues and materials. Raman spectra also enable quantitative assessment of compositional and structural alterations within enamel. This study aimed to assess the penetration depth of two experimental infiltration materials and a commercial resin within incipient demineralization enamel lesions using Raman spectroscopy. Artificial enamel lesions were created on three extracted human teeth. The samples were treated with a commercial resin infiltrate and two experimental resin infiltrates, with a modified recipe, following the manufacturer’s protocol. Each tooth was sectioned into a 1 mm thick disk. Raman spectra were recorded at sequential depths across both the control (untreated) and infiltrated surfaces of each disk. Characteristic peaks corresponding to infiltrate’s organic matrix and enamel’s phosphate and carbonate groups were employed for assessing penetration depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)
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20 pages, 767 KB  
Article
Comparison of the Caries Remineralizing Effects of Dentifrices Based on Natural Hydroxyapatite, Synthetic Hydroxyapatite, and Fluoride: A pH Cycling Study
by Bennett T. Amaechi, Minh Tuan Do, Malgorzata Pawinska, Kan Wang, Amos C. Obiefuna, Rayane Farah, Maria Camila Restrepo-Cerón, Yuko Kataoka, Netheli Kuruwita and Temitope O. Omosebi
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020094 - 1 Feb 2026
Viewed by 584
Abstract
Objective: In vitro study compared the efficacy in remineralizing initial caries of dentifrice containing natural hydroxyapatite (natHAP), synthetic HAP (synHAP), and fluoride. Methods: Initial carious lesions were created on 105 bovine enamel blocks by 4-day demineralization in a microbial caries model inoculated and [...] Read more.
Objective: In vitro study compared the efficacy in remineralizing initial caries of dentifrice containing natural hydroxyapatite (natHAP), synthetic HAP (synHAP), and fluoride. Methods: Initial carious lesions were created on 105 bovine enamel blocks by 4-day demineralization in a microbial caries model inoculated and fed 3× daily with 10% sucrose (6 min/episode). The caries-bearing blocks were stratified across seven treatment groups (N = 15/group); 20% nat-nHAP tooth powder, 20% nat-nHAP toothpaste, 30% nat-nHAP toothpaste, 20% nat-microHAP toothpaste, 15% syn-nHAP, fluoride (1100 ppm) toothpaste (NaF), and artificial saliva (AS) were used, and the groups were subjected to 28-day remineralization using a standardized pH cycling model with a daily regimen consisting of three 2 min toothpaste slurry treatments and one 2 h acidic challenge, and AS storage for the rest of the day. Surface microhardness of each block was measured after demineralization and after remineralization. Statistical analyses were performed using a paired t-test and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Results: All groups induced significant (p < 0.001) remineralization. The %Rem was significantly lower for AS (9.61 ± 6.17%) than 30% nat-nHAP (29.21 ± 16.47%) and fluoride (27.05 ± 10.9%) toothpastes. There were no significant differences in %Rem among the natHAP formulations or between natHap and synHAP formulations. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present in vitro study, dentifrices based on natHAP or synHAP have comparable efficacy to standard fluoride toothpaste in remineralizing initial caries. Full article
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13 pages, 1485 KB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Microabrasion and Resin Infiltration Materials on Enamel Microhardness and Penetration Depth
by Elif Ercan Devrimci, İdil Gönüllü, Hande Kemaloğlu, Murat Türkün and Ayşegül Demirbaş
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(2), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17020067 - 29 Jan 2026
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Background: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of microabrasion as a surface pretreatment and to compare an experimental resin infiltrant with a commercially available system (ICON) in terms of enamel surface microhardness recovery and resin penetration depth in artificially demineralized [...] Read more.
Background: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of microabrasion as a surface pretreatment and to compare an experimental resin infiltrant with a commercially available system (ICON) in terms of enamel surface microhardness recovery and resin penetration depth in artificially demineralized enamel lesions. Methods: Forty-eight caries-free human third molars were prepared to obtain standardized enamel specimens, and artificial enamel lesions were created using a pH-cycling model. Specimens were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 12): experimental resin with microabrasion, experimental resin without microabrasion, ICON resin with microabrasion, and ICON resin without microabrasion. When indicated, microabrasion was performed using a 6.6% hydrochloric acid paste for a total application time of 30 s, followed by standard hydrochloric acid etching as part of the infiltration protocol. Enamel surface microhardness was measured at baseline, after demineralization, and after resin infiltration. Resin penetration depth was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, with six specimens per group (n = 6). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures mixed-effects models and one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Resin infiltration resulted in a partial recovery of enamel surface microhardness following demineralization; however, baseline hardness values were not fully restored, and no statistically significant differences were observed among the study groups (p > 0.05). These findings indicate surface stabilization rather than complete mechanical or mineral restoration. The ICON resin demonstrated significantly greater penetration depth than the experimental resin. In both resin systems, microabrasion significantly increased penetration depth. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, resin infiltration primarily contributed to the stabilization of demineralized enamel surfaces rather than true remineralization or full mechanical recovery. Although microabrasion enhanced resin penetration depth, this effect should be interpreted with caution due to the potential for cumulative enamel loss. From a clinical perspective, these findings support the selective use of microabrasion to enhance resin infiltration in early enamel lesions with pronounced surface barriers, while emphasizing the need to balance penetration benefits against enamel preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dental Biomaterials)
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26 pages, 946 KB  
Review
Umbilical Cord Biomarkers of Nutritional and Metabolic Status in Neonates with Intrauterine Growth Restriction
by Ioana Hermina Toth, Manuela Marina Pantea, Ileana Enatescu, Angelica Teodora Filimon, Flavia Yasmina Kali and Oana Belei
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 1043; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031043 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 422
Abstract
Background: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is associated with a distinct neonatal metabolic profile, attributable to chronic intrauterine nutritional deprivation and suboptimal placental nutrient exchange. Upon delivery, IUGR neonates typically present with depleted nutrient stores, dysregulated endocrine activity, and a spectrum of micronutrient deficiencies, [...] Read more.
Background: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is associated with a distinct neonatal metabolic profile, attributable to chronic intrauterine nutritional deprivation and suboptimal placental nutrient exchange. Upon delivery, IUGR neonates typically present with depleted nutrient stores, dysregulated endocrine activity, and a spectrum of micronutrient deficiencies, factors that collectively compromise metabolic homeostasis and significantly influence subsequent health trajectories. Methods: This narrative review systematically synthesizes the current body of evidence from clinical, biochemical, and translational investigations pertaining to the micronutrient status and pivotal endocrine markers in neonates affected by intrauterine growth restriction. The collected findings were integrated to elucidate metabolic adaptation mechanisms, immediate clinical ramifications, and the potential pathways linking neonatal biochemical patterns to long-term metabolic programming. Results: IUGR neonates consistently exhibit reduced cord-blood concentrations of essential micronutrients, including vitamin D, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), folate (vitamin B9), and cobalamin (vitamin B12), reflecting compromised placental nutrient transfer and limited fetal reserves. Concomitantly, endocrine alterations—most notably reduced insulin (INS) and C-peptide (C-pep) levels—indicate suppressed pancreatic β-cell activity and a prevailing hypoanabolic adaptive state. In parallel, disturbances in mineral metabolism, characterized by lower calcium (Ca) concentrations and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, suggest impaired bone mineralization during the critical phase of early postnatal adaptation. Collectively, these biochemical patterns increase vulnerability to early clinical complications such as neonatal hypoglycemia and bone demineralization, disrupt early growth trajectories, and are associated with an elevated long-term risk of insulin resistance and adverse cardiometabolic programming. Conclusions: IUGR neonates consistently demonstrate a synergistic interplay of micronutrient deficiencies and adaptive endocrine responses, profoundly impacting immediate postnatal metabolic stability and predisposing them to long-term health challenges. Therefore, early biochemical screening, followed by tailored nutritional and hormonal interventions, may assist restore metabolic balance, promote growth and decrease long term risk for metabolic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Factors in Neonatal Intensive Care)
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