Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics 2026

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetics of Materials and Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2026) | Viewed by 3456

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue titled “Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics 2026”.

New technologies, such as digital devices, are available to enhance the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment in dentistry and in the entire craniofacial district in the field of biomimetic design, constructions, devices, and operations.

The application of new biomaterials and techniques can lead to a significant advance in all the main dental branches, such as restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, oral surgery, implantology, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and temporomandibular disorder patients.

Authors conducting studies on these themes are welcome to submit original research articles, reviews, short communications, case series, and case reports to this Special Issue.

Dr. Nefeli Lagopati
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomimetics
  • prosthodontic
  • implants
  • oral surgery
  • plastic surgery
  • orthodontic
  • biomaterials
  • pediatric dentistry
  • temporomandibular disorders
  • restorative dentistry
  • bruxism
  • bone regeneration
  • scaffolds
  • technologies
  • digital
  • telemedicine

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1253 KB  
Article
Single-Cone vs. Carrier-Based Root Canal Obturation with a Calcium-Silicate-Based Sealer: An In Vitro µ-CT Analysis
by Vincenzo Tosco, Riccardo Monterubbianesi, Michele Furlani, Andrea Spinelli, Fausto Zamparini and Giovanna Orsini
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020152 - 19 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 904
Abstract
The introduction of calcium-silicate-based sealers has renewed interest in simplified obturation protocols such as the single-cone technique, although warm techniques, including carrier-based obturation, are still considered the gold standard. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the quality of root [...] Read more.
The introduction of calcium-silicate-based sealers has renewed interest in simplified obturation protocols such as the single-cone technique, although warm techniques, including carrier-based obturation, are still considered the gold standard. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the quality of root canal obturation achieved with single-cone and carrier-based techniques when used with the same calcium-silicate-based sealer. Thirty extracted mandibular molars were prepared using a standardized rotary instrumentation protocol and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 15 each): Group A was obturated using a carrier-based technique (Soft-Core obturators), while Group B was obturated with the single-cone technique. All canals were filled with the same calcium-silicate-based sealer (NeoSEALER Flo). Micro–computed tomography was used to evaluate the number and volume of voids of the obturation. Quantitative analysis showed that Group A exhibited a significantly lower number of voids (9.0 ± 5.0) and reduced total void volume (2.58 ± 0.8 mm3) compared with Group B (22.0 ± 10.1 voids; 4.71 ± 1.1 mm3; p = 0.00002 and p = 0.0026, respectively). Qualitative analysis confirmed that carrier-based obturation achieved a denser and more homogeneous filling, while the single-cone technique showed larger voids mainly in the coronal and middle thirds. Both techniques provided a reliable apical seal. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, carrier-based obturation demonstrated superior overall filling quality compared with the single-cone technique when used with a calcium-silicate-based sealer, particularly in the middle and coronal regions of the root canal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics 2026)
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21 pages, 6239 KB  
Article
Impact of RAMPA Therapy on Nasal Cavity Expansion and Paranasal Drainage: Fluid Mechanics Analysis, CAE Simulation, and a Case Study
by Mohammad Moshfeghi, Yasushi Mitani, Yuko Okai-Kojima and Bumkyoo Choi
Biomimetics 2026, 11(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11010005 - 23 Dec 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 943
Abstract
Background: Impaired mucus drainage from the paranasal sinuses is often associated with nasal obstruction and reduced airway function in growing patients. Orthopedic maxillary protraction and expansion techniques can enhance airway dynamics, but their underlying fluid–structure mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. Objective: To validate that [...] Read more.
Background: Impaired mucus drainage from the paranasal sinuses is often associated with nasal obstruction and reduced airway function in growing patients. Orthopedic maxillary protraction and expansion techniques can enhance airway dynamics, but their underlying fluid–structure mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. Objective: To validate that the Right Angle Maxillary Protraction Appliance (RAMPA), combined with a semi-rapid maxillary expansion (sRME) intraoral device gHu-1, improves mucus drainage by enhancing nasal airflow through nasal cavity expansion. Methods: The effects of RAMPA therapy were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for single-phase (air) and two-phase (air–mucus) flows within the nasal cavity, employing the unsteady RANS turbulence model. Finite element method (FEM) results from prior studies were synthesized to assess changes in the center and radius of maxillary rotation induced by RAMPA-assisted sRME. A male patient (aged 8 years 7 months to 11 years 7 months) treated with extraoral RAMPA and the intraoral appliance (gHu-1) underwent pre- and post-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) evaluation. Results: FEM analysis revealed an increased radius and elevated center of maxillary rotation, producing expansion that was more parallel to the palatal plane. CFD simulations showed that nasal cavity expansion increased airflow velocity and pressure drop, enhancing the suction effect that promotes mucus clearance from the frontal sinus. Clinically, nasal passages widened, paranasal opacities resolved, and occlusal and intermolar widths improved. Conclusions: RAMPA combined with sRME improves nasal airflow and maxillary skeletal expansion, facilitating paranasal mucus clearance and offering a promising adjunctive approach for enhancing upper airway function in growing patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics 2026)
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Review

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15 pages, 1135 KB  
Review
Current Applications and Future Perspectives of Artificial Intelligence in Face-Driven Orthodontics: A Scoping Review
by Barbora Heribanová, Katarína Janáková, Juraj Tomášik, Daniela Tichá, Štefan Harsányi and Andrej Thurzo
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020146 - 16 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1197
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced transformative possibilities in orthodontics by enhancing diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and aesthetic outcomes. In face-driven orthodontics, treatment objectives extend beyond achieving proper occlusion to optimizing facial balance and harmony. With the growing patient demand for aesthetic improvements, AI [...] Read more.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced transformative possibilities in orthodontics by enhancing diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and aesthetic outcomes. In face-driven orthodontics, treatment objectives extend beyond achieving proper occlusion to optimizing facial balance and harmony. With the growing patient demand for aesthetic improvements, AI technologies enable clinicians to integrate facial analysis and dynamic soft-tissue evaluation into personalized treatment approaches. Research in this scoping review analyzed current applications of AI in face-driven orthodontics, focusing on diagnosis, soft-tissue assessment, and individualized treatment planning. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for studies published between 2021 and 2025. The review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Of 54 initially identified studies, 24 met the inclusion criteria after title, abstract, and full-text screening. Extracted data were organized according to the main application areas of AI in face-driven orthodontics. Most studies focused on AI-assisted facial analysis, 3D reconstruction, and treatment simulation. Deep learning models demonstrated high performance in soft-tissue prediction, aesthetic evaluation, and diagnostic accuracy. However, heterogeneity in datasets, a lack of standardized validation protocols, limited external validation across included studies and limited clinical applicability were identified as key limitations. AI-based facial analysis supports a shift toward individualized, aesthetics-oriented orthodontic planning. Although current evidence highlights its potential for improving diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes, further validation through large-scale clinical studies is essential for broader implementation in everyday practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics 2026)
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