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Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics

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A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Dental Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2024) | Viewed by 11347

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Bing Han

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Guest Editor

Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Bejing, China
Interests: oral biomaterials; bone tissue engineering; orthodontic treatment

Prof. Dr. Jianmin Han

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Guest Editor

Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
Interests: dental materials; 3D printing; dental implant; zirconia; magnesium alloy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Orthodontics has developed significant in the last 100 years along with the continuous improvement of materials science. Breakthroughs in materials science help orthodontists to achieve more efficient and healthier tooth movement and develop new orthodontic techniques. Various metallic materials possess different mechanical properties and are widely applied to orthodontics, resin adhesives provide reliable retention for brackets, and organic materials are extensively used in removable appliances and orthodontic retainers. In addition, researchers are paying more and more attention to antibacterial properties and osteogenesis in orthodontic material. During orthodontic treatment, patients face challenges when it comes to keeping a good oral hygiene. Gingivitis and enamel demineralization are common in orthodontic treatment and may result in the suspension of treatment in severe cases. Orthodontic extraction treatment is an important technique for patients with crowed dentition, while osteogenesis after tooth extraction may promote tooth movement. Thus, it is important to discuss advanced materials and technologies in orthodontics that are key for further innovations in orthodontic treatment. I am pleased to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue on “Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics”. This Special Issue aims to collect original manuscripts and critical reviews reporting advanced materials and technologies to deepen our understanding of orthodontic materials. I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Bing Han
Prof. Dr. Jianmin Han
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

metallic material
non-metallic material
organic material
antibacterial material
thermoplastic material
osteogenesis
resin
nanomaterial
polymer

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PCLLA-nanoHA Bone Substitute Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization and Improves Alveolar Bone Repair in Diabetic Environments

by Dandan Wang, Ling Wei, Jialin Hao, Weifeng Tang, Yuan Zhou, Chenguang Zhang and Jinming Wang

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(11), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14110536 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1575

Abstract

The utilization of bioresorbable synthetic bone substitutes with immunomodulatory properties has gained significant attention in dental clinical applications for the absorption of alveolar bone induced by orthodontic treatment. In this study, we developed two distinct materials: a conventional hydroxyapatite (HA) bone powder comprised of hydroxyapatite particles and nanoHA embedded within a poly(caprolactone-co-lactide) (PCLLA) elastomeric matrix. We assessed the physicochemical characteristics of the bone substitute, specifically focusing on its composition and the controlled release of ions. Our findings show that PCLLA-nanoHA has deformable properties under 40 N, and a significant release of Ca and P elements was noted after 7 days in aqueous settings. Moreover, at the protein and gene expression levels, PCLLA-nanoHA enhances the capacity of macrophages to polarize towards an M2 phenotype in vitro. In vivo, PCLLA-nanoHA exhibits comparable effects to standard HA bone powder in terms of promoting alveolar bone regeneration. Extensive investigations reveal that PCLLA-nanoHA surpasses the commonly employed HA bone powder in stimulating bone tissue repair in diabetic mice. We have identified that PCLLA-nanoHA regulates macrophage M2 polarization by activating the PI3K/AKT and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR) signaling pathways, thereby facilitating a favorable local immune microenvironment conducive to bone repair and regeneration. Our findings suggest that PCLLA-nanoHA presents itself as a promising bioresorbable bone substitute with properties that promote macrophage M2 polarization, particularly in the context of regulating the local microenvironment of alveolar bone in diabetic mice, potentially facilitating bone tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics)

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13 pages, 2206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Splinting on Orthodontic Mini-Implant Tipping and Bone Histomorphometric Parameters: An In Vivo Animal Model Study

by Joana Fontes, Victor Zacharias Martin, Marta Resende, Bruno Colaço, Pedro de Sousa Gomes and José Manuel Amarante

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(5), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14050239 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1301

Abstract

This study aimed to address the stability of orthodontic mini-implants submitted to an immediate orthodontic functional load, in splinted or unsplinted conditions, further characterizing the histomorphometric parameters of the neighboring bone tissue, in an in vivo experimental model. Mini-implants (1.4 × 6.0 mm) were placed in the proximal tibia of New Zealand White rabbits and immediately loaded with a 150 g force. Tissue healing was characterized within 8 weeks. Microtomography was used to assess the mini-implants’ tipping and bone histomorphometric indexes. Loaded implants were evaluated in splinted and unsplinted conditions, with data being compared to that of unloaded mini-implants with the Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test, followed by Dunn’s multiple comparison tests. The splinting of mini-implants submitted to immediate orthodontic loading significantly reduced the tipping to levels similar to those of unloaded mini-implants. Immediate loading further increased the histomorphometric indexes associated with bone formation at the peri-implant region, in both splinted and unsplinted conditions, with no significant differences between the tension and compression regions. Accordingly, within this experimental setting, splinting was found to lessen tipping and mini-implants’ displacement, without affecting the increased bone formation at the peri-implant region, induced by a functional orthodontic load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics)

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Graphical abstract

10 pages, 938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Enamel Surfaces after Different Techniques of Interproximal Enamel Reduction

by Francesca Silvestrini Biavati, Viola Schiaffino, Antonio Signore, Nicola De Angelis, Valentina Lanteri and Alessandro Ugolini

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14020110 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1674

Abstract

According to the literature, interproximal enamel reduction (IER) has become a consolidated technique used in orthodontic treatments to gain space in particular situations such as dental crowding, non-extractive therapies, tooth-size discrepancies, and prevention of dental relapse. There are different methods to realize stripping, and enamel surfaces resulting after this procedure can be analyzed with SEM. The aim of this study was to analyze how different devices of IER leave the surface of the teeth. One hundred and sixty freshly extracted, intact human lower incisors were included in the study, fixed in a plaster support, and then processed with four different techniques of enamel reduction and finishing. Then, they were divided randomly into eight groups (A1–A2, B1–B2, C1–C2, D, and E), each containing twenty teeth. The A, B, and C groups were divided into two subgroups and then all the teeth were observed at SEM. Each digital image acquired by SEM showed that there were streaks on the surfaces, due to the cutter used. The results of this study showed that only group C2 (tungsten carbide bur followed by twelve steps of medium–fine–ultrafine 3M Soft Lex disks) has a few line, which is very similar to group E (untreated group), while the other groups have a lot of lines and show a rougher final surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics)

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14 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of 3D Printing Acrylic Material with Bioactive Components

by Zbigniew Raszewski, Katarzyna Chojnacka, Julita Kulbacka and Marcin Mikulewicz

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14010013 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2023

Abstract

The aim of this study was to create a 3D printing material with bioactive properties that potentially could be used for a transparent removable orthodontic appliance. Materials and methods. To acrylic monomers, four bioactive glasses at 10% concentration were added, which release Ca, P, Si and F ions. The materials were printed on a 3D printer and tested for flexural strength (24 h and 30 days), sorption and solubility (7 days), ion release to artificial saliva pH = 4 and 7 (42 days) and cytotoxicity in the human fibroblast model. The released ions were determined by plasma spectrometry (Ca, P and Si ions) and ion-selective electrode (F measurement)s. Results: The material obtained released Ca²⁺ and PO₄³⁻ ions for a period of 42 days when using glass Biomin C at pH 4. The flexural strength depended on the direction in which the sample was printed relative to the 3D printer platform. Vertically printed samples had a resistance greater than 20%. The 10% Biomin C samples post-cured for 30 min with light had a survival rate of the cells after 72 h of 85%.Conclusions. Material for 3D printing with bioactive glass in its composition, which releases ions, can be used in the production of orthodontic aligners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics)

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18 pages, 3036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Ag-Ion Releasing Zeolite Filled 3D Printed Resins

by Marian O. Pacho, Dylan Deeney, Emily A. Johnson, Bryanna N. Bravo, Kishen Patel, Mark A. Latta, Michael A. Belshan and Stephen M. Gross

J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14010007 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1889

Abstract

There has been profound growth in the use of 3D printed materials in dentistry in general, including orthodontics. The opportunity to impart antimicrobial properties to 3D printed parts from existing resins requires the capability of forming a stable colloid incorporating antimicrobial fillers. The objective of this research was to characterize a colloid consisting of a 3D printable resin mixed with Ag-ion releasing zeolites and fumed silica to create 3D printed parts with antiviral properties. The final composite was tested for antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1. Antiviral activity was measured in terms of the half-life of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 on the composite surface. The inclusion of the zeolite did not interfere with the kinetics measured on the surface of the ATR crystal. While the depth of cure, measured following ISO4049 guidelines, was reduced from 3.8 mm to 1.4 mm in 5 s, this greatly exceeded the resolution required for 3D printing. The colloid was stable for at least 6 months and the rheological behavior was dependent upon the fumed silica loading. The inclusion of zeolites and fumed silica significantly increased the flexural strength of the composite as measured by a 3 point bend test. The composite released approximately 2500 μg/L of silver ion per gram of composite as determined by potentiometry. There was a significant reduction of the average half-life of SARS-CoV-2 (1.9 fold) and HIV-1 (2.7 fold) on the surface of the composite. The inclusion of Ag-ion releasing zeolites into 3D-printable resin can result in stable colloids that generate composites with improved mechanical properties and antiviral properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics)

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14 pages, 3892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of a Polyetherketoneketone/Hydroxyapatite Hybrid for Dental Applications

by Wenhsuan Lu, Conglei Li, Jian Wu, Zhongshi Ma, Yadong Zhang, Tianyi Xin, Xiaomo Liu and Si Chen

J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040220 - 5 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1732

Abstract

Here, we developed a new synthetic method for the production of a new class of polymeric inorganic hybrid biomaterial that has potential for dental implant applications and, in general, other orthopedic applications owing to its excellent mechanical properties and biomechanical compatibility. The new hybrid biomaterial is a composite consisting of polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and hydroxyapatite (HA). This hybrid material boasts several unique features, including its high HA loading (up to 50 wt%), which is close to that of natural human bone; the homogeneous HA distribution in the PEKK matrix without phase separation; and the fact that the addition of HA has no effect on the molecular weight of PEKK. Nanoindentation analysis was used to investigate the mechanical properties of the composite, and its nano/microstructure variations were investigated through a structural model developed here. Through nanoindentation technology, the newly developed PEKK/HA hybrid biomaterial has an indentation modulus of 12.1 ± 2.5 GPa and a hardness of 0.42 ± 0.09 GPa, which are comparable with those of human bone. Overall, the new PEKK/HA biomaterial exhibits excellent biomechanical compatibility and shows great promise for application to dental and orthopedic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics)

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Other

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15 pages, 1313 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Structural and Color Alterations of Teeth following Orthodontic Debonding: A Systematic Review

by Francesco Inchingolo, Angelo Michele Inchingolo, Lilla Riccaldo, Roberta Morolla, Roberta Sardano, Daniela Di Venere, Andrea Palermo, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Gianna Dipalma and Massimo Corsalini

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(5), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15050123 - 10 May 2024

Viewed by 189

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to explore the effects of fixed orthodontic appliances on enamel structure by assessing microfractures, surface roughness, and alterations in color. Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A systematic search of online databases was conducted using the keywords ‘enamel’ AND ‘orthodontic debonding’. Eligibility criteria included both in vivo and ex vivo clinical trials conducted on human teeth. Results and Discussion: A total of 14 relevant papers were analyzed. Various instruments and techniques were utilized across different studies to assess surface roughness, color change, and surface fractures. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that ceramic brackets may lead to an increase in enamel fractures, particularly during bracket removal. The surface roughness of enamel exhibits variability depending on the adhesive substance and polishing methods used post-removal. Fixed orthodontic appliances could induce changes in enamel color, which may be alleviated by the use of nano-hydroxyapatite or specific polishing techniques. Further research is necessary to identify effective strategies for managing these color changes and improving the overall outcomes of fixed orthodontic treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies in Orthodontics)

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