The study aimed to evaluate the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft-tissue effects of prefabricated myofunctional appliances in pediatric patients with Class II malocclusion. Twenty-three patients (12 boys and 11 girls; mean chronological age 9.03 ± 1.90 years) with Class Ⅱ malocclusion who were treated with Éducation Fonctionnelle (EF line®) (Orthoplus, Igny, France) were assessed. Radiographic analysis using lateral cephalograms was conducted at treatment initiation and following a 12-month intervention period, with an average monitoring duration of 14.13 ± 2.82 months. Cephalometric evaluation was performed using V-ceph™ (Osstem, Seoul, Korea), and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed for data analysis. The results demonstrated significant improvements in sagittal relationships, including decreased ANB angle and Wits appraisal, as well as increased SNB angle. Mandibular growth was evident through increases in mandibular length measurements (Co-Go, Co-Gn, and Go-Gn). Vertically, backward and downward rotation of the mandible was observed, as evidenced by increases in FMA, SN-MP, and Y-axis angles, resulting in significant increases in facial height. Dentoalveolar changes were characterized by lingual inclination of the maxillary incisors and labial tipping of the mandibular incisors, with significant reductions in both overjet and overbite. Soft tissue analysis revealed enhanced facial esthetics through increases in the nasolabial and mentolabial angles, accompanied by reduced upper lip protrusion. In conclusion, this study validated the clinical efficacy of prefabricated myofunctional appliances in managing Class II malocclusions.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is recognized as a reliable option for inhibiting caries progression without tooth removal and for preventing new lesions. However, most studies have focused on the management of dentin caries, and few studies have explored the use of SDF in conjunction with light curing for enamel caries. This study evaluated the effects of SDF and potassium iodide (KI) with additional light curing on the remineralization of artificially induced enamel caries. Sixty-four specimens were prepared from 32 primary molars. Of these, two were used to observe polished sound enamel surfaces, whereas the remaining 62 were demineralized to artificially induce caries. After excluding two specimens to observe the carious enamel surface, 60 specimens were randomly divided into four groups: Group I (SDF for 60 s), Group II (SDF for 10 s), Group III (SDF for 10 s + light curing for 3 s), and Group IV (SDF for 10 s + KI + light curing for 3 s). After the allocated interventions, all specimens were subjected to pH cycling for 8 days. The Vickers microhardness, surface morphology, and chemical composition of enamel were analyzed using a microhardness tester, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Group IV exhibited the greatest increase in microhardness, followed by Group III, with significant differences between the groups. Groups I and II showed smaller increases, without significant differences between the groups. SEM-EDS analysis revealed higher silver deposition in the lightcured groups, and iodine peaks were observed in Group IV, confirming the formation of silver iodide. The combination of SDF, KI, and light curing could enhance enamel remineralization and shorten the application time compared with that for SDF alone.

The study aimed to evaluate the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft-tissue effects of prefabricated myofunctional appliances in pediatric patients with Class II malocclusion. Twenty-three patients (12 boys and 11 girls; mean chronological age 9.03 ± 1.90 years) with Class Ⅱ malocclusion who were treated with Éducation Fonctionnelle (EF line®) (Orthoplus, Igny, France) were assessed. Radiographic analysis using lateral cephalograms was conducted at treatment initiation and following a 12-month intervention period, with an average monitoring duration of 14.13 ± 2.82 months. Cephalometric evaluation was performed using V-ceph™ (Osstem, Seoul, Korea), and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed for data analysis. The results demonstrated significant improvements in sagittal relationships, including decreased ANB angle and Wits appraisal, as well as increased SNB angle. Mandibular growth was evident through increases in mandibular length measurements (Co-Go, Co-Gn, and Go-Gn). Vertically, backward and downward rotation of the mandible was observed, as evidenced by increases in FMA, SN-MP, and Y-axis angles, resulting in significant increases in facial height. Dentoalveolar changes were characterized by lingual inclination of the maxillary incisors and labial tipping of the mandibular incisors, with significant reductions in both overjet and overbite. Soft tissue analysis revealed enhanced facial esthetics through increases in the nasolabial and mentolabial angles, accompanied by reduced upper lip protrusion. In conclusion, this study validated the clinical efficacy of prefabricated myofunctional appliances in managing Class II malocclusions.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is recognized as a reliable option for inhibiting caries progression without tooth removal and for preventing new lesions. However, most studies have focused on the management of dentin caries, and few studies have explored the use of SDF in conjunction with light curing for enamel caries. This study evaluated the effects of SDF and potassium iodide (KI) with additional light curing on the remineralization of artificially induced enamel caries. Sixty-four specimens were prepared from 32 primary molars. Of these, two were used to observe polished sound enamel surfaces, whereas the remaining 62 were demineralized to artificially induce caries. After excluding two specimens to observe the carious enamel surface, 60 specimens were randomly divided into four groups: Group I (SDF for 60 s), Group II (SDF for 10 s), Group III (SDF for 10 s + light curing for 3 s), and Group IV (SDF for 10 s + KI + light curing for 3 s). After the allocated interventions, all specimens were subjected to pH cycling for 8 days. The Vickers microhardness, surface morphology, and chemical composition of enamel were analyzed using a microhardness tester, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Group IV exhibited the greatest increase in microhardness, followed by Group III, with significant differences between the groups. Groups I and II showed smaller increases, without significant differences between the groups. SEM-EDS analysis revealed higher silver deposition in the lightcured groups, and iodine peaks were observed in Group IV, confirming the formation of silver iodide. The combination of SDF, KI, and light curing could enhance enamel remineralization and shorten the application time compared with that for SDF alone.

The study aimed to evaluate the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft-tissue effects of prefabricated myofunctional appliances in pediatric patients with Class II malocclusion. Twenty-three patients (12 boys and 11 girls; mean chronological age 9.03 ± 1.90 years) with Class Ⅱ malocclusion who were treated with Éducation Fonctionnelle (EF line®) (Orthoplus, Igny, France) were assessed. Radiographic analysis using lateral cephalograms was conducted at treatment initiation and following a 12-month intervention period, with an average monitoring duration of 14.13 ± 2.82 months. Cephalometric evaluation was performed using V-ceph™ (Osstem, Seoul, Korea), and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed for data analysis. The results demonstrated significant improvements in sagittal relationships, including decreased ANB angle and Wits appraisal, as well as increased SNB angle. Mandibular growth was evident through increases in mandibular length measurements (Co-Go, Co-Gn, and Go-Gn). Vertically, backward and downward rotation of the mandible was observed, as evidenced by increases in FMA, SN-MP, and Y-axis angles, resulting in significant increases in facial height. Dentoalveolar changes were characterized by lingual inclination of the maxillary incisors and labial tipping of the mandibular incisors, with significant reductions in both overjet and overbite. Soft tissue analysis revealed enhanced facial esthetics through increases in the nasolabial and mentolabial angles, accompanied by reduced upper lip protrusion. In conclusion, this study validated the clinical efficacy of prefabricated myofunctional appliances in managing Class II malocclusions.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is recognized as a reliable option for inhibiting caries progression without tooth removal and for preventing new lesions. However, most studies have focused on the management of dentin caries, and few studies have explored the use of SDF in conjunction with light curing for enamel caries. This study evaluated the effects of SDF and potassium iodide (KI) with additional light curing on the remineralization of artificially induced enamel caries. Sixty-four specimens were prepared from 32 primary molars. Of these, two were used to observe polished sound enamel surfaces, whereas the remaining 62 were demineralized to artificially induce caries. After excluding two specimens to observe the carious enamel surface, 60 specimens were randomly divided into four groups: Group I (SDF for 60 s), Group II (SDF for 10 s), Group III (SDF for 10 s + light curing for 3 s), and Group IV (SDF for 10 s + KI + light curing for 3 s). After the allocated interventions, all specimens were subjected to pH cycling for 8 days. The Vickers microhardness, surface morphology, and chemical composition of enamel were analyzed using a microhardness tester, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Group IV exhibited the greatest increase in microhardness, followed by Group III, with significant differences between the groups. Groups I and II showed smaller increases, without significant differences between the groups. SEM-EDS analysis revealed higher silver deposition in the lightcured groups, and iodine peaks were observed in Group IV, confirming the formation of silver iodide. The combination of SDF, KI, and light curing could enhance enamel remineralization and shorten the application time compared with that for SDF alone.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of blood contamination on the compressive strength and surface morphology of both conventional and newly developed calcium silicate cements (CSCs). Materials and Methods: Compressive strengths of Endocem MTA Premixed Regular (EMPR) and ProRoot MTA (PMTA) were assessed after immersion in fetal bovine serum (FBS), saline, and deionized water (DW). Surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The compressive strength of EMPR samples immersed in FBS for both 1 and 7 days was significantly lower compared to those in saline and DW, with no significant differences between the saline and DW groups. The PMTA group exhibited the lowest compressive strength after 1 day in FBS, although it did not significantly differ from that of saline and DW groups. SEM images revealed significant differences in crystalline formation between FBS and the other experimental groups. Conclusion Minimizing blood contamination during vital pulp therapy (VPT) is crucial to ensure optimal CSC setting. PMTA may be preferred over EMPR for resisting high occlusal forces in the presence of blood contamination.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of blood contamination on the Vickers hardness and the surface morphology of premixed MTA and compare them with the effects on conventional MTA. The Vickers microhardness of Endocem MTA Premixed Regular (EP) and ProRoot MTA (PM) was assessed after immersion in fetal bovine serum (FBS) and saline. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) were seeded on MTA after immersion in FBS, saline, and deionized water (DW). Cell adhesion patterns and surface morphology were visualized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface microhardness of EP and PM in FBS was lower than in saline. However, short-term exposure of PM to FBS did not reduce the microhardness compared to saline. Angular crystals formed in water, while rounded crystals with more air voids appeared in FBS. Favorable SHED attachment occurred in all groups. Overall, the surface hardness of EP and PM decreased after FBS exposure, although PM was less influenced. We suggest minimizing the amount of bleeding when using MTA clinically; nevertheless, PM remains an option with more expected blood contamination than EP. In summary, exposure to FBS decreased mechanical performance but allowed cell adhesion for both MTAs, with PM being more resistant to these changes.

BACKGROUND: Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is known to regulate self-renewal ability and potency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult stem cells in opposite manners. However, its effects vary even among adult stem cells and are not reported in fetal stem/progenitor cells. This study investigated the role of mTOR in the function of human fetal cartilage-derived progenitor cells (hFCPCs). METHODS: mTOR activity in hFCPCs was first examined via the level of phosphor-mTOR until passage 19, together with doubling time of cells and senescence-associated b-galactosidase (SA-bGal). Then, the effect of 100 nM rapamycin, the inhibitor of mTOR, was investigated on self-renewal ability, proliferation rate and osteogenic/adipogenic potential of hFCPCs in vitro. Expression of stemness genes (Oct-4, Sox2 and Nanog) and cell cycle regulators (CDK4 and Cyclin D1) was measured at mRNA or protein levels. RESULTS: mTOR activity was maintained constantly at high levels in hFCPCs until passage 19, while their proliferation rate was decreasing from 48 h at passage 13 to 70 h at passage 9 and senescent cells were observed at passage 18 (8.3 ± 1.2%) and 19 (15.6 ± 1.9%). Inhibition of mTOR in hFCPCs impaired their colony forming frequency (CFU-F) by 4 folds, while showing no change in their doubling time and expression of CDK4 and Cyclin D1. Upon mTOR inhibition, Oct4 expression decreased by 2 folds and 4 folds at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, while that of Sox2 and Nanog did not change significantly. Finally, mTOR inhibition reduced osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of hFCPCs in vitro. CONCLUSION This study has shown that mTOR plays an important role in the self-renewal ability of hFCPCS but not in their proliferation, The effect of mTOR appears to be associated with Oct-4 expression and important in the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation ability of hFCPCs.

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between the individual characteristics of the children and the teeth that had performed pulpectomy for children who visited Wonkwang University Dental Hospital for 5 years and had pulpectomy performed. Methods: Age, sex, number of teeth that had performed pulpectomy and restorative treatment at the time of diagnosis were investigated, and the correlation was statistically analyzed. Results: The number of teeth had performed pulpectomy and number of teeth had performed restorative treatment were statistically significant (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between the age and sex of the children who had performed pulpectomy and the number of teeth had performed pulpectomy (P<0.05). Conclusions In order to improve children’s oral health, it is considered that there is a need for a new national policy to move up children’s first visit to dental clinic and to allow them to visit continuously.