Dens invaginatus: a review and orthodontic implications

Treatment opinions for dens invaginatus: A case series

Dens invaginatus (DI) is a rare congenital dental malformation characterized by enamel or cementum folded into dentine. Such teeth are susceptible to caries, pulp infection or necrosis and periradicular lesion. The complex anatomy of this disease results in difficult treatment and a high rate of therapeutic failure. Therapeutic options, such as debriding and filling invagination, root canal treatment (RCT) and intentional replantation, vary according to the morphology and infection of the involved tooth. The present study reports five cases of DI with chronic apical periodontitis. The treatment strategies and procedures, including RCT, removing the invagination, intentional replantation and surgical treatment, are discussed according to the classification and the condition of pulp and periapical tissue. The study also reports the prognosis: All patients were followed up for ≥12 months and all teeth demonstrated periapical healing and clinical asymptomatic. In summary, appropriate treatment is based on accurate analysis of the anatomical variation in different types of DI and intentional replantation is a reliable and viable treatment to preserve the tooth.

Development of an antibacterial polypropylene/polyurethane composite membrane for invisible orthodontics application

In virtue of the advantages, such as aesthetics, designability, convenient removal, and comfortable experience, invisible orthodontics (IO) have been widely recognized and accepted by the public. However, most of the membranes currently used for IO only meet the requirement of shape retention. Other vital functions, like antibacterial and antifouling activities, are neglected. Herein, antibacterial composite membranes (ACMs) containing polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly (hexamethylene guanidine) hydrochloride-sodium stearate (PHMG-SS) were facilely manufactured through the hot-pressing membrane forming technology. ACMs were conferred with favorable transparency (∼70% in the visible light range) and excellent antibacterial ability. Experiment results demonstrated that bactericidal rates of ACMs against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans were larger than 99.99%. Noticeably, the amount of protein adhered on the surface of ACMs was only 28.1 μg/cm², showing ideal antifouling performance. Collectively, the mutifunctional ACMs in the study are expected to be prominent alternatives for existing IO.

Dental caries and periodontitis risk factors in cleft lip and palate patients

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common congenital facial malformation and has a significant developmental, physical, and psychological impact on those with the deformity and their families. Risk factors contributing to CLP may conclude as genetic factors and environmental factors. The anatomical and morphological abnormalities related to CLP are favorable for dental plaque accumulation on the tooth surface. Therefore, patients with CLP undergo poorer oral hygiene and higher susceptibility to dental caries and periodontitis. In this review, we aim to conclude and update probable causes underlying the association between CLP and poor oral health and provide novel ideas of targeted early prevention for such oral diseases.

Abnormality in the Morphogenesis of Tooth Development and Relationship with Orthodontic Deformities and Treatment Approaches

In the process of odontogenesis, a disturbance in the formation of the epithelium and mesenchyme can be observed and this can be manifested by atypical forms of dental development. Such biological phenomena with altered morphology are as follows: dens invaginatus (DI), dens evaginatus (DE), talon cusps, and double teeth (DT) or connate teeth (fusion and gemination). Patients with orthodontic anomalies who also exhibit teeth with morphogenetic disorders are presented in this article. Dens evaginatus and talon cusps pose orthodontic challenges in the treatment finishing phase. These reduce the possibility of achieving maximum intercuspidation between the lower and upper front teeth as well as poor incisor guidance. Other orthodontic challenges are as follows: the risk of occlusal trauma and periodontal loading of the antagonists and the possibility of accessory cusps to play the role of the inclined plane and lead to deviations in the closure of the lower jaw. The fused teeth can cause aesthetic and occlusal disturbances in the anterior segment. Furthermore, double teeth can lead to ectopic eruption or noneruption of adjacent teeth due to their increased crown size as is the case with one of the presented patients. This is because a double tooth occupies more space in the dental arch. If not diagnosed early, impaction of the adjacent tooth, violation of the occlusal ratios (Bolton/anterior), and exacerbation of the orthodontic deformity can be observed. The modern CBCT imaging is the best diagnostic method for identifying problems related to tooth positions or tooth germs.