Functional Biomaterials for Local Control of Orthodontic Tooth Movement

A narrative review of the effects of vitamin D3 on orthodontic tooth movement: Focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a critical process in dental alignment, driven by the application of calibrated orthodontic forces. This study delves into the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms by which vitamin D3 influences OTM. Vitamin D3 is identified as a critical regulator in bone metabolism, enhancing osteoblast activity and bone formation while also modulating osteoclast quantity and RANKL expression, essential for the remodeling of the alveolar bone. The precise mechanisms through which vitamin D3 facilitates these processes are explored, highlighting its potential in accelerating bone remodeling and, consequently, tooth alignment. This comprehensive review underscores vitamin D3's anabolic impact on bone metabolism and its pivotal role in the synthesis and mineralization processes governed by osteoblasts. The findings illuminate vitamin D3's promise in augmenting orthodontic therapy, suggesting its utility in improving treatment efficiency and reducing duration. However, the need for further research into the optimal application of vitamin D3 in orthodontics is emphasized, particularly concerning dosage, timing, and delivery methods.

Thymol as a Component of Chitosan Systems-Several New Applications in Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

Thymol, a plant-derived monoterpene phenol known for its broad biological activity, has often been incorporated into chitosan-based biomaterials to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature review from 2018 to 2023, focusing on the biomedical implications of thymol-loaded chitosan systems. A review of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted using specific keywords and search criteria. Of the 90 articles, 12 were selected for the review. Thymol-loaded chitosan-based nanogels (TLCBS) showed improved antimicrobial properties, especially against multidrug-resistant bacterial antagonists. Innovations such as bipolymer nanocarriers and thymol impregnated with photosensitive chitosan micelles offer advanced bactericidal strategies and show potential for bone tissue regeneration and wound healing. The incorporation of thymol also improved drug delivery efficiency and biomechanical strength, especially when combined with poly(dimethylsiloxane) in chitosan-gelatin films. Thymol-chitosan combinations have also shown promising applications in oral delivery and periodontal treatment. This review highlights the synergy between thymol and chitosan in these products, which greatly enhances their therapeutic efficacy and highlights the novel use of essential oil components. It also highlights the novelty of the studies conducted, as well as their limitations and possible directions for the development of integrated substances of plant and animal origin in modern and advanced medical applications.

Post-Orthodontic Relapse Prevention through Administration of a Novel Synthetic Carbonated Hydroxyapatite-Chitosan Hydrogel Derived from Blood Cockle Shell (Anadara granosa L.)

Relapse during passive orthodontic treatment is a major issue, with 70-90% frequency. This study examines whether blood cockle shells may be used to extract carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA)-chitosan (CS). This study also aims to analyze the effect of CHA-CS on orthodontic relapse in rats. This study utilized 18 male Wistar rats which were randomly divided into two groups: CHA-CS and the control group (CG). The rats were subjected to a 35 cN orthodontic force for a duration of 7 days, after which the rats were conditioned to be passive. During this phase, the CHA-CS group received daily administration of CHA-CS hydrogel derived from the blood cockle shell. Subsequently, the appliances were detached to facilitate relapse. The distance between the mesial tips was measured using a digital caliper at three consecutive time points: 1, 5, and 7 days after debonding. The number of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and fibroblasts was examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using a t-test. The relapse distance of the CHA-CS group was lower than that of the control groups on day 7. Histological examinations using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed a significant increase in osteoblasts, a decrease in osteoclasts, and an increase in fibroblasts during orthodontic relapse movement (p < 0.05). This study found that blood cockle shell-derived CHA-CS may reduce orthodontic relapse by increasing osteoblasts and fibroblasts and by reducing the osteoclast number in rats.

Effect of Si Contents on the Properties of Ti15Mo7ZrxSi Alloys

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility of two novel titanium alloys, Ti15Mo7ZrxSi (x = 0, 0.5, 0.75, 1). These samples had already undergone grinding, polishing, cutting, and chipping. Electrochemical, metallographic, three-point bending, and microhardness studies were conducted on the studied materials to determine their corrosion behavior, microstructure, Young's modulus, and hardness. The first investigations revealed that both samples had biphasic and dendritic structures, elastic moduli that were between the highest and minimum values achieved by around 20 GPa, and favorable behavior when in contact with physiological fluids at ambient temperature. Ti15Mo7Zr0.5Si and Ti15Mo7Zr0.75Si, the research samples, had greater corrosion potentials, reduced corrosion rates, and therefore higher corrosion resistance, as well as modulus of elasticity values that were comparable to and closer to those of human bone. The results of this investigation indicate that both alloys exhibit favorable corrosion behavior, great biocompatibility, Young's modulus results lower than those of conventional alloys used in biomedical implants, and hardness values higher than commercially pure titanium.