Introduction: Rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible with severe atrophy remains a major clinical challenge in implant dentistry. Conventional regenerative procedures, while effective, involve high morbidity, long treatment times, and increased costs. To overcome these limitations, the “Full on Shorts®” protocol was developed, based on the placement of short and extra-short implants in posterior mandibular positions, distributed vertically and parallel to minimize cantilevers and optimize biomechanical stability without the need for regenerative surgery or tilted implants. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients treated with the “Full on Shorts®” protocol and followed for a minimum of two years after implant loading. Four implants were placed in each edentulous mandible using a biological drilling protocol. All cases received immediate loading with provisional prostheses, followed by definitive prostheses after 3–4 months. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was conducted every six months, with marginal bone loss evaluated using standardized periapical radiographs. Primary outcomes were implant and prosthesis survival, insertion torque, and marginal bone changes. Results: A total of 36 implants were placed in 9 patients (mean age 64.9 ± 7.3 years). Mean alveolar crest height at implant sites was 6.57 ± 0.63 mm. The average insertion torque was 47.2 ± 13.2 Ncm, with higher values in type I bone (50.3 Ncm) compared to type III bone (37.5 Ncm). All implants were immediately loaded. After a mean follow-up of 39.1 ± 13.3 months (range 20–67), the survival rate of both implants and prostheses was 100%. Mean marginal bone loss was minimal, with 0.21 ± 0.49 mm mesially and 0.13 ± 0.48 mm distally. Only two minor prosthetic complications (screw loosening) were recorded. Conclusions: The “Full on Shorts®” protocol represents a reliable and minimally invasive approach for the rehabilitation of atrophic mandibles. The excellent implant and prosthesis survival, combined with negligible marginal bone loss and the feasibility of immediate loading, support this technique as a predictable alternative to conventional regenerative or tilted implant protocols.

Background: Understanding the perception of attractiveness in the chin position relative to the aesthetic level of the E-line is crucial for improving aesthetic outcomes in orthodontic. This study aimed to examine the extent to which changes in the chin position at sagittal plane relative to the E-line are observed in terms of attractiveness among laypeople, dentists and orthodontists. Material and methods: A digital portrait of adult woman was generated by artificial intelligence (AI) for the study. The image was digitally altered using Adobe Photoshop to create 3 images and presented to 60 orthodontists and 60 laypeople for evaluation of their perception of facial profile attractiveness on a visual value rating scale of (1 to 5). Results: The study results showed that a repeat measures ANOVA was conducted to examine the effect of chin position profile in relation to the E-line (based on three images) on facial attractiveness ratings, and whether this effect differed between orthodontists and laypeople. However, there was a significant interaction between image type and participant group (Wilks' Lambda Test). Conclusions: Orthodontists and Laypeople rated the retrusive chin as more attractive than the protrusive of the chin. Future research should further explore how demographic and cultural factors influence these aesthetic judgments.

Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is a common dental anomaly with significant esthetic and functional repercussions. This case report describes a 17-year-old female patient presenting with bilateral agenesis of the maxillary lateral incisors (teeth 12 and 22), managed through orthodontic treatment using the Roth technique with space opening, followed by implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. The treatment outcome demonstrated a significant improvement in esthetics and function. The discussion compares possible therapeutic approaches: space closure versus space opening, and implant-supported versus resin-bonded bridge rehabilitation.

Retention and stability in orthodontic treatment are of critical importance for maintaining the achieved esthetic, functional, and occlusal outcomes. However, relapse remains one of the most significant clinical challenges due to the tendency of teeth and surrounding tissues to return to their initial positions. This review discusses the biological basis, risk factors, preventive strategies, and the effectiveness of retention appliances in maintaining post-treatment stability. Factors such as periodontal adaptation, quality of occlusal finishing, mandibular incisor dimensions, neuromuscular balance, and continued growth are key determinants of long-term stability. Approaches including overcorrection, interproximal reduction, supracrestal fiberotomy and frenectomy are highlighted as methods to enhance retention success. Supportive biophysical modalities, such as low-level laser therapy, mechanical vibration, and low-intensity ultrasound, may accelerate periodontal and skeletal adaptation; however, further clinical evidence is needed. Both removable and fixed appliances remain essential in retention therapy, with appliance selection determined by malocclusion type, patient compliance, and clinical requirements. Modern CAD/CAM-fabricated customized retainers also provide alternatives to conventional methods. Nevertheless, appliance breakage, hygiene challenges and relapse risk remain persistent concerns. Recent evidence emphasizes that retention should be planned from the outset of treatment, with individualized protocols and regular follow-up appointments. In conclusion, a lifelong retention approach is increasingly recognized as fundamental for the sustainability of orthodontic treatment success.

Purpose: This study investigates the differences in perception of orthodontic treatment need among pedodontists, orthodontists, general dentists and laypeople evaluated in 9–12-years-old children using standardized intraoral photographs and Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Methods: A survey was conducted among four groups: pedodontists, orthodontists, general dentists and laypeople. A total of 255 participants completed the survey, consisting of 63 pedodontists, 57 orthodontists, 57 general dentists and 78 laypeople. The survey included intraoral frontal photographs of 12 different cases presenting various types of malocclusions before any orthodontic intervention. All participants were asked to evaluate the orthodontic treatment need of each case by assigning a score on a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) placed below each photograph. Group comparisons were conducted using the Independent Samples t-test and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), as appropriate. Result: Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the groups, as orthodontists perceived higher treatment need scores, while general dentists showed a tendency to underestimate the necessity for treatment. Laypeople predominantly focused on aesthetic aspects, often overlooking functional aspects of malocclusions. Additionally, age and gender influenced perception, with older participants and females perceiving treatment need higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant differences are observed in the perception of orthodontic treatment need in accordance with the evaluator’s age, gender and profession. Hence, orthodontic treatment decision should be made intently considering these differences to fulfill the divergent expectations of each patient.

Background: Maxillary canines are the second most frequently impacted teeth after third molars, with a prevalence of approximately 2% in the general population. The etiology of canine impaction is multifactorial, involving both environmental and genetic factors. Among the candidate genes associated with tooth development, PAX9 plays a crucial role in odontogenesis and tooth bud positioning. Genetic variations in PAX9 have been linked to dental anomalies such as agenesis and impaction; however, evidence regarding their association with maxillary canine impaction remains limited, particularly in the Indian population. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association between PAX9 gene polymorphism (SNP rs4904210) and maxillary canine impaction in an Indian population sample. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 60 subjects (30 cases with impacted maxillary canines and 30 controls with normally erupted canines) aged 10–40 years. Venous blood samples were collected, and DNA was isolated using standard protocols. The PAX9 gene was amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with the enzyme HpaII for genotyping. Statistical analyses, including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and chi-square tests, were performed to determine the association between genotypes and the occurrence of canine impaction. Results: The study population showed no significant differences in age or gender distribution between cases and controls (p > 0.05). Among the cases, unilateral impaction was more common (73.3%) than bilateral (26.7%). Both case and control groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No statistically significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies of PAX9 (rs4904210) were observed between the two groups, indicating no genetic association with maxillary canine impaction. Conclusion: The present study found no significant association between PAX9 polymorphism (rs4904210) and maxillary canine impaction in the Indian population studied. Although PAX9 plays a critical role in tooth development, this specific SNP does not appear to influence canine impaction risk. Future studies with larger, ethnically diverse samples and broader genetic analysis are warranted to better understand the multifactorial etiology of maxillary canine impaction.

Background: Class II malocclusion is one of the most common orthodontic problems and often requires comprehensive treatment strategies. Conventional correction methods typically depend on high levels of patient compliance and may involve complex mechanics or extractions. The introduction of skeletal anchorage systems, particularly infrazygomatic crest (IZC) miniscrews, has provided an effective alternative for non-compliant and non-extraction cases. Objective: This case report aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of IZC-assisted en-masse distalization in correcting a Class II malocclusion Case Presentation: A 20-year-old female presented with a skeletal Class I malocclusion, Angle Class II relationship on the right side, right posterior crossbite, maxillary midline deviation, and proclined anterior teeth. Treatment objectives included correcting the midline, establishing Class I molar and canine relationships, resolving the crossbite, and improving facial esthetics. A passive self-ligating appliance system (Genius system) was used alongside skeletal anchorage via an IZC miniscrew to achieve en-masse distalization. A sequence of NiTi and stainless-steel archwires was used for alignment and torque control. Crossbite correction was achieved using flipped brackets, bite blocks, and criss-cross elastics. En-masse distalization was carried out using an IZC miniscrew and power arms to generate controlled force vectors. Final results showed successful correction of the Class II relationship, midline alignment, ideal overjet and overbite, and improved smile esthetics. Functional occlusion with proper guidance was also achieved. Conclusion: IZC miniscrew-supported distalization provides a reliable, compliance-independent solution for Class II correction. This approach offers excellent control of tooth movement, eliminates the need for extractions in many cases, and enhances both esthetic and functional outcomes with minimal patient cooperation.

Introduction: The main objective of our study is to assess the importance, direction, and predictability of dentofacial changes following LeFort I maxillary advancement while focusing on the extent of improvement of the soft and hard tissue profile of the face after surgery. Material and Method: This is a retrospective study carried out on patients treated in the dentofacial orthopedics unit at the Farhat Hached University Hospital of Soussa. The data of the study were obtained from a sample of 20 participants aged at least 18 years. Cephalometric measurements were performed on each patient and the collected data were analyzed with SPSS 22.0. Spearman's correlation test and simple linear regression test were used. The normality of the sample distribution was studied with the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. The statistical significance level was set at 5%. Results: A negative and statistically insignificant correlation was found between patient age and the amount of maxillary advancement. The SNA and ANB angles were significantly and positively correlated with the amount of maxillary advancement. There was also a positive, statistically significant correlation between the amount of advancement and the thickness of the postoperative upper lip, which was confirmed by simple linear regression analysis, whereas the Z and nasolabial angles were negatively and significantly correlated with the amount of advancement. Also, a positive and statistically significant correlation was found between upper incisor exposure and upper lip thickness and length. Discussion: The results found in the literature have commonalities and differences with those found in our study, these comparisons will be discussed in our article. Conclusion: These variations should be taken into consideration and anticipated in our daily practice.

The aim of this study was to assess the available literature on the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on the osseointegration of dental implants in humans. The present literature review explores the question: “Does vitamin D supplementation have an impact on dental implant osseointegration?” Relevant publications were identified through electronic searches in PubMed and Google Scholar, covering the period from January 2018 to April 2025, using the MeSH terms: Vitamin D, Dental Implants, and Osseointegration. Only human studies published in English or French were considered. The reviewed literature includes articles such as narrative and systematic reviews, clinical trials, randomized clinical trials, case series, and case reports the electronic search yielded a total of 1,542 articles. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria [2 randomized clinical trials, 2 prospective studies, 1 retrospective study, 1 case report, and 2 literature reviews], comprising clinical data from 316 patients. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance osseointegration, notably in patients with deficiency. More research is needed to standardize supplementation protocols.

Blood exposure accidents [BEAs] are major occupational hazards in dental practice, since they carry the risk of transmission of potentially fatal pathogens like Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV], Hepatitis B and C [HBV and HCV]. Although protocols for prevention and management of BEAs are well established, knowledge gaps and underreporting are prevalent especially in North African countries like Tunisia. This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness, frequency of exposure and reporting practices of BEAs among Tunisian dentists. A cross-sectional and single-center study was conducted among dentists from June 28 to November 18 2022 that included professors, residents, interns, private practice dentists and public sector dentists. A 16-item survey was created using “Google Form” and distributed via email and in Tunisian dentists Facebook groups. 50 printed copies were distributed in the academic dental clinic of Monastir. An excel sheet and the “IBM SPSS” software were used for data analysis of the respondents, 50.6% demonstrated sufficient knowledge regarding general aspects of BEAs; however, 63% reported feeling inadequately informed about their management. A total of 168 BEAs were recorded, of which only 29.8% were officially reported to occupational health authorities’ Tunisian dentists possess sufficient knowledge regarding BEAs and their management, Nevertheless, many still feel ill-informed about the subject. Providing additional information could strengthen their knowledge, encourage reporting and enhance prevention efforts in Tunisia.