Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and related structures, frequently encountered in dental and medical practice. With the increasing use of large language models (LLMs) for health-related queries, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of responses provided by four leading AI platforms Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Meta AI to the most commonly asked questions about TMDs. A set of 45 standardized questions covering definitions, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management of TMDs was used. Responses from each platform were assessed on a Likert scale (1–20) across four key domains: Understandability, Readability, Credibility, and Contextual Relevance. While all four AI models demonstrated potential as educational tools for patients seeking information about TMDs, their quality and consistency varied. Based on this Likert-scale assessment, the overall ranking was: Google Gemini (1st) > Microsoft Copilot (2nd) > ChatGPT (3rd) > Meta AI (4th).

Background: Orthodontic auxiliaries are frequently reused and may act as potential sources of cross-infection if not adequately sterilized. Limited comparative data exist regarding the effectiveness of commonly used sterilization methods for orthodontic materials. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different sterilization and disinfection methods in eliminating microbial contamination from selected orthodontic materials. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro microbiological study evaluated 48 orthodontic samples including NiTi closed coil springs, pre-formed molar bands with buccal tubes, and Class II elastics. Samples were divided into five groups: control, 70% ethanol, 2% glutaraldehyde, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and autoclaving. Following sterilization, all specimens were cultured on tryptic soy agar and incubated at 37°C for 72 hours. Microbial growth was assessed visually. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test. Results: All unsterilized samples demonstrated microbial growth. No microbial growth was observed in any samples treated with 70% ethanol, 2% glutaraldehyde, UV irradiation, or autoclaving. Statistically significant differences were observed between control and treated groups (Chi-square = 8.778, p = 0.003). Conclusion: All evaluated sterilization methods were effective in eliminating microbial contamination from orthodontic materials. Autoclaving and glutaraldehyde immersion are recommended as primary methods, while UV irradiation and ethanol can serve as adjunctive alternatives.

Malocclusion is a highly prevalent developmental condition in children and adolescents and represents one of the most frequent reasons for referral from primary dental care to orthodontic services [1, 2]. General Dental Practitioners (GDPs), particularly newly qualified dentists, often face uncertainty when assessing malocclusion severity, determining the optimal timing of referral, and establishing eligibility for National Health Service (NHS) orthodontic treatment [11, 12]. This uncertainty may result in delayed referral of high-risk cases or inappropriate referral of children with minimal treatment need, placing unnecessary pressure on specialist services [13]. This narrative review proposes a stepwise orthodontic referral ladder, translating the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) into a clinically intuitive and structured decision-making framework. The model classifies malocclusion from mild to severe, incorporates red-flag conditions requiring early or urgent referral, integrates optimal age for referral, and aligns with UK NHS commissioning and British Orthodontic Society guidance [18–20]. The framework aims to provide GDPs and new graduates with a clear, defensible, and patient-centred reference scale to support consistent orthodontic referral decisions and improve outcomes for children.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology in modern orthodontics, redefining conventional diagnostic and therapeutic workflows through digital integration and predictive analytics. The incorporation of machine learning, deep learning, convolutional neural networks, and computer vision into orthodontic practice has significantly improved the accuracy of cephalometric landmark identification, malocclusion classification, treatment simulation, aligner therapy planning, and remote patient monitoring. Digital orthodontics, supported by intraoral scanners, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), three-dimensional imaging, and cloud-based systems, has created a robust data-driven ecosystem that facilitates AI-assisted clinical decision-making. AI-based software systems are increasingly capable of reducing operator variability, minimizing human error, and improving clinical efficiency while enabling personalized orthodontic care. Furthermore, teleorthodontics and AI-enabled remote monitoring systems have expanded patient accessibility and compliance tracking. Despite these advancements, important concerns remain regarding algorithm transparency, ethical considerations, data privacy, medico-legal accountability, and clinician dependency on automated systems. Current evidence suggests that AI should function as an adjunctive clinical tool rather than a replacement for professional judgment. The present review comprehensively discusses the evolution, applications, advantages, limitations, ethical implications, and future prospects of artificial intelligence in digital orthodontics. The article highlights the growing role of AI in precision orthodontics and emphasizes the need for standardized validation and responsible clinical integration.

Biomimetic restorative dentistry (BRD), a paradigm change from conventional dental techniques, aims to restore damaged teeth by mimicking their natural appearance, functionality, and structure. This multidisciplinary discipline uses biological processes as inspiration to develop cutting-edge dental treatments that blend in perfectly with the natural tissues of teeth. In contrast to conventional techniques, which frequently entail significant tooth reduction and the use of inflexible, incompatible materials, BRD places a higher priority on maintaining healthy tooth structure, which improves the endurance, durability, and aesthetics of restorations. This review examines the basic concepts, range of materials, state-of-the-art clinical techniques, and creative applications of biomimetics in dentistry.

To review current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of sleep bruxism [SB] and its association with temporomandibular disorders [TMD]. A narrative review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on prevalence, diagnostic methods, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies for SB and TMD. SB is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial condition with neurological, behavioral, and environmental determinants. Its frequent association with TMD complicates diagnosis and management. Advances in diagnostic technologies, including polysomnography, electromyography, and AI-assisted sleep analysis, have improved diagnostic precision. Management strategies include behavioral interventions, occlusal splints, pharmacologic options, and multidisciplinary care, with pediatric cases emphasizing conservative measures. SB and TMD are intricately linked conditions requiring a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Future research should focus on standardizing pediatric diagnostic criteria and assessing long-term outcomes of therapeutic interventions.

Alveolar ridge deficiency following tooth extraction, trauma, periodontal disease, and long-term edentulism presents a major challenge in implant rehabilitation. Adequate bone volume is essential for ideal implant positioning, long-term osseointegration, esthetic success, and functional stability. Autogenous bone grafting continues to be regarded as the gold standard in ridge augmentation because of its osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. However, contemporary regenerative dentistry has introduced multiple evidence-based approaches that improve the predictability of horizontal and vertical ridge reconstruction while reducing morbidity and graft resorption. This review discusses the biologic basis of alveolar ridge resorption and critically evaluates current decision-making principles in horizontal and vertical ridge augmentation. Various reconstructive modalities including guided bone regeneration, autogenous block grafting, shell techniques, titanium mesh-assisted augmentation, distraction osteogenesis, and biologically enhanced regenerative procedures are analyzed with emphasis on clinical indications, advantages, limitations, and evidence-based outcomes. Horizontal ridge augmentation procedures generally demonstrate greater predictability and lower complication rates compared with vertical reconstruction, which remains surgically demanding because of limited vascularity, soft tissue tension, and graft instability. Recent evidence supports the use of combination grafting protocols involving autogenous bone and slowly resorbing biomaterials to enhance dimensional stability and reduce postoperative resorption. Digital technologies including cone-beam computed tomography, CAD/CAM-guided reconstruction, and customized titanium meshes have further improved surgical precision and treatment outcomes. Successful alveolar ridge reconstruction depends on careful defect analysis, individualized treatment planning, biologic principles, and meticulous soft tissue management. Contemporary evidence indicates that autogenous ridge augmentation remains the most reliable option for complex alveolar reconstruction despite ongoing advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Introduction: The relationship between implant length and prosthetic crown height has traditionally been considered a critical factor in the biomechanical stability of implant-supported restorations. High crown-to-implant ratios (CIR) have been associated with increased stress at the bone–implant interface and potential risk of failure. However, recent evidence suggests that this parameter may have a limited clinical impact when other factors are properly controlled. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical performance of extra-short, narrow-diameter implants placed in situations with crown-to-implant ratios ≥3. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including patients treated in 2020 with extra-short implants (4.5–6.5 mm) and narrow diameters (3–3.5 mm), supporting single or fixed restorations. All cases had a minimum follow-up of five years. Treatment planning was performed using CBCT and digital software, allowing individualized surgical protocols to optimize primary stability. Clinical and radiographic follow-up included periodic periapical radiographs. Implant survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and marginal bone loss was measured using calibrated digital images. Results: Six patients with 24 implants were included, with a mean follow-up of 62.6 ± 7.8 months. The mean crown-to-implant ratio was 3.27 ± 0.26 (range 3–3.9). Implant survival was 100%, with no failures recorded. Prosthetic survival was also 100%, although seven minor technical complications were observed, mainly screw loosening. Mean marginal bone loss was 0.42 ± 0.59 mm (mesial) and 0.45 ± 0.70 mm (distal). Most implants were immediately loaded and restored with screw-retained prostheses. Conclusions: Extra-short, narrow-diameter implants placed in situations with crown-to-implant ratios ≥3 can achieve favorable medium-term clinical outcomes. Implant survival and marginal bone stability appear to depend more on biomechanical and biological factors than on the magnitude of the crown-to-implant ratio itself. These findings suggest that high CIR values should not be considered a limiting factor when appropriate treatment planning and load control are applied.

Angular cheilitis is a prevalent, multifactorial inflammatory lesion at the oral commissures that occurs with notable frequency in patients undergoing prosthodontic rehabilitation. Reduced occlusal vertical dimension, ill-fitting dentures, xerostomia, and Candida overgrowth are the principal predisposing factors. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment supported by microbiological sampling to differentiate fungal from bacterial etiologies. Management requires a combined approach encompassing antifungal pharmacotherapy, prosthetic correction, including restoration of the occlusal vertical dimension, and optimization of oral and denture hygiene. The published evidence base for specific treatments remains limited, with very few randomized controlled trials available. Prosthodontists should adopt a systematic diagnostic framework that addresses both microbial and mechanical etiologies to reduce recurrence and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Chrono-dentistry is a new area of study in dentistry that examines the relationship between circadian cycles and periodontal health. Circadian clocks are natural timekeeping mechanisms that synchronise daily cycles with physiological functions. Both the central nervous system and periodontal tissues, such as the gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and fibroblasts, express molecular clocks, which include genes like BMAL1(Brain and Muscle Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator (ARNT) like protein), PERs (Period genes), Crys (Cryptochrome genes), and DEC1/2 (Differentiated Embryo Chondrocyte 1 and 2). With rhythmic gene expression influencing bone resorption, vascularization, and inflammation, these peripheral clocks regulate crucial processes such as tissue remodelling, wound healing, immunological responses, and cellular proliferation. A person's susceptibility to periodontitis is increased when their circadian cycles are disrupted by shift work, sleep deprivation, or genetic changes. This results in increased tissue degradation, heightened inflammatory mediators (Tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin-1β), and decreased salivary antioxidant capacity. CLOCK gene (Circadian Locomotor output Cycles Kaput) downregulation, particularly of BMAL1, enhances pro-inflammatory pathways controlled by NF-κB (Nuclear Factor κB), thereby accelerating bone loss and influencing bone resorption, vascularization, and inflammation. The potential of chronobiology-guided periodontal therapy is highlighted by our growing understanding of the molecular pathways relating circadian rhythm and periodontal disease. Long-term oral health may be supported and treatment outcomes may be enhanced by coordinating therapeutic and preventive measures with the circadian cycle.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a member of the polyaryletherketone family, has gained increasing attention in dentistry because of its favorable biomechanical properties, low density, radiolucency, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. Compared with metallic materials, PEEK and especially fiber-reinforced PEEK exhibit a lower elastic modulus, which may contribute to more favorable stress distribution in selected implant and prosthetic applications. PEEK has been investigated for dental implants, implant abutments, fixed and removable prostheses, post-core systems, maxillofacial prostheses, periodontal splints, occlusal splints, and orthodontic appliances. However, pure PEEK is biologically inert and has low surface energy, which may limit osseointegration and adhesive bonding. To overcome these limitations, surface treatments such as plasma activation, sulfonation, and hydroxyapatite coating, as well as bulk modifications including ceramic or fiber reinforcement, have been proposed. This review summarizes the current dental applications of PEEK, its main advantages and limitations, and future perspectives for clinical use. Although PEEK is a promising dental biomaterial, most applications still require further long-term clinical validation before routine use can be recommended.

Internal root resorption (IRR) is an uncommon but potentially destructive pathological condition characterized by progressive loss of dentin from within the pulp space as a result of odontoclastic activity. It is frequently asymptomatic and often detected incidentally during radiographic examination, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention to prevent structural compromise and tooth loss. This case report describes the successful nonsurgical management of a non-perforating internal root resorption lesion in a mandibular first molar. A 32-year-old male patient presented with pain in the lower left posterior region, and radiographic evaluation revealed a well-defined radiolucent defect in the cervical third of the distal root, consistent with internal root resorption, along with associated periapical pathology. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy was performed, involving thorough chemomechanical debridement, intracanal medication with calcium hydroxide, and obturation using gutta-percha with a bioceramic sealer. The resorptive defect was sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to achieve an effective three-dimensional seal and promote periradicular healing. Clinical and radiographic follow-up at six and twelve months demonstrated resolution of symptoms, healing of periapical lesions, and arrest of the resorptive process. This case highlights the significance of early diagnosis, appropriate case selection, and the use of bioactive materials such as MTA in achieving favorable outcomes in the nonsurgical management of internal root resorption.