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Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition

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A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetics of Materials and Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 July 2024) | Viewed by 10568

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Dr. Nefeli Lagopati

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School of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: nanomedicine; nanotechnology; biomaterials; cancer
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue titled “Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition”.

New technologies, such as digital devices, are available to enhance the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment in dentistry and in the entire craniofacial district in the field of biomimetic design, constructions, devices, and operations.

The application of new biomaterials and techniques can lead to a significant advance in all the main dental branches, such as restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, oral surgery, implantology, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and temporomandibular disorder patients.

Authors conducting studies on these themes are welcome to submit original research articles, reviews, short communications, case series, and case reports to this Special Issue.

Dr. Nefeli Lagopati
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

biomimetics
prosthodontic
implants
oral surgery
plastic surgery
orthodontic
biomaterials
pediatric dentistry
temporomandibular disorders
restorative dentistry
bruxism
bone regeneration
scaffolds
technologies
digital
telemedicine

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 6091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neurofeedback Technology Reduces Cortisol Levels in Bruxismitle Patients: Assessment of Cerebral Activity and Anxiolytic Effects of Origanum majorana Essential Oil

by José Joaquín Merino, José María Parmigiani-Izquierdo, Adolfo Toledano Gasca and María Eugenia Cabaña-Muñoz

Biomimetics 2024, 9(11), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9110715 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 486

Abstract

Cerebral activities were measured during 21 essions in NeurOptimal (NO)-trained patients with bruxism. Salivary cortisol levels were quantified for each six training sessions (session 1, 6, 12, 18, 21) in 12 patients with bruxism after performing their pre- and post-NeurOptimal sessions. Their cortisol levels were compared with controls (without stress). We evaluated whether NO overtraining could reduce stress in bruxism after 21 repeated sessions with/without Origanum majorana inhalation by using nasal impregned filters with this essential oil (n = 12). This study enrolled 89 participants (590 salivary samples for cortisol assessment by ELISA ng/mL). Salivary samples were collected at several NO learning sessions (session 1, 6, 12, 18, and 21). In the present study, we assessed whether Origanum majorana essential oil exposure during 21 NO training sessions can promote anxiolytic effects by reducing cortisol levels in Bruxismitle patients or modulate their brain activities. The experimental design also included control subjects without NO training (n = 30) and unstressed participants without bruxism, as well as trained NeurOptimal (n = 5) participants during the 21 sessions, also including control subjects without stress. In our study, NeurOptimal post-training decreased cortisol levels in Bruxismitle patients, reducing stress scores on the Hamilton II scale after 21 NO sessions; finally, Origanum majorana essential oil exposure during NO training could enhance anxiolytic effects of repeated NO in Bruxismitle patients. The parameter divergence as an index of cerebral activity evaluates the reached difference between cerebral activity at pre-learning (PRE) minus post-training (POST) values in Bruxismitle participants with/without Origanum majorana odor exposure during each NO training sessions. As a consequence of NO overtraining, these cerebral activities fluctuate reaching a calm state while anxious states are associated with high divergences. The reduction in divergences when they are close to zero by habituation means a final calm state is reached by NO overtraining, while higher divergences mean anxiogenic states. Collectively, Origanum majorana essential oil inhalation during NO training could decrease salivary cortisol levels after 21 NO training sessions in Bruxismitle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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18 pages, 2482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of the Precipitation of Double-Doped Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Its Behaviour in Artificial Saliva

by Kostadinka Sezanova, Rumiana Gergulova, Pavletta Shestakova and Diana Rabadjieva

Biomimetics 2024, 9(8), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9080455 - 25 Jul 2024

Viewed by 922

Abstract

Simulated body fluid (SBF) and artificial saliva (AS) are used in biomedical and dental research to mimic the physiological conditions of the human body. In this study, the biomimetic precipitation of double-doped amorphous calcium phosphate in SBF and AS are compared by thermodynamic modelling of chemical equilibrium in the SBF/AS-CaCl₂-MgCl₂-ZnCl₂-K₂HPO₄-H₂O and SBF/AS-CaCl₂-MgCl₂-ZnCl₂-K₂HPO₄-Glycine/Valine-H₂O systems. The saturation indices (SIs) of possible precipitate solid phases at pH 6.5, close to pH of AS, pH 7.5, close to pH of SBF, and pH 8.5, chosen by us based on our previous experimental data, were calculated. The results show possible precipitation of the same salts with almost equal SIs in the two biomimetic environments at the studied pHs. A decrease in the saturation indices of magnesium and zinc phosphates in the presence of glycine is a prerequisite for reducing their concentrations in the precipitates. Experimental studies confirmed the thermodynamic predictions. Only X-ray amorphous calcium phosphate with incorporated Mg (5.86–8.85 mol%) and Zn (0.71–2.84 mol%) was obtained in the experimental studies, irrespective of biomimetic media and synthesis route. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that the synthesis route affects the degree of structural disorder of the precipitates. The lowest concentration of dopant ions was obtained in the presence of glycine. Further, the behaviour of the selected amorphous phase in artificial saliva was studied. The dynamic of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions between the solid and liquid phases was monitored. Both direct excitation ³¹P NMR spectra and ¹H-³¹P CP-MAS spectra proved the increase in the nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite phase upon increasing the incubation time in AS, which is more pronounced in samples with lower additives. The effect of the initial concentration of doped ions on the solid phase transformation was assessed by solid-state NMR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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11 pages, 2551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Printing Angle and Post-Curing Time on the Color and Translucency of 3D-Printed Temporary Restoration

by Tuğba Temizci and Türkay Kölüş

Biomimetics 2024, 9(7), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9070420 - 10 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1105

Abstract

In resins produced with a 3D printer, the printing parameters affect the properties of the restoration produced. This study examined the effect of the printing angle and post-curing time on the optical properties of temporary restorations. A total of 135 disk-shaped Formlabs temporary resins (10 × 2 mm) were produced at three different printing angles (0, 45, and 90 degrees) and post-cured for three different times (20, 40, and 60 min) (n = 15). Color and translucency measurements were taken for each group with a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V). The ΔE values between printing angles and curing times influence each other. The highest color change was observed in the groups produced with a 90° printing angle. Considering the post-curing times, the highest color change was observed in the groups cured for 40 min. Increasing the curing time from 20 to 40 min decreases the translucency, whereas further increasing the curing time does not significantly affect the translucency. In terms of the impact on the translucency caused by the printing angles, 0° exhibited a lower translucency compared to other printing angles. During the 3D printing of temporary prostheses, both printing angles and post-curing times can affect their optical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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16 pages, 6214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Topography of Thermoplastic Appliance Materials Related to Sorption and Solubility in Artificial Saliva

by Liliana Porojan, Flavia Roxana Toma, Mihaela Ionela Gherban, Roxana Diana Vasiliu and Anamaria Matichescu

Biomimetics 2024, 9(7), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9070379 - 23 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 877

Abstract

(1) Background: PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a transparent, inexpensive, and versatile thermoplastic biomaterial, and it is increasingly being used for a variety of medical applications in dentistry, orthopedics, tissue engineering, and surgery. It is known to have remarkable properties such as tensile strength, high ductility, and resistance to chemical insults and heat, but it can be affected by various environmental conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the topographical characteristics of four thermoplastic dental appliance materials in relation to water sorption in simulated oral environments (artificial saliva samples with different pH values). (2) Methods: The following four types of PETG clear thermoplastic materials were selected for the present study: Leone (L), Crystal (C), Erkodur (E), and Duran (D). In relation to the desiccation and water-uptake stages, their water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl) were calculated, and the surface topographies were analyzed on two length scales. The surface roughness was determined using a contact profilometer, and nanoroughness measurements were generated by three-dimensional profiles using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Statistical analyses (one-way ANOVA and unpaired and paired Student t-tests) were performed. (3) Results: After saliva immersion, the weights of all samples increased, and the highest sorption was recorded in a basic environment. Among the materials, the water uptake for the L samples was the highest, and for E, it was the lowest. In relation to water solubility, significant values were registered for both the L and C samples’ materials. After immersion and desiccation, a decreasing trend in microroughness was observed. The AFM high-resolution images reflected more irregular surfaces related to saliva immersion. (4) Conclusions: The sorption rates recorded in water-based artificial saliva were higher for basic pH levels, with significant differences between the samples. There were also significant differences related to the behaviors of the materials included in the study. In relation to roughness, on a microscale, the surfaces tended to be smoother after the saliva immersions, and on a nanoscale, they became more irregular. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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11 pages, 4099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Model Body Type and Print Angle on the Accuracy of 3D-Printed Orthodontic Models

by Stefan Lohfeld, Bryndon Belnap, Jean-Marc Retrouvey and Mary P. Walker

Biomimetics 2024, 9(4), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9040217 - 6 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1495

Abstract

The assortment of low-cost 3D printers for “in-practice” use, e.g., for clear aligner therapies, is ever increasing. To address concerns about the accuracy of orthodontic models produced on such printers when cost-efficient modes of 3D printing are employed, this study examined the effect of print model body type and print angulation on accuracy. Six printing-configuration groups were included: two model types (solid or hollow shell) combined with three print angles (0°, 70°, or 90°) with 10 models/group; all models were printed with 100 µm layer thickness using a digital light processing-based three-dimensional printer. Eleven selected structures and distances were measured on the printed models with a digital microscope and compared to the same measures on a digitized master model. The clinically acceptable range was set at ±0.25 mm difference from the master model for single tooth measurements (intra-tooth) and ±0.5 mm for cross-arch measurements (inter-tooth). For individual measurements across all models, 98% fell within clinical acceptability. For mean measurements within each model group, only canine height for the shell-0° model had a mean difference (−0.26 mm ± 0.03) outside the clinically acceptable range for intra-tooth measurements. Standard deviations for all intra-tooth measurements were within 0.07 mm. While none of the mean inter-tooth measurements exceeded the acceptability range, the standard deviations were larger (0.04 to 0.30 mm). The accuracy of the orthodontic models for clear aligner therapies was not impacted beyond the clinically acceptable range when altering model body type and print angulation to improve efficiency of 3D printing. These findings suggest greater flexibility of the practitioner to alter print settings to address time and cost efficiency in various clinical scenarios and still maintain clinically acceptable model accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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Review

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29 pages, 3529 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomimetic Tissue Engineering Strategies for Craniofacial Applications

by Isis Fatima Balderrama, Sogand Schafer, Muhammad El Shatanofy, Edmara T. P. Bergamo, Nicholas A. Mirsky, Vasudev Vivekanand Nayak, Elcio Marcantonio Junior, Adham M. Alifarag, Paulo G. Coelho and Lukasz Witek

Biomimetics 2024, 9(10), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9100636 - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1069

Abstract

Biomimetics is the science of imitating nature’s designs and processes to create innovative solutions for various fields, including dentistry and craniofacial reconstruction. In these areas, biomimetics involves drawing inspiration from living organisms/systems to develop new materials, techniques, and devices that closely resemble natural tissue structures and enhance functionality. This field has successfully demonstrated its potential to revolutionize craniofacial procedures, significantly improving patient outcomes. In dentistry, biomimetics offers exciting possibilities for the advancement of new dental materials, restorative techniques, and regenerative potential. By analyzing the structure/composition of natural teeth and the surrounding tissues, researchers have developed restorative materials that mimic the properties of teeth, as well as regenerative techniques that might assist in repairing enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum, periodontal ligament, and bone. In craniofacial reconstruction, biomimetics plays a vital role in developing innovative solutions for facial trauma, congenital defects, and various conditions affecting the maxillofacial region. By studying the intricate composition and mechanical properties of the skull and facial bones, clinicians and engineers have been able to replicate natural structures leveraging computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and 3D printing. This has allowed for the creation of patient-specific scaffolds, implants, and prostheses that accurately fit a patient’s anatomy. This review highlights the current evidence on the application of biomimetics in the fields of dentistry and craniofacial reconstruction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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14 pages, 1113 KiB

Open AccessReview

Analysis of the Prognostic Factors That Influence the Outcome of Periapical Surgery, including Biomimetic Membranes for Tissue Regeneration: A Review

by Antonio J. Saiz-Pardo-Pinos, Francisco J. Manzano-Moreno, Esther Muñoz-Soto, María Paloma González-Rodríguez, Nuria Romero-Olid and María Victoria Olmedo-Gaya

Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050258 - 24 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1591

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the prognostic factors that influence the outcome of periapical surgery. A systematic search of the literature was carried out using PubMed and Scopus databases between January 2000 and December 2023 with no language limitations. The PICO question of the present systematic review was: What prognostic factors may influence the outcome of periapical surgery? The most relevant randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), prospective clinical trials, retrospective studies, and meta-analyses (n = 44) were selected from 134 articles. The reviewed literature evidenced that bone-lesion healing could significantly be improved by the absence of deep periodontal pockets (>4 mm), localization in anterior teeth, the absence of pain and/or preoperative symptoms, a size of bone lesion < 5 mm, the use of ultrasound, the correct placement of retrograde filling material, and the use of different biomimetic membranes for guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Some preoperative and intraoperative factors could significantly improve the prognosis of periapical surgery. However, these results were not conclusive, and further high-quality research is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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Other

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9 pages, 4914 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Biomechanical Multipurpose Miniscrew Strategy for Simultaneous Distalization in Class II Patients—The BiGa System

by Gabriele Di Carlo, Guglielmo Biondi, Ivan Gazzola and Matteo Saccucci

Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050305 - 20 May 2024

Viewed by 1079

Abstract

An efficient treatment plan using a temporary anchorage device should be built following the principle of reducing the number of tads to obtain a multiple biomechanical advantage. The following case report concerns the Biga system, a strategy that supports orthodontists during class II corrections and vertical control through treatment. A 12-year-old girl with a high angle of skeletal class II was selected. A novel biomechanical strategy was effectively applied using two tads on the upper arch to obtain sequential distalization of the upper teeth and to correct the lower arch spee curve using third-class elastics. Eventually, on the same tads, a double cantilever was applied to control the overbite and intrusion during incisors’ retraction. The Biga system is an easy biomechanical strategy that ensures the three-dimensional control of treatment mechanics in class II patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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7 pages, 2144 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Anterior Esthetic Restorations with the Stratified Stamp Technique: A Case Report

by Camillo D’Arcangelo, Matteo Buonvivere and Francesco De Angelis

Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050299 - 18 May 2024

Viewed by 1183

Abstract

Anterior teeth restoration represents a challenge for dentists, who often rely on the dental technician’s wax-up. The proposed Stratified Stamp Technique (SST) allows for clinically reproducing the wax-up in a quick and easy way. A patient with fractures and discoloration on the upper central incisors was treated with resin-based composite direct restorations. Using SST, a 1 mm thick thermoformed polyethylene-terephthalate-glycol (PETG) template, based on the technician’s wax-up, was produced. Enamel Selective Area Reduction (SAR) was performed to guarantee adequate space for the restorations, and the fracture margins were rounded and finished. Traditional layering procedures according to the five color dimensions of teeth were performed, except for the final labial layer, which was realized with warm composite loaded inside the template and polymerized through it, in order to ensure accurate tooth morphology reproduction. SST offers a reliable method for transferring technician’s wax-up morphology to direct composite restorations in anterior teeth. Compared with other methods, SST allows for better isolation with a rubber dam and permits traditional layering with multiple composite shades, thus leading to satisfactory esthetic outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dentistry and Craniofacial District: The Role of Biomimetics—Second Edition)

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