Game-based learning (GBL) is becoming a focal point in contemporary orthodontic dental education. This study examines GBL’s ability to provide immersive experiences simulating real-world orthodontic practice. Leveraging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 3D modeling, and advanced e-learning platforms, GBL enhances active learning, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. While promising, GBL adoption faces challenges like high costs, technical demands, and curriculum integration hurdles. However, ongoing innovations, personalized learning paradigms, and artificial intelligence (AI) are mitigating these. This research highlights GBL’s measurable impact on student engagement, information retention, and translating theory into orthodontic practice. Through GBL’s lens, orthodontic education undergoes a paradigm shift where students construct comprehensive treatment plans for simulated patients, fulfilling modern orthodontic pedagogy’s evolving requirements.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the incidence of mucosal lesions and pain during orthodontic treatment with fixed versus removable orthodontic appliances. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 58 patients with fixed orthodontic appliances and 58 patients with removable orthodontic appliances, all aged between 15 and 30 years. The presence and location of lesions were recorded at two time points: two weeks and four weeks after the start of the study. Additionally, the level of pain experienced by the patients was quantified at these same time points using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The Chi-square test was used to compare the frequency of oral lesions between the two groups at the onset of treatment. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the pain score at the onset of treatment between the two groups. The level of significance was set at 0. 05. Results: The frequency of traumatic lesions at two and four weeks was significantly higher in the fixed group (P<0. 050). The frequency of traumatic and allergic lesions increased with time in both groups (P<0. 050). Lichenoid reactions, candidiasis, and exophytic lesions were only detected in the removable treatment group. At two and four weeks, the frequency of lesions in the buccal mucosa was significantly higher than in other areas in the fixed group (P<0. 050). At four weeks, the pain score of patients was higher in the fixed treatment group (P<0. 050). Conclusion: At four weeks, the frequency of lesions was higher in the fixed group. Buccal mucosa was the most common location of lesions in both groups. Pain in the fixed group was higher than the removable group at four weeks.

The purpose of this article was reviewing the literature related to the mutual effects of endodontics and orthodontics on each other providing documented information that can be used by dentists in clinical practice. The effect of orthodontic treatment on the dental pulp and its role in root resorption, the influence of previous trauma to the tooth and endodontic treatment in orthodontic tooth movements and root resorption, recommendations regarding endodontic treatment during orthodontic tooth movement and the role of the orthodontic forces in provision and outcome of endodontic treatment are being discussed. The effect of the orthodontic tooth movement on the pulp is focused primarily on the neurovascular system which can cause degenerative and/or inflammatory responses in the dental pulp. Although, most of these changes are considered reversible, it seems that teeth with complete apical foramen and teeth subjected to previous insults, such as trauma, caries, restorations and periodontal diseases are more susceptible to pulpal irreversible changes. Teeth with root canal treatment that are well cleaned shaped, and three- dimensionally obturated, exhibit less propensity to apical root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. This outcome depends on the absence of microleakage for bacterial ingress. A traumatized tooth can be moved orthodontically with minimal risk of resorption, provided that the pulp has not been severely injured (infection or necrosis). If there is evidence of pulpal demise, appropriate endodontic treatment is necessary prior to orthodontic treatment .If a previously traumatized tooth exhibits resorption, there is a greater chance that orthodontic tooth movement will enhance the resorptive process. If a tooth has been severely traumatized (intrusion, avulsion) there would be a greater incidence of resorption with tooth movement. It is recommended that teeth requiring root canal treatment during orthodontic movement be initially cleaned and shaped followed by the interim placement of calcium hydroxide. Final canal obturation with gutta-percha should be accomplished upon the completion of orthodontic treatment. Endodontically treated teeth can be moved orthodontically similar to teeth with vital pulps. In case of endodontic procedures like apexification, there may be no need to delay the orthodontic treatment.

Objectives: Use of miniscrews has become very common in orthodontic treatment of patients. Following tissue manipulation during miniscrew placement, bacteremia may occur, which is important in patients susceptible to infective endocarditis. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of bacteremia following orthodontic miniscrew placement. Materials and Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 orthodontic patients, including 11 males (36. 7%) and 19 females (63. 3%) with a mean age of 23. 67±, 4. 87 years, who required miniscrew placement in their treatment plan. Two blood samples were taken from the patients for aerobic and anaerobic cultures right before and 30-60 seconds after miniscrew placement. To investigate the presence of bacteremia, the blood samples were incubated in an automated blood culture machine for five days. The standard biological methods were used for the positive sample(s) to identify the type of bacteria. Data analysis was performed using the McNemar test. Results: The blood samples of 29 patients were negative for the bacteria before and after miniscrew placement. Blood sample of one patient was positive for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria after miniscrew placement. However, bacteremia was negative in the initial (preplacement) blood samples for both aerobes and anaerobes. Conclusion: Miniscrew placement in orthodontic patients was not associated with bacteremia.