Publications

When two probes are flashed at different times within a moving frame, they can be perceived as dramatically separated from each other even though they are at the same location in the display. This effect suggests that we perceive object position relative to the surrounding frame even when it is moving (Özkan et al., 2021). Here, eight experiments reveal new properties of this frame effect. First, the influence of the frame on the perceived probe positions extends beyond its bounding contours by several degrees of visual angle, both in the direction of the frame's motion and orthogonal to it. It is also undiminished when the probes and the frame are in different depth planes. However, the influence of the frame's motion shows no extension in time-there is no effect on probes presented after the frame is removed and none retroactively before the frame appears either. The frame effect is also driven primarily by the displacement of the frame, not by its motion signals: the effect is stronger for moving bounded frames compared with moving unbounded random dot textures. When the bounded region has an internal texture that moves with or against the frame's motion or remains static, it is the displacement of the frame that produces the perceived position shifts of the probes, and the effect of the internal motion is mostly suppressed. The frame's influence is unaffected by whether the motion is self-initiated or not and does not diminish in strength across 2 hours of testing.

Blinks serve not only to maintain ocular lubrication, but may also contribute to visual processing, although their functional role remains poorly understood. Recent research has shown that spontaneous and voluntary blinks serve distinct functions in perceptual competition involving binocular interactions (Sato & Kimura, 2024). To disentangle the retinal and extra-retinal contributions of blinking, this study investigated how different types of blinks affect perceptual alternation using a bistable apparent motion stimulus where the perceived motion direction alternates between vertical and horizontal. Results showed that instructed (i.e., voluntary) blinks facilitated perceptual alternation, whereas spontaneous blinks did not. The time to perceptual alternation was longer on spontaneous-blink trials, but these blinks showed no clear temporal association with the alternation. Physical blackouts simulating blinks also did not affect perceptual alternation. However, these same blackouts did modulate it when susceptibility to perceptual alternation was high, suggesting that retinal transients have a limited but condition-dependent effect. Moreover, the lack of modulation from instructed key presses suggests that extra-retinal self-motion signals per se cannot account for the effect. Notably, instructed eye widenings, which do not involve eyelid closure, also facilitated perceptual alternation. Taken together, these results suggest that the facilitatory effects of voluntary blinking primarily reflect extra-retinal signals associated with voluntary eyelid movements.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate surface texture (ST) and clinical performance (CP) of milled biocompatible high-performance polymer (BioHPP) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) single posterior crowns veneered with two different techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients requiring posterior crowns were divided randomly into two equal groups (n = 16) according to the veneering technique used. The manual group included patients receiving milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual layering, and the computer-aided designing (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) group included patients receiving milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with CAD/CAM composite resin [high impact performance composite (HIPC)]. Surface texture and CP were evaluated at cementation time and every 6 months for 1-year follow-up period.

RESULTS: Both veneering techniques performed comparably in terms of maintaining ST and CP for 1-year follow-up. Regarding ST, the results (p = 0.8993) indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the survival patterns between the two groups over the study period. Also, for CP, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.9999) between the CAD/CAM composite resin veneered and manually veneered BioHPP PEEK copings over the study period.

CONCLUSION: Milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual veneering and CAD/CAM composite resin veneering showed clinically accepted ST and CP after 1 year of follow-up.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Polyetheretherketone veneered crowns are a valid treatment option for restoring posterior endodontically treated teeth when properly finished and polished following the manufacturer's recommendation. How to cite this article: Dief AK, Elshehy O, Nabil O. Surface Texture and Clinical Performance of Milled BioHPP Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Single Posterior Crowns Veneered with Two Different Techniques: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):67-77.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the effects of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) on external apical root resorption (EARR) during maxillary canine retraction using a split-mouth prospective study design.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty orthodontic patients (mean age 22.8 ± 2.7 years) who required first premolar extractions bilaterally were recruited. In each subject, one quadrant was randomly assigned to MOP and the contralateral quadrant to I-PRF. All patients underwent fixed appliance therapy with a pre-adjusted edgewise system, and maxillary canines were retracted with NiTi closed-coil springs delivering 150 gm of force. Micro-osteoperforations were performed at the initiation of retraction, whereas I-PRF was injected monthly. To measure changes in root length, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the patients were taken both prior to and following full canine retraction (T0 and T1, respectively). Statistical analysis was completed using unpaired and paired t-tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant root length reduction after retraction (p < 0.05). The mean EARR in the MOP group was 1.21 ± 0.25 mm, while the I-PRF group showed 1.00 ± 0.10 mm of resorption. Despite the MOP group's somewhat higher resorption, there were no clinically noteworthy distinctions between the two categories (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Micro-osteoperforations and I-PRF are both effective adjuncts for facilitating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM); however, both approaches are associated with measurable root resorption. There is no statistically significant difference observed between the two techniques in terms of minimizing EARR.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: While MOPs and I-PRF can shorten treatment duration, clinicians should remain cautious of their potential to induce root resorption. Injectable PRF may offer additional biological benefits owing to its regenerative properties, but long-term studies with larger samples should be done before definitive clinical recommendations are suggested. How to cite this article: Niranjane P, Taori KP, Kolhatkar K. Evaluation of the Effects of Micro-osteoperforation and Injectable Platelet-rich Fibrin on the External Root Resorption: A Split-mouth Prospective Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):78-82.

AIM: To evaluate the mean overbite depth indicator (ODI) and anteroposterior dysplasia index (APDI) values in a sample of Arab Jordanian individuals and compare these findings to the original reference norms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 240 subjects (mean age: 10.54 ± 2.3 years), comprising 123 females and 117 males, were selected based on the presence of an angle class I molar relationship and average vertical and sagittal skeletal and dental patterns. Participants were evenly distributed into four age-based cohorts: group I (7-8 years), group II (9-10 years), group III (11-12 years), and group IV (13-14 years). The mean values of the ODI and APDI were calculated for each age and gender subgroup. These values were statistically analyzed and compared with the original reference norms using SPSS software. A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was applied.

RESULTS: Across the total sample, the mean ODI value was significantly lower (72.10° ± 3.34°), while the mean APDI value was significantly higher (82.70° ± 3.03°) compared to the original reference norms. No statistically significant differences in ODI or APDI values were observed among the four age subgroups. Gender-based analysis revealed no significant differences in APDI values between males and females. However, females exhibited significantly higher ODI values compared to males.

CONCLUSION: The derived mean values for the ODI and APDI serve as clinically relevant benchmarks for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning in Arab populations and contribute to the refinement of global cephalometric standards through population-specific insights.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows that Arab Jordanian children have different average ODI and APDI values compared to the original standards. Knowing these differences helps orthodontists make better treatment decisions that match the needs of this population. How to cite this article: Alrbata RH, Rahamneh AS. Evaluation of the Overbite Depth Indicator and Anteroposterior Dysplasia Index in a Sample of the Arab Population. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):51-54.

AIM: To assess the perceived smile esthetics and psychosocial impact of orthodontic treatment in individuals with definite malocclusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 333 Indian individuals aged 12-40 years with untreated malocclusion of various types. A validated questionnaire based on the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) was used, covering eight domains: Self-confidence, social impact, esthetic concerns, psychological impact, speech impairment, functional limitations, matrimonial concerns, and career concerns. Each of the 16 items was scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS (Version 30.0), with significance set at p < 0.05. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's α.

RESULTS: The study sample comprised n = 333 Indian individuals between 12 and 40 years of age. The overall questionnaire reliability was acceptable (α = 0.751). Self-confidence concerns showed no gender difference (males: 72, 31.6%; females: 151, 34.5%; p = 0.162). Esthetic concern was higher in males (91, 39.9% with no concern) than in females (243, 55.5%; p = 0.001). Social impact was reported more by males (98, 43.0%) than by females (110, 25.1%; p < 0.001). Matrimonial concerns were greater in males (28, 12.3% severe) compared to females, where most (270, 61.6%) had no concern (p < 0.001). Functional difficulty was more frequent in males (23, 10.1% severe) vs females (18, 4.1%), with 300 females (68.5%) unaffected (p < 0.001). Career, speech, and psychological concerns were also significantly higher among males, while females more often reported no concern across domains.

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that individuals with definite malocclusion perceive a substantial psychosocial and esthetic burden even before undergoing orthodontic treatment. Participants commonly reported diminished self-image, lower social confidence, and emotional distress, indicating that malocclusion affects more than just dental function. These perceptions were key motivators for seeking orthodontic intervention, reflecting the strong influence of appearance- and confidence-related concerns, alongside functional needs, on their decision to pursue treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Malocclusion affects not only dental alignment but also mental well-being, self-esteem, and social interactions. This study highlights the importance of assessing psychosocial impacts in untreated individuals to establish meaningful pretreatment benchmarks. Orthodontic care emerges as a transformative intervention that enhances self-image, emotional stability, and overall quality of life. Incorporating patient-reported outcomes into routine assessment allows for more holistic and personalized treatment planning. How to cite this article: Sinha R, Nagar S, Kumar A, et al. Perceived Smile Esthetics and Psychosocial Impact of Orthodontic Treatment in Individuals with Definite Malocclusion: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):44-50.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the probable impression of the tongue forces on the posterior mandibular dentoalveolar structure through the assessment of the reflected stress distribution and the possible resultant displacement by finite element analysis on the mandibular model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The AutoCAD (2010) software was used to design the three-dimensional mandibular study model for finite element analysis. A force of 2, 90, and 500 g/cm2 that represents the forces expressed by the tongue during the normal rest posture, the normal function, and abnormal function, respectively, is applied perpendicularly to the lingual aspect of the mandibular model posterior portion.

RESULTS: Higher displacement values in the three axes of space X, Y, and Z are complementary to high von Mises stresses seen in abnormal tongue function state, and lowest for the normal rest posture, with normal function state in between.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that abnormal lingual habits possibly have an adverse effect on the mandibular posterior structure. It may lead to abnormal deviation in the form and position during growth. How to cite this article: Alsultan MMH, Al Zubaidi SH, Alsaleem NR. Abnormal Tongue Behavior with Its Imaginable Influence on the Posterior Mandibular Dentoalveolar Structure. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):27-32.

AIM: Gingival recession (GR) is a significant determinant of both the functional and cosmetic aspects of patients. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using collagen membranes is considered a desirable option among the various strategies for GR coverage using barrier membranes. Therefore, this clinical research was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of GTR using bioabsorbable collagen membrane (GTRbcm) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in the treatment of GR over a duration of 6 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients diagnosed with Miller's class I and II GR participated in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, which was divided into two groups, with 12 patients in each group. Group I received a coronally advanced flap (CAF) with GTR, whereas group II had CAF with SCTG following the first periodontal treatment. Paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for evaluating parameters within and across groups.

RESULTS: Analysis of covariance revealed that the recession depth (RD) in group I was significantly greater than in group II at 3 months (1.27 ± 0.17 compared to 0.65 ± 0.17) and 6 months (1.06 ± 0.16 compared to 0.19 ± 0.16), respectively. Group II had a more substantial reduction in RD, with a reduction of 74, 83, and 95% observed at all subsequent examinations.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that both surgical procedures may effectively treat Miller's class I and II GRs, resulting in satisfactory root coverage.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The GTR technique with collagen membrane can be an alternative to the SCTG in the management of GR. It will help clinicians in evidence-based decision-making and careful case selection for successful outcomes in treating GR. How to cite this article: Siddiqui LT, Amirisetty R, Shetty RM, et al. Guided Tissue Regeneration and Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recession: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):12-20.

AIM: To compare the nano-surface characteristics and antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide-coated stainless steel crowns (SSCs) and zirconia crowns using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and agar diffusion method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted using 10 crowns, divided into two groups: Five calcium hydroxide-coated zirconia crowns (Group I) and five calcium hydroxide-coated SSCs (Group II). Both crown types were uniformly coated with calcium hydroxide nanoparticles. Nanosurface topography was assessed using AFM, and antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. Antimicrobial plates were incubated for 24 hours before zone measurement. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed significantly higher nanoscale surface roughness in zirconia crowns compared to SSCs. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated markedly larger zones of inhibition for zirconia crowns against S. mutans and Lactobacillus compared to SSCs, statistically indicating highly significant differences.

CONCLUSION: Calcium hydroxide-coated zirconia crowns exhibit superior nanoscale roughness and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to calcium hydroxide coated stainless steel crowns.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study addresses the clinical need for restorative options that not only restore form and function but also actively contribute to caries prevention in high-risk patients. Enhancing the antibacterial performance of preformed crowns through calcium hydroxide coatings may help limit bacterial colonization at crown margins, reduce the incidence of secondary caries, and support better longevity of both zirconia and SSCs. How to cite this article: Seth S, Ravikumar R. Comparison of Nanosurface Evaluation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxide-Coated Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry: An Atomic Force Microscopic Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(1):37-43.

BACKGROUND: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are known to have decreased quality of life (QoL), increased fatigue, and neurocognitive dysfunction. In India, the prevalence and predictors of the same are not explored. We aim to determine the prevalence and predictors of neurocognitive impairment (NCI), fatigue, and health-related QoL among PLHIV in India.

SETTING: The study was conducted among people attending an antiretroviral therapy center in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi after ethical approval.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled consented patients and used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale, and 36-item Short Form (SF-36) survey to assess NCI, fatigue, and health-related QoL (HRQoL), respectively.

RESULTS: A total of 100 PLHIV with a mean age of 42.0 ± 9.6 years were enrolled, with 48% females. 47 patients (47%) had NCI with a MoCA score <26. Male gender, PLHIV with <5 years of treatment, and <50 years of age had higher MoCA scores. MoCA scores had a negative correlation with age and MAF scores and a positive correlation with SF-36 scores. 55 patients (55%) suffered from fatigue, with lesser fatigue scores for males. Fatigue scores had a negative correlation with SF-36 scores. 71 patients (71%) had total SF-36 scores >50 with males having higher scores. Fatigue had a negative correlation on QoL, r = -0.831.

CONCLUSION: In India, the prevalence of NCI, fatigue, and decreased QoL is higher compared to other populations. Management strategies in HIV require interventions to improve NCI, fatigue, and QoL along with antiretroviral therapy.