Piotr Fudalej
Short CV
Piotr Fudalej completed his studies of dentistry at Warsaw Medical University (Poland) and pursued biology at the University of Warsaw. Specializing in orthodontics, he earned degrees from the University of Washington in Seattle and obtained two doctorates: one in Poland in 1999 and another in the Netherlands in 2011 at Radboud University Nijmegen. Presently, he holds the position of professor and heads the Department of Orthodontics at Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland). Additionally, he serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Bern in Switzerland.
Having supervised/co-supervised 15 doctoral students from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic, Piotr Fudalej has contributed significantly to orthodontic research. His research output includes over 90 articles published in peer-reviewed international scientific journals. As the President-Elect of the European Orthodontic Society, he is slated to organize the 100th EOS Congress in Krakow in 2025.
In 2010, he was honored with the “2010 Samuel Berkowitz Long-Term Outcomes Study Award” for the article “Dental arch relationship in children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate following Warsaw (one-stage repair) and Oslo protocols.” In 2022, he received “The 2022 Dewell Award for Best Clinical Research” for the article “A comparative assessment of failures and periodontal health between 2 mandibular lingual retainers in orthodontic patients. A 2-year follow-up, single practice-based randomized trial.”
For over 20 years, he has maintained a specialized orthodontic practice in Warsaw.
Lecture 1: Gingival recession and orthodontic treatment
Gingival recession (GR) is characterized by the displacement of the soft tissue margin apical to the cementoenamel junction, resulting in the exposure of the root surface. Within the context of orthodontic treatment, GR can manifest as an undesirable complication. Several factors are considered to contribute to the development of GR in orthodontic patients:
- Poor oral hygiene: inadequate oral hygiene practices during orthodontic treatment are a primary contributor to GR.
- The accumulation of dental plaque around brackets and wires can induce inflammation, subsequently leading to recession.
- Genetic predisposition: some individuals possess a genetic predisposition to GR. In these cases, orthodontic treatment may exacerbate the existing condition.
- Thin periodontal phenotype: patients with a thin gingival phenotype are more susceptible to recession during orthodontic treatment.
- Type of tooth movement: specific orthodontic tooth movements can influence the position of soft tissues, potentially contributing to recession.
It is believed that effective preventing GR in orthodontic patients necessitates a multifaceted approach, including maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and monitoring the health of the soft tissues, and careful orthodontic treatment planning and execution. In this presentation, I will critically discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the development and prevention of GR in orthodontically treated patients.
Lecture 2: Roads and wilderness of the use of new technologies in orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is undergoing a rapid transformation through the integration of new technologies (NT) for diagnosis, treatment planning, execution, and retention. It is challenging to envision orthodontic practices today without the utilization of scanners or the widespread use of aligners, among other technological advancements. Broadly, NT encompasses the application of scientific knowledge and tools to address practical challenges and achieve specific objectives. These tools may take tangible forms, such as machines or devices, as well as intangible forms like software, algorithms, and systems.
As we witness new breakthroughs in genetics and molecular biology, NT holds the potential to contribute to personalized (or precision) medicine. This approach considers individual variations in patients’ genes, environments, and lifestyles. The ultimate aim of personalized medicine is to customize medical care and treatment plans to the unique characteristics of each patient, aiming for optimal outcomes.
While the concept of personalized orthodontic treatment, taking into account the biological makeup of patients and utilizing individually designed appliances, is undoubtedly appealing, it is crucial to critically evaluate whether the application of NT genuinely enhances treatment effectiveness, reduces complication rates, or improves patient comfort. In this presentation, I will explore existing evidence to determine whether the promises made by providers of NT in orthodontics are substantiated.