Fracture resistance of partial and complete coverage veneers and ceramic crowns for maxillary central incisors

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Minimally invasive treatments have gained popularity in recent years. However, research comparing the fracture resistance of lithium disilicate partial coverage veneer restorations with that of ceramic crowns is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of lithium disilicate restorations fabricated for preparations of various designs. The designs included veneer preparations with finish lines in the upper, middle, and lower third of the facial surface and ceramic crown preparations with margins in the lower third of the facial surface. All restorations were designed and fabricated using a chairside digital workflow.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four maxillary right central incisor typodont teeth were prepared for partial coverage veneer preparation with the margin in the upper middle third of the facial surface (PU1/3); partial coverage veneer preparation with margin in lower middle third of the facial surface (PL1/3); complete coverage veneer preparation (CV) with margin in the cervical region; and ceramic crown (CC) preparation. Each preparation was scanned, and 15 casts were 3D printed from each scan. A total of 60 lithium disilicate restorations were fabricated (n=15 per group) using a chairside computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system (Primescan and MCXL). The different restorations were cemented to the 3D printed testing dies with a photopolymerizable resin cement. The specimens were artificially aged with 10 000 thermal cycles between 5 and 55 °C with a dwell time of 30 seconds and were loaded to failure using a universal testing machine. The maximum load to fracture was analyzed using a 1-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test (α=.05). Additionally, the fracture patterns of the specimens were evaluated with a stereomicroscope for descriptive purposes.

RESULTS

The mean fracture resistance of the chairside CAD-CAM lithium disilicate veneers and ceramic crowns was statistically different depending on the design of the restoration (P<.05). Group CC demonstrated the highest fracture resistance values (1440.66 N), followed by CV (929.8 N) and PU1/3 (756.13 N). The lowest value was for PL1/3 (532.4 N).

CONCLUSIONS

The fracture resistance measured for the maxillary central incisor partial coverage veneers with margins in the middle third of the facial surface appear capable of resisting average occlusal forces. However, these veneers demonstrated lower fracture resistance values when compared with complete coverage veneers. Further, lithium disilicate crowns demonstrated higher fracture resistance than veneers, irrespective of their design.

Mechanical properties and degree of conversion of resin-based core build-up materials and short fiber-reinforced flowable resin-based composite

To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC), surface hardness (SH), and flexural strength (FS) of resin-based core build-up materials. Core build-up materials used were: MultiCore Flow (MCF); Activa (ACT); Core-X Flow (CXF); and everX flow (EVX), and DC, SH and FS were measured. An increase of DC was identified for all materials post-cure, except for EVX. The DC change percentage ranged from 5%-33%, and EVX was displayed the greatest DC rate. All materials displayed an SH increase after 30 days and the greatest increase was observed in ACT. At 1 h, the SH of EVX and CXF was different from the other materials. At 30 days, MCF displayed the greatest SH. All materials displayed an increase in their FS after 30 days except for EVX, and ranging 3%-36% were noticed. Differences observed between materials, thus clinician should be acquainted mechanical properties of these materials to ensure the success of the restorations.

The 3D-printed shell complete denture technique: Simplifying prosthodontic diagnosis prior to implant planning

Traditionally, artificial teeth arrangements or the definitive complete dentures are used to establish important prosthodontic parameters such as the occlusal plane orientation, vertical dimension, and the incisal edge position. The relationship of these elements with the underlying bony structures is commonly evaluated using advanced planning protocols such as the dual scan technique. This technique article presents an uncomplicated alternative approach to establish these parameters intraorally using a 3D-printed shell complete denture generated from a 3D scan of the patient's existing complete denture.

Effect of three-dimensionally printed surface patterns on the peak tensile load of a plasticized acrylic-resin resilient liner

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Stereolithographic (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing is considered a reliable manufacturing method for immediate complete dentures. However, studies on the implementation of computer-generated surface patterns to promote the union between printed denture base polymers and dental materials with different chemistries such as plasticized acrylic-resin resilient liners are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of 3D printed surface patterns on the peak tensile load of a short-term plasticized acrylic-resin resilient liner.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 30 denture base specimens (Denture Base LP; FormLabs) were fabricated with 3 adhesive surface designs by using an SLA 3D printer (Forms2; FormLabs). Twenty specimens were designed with surface patterns in the adhesive areas (grid and spheres); 10 specimens comprised each surface pattern group. The remaining specimens were roughened with 220-grit silicon carbide paper and served as a control. A commonly used short-term resilient liner (CoeSoft; GC-America) was applied to the adhesive surface of all the specimens. Subsequently, the specimens were kept in distilled water at 37 °C for 48 hours. The specimens were tested in a universal testing machine, and the resulting peak tensile load data were analyzed by using a 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc Tukey test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The groups with surface patterns on the adhesive surface displayed higher peak tensile load values than the control group. The mean peak tensile load of the grid group was 6.73 ±0.43 N, and that for the spheres group was 6.58 ±0.33 N. The control group displayed the lowest mean peak tensile load (2.71 ±0.51 N). Statistically significant differences were detected between the mean peak tensile loads of the surface pattern groups and the control group (P<.001) No statistically significant difference was found between the mean peak tensile loads of the grid and spheres groups (P=.893).

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating surface patterns on the intaglio surface of denture bases made with Denture Base LP via SLA 3D printing can enhance their union to a plasticized acrylic-resin resilient liner. Surface patterns generated higher peak tensile load values than slightly roughening the surface of a 3D printed denture with a 220-grit silicon carbide paper. No significant differences in the mean peak tensile loads were observed between the 2 types of surface patterns.

Verifying the seating of a 3D-printed removable die using elastomeric matrices: A dental technique

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing systems enable digital designing and 3-dimensional (3D) printing of definitive casts with removable dies. However, the fit of the removable dies should be without interferences for their accurate positioning in the cast. Given that the accuracy of additive manufacturing depends on design- and manufacturing-related factors, verifying the accuracy of the position of 3D-printed removable dies in their cast is essential to fabricate positionally accurate definitive prostheses, which would enable minimal or no laboratory and clinical adjustments. This dental technique article presents a straightforward approach to verify the seating of a 3D-printed removable die by using verification matrices made of a polyvinylsiloxane interocclusal registration material.

Adhesive strength of 3 long-term resilient liners to CAD-CAM denture base polymers and heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate with thermocycling

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies have become popular for manufacturing complete dentures. However, the adhesive strength of resilient liners to the polymers used to fabricate CAD-CAM complete dentures is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the adhesive strength of 3 long-term resilient liners to CAD-CAM denture base polymers and heat-polymerized PMMA with thermocycling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 90 specimens were fabricated, 30 per group of denture base material (Lucitone 199, Ivo Base CAD, Denture Base LP). For each denture base polymer, 10 specimens were relined with 1 of 3 resilient liners (Permasoft, Mucopren Soft, Molloplast-B). Five specimens of each group were thermocycled, and the other 5 specimens were stored in distilled water. Subsequently, the adhesive strength of the specimens was assessed by tensile testing. The resulting data were analyzed by using a 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α=.05).

RESULTS

After thermocycling, the adhesive strengths of all the resilient liners were found to be statistically different from each other for the same denture base polymer (P≤.012). Mucopren Soft displayed a high mean ±standard deviation adhesive strength to Lucitone 199 (1.78 ±0.32 MPa), followed by Molloplast-B (1.27 ±0.21 MPa) and Permasoft (0.66 ±0.06 MPa). For Ivo Base CAD, Molloplast-B exhibited a high mean ±standard deviation adhesive strength (1.70 ±0.36 MPa), followed by Mucopren Soft (1.11 ±0.16 MPa) and Permasoft (0.53 ±0.04 MPa). Molloplast-B displayed high mean ±standard deviation adhesive strength to Denture Base LP (1.37 ±0.08 MPa), followed by Mucopren Soft (0.68 ±0.20 MPa) and Permasoft (0.32 ±0.04 MPa). The adhesive strength of the majority of resilient liners not exposed to thermocycling was statistically different from each other for the same type of denture base polymer (P<.001). The only exception was the difference between the adhesive strength of Molloplast-B and Mucopren Soft to Lucitone 199 with mean ±standard deviation values of 1.42 ±0.18 and 1.66 ±0.40 MPa, respectively, (P=.067). Without thermocycling, the mean ±standard deviation adhesive strength to Lucitone 199 of Permasoft (0.57 ±0.02 MPa) was statistically different from that of Molloplast-B and Mucopren Soft (P<.001). Molloplast-B displayed a high mean ±standard deviation adhesive strength to Ivo Base CAD (1.83 ±0.25 MPa), followed by Mucopren Soft (1.26 ±0.19 MPa) and Permasoft (0.58 ±0.08 MPa). Molloplast-B displayed a high mean ±standard deviation adhesion to Denture Base LP (1.76 ±0.23 MPa), followed by Mucopren Soft (0.88 ±0.14 MPa) and Permasoft (0.25 ±0.06 MPa). Only Molloplast-B was significantly adversely affected by thermocycling (P=.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Molloplast-B displayed high adhesive strength to both CAD-CAM denture base polymers regardless of the storage conditions. Mucopren Soft displayed high adhesion to Lucitone 199. Permasoft presented moderate adhesion to PMMA-based denture bases and low adhesion to DBLP. Combining Permasoft with Denture Base LP should be considered carefully and limited to short-term use. Thermocycling had a detrimental effect on the adhesive strength of Molloplast-B.

Expediting the Rehabilitation of Severely Resorbed Ridges Using a Combination of CAD-CAM and Analog Techniques: A Case Report

With the life expectancy increasing, there is a growing need for prosthetic dental treatments to restore the oral health, function, and quality of life of edentulous patients. Presently, only a few articles are available describing the oral rehabilitation of patients with severely resorbed ridges with milled complete dentures. This clinical case report provides a straightforward protocol consisting of a combination of analog and digital techniques for the rehabilitation of edentulous patients with severely resorbed ridges with milled fixed and removable complete dentures. This technique permits the minimization of the number of appointments, improves patient comfort, allows for the digital archiving of important clinical data, and permits the manufacture of prostheses with improved mechanical properties. These favorable outcomes were achieved by using the patient's existing PMMA complete denture as a custom tray for a final impression with light-bodied Polyvinylsiloxane. Subsequently, the resulting models were digitized, and a digital complete denture was designed and manufactured in an expedited manner using CAD-CAM techniques. Therefore, this case report highlights the potential of CAD/CAM technology to predictably restabilize oral functions and improve patients' quality of life.

Detection of mandibular flexure with a dental plaster verification device: A clinical report with video recording

Mandibular flexure is a phenomenon characterized by a reduction of the arch width caused by the action of various muscular groups involved during mastication. When flexure is pronounced and teeth or dental implants are rigidly splinted, mandibular flexure leads to a biomechanical environment detrimental to the longevity of the restoration. This clinical report presents the use of a dental plaster device as a diagnostic tool to determine the extent of mandibular flexure in an edentulous patient treated with a mandibular fixed complete denture.

Evaluation of Glazing and Polishing Systems for Novel Chairside CAD/CAM Lithium Disilicate and Virgilite Crowns

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of glazing, two zirconia, and two lithium disilicate polishing systems on surface roughness of a CAD/CAM lithium disilicate and virgilite ceramic with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and visual assessment performed by dental students and faculty.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Sixty maxillary right central incisor crowns made of a novel chairside CAD/CAM lithium disilicate and virgilite (CEREC Tessera) were milled for glazing and polishing. The crowns were divided into six groups: no polishing/glazing provided (NoP/G); glazed (GZ); glazed and polished with Brasseler Dialite LD Lithium Disilicate (DiLD); glazed and polished with Meisinger Luster Lithium Disilicate (LuLD); glazed and polished with Brasseler Dialite ZR Zirconia (DiZR); and glazed and polished with Meisinger Luster Zirconia (LuZR). Surfaces were scanned with AFM to measure roughness (Ra) and root mean square roughness (Rq) and generate micrographs. Crowns were visually assessed by 10 dental students and 10 dental school faculty members to determine clinical acceptableness.

RESULTS

Glazing and all polishing kits significantly reduced Ra and Rq compared to no polishing/glazing. No significant Ra differences were found between glazing and all polishing kits (p>0.05). DiZR significantly reduced Rq compared to other groups (p<0.05). Visual assessment showed that GZ, LuLD, and DiZR were the most clinically acceptable crowns.

CONCLUSION

Polishing and glazing considerably improve the surface smoothness of maxillary central incisor crowns fabricated out of a chairside CAD/CAM lithium disilicate and virgilite ceramic. Altogether, zirconia polishing systems provided smoother and more clinically acceptable surfaces than the lithium disilicate kits.

Positional trueness of three removable die designs with different root geometries manufactured using stereolithographic 3D printing

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Three-dimensional (3D) printed casts are a suitable alternative to dental stone casts. Contemporary dental design computer programs permit designing definitive casts with removable dies with different root geometries and retention mechanisms. Studies on the positional trueness of 3D-printed removable dies with different root geometries are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the 3D displacements of three 3D-printed removable die designs with different root geometries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The digital file of a dental stone alveolar cast with root-form removable dies (MOD UJ IV Fixed Prosthetics; Ivoclar AG) was used as a reference to create 3 removable die and alveolar cast designs (Root Form, RF; Conical, CON; Cylindric, CYL) with different root geometries in 2 dental design computer programs (DentalCAD 3.1 Rijeka; exocad; GmbH; InLab CAD 22.0; Dentsply Sirona). 3 equidistant Ø1-mm spheres (C, Cervical; M, Middle; O, Occlusal) were designed on the buccal surface of the coronal portion of the removable die to evaluate their displacement. A total of 45 alveolar casts with 45 removable dies were fabricated using a stereolithographic 3D printer (Form 3; Formlabs); each die group consisted of 15 specimens. After fabrication and postprocessing, the specimens were scanned, and their digital files were analyzed in a metrology-grade computer program to evaluate the displacement of the removable dies with respect to the position of the die in the master reference file. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using a 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by step-down Bonferroni-corrected pairwise comparisons (α=.05).

RESULTS

Two statistically significant 2-way interactions were detected between the independent variables, die design and direction (P<.001), and location and direction (P<.001). The post hoc analysis identified significant differences between the displacement values of RF and CYL (P<.001) and RF and the CON (P<.001) designs on the Y axis. The measured displacements were statistically different between the C and O locations on the Y axis (P=.001) and the M and O locations on the Z axis (P=.006).

CONCLUSIONS

The root geometry of a 3D-printed removable die and alveolar cast can affect seating, and variable degrees of tipping of the removable die can be seen. The seating and congruence of the removable die with the interocclusal space and relationships observed intraorally should be confirmed before adjusting indirect restorations.

Using the foundation restoration as a blueprint: An uncomplicated approach to retrofitting crowns to existing removable partial dentures using CAD-CAM technology

Removable partial dentures have been used to rehabilitate partially edentulous patients for decades. A challenging but commonly encountered procedure is retrofitting a crown to an existing removable partial denture. Several techniques have been proposed for fabricating these complex prostheses, some involving the intraoral application of polymers to the abutment tooth or making impressions of the preparation with the removable prosthesis seated. The present technique presents an approach that simplifies the design and fabrication of retrofitted crowns for fractured abutment teeth needing foundation restorations. This approach involves the implementation of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology to record and utilize the contours of the foundation restoration established intraorally as a blueprint for the retrofitted crown.

Effect of resin cement selection on fracture resistance of chairside CAD-CAM lithium disilicate crowns containing virgilite: A comparative in vitro study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Studies on the fracture performance of a recently introduced computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) lithium disilicate ceramic containing virgilite with different cements are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of crowns made of a recently introduced chairside CAD-CAM lithium disilicate containing virgilite cemented with different types of adhesive luting cement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty complete coverage crowns for a maxillary right central incisor were milled out of a lithium disilicate with virgilite (CEREC Tessera) (n=48) and a traditional lithium disilicate (e.max CAD) (n=12) using a chairside CAD-CAM system (Primescan). The central incisor tooth preparation included a 1.5-mm incisal reduction, a 1.0-mm axial reduction, and a 1.0-mm chamfer finish line. The restorations were bonded with different types of resin cement to 3D printed dies of the tooth preparation and were divided into 5 groups (n=12 per group): e.max CAD with Multilink Automix (E.Mu); Tessera with Multilink Automix (T.Mu); Tessera with Calibra (T.Ca); Tessera with Unicem (T.Un); and Tessera with Speedcem (T.Sp). The cemented restorations were stored in water for 30 days and then loaded until they were fractured in compression. The load at fracture was analyzed with a 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the honestly significant difference (HSD) Tukey test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The mean fracture resistance of traditional lithium disilicate and virgilite lithium disilicate anterior crowns significantly differed depending on the type of resin cement used (P<.05). Group E.Mu displayed the highest values (946.35 ±155 N), followed by group T.Un (819.59 ±232 N), group T.Sp (675.52 ±153 N), and group T.Mu (656.95 ±193 N). The lowest values were displayed by group T.Ca (567.94 ±184 N).

CONCLUSIONS

The fracture resistance of lithium disilicate containing virgilite and traditional lithium disilicate crowns cemented with the same cement displayed statistically similar values. However, significant differences were observed when the virgilite lithium disilicate crowns were cemented with different types of adhesive luting cement. The crowns in the T.Ca group displayed the lowest fracture resistance.

Fracture resistance of zirconia surveyed crowns with four different occlusal rest seat designs

PURPOSE

To determine the fracture resistance of chairside computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) zirconia surveyed crowns for a mandibular first molar without occlusal rest and with four different rest seat designs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy CAD-CAM zirconia 4Y-PSZ (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT for CEREC A1, C15, Ivoclar Vivadent) crowns (14 specimens/group) were designed and fabricated with a dental chairside CAD-CAM system (CEREC PrimeScan, and CEREC MCXL Dentsply Sirona). The restorations were divided into groups according to the following rest seat designs: (1) Surveyed crown without rest seat, (2) surveyed crowns with disto-occlusal rest seat, (3) surveyed crowns with disto-occlusal extended rest seat, (4) surveyed crowns with interproximal rest seat, and (5) continuous rest seat. Crowns were treated with a primer system (Monobond Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent) and cemented using resin luting cement (Multilink Automix, Ivoclar Vivadent) to resin-printed dies (Grey Resin V4, FormLabs). Subsequently, the crowns were subjected to 200,000 load cycles at 1 Hz with 20 N force and then loaded with a steel indenter until fracture. The test results were analyzed with One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and HSD Tukey Post-Hoc test.

RESULTS

The mean fracture resistance of surveyed crowns without and with different rest seats was significantly different from each other. Surveyed crowns with no rest seat displayed the highest resistance (4238 N) followed by crowns with continuous rest seat (3601 N), crowns with disto-occlusal extended rest seat (3283 N), and crowns with disto-occlusal rest seat (3257 N). Crowns with interproximal rest seat displayed the lowest fracture resistance (2723 N).

CONCLUSIONS

Surveyed crowns without rest seats had a higher fracture resistance than crowns with rest seats Surveyed crowns with interproximal rest seats presented the lowest fracture resistance among all rest seat designs. Crowns with disto-occlusal rest seats, disto-occlusal extended rest seats, and continuous rest seats displayed similar fracture resistance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Soft Tissue Grafting Procedures before Restorations in the Esthetic Zone: A Minimally Invasive Interdisciplinary Case Report

An esthetically pleasing smile is a valuable aspect of physical appearance and plays a significant role in social interaction. Achieving the perfect balance between extraoral and intraoral tissues is essential for a harmonious and attractive smile. However, certain intraoral deficiencies, such as non-carious cervical lesions and gingival recession, can severely compromise the overall aesthetics, particularly in the anterior zone. Addressing such conditions requires careful planning and meticulous execution of both surgical and restorative procedures. This interdisciplinary clinical report presents a complex case of a patient with esthetic complaints related to asymmetric anterior gingival architecture and severely discolored and eroded maxillary anterior teeth. The patient was treated using a combination of minimally invasive ceramic veneers and plastic mucogingival surgery, resulting in a successful outcome. The report emphasizes the potential of this approach in achieving optimal esthetic results in challenging cases, highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary team approach in achieving a harmonious balance between dental and soft tissue aesthetics.

An Innovative 3D Printed Tooth Reduction Guide for Precise Dental Ceramic Veneers

Tooth reduction guides allow clinicians to obtain the ideal space required for ceramic restorations. This case report describes a novel design (CAD) for an additive computer-aided manufactured (a-CAM) tooth reduction guide with channels that permitted access for the preparation and evaluation of the reduction with the same guide. The guide features innovative vertical and horizontal channels that permit comprehensive access for preparation and evaluation of the reduction with a periodontal probe, ensuring uniform tooth reduction and avoiding overpreparation. This approach was successfully applied to a female patient with non-carious lesions and white spot lesions, resulting in minimally invasive tooth preparations and hand-crafted laminate veneer restorations that met the patient's aesthetic demands while preserving tooth structure. Compared to traditional silicone reduction guides, this novel design offers greater flexibility, enabling clinicians to evaluate tooth reduction in all directions and providing a more comprehensive assessment. Overall, this 3D printed tooth reduction guide represents a significant advancement in dental restoration technology, offering clinicians a useful tool for achieving optimal outcomes with minimal tooth reduction. Future work is warranted to compare tooth reductions and preparation time for this guide to other 3D printed guides.

3D-Printed Overlay Template for Diagnosis and Planning Complete Arch Implant Prostheses

Dental implants are a reliable alternative to treating edentulism. In clinical situations where the dentition has been severely affected by partial edentulism, advanced wear, or periodontal disease, establishing important occlusal elements such as the occlusal plane, incisal guidance, and esthetics can be hard to visualize at the diagnostic stage. Contemporary data-acquisition technologies such as 3D scanners and CAD/CAM systems permit the precise manufacture of highly complex devices applicable to any stage of restorative treatment. The present clinical report presents an alternative technique for evaluating the projected artificial tooth relationships, vertical dimension, and occlusal plane in patients with severely weakened dentition by using a 3D-printed overlay template.

Full-Mouth Rehabilitation of a Patient with Sjogren's Syndrome with Maxillary Titanium-Zirconia and Mandibular Monolithic Zirconia Implant Prostheses Fabricated with CAD/CAM Technology: A Clinical Report

Dental implants have become a well-established treatment modality for the management of complete and partial edentulism. Recent advancements in dental implant systems and CAD/CAM technologies have revolutionized prosthodontic practice by allowing for the predictable, efficient, and faster management of complex dental scenarios. This clinical report describes the interdisciplinary management of a patient with Sjogren's syndrome and terminal dentition. The patient was rehabilitated using dental implants and zirconia-based prostheses in the maxillary and mandibular arches. These prostheses were fabricated using a combination of CAD/CAM and analog techniques. The successful outcomes for the patient demonstrate the importance of appropriate use of biomaterials and the implementation of interdisciplinary collaboration in treating complex dental cases.

Rehabilitation of a patient with mandibular flexure using contemporary glass-infiltrated high performance CAD-CAM polymers: A clinical report with 1-year follow-up

Mandibular flexure is a phenomenon generated by the action of the muscles of mastication and other muscles in the head and neck region which can lead to prosthetic and biological complications such as pain, material fracture, and bone loss around dental implants. To avoid such complications, dividing the mandibular prostheses into 3 short-span prostheses or sectioning at the midline has been suggested. This clinical report presents the management of an edentulous patient with clinically detectable mandibular flexure treated with a 1-piece metal-free complete arch implant-supported prosthesis.

Interdisciplinary Management of a Patient with Dentinogenesis Imperfecta Type II Using a Combination of CAD-CAM and Analog Techniques: A Clinical Report

Type II dentinogenesis imperfecta is an autosomal dominant condition that affects dentin which increases the complexity of the predictability of restorative treatment. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies permit the creation of highly accurate devices and dental prostheses that simplify the planning and execution of advanced implant surgery and full-mouth rehabilitation. This clinical report presents the interdisciplinary management of a 20-year-old male with dentinogenesis imperfecta type II. In this article, a combination of analog and CAD-CAM technologies were used to fabricate devices that aided planning, assisted intermaxillary fixation and implant placement, served as interim prostheses, and permitted the accurate establishment of esthetics and occlusion of the definitive full-arch prostheses.

Influence of Heated Hydrofluoric Acid Surface Treatment on Surface Roughness and Bond Strength to Feldspathic Ceramics and Lithium-Disilicate Glass-Ceramics

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of heated and room-temperature hydrofluoric (HF) acid on surface roughness parameters (Ra and Rq) and microtensile bond strength (μTBS) on feldspathic ceramic and lithium-disilicate glass-ceramics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Disk-shaped samples made from both ceramics were divided into groups according to surface treatment: feldspathic ceramic polished surface (FP), feldspathic ceramic + 60 s of 9% HF acid etching at room temperature (FC), feldspathic ceramic + 60 s of 9% HF acid etching heated to 70°C (F70), lithium-disilicate polished surface only (LP), lithium disilicate + 20 s of 9% HF acid etching at room temperature (LC), and lithium disilicate + 20 s of 9% HF acid etching heated to 70°C (L70). To evaluate Ra and Rq, non-overlapping readings were taken on the surface of each sample with a contact stylus profilometer. To measure microtensile bond strength (μTBS), samples of groups FC, F70, LC and L70 received their corresponding surface treatment, were silanized and then bonded using a dual-cure composite cement to resin composite disks. After 24 h, samples were sectioned to obtain specimens for μTBS. Representative samples from each group were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the morphology of the etched surface. The data were analyzed for statistical significance using Welch's ANOVA with the Games-Howell multiple-comparison post-hoc test.

RESULTS

For both surface roughness parameters and HF acid etching at room temperature (FC and LC) showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in surface roughness when compared to polished surfaces (FP and LP). Furthermore, the use of heated HF acid etching significantly increased (p < 0.001) the surface roughness of the ceramic when compared to their counterpart sample of HF acid etching at room temperature. Group L70 obtained the highest μTBS of all groups (29.11 ± 8.26 MPa) and was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of the other experimental groups. There were no statistical differences (p > 0.05) between groups FC (19.94 ± 4.14), F70 (18.24 ± 5.29), and LC (17.87 ± 6.96).

CONCLUSION

The use of 9% HF acid etching heated to 70°C resulted in significantly higher surface roughness and improved bond strength onto lithium-disilicate glass-ceramic compared to surface HF acid etching at room temperature.

Weighted mandibular complete denture fabricated by using selective laser melting: A clinical report

The rehabilitation of patients with severely resorbed mandibular ridges can be a clinical challenge when rehabilitation with endosteal implants is not the elected treatment. Historically, weighted mandibular complete dentures have been used successfully to manage patients with severely resorbed ridges, and the weight of their cast metal has been calculated by using the weight of the wax and the density of the alloy. This clinical report presents the management of an 87-year-old woman with a severely resorbed mandibular ridge by using a weighted mandibular complete denture fabricated by using selective laser melting (SLM) technology in which the weight of the metal base was calculated by using the volume of the digital file used for manufacture.