[Conceptual parameters of the facial arc and articulators adapted for black Africans]

Articulators and facial arc always used in dentistry are not adapted to African black people. Their use provokes many errors in the setting of models on articulators. In this work, authors propose facial arc and articulator parameters conceptions that are suited to black Africans.

[Composite-bonded bridges reinforced with Ribbond THM ribbon: an alternative of choice to other temporary prosthetic methods]

In the presence of anterior unitary tooth loss, the therapeutical arsenal of the practitioner remains the implant solution. But, at the young patients who have not completed their growth, it's necessary to pass by a transitional stage. The bonded bridges reinforced by a polyethylene fibbers splint such as Ribbond THM constitute an alternative of choice to solve the aesthetic damage in the short and medium term while waiting for the prosthesis with implant. It's a similar case that is reported through this article.

[Ricketts' chi point as reference element in orienting the occlusal plane in the black African patient]

In removable complete prosthesis, the RICKETTS' Xi point is used as posterior determinant during the occlusal line reconstruction. In dentulous subject, the crossing of this line nearness to this point definite the Lo-Xi segment. The cephalometric study of this distance from 17 linear and angular variables, has been undertaken on 50 Africans melanoderm subjects. The statistic analysis of correlation and multiple regression shows that Lo-Xi is the resultant of the posterior molars stops of occlusion, the anterior incisive reference point to the base of the skull. The point appears very unsettled from and an individual to another. So, it can't be used as a credible reference in black Africans.

[Choice of size of anterior teeth in black African patients]

The choice of the size of artificial teeth takes an important place in the treatment of edentulism with removable prosthesis. However, the standards or proportions commonly used as guide have been developed mainly on Caucasian populations. This study have been undertaken to determine some proportions between anterior upper teeth and some maxillo-facial structures in black African subjects. The results suggest that the proportions generally used to choice the anterior upper artificial teeth in Caucasian subjects can not been applied in melanoderme African patients.

[Artifacts induced by dental reconstruction materials: the case of titanium]

MRI is becoming an important tool of examination of the head and neck. However, certain dental alloys cause artifacts characterized by a loss of signal surrounded by bright line and sometimes distortions. In our work, we studied artifacts caused by Titanium, metallic biomaterial used for oral implantology. Therefore, 2 experimental were investigated in a 1.5 T MR unit, with 2 sequences commonly used (SE, GRE). The investigation showed minor artefacts, without distortions. In order to minimize these "ghost images", the Titanium and its alloys should be an alternative.

[The complexion and color of teeth in a Black African population. Apropos of a sample of 240 subjects]

From a sample divides in five groups of different skin colours, the authors determine, by the visual method, the shade of incisives, canines and first premolars. This study allows to confirm the harmony between the anterior teeth among African melanoderme subjects. Then, it underlines a possible relation between the skin colour and the teeth's shade. In fact, the shade of the teeth seems to evolve in the opposite direction of the colour of the skin in the experimental sample.

[Toward a more resistant resin, more economical and better suited to conditions in developing countries]

The breakage of prosthesis constructed in polymethacrylate resin is a reality in daily practice. Several solutions have been proposed to overcome this problem. Thus, the reinforcement of resin with carbon fibre improved greatly the mechanical properties, notably the fatigue strength. The technique of elaboration of such prosthesis proposed in this study has little impact on aesthetic as well as on the final cost. This proposition could be a relevant solution for third world countries opposite to economical and technological problems generated by cast metallic framework.

[Composite materials, carbon fiber-resin: a solution to the problem of aging of denture bases of removable prostheses]

The growing age of resin prosthesis is a worry for dentists, and chiefly for patients. Their reinforcement with carbon fiber appears to be a solution that frankly improves their life expectancy.

[The contribution of cephalometry in the determination of the reference occlusal plane in complete edentulousness]

Failure or success of complete prosthesis essentially depends on the step of occlusal plane's determination. There are many proposals made by many authors. The contribution of piezography and cephalometric radiography could bring more accuracy in the determination of occlusal plane.

[Occlusal-articular impact of late consultation]

Partial toothlessness, lately or wrongfully compensated, are at the origin of prosthetics problems often difficult to solve. We shall explain the importance of dental grooves in the prosthetics process, through different cases of temporomandibular dysfunction.

[Removable prosthesis: masticatory efficiency]

The late consultation in odontology often leads to tooth extraction. This negligence, in a long term, will cause complete toothlessness. This state of invalidity will be compensated by prosthesis. The removable prosthesis is often indicated because of the cost price. It is the result of a successful therapeutics, only if it fits aesthetically and functionally, within a chewing efficiency. In a first part, we will define masticatory efficiency, as different from masticatory capacity and capability. Then, in a second part, through some experimentation, we will show how fundamental research can guide the practitioner in his prosthetics choices and assessments.

[Implant-supported complete denture]

Total toothlessness too lately or wrongfully compensated remain at the origin of prosthetic problems often difficult to solve through conventional prosthesis. We shall explain the importance of implantology in this type of medication. After presenting the different solutions brought by the importance in the rehabilitation of toothless maxilla we shall describe the process of making a supra-implanted lower maxilla prosthesis. Applications and non-applications will be directed; then the different elements and stages of the making of this type of this mucous-membrane-held prosthesis will be described. The retention is assured by two hooks tightly clasped onto a crossbar supported by the implants.