ABSTRACT
This article describes a technique for duplicating occlusal surface anatomy using the Biteperf device. Duplication requires an intact occlusal enamel surface and is only indicated when caries lesions are hidden. The occlusal matrix technique allows for preservation of all anatomic details. When the last layer of composite has been placed, the occlusal matrix is forced into the uncured composite to replicate the original occlusal surface, instead of performing manual curing and shaping as in the standard approach. It is technically possible to achieve this effect with any material that is able to copy anatomic details. The main benefits of the occlusal matrix technique, more precisely the Biteperf, are the technical ease of use due to its simplicity and its high accuracy in reconstructing occlusal morphology.
Subject(s)
Composite Resins/chemistry , Dental Caries/therapy , Dental Cavity Preparation/methods , Dental Enamel/pathology , Dental Impression Technique/instrumentation , Dental Materials/chemistry , Dental Polishing , Dental Restoration, Permanent/instrumentation , Dental Restoration, Permanent/methods , Dentin-Bonding Agents/chemistry , Equipment Design , Female , Humans , Molar/pathology , Polymerization , Resin Cements/chemistry , Surface Properties , Tooth Crown/pathology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Context: During human evolution, the morphology of mandibular molar occlusal surface has changed from pattern "y" to pattern "+". Six types of occlusal patterns were classified as: +4, 4-y,+5, 5-y,+6 and 6-y. Aims: To determine the prevalence of these six types of mandibular second molars in Iranian adolescents. Settings and Design: This descriptive investigation was undertaken in the high schools of Isfahan city, Iran. The students were selected by cluster sampling method, and then they were screened and only those with erupted mandibular second molars bilaterally were selected. Materials and Methods: A total of 794 cases were randomly selected and the number of cusps and groove pattern of mandibular second molar were examined intra-orally and by studying dental casts. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for data analysis. Results: The most frequent occlusal configuration was the "+4" form (76.9%). A total of 683 cases (86%) were found to have four-cusp form, 104 cases (13.1%) were five-cusp form and 7 cases (0.9%) were six-cusp form. Conclusion: The most frequent occlusal configuration was the "+4" form; thus, there is a high evolutionary trend in Iranian mandibular second molars.