Role of colors in prosthodontics: Application of color science in restorative dentistry.

Shade selection procedure depends on various factors including translucency, contour and surface texture. Tooth shade selection using a conventional means involves a high degree of subjectivity. Traditional shade guides are available that use several methods for quantifying shade. Technology-based systems provide with an advantage of natural looking restorations. They include RGB devices, colorimeters, spectrophotometers. The impact of the color science can be seen on various restorative materials ranging from ceramics to maxillofacial prosthetic materials.

Inner canthal distance and golden proportion as predictors of maxillary central incisor width in south Indian population.

Objectives: Even though the constant relation of golden proportion and inner canthal distance (ICD) with the width of the maxillary central incisor (CIW) has been found in European population, it may not be applied to Indian population as we differ from Europeans racially and genetically. Hence, this study was carried out with the objectives of determining if these parameters are applicable to our population also. Materials and Methods: Three hundred south Indian subjects between 18 and 26 years of age, free from facial and dental deformities were examined. Inner canthus of each eye was used as soft tissue landmark. The maxillary central incisors were measured at the contact point area with the help of digital vernier caliper. The CIW was also calculated using golden proportion ratio to obtain the calculated central incisor width. A comparison was made with measured width. Statistical analyses were done to identify any significant difference using "Z" tests. Pearson's Correlation Coefficient test was used to evaluate the measured and the calculated width of the central incisor. Results: ICD and the width of two maxillary incisors were in golden proportion in south Indian population. Also, ICD when multiplied by a decreasing function value of the golden proportion and divided by 2 is a reliable predictor of determining CIW. Conclusion: As in the European population, the ICD and the golden proportion are reliable predictors for determining the width of the maxillary central incisors in the south Indian population also.

In vivo evaluation of crestal bone heights following implant placement with 'flapless' and 'with-flap' techniques in sites of immediately loaded implants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the changes in crestal bone height around implants placed with flapless surgery and with-flap surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten implants were placed in six patients--five using flapless and five using with-flap techniques. Single-piece root-form implants and a one-stage approach with immediate nonfunctional loading protocol were used. The change in heights of crestal bone was measured on standardized digital periapical radiographs taken at 0, 1, and 3 months. RESULTS: On mesial side, the mean change from months 0-1, months 1-3, and months 0-3 for flapless method was significantly lower than with-flap method [0.01-0.06 mm for flapless and 0.13-0.40 mm for with-flap ( P = 0.01)]. On the distal side, the mean change from months 0-1, months 1-3, and months 0-3 for flapless method was significantly lower than with-flap method [0.02-0.05 mm for flapless and 0.09-0.30 mm for with-flap ( P = 0.01)]. CONCLUSIONS: During the three-month period, reduction of crestal bone height around the implants placed with flapless surgery (0.06 mm) was not statistically significant, while the reduction of crestal bone height around the implants placed using with-flap surgery (0.4 mm) was statistically significant. Comparitively, flapless approach showed lesser crestal bone height reduction, which was statistically significant.