Simplified micrometric surface characterization of different implant surfaces available on the Brazilian market

Aim: This study characterized the implant surfaces available on the Brazilian market in terms of topography, chemical composition, and roughness. Methods: The following brands were selected according to their surfaces: Kopp (Ko), Signo Vinces (Sv), Neodent (Ne), Osseotite (Os) NanoTite (Nt), SIN (Si), Titanium Fix (Tf), conventional Straumann (Str), Active SLA (SLA). The morphological analysis and the alloy impurities and implant surface contaminants were analyzed by SEM-EDS. Surface roughness parameters and 3-D reconstructions were obtained by laser microscopy (20x). Two distinct areas were evaluated: i) the cervical portion (no surface treatment), and ii) the middle third (treated surface). Results: The characterization of the implant surfaces by SEM showed morphological differences between the thread geometries and surface morphology at 800x and 2000x magnification. The EDS elemental analysis showed a predominance of titanium (Ti) for all implants. The SLA surface showed only peaks of Ti while other implants brands showed traces of impurities and contaminants including Al, C, PR, F, Mg, Na, Ni, O, P, and SR. The implant surface roughness in the cervical portion did not exceed Ra 0.5­1.0 µm, constituting a minimally rough surface and obtaining acceptable standards for this region. Only Nt, Str, and SLA presented Ra above 2 µm in the middle third area showing a rough surface favorable for osseointegration. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is no established standard for morphology, chemical composition and implant surface roughness that allows a safe comparison between the available dental implant surfaces. National implant brands generally contain more impurities and surface contaminants than their international counterparts and were consequently more sensitive to the surface treatment techniques

Restabelecimento funcional e estético com coroas e facetas laminadas / Functional and aesthetic reestablishment with full crowns and laminate veneers ­ a case report

A adequada estética do sorriso é cada vez mais almejada pelo paciente e pelo profissional. Dentes escurecidos e com lesões de abfração, causadas por excessiva carga oclusal, desfavorecem o agradável aspecto dos dentes e a estética facial como um todo. Este caso clínico relatou o procedimento restaurador de dentes anteriores superiores que apresentavam cor e forma inadequadas. Foram confeccionadas facetas e coroas com cerâmica termoprensada reforçada por dissilicato de lítio (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar), que tem sido frequentemente utilizada na confecção de restaurações em dentes anteriores e posteriores por apresentar propriedades estéticas e mecânicas satisfatórias. Após a reabilitação, pôde-se perceber que o detalhado planejamento do tratamento e a correta escolha do material restaurador resultaram no restabelecimento funcional e estético. Foi possível concluir que restaurações obtidas a partir da cerâmica de dissilicato de lítio mostraram ser uma ótima alternativa para a confecção de facetas e coroas, considerando que houve perfeita concordância de cor entre ambas as restaurações, resultando no sucesso do tratamento e satisfação do paciente.

Adequate aesthetic appearance of the smile is increasingly desired by patient and professional. Darkened teeth and abfraction injuries caused by excessive occlusal load jeopardizes the appearance of the teeth, and the facial aesthetics as a whole. This case describes the restorative treatment of upper anterior teeth that presented inadequate color and form. Crowns and laminate veneers were made with lithium disilicate ceramic, which has often been used in the fabrication of anterior tooth restorations because it presents satisfactory aesthetic and mechanical properties. After the restorative process, it can be concluded that the detailed treatment planning and the correct choice of restorative material result in the reestablishment of function and aesthetics. It was concluded that the lithium disilicate ceramic showed to be an excellent alternative for making laminate veneers and adjacent crowns, considering that there was perfect color matching between both restorations, resulting in the success of treatment and patient satisfaction.