An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Thymus vulgaris Derived Herbal Disinfectant Solutions against Pathogenic Biofilm on Maxillofacial Silicones and Its Impact on Color Stability.

AIM: This study aims to assess the antimicrobial efficacy and impact on color stability of Thymus (T.) vulgaris solution compared to conventional disinfectants on maxillofacial silicones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various solutions were evaluated, including T. vulgaris solutions at 5 and 10%, saline (control), chlorhexidine (4%), and soap water. The substrates were MDX4-4210 silicone elastomers, and the microorganisms tested were Candida (C.) albicans and Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. The viability of microorganisms was determined through an 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay, and color stability was measured using a spectrophotometer with X-Rite Europe software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U post hoc test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. RESULTS: Soap water demonstrated superior disinfectant action against both microorganisms, while T. vulgaris solutions at 5 and 10% exhibited comparable antimicrobial efficacy. Chlorhexidine and 10% T. vulgaris solution showed minimal color changes in the silicone material. In contrast, soap water and the 5% T. vulgaris solution resulted in clinically unacceptable color alterations. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the potential of T. vulgaris as an herbal disinfectant for combating microbial biofilms on maxillofacial silicones, particularly at concentrations of 5 and 10%. The importance of maintaining color stability is emphasized, with Chlorhexidine and the 10% T. vulgaris solution demonstrating effective preservation of esthetics. These findings suggest the viability of considering T. vulgaris as an alternative disinfectant in clinical settings for maxillofacial silicone prostheses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Maxillofacial silicones are vital in restoring aesthetic features for individuals with facial trauma, congenital deformities, or post-surgical interventions. Yet, biofilm-related infections jeopardize their durability and visual integrity. Clinically, T. vulgaris signifies a potential advance in prosthodontic care, offering valuable insights for improving antimicrobial performance and aesthetic durability in maxillofacial prostheses. How to cite this article: Peter M, Kanathila H, Bembalagi M, et al. An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Thymus vulgaris Derived Herbal Disinfectant Solutions against Pathogenic Biofilm on Maxillofacial Silicones and Its Impact on Color Stability. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):967-973.

Evaluating the Association of Tooth Form of Maxillary Central Incisors with Face Shape Using AutoCAD Software: A Descriptive Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the different forms of maxillary central incisors (MCI) and determine their association with the shape of the face for men and women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 subjects (100 women, 100 men) aged between 18 and 30 years with healthy dentition were randomly selected from K.L.E. V.K Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, India. Two standardized photographs (portrait and shape of the MCI) were taken for each subject and opened in AutoCAD 2009 software that was used to prepare technical drawings of face and tooth forms. The dental ratios (extent of line TA: extent of line TB) obtained after the tracings, were classified as tapered (≤0.61), ovoid (>0.61 and <0.69), or square (≥0.70). This classification was used to relate tooth form to the shape of the face and compare the form of MCI between men and women. Association between the shape of the MCI and the face was determined by Chi-square test using R 3.3.1 software. RESULTS: The most prevalent tooth form among the subjects was ovoid (women, 32%; men, 31%) followed by tapered (women, 13%; men, 16%). The least prevalent shape was square (women, 5%; men, 3%). The most prevalent face shape was tapered (women, 34%; men, 25%) followed by ovoid (women, 15%; men, 22%) and the least prevalent was square (women, 1%; men, 3%). An association between face shape and tooth form was statistically not significant. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent tooth form in both men and women was ovoid, and the least prevalent was square. The association between face shape and tooth form was not significant and did not abide by William's "Law of Harmony." However, there was an association between face shape and gender.

An Evaluation of the Effect of Various Gloves on Polymerization Inhibition of Elastomeric Impression Materials: An In vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Latex protective barriers such as gloves and rubber dam material have been used widely in restorative procedures for crown and bridge. However, the chemical used during latex glove fabrication is thought to inhibit the polymerization of elastomeric impression materials used for impression making which has a detrimental effect on the dimensional accuracy and surface definition of resultant casts used for restorative procedures. The objectives of the study were to examine the surface of different elastomeric impressions on contact with various gloves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical study included a total of eighty specimens of two types of the putty elastomeric impression material were hand manipulated by wearing three different gloves materials and is placed on a marked area of a clean and alcohol-treated glass slab at room temperature. The specimens examined for any signs of polymerization inhibition. The specimen will be rated as being "inhibited" if any residue remains on the glass slab and absence of the above will result as "no inhibition." RESULTS: The results showed no interference with the polymerization inhibition of the selected elastomers followed by the nitrile glove. The latex gloves showed inhibited set of the elastomeric impression material but set after sometime confirming time-dependent inhibition of the impression material. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the use of latex and sometime nitrile gloves during crown and bridge procedures should be contraindicated and the use of vinyl gloves should be stressed when working with elastomeric impression materials.