ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The acquisition of skills and manual dexterity in aesthetic dentistry in undergraduate teaching requires preclinical practices with simulation that should approximate real clinical situations. OBJECTIVE: We will present a digital procedure for the creation of three-dimensional (3D) resin models adapted to the practices of the Aesthetic Dentistry course. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Stereolithography or Standard Tesellation Language (STL) files of a real patient were previously obtained with a 3-shape intraoral scanner. Using the Exocad computer programme for dental prosthesis design, various modifications were made, such as incisor rotation, surface alterations imitating dysplasias or erosions, the creation of diastemas, or even changes in tooth size. The virtual model was printed in resin for use by students. Once the practices were finished, the students and the teachers evaluated the use of the 3D printed models. RESULTS: The result is the typodont model, in which seven laboratory sessions took place: 1-Restoration of conoid tooth morphology, 2-Cervical abrasion/ erosion restoration, 3-Direct Composite Veneer, 4-Aesthetic correction in a tooth with rotation, 5-Diastem closure, 6-Occlusal abrasions/ erosion, and 7-Maryland bridge. 90.48% of the students evaluated the designed 3D model as the best method for laboratory practice compared to other methods, obtaining a general assessment of 8.3 out of 10. CONCLUSION: The method used has provided a reproducible standard analog model for direct aesthetic dental restoration practice, with a good assessment by students and teachers.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of caries, the stage of the disease and the indication of treatment are among the most controversial issues in dentistry. Studies comparing the diagnosis and treatment indication of different professionals show the lack of a unifying criterion in the diagnosis and treatment plan of the disease. The Objectives of this research is to evaluate the attitude of a group of odontostomatologists to a clinical case with lesions compatible with caries, evaluating whether their criteria and attitude in diagnosis and treatment depend on their academic level, years of professional practice, the application of minimal intervention dentistry criteria and the usual practice in conservative restorative treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was applied to dentists registered at the Illustrious Official College of Dentists of the Balearic Islands. The questionnaire was developed by the researchers from a real clinical case. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed of all the generated data and, to evaluate the association between the survey responses and the variables of interest, the χ^2 of independence test was performed. In addition, tests comparing the corresponding proportions were conducted using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Regarding pit and fissure significant differences were found in the diagnosis in 46 in terms of dentists' qualifications and in the treatment between the application of minimal intervention dentistry criteria and the usual practice in conservative restorative treatments. No significant differences were found in the other variables analyzed. As regards caries lesions on proximal surfaces, no significant differences were found in the diagnosis or treatment in any of the variables analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: That there is no change in the professional attitude towards the diagnosis and treatment of caries lesions in this group of professionals, having very interventionist criteria and attitudes in all variables analyzed. Key words:Atraumatic restorative treatment, caries detection, demineralization, non-cavitated caries lesions, radiography.
