Do mandibular complete dentures made using a neutral zone technique improve speech?-A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate speech sound production (SSP) in older edentulous patients provided with two different types of mandibular complete dentures (MCDs; conventional vs neutral zone). BACKGROUND: Regarding the fact that complete dentures (CDs) affect SSP, it is unknown whether the set-up of the artificial teeth resulting from the neutral zone technique leads to a negative impact on SSP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 21 participants, a conventional MCD and a MCD using a modified neutral zone technique (neutral zone dentures) were fabricated. The SSP was described using a phonetically balanced text, which was recorded digitally and evaluated. RESULTS: No significant difference in SSP was observed. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the application of the neutral zone technique in the mandible has no considerable impact on SSP.

Using a Modified Neutral Zone Technique to Improve the Stability of Mandibular Complete Dentures: A Prospective Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the improvement in mandibular complete dentures (MCD) stability using a modified neutral zone technique (MNZT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 21 patients who were dissatisfied with their primary MCD, MCDs were fabricated using the MNZT. RESULTS: Nearly all of the patients showed considerable improvement in oral health-related quality of life, and 85.7% of the patients stated an improvement in general denture stability and while chewing. A masticatory function test showed no significant changes. CONCLUSION: This MNZT seems to improve MCD function, especially in patients who cannot be treated with implants.

Effectiveness of Computer-Based Training on Toothbrush Skills of Patients Treated With Crowns: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess plaque removal skills in patients with fixed dental prostheses (FDP), and effectiveness of computer-based training (CBT) of different brushing techniques (Fones versus Bass technique in their common modifications). METHODS: Ninety-three patients with FDP were randomly allocated to one of three training groups: 1) C (control group); 2) F (Fones technique group); and 3) B (Bass technique group). All patients received CBT of the basics of toothbrushing. Group C received no further instructions while groups F and B received additional CBT of the modified Fones or the modified Bass technique, respectively. Plaque levels were assessed immediately after patients had been asked to perform oral hygiene to the best of their abilities. RESULTS: Prior to training, persistent plaque deposits were found at 80% of marginal sites of natural teeth immediately after patients had performed oral hygiene. Considerably fewer plaque deposits were found on FDP (43%). No significant group differences were observed 6 and 12 weeks after training, either for natural teeth or for FDP (all P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Plaque removal skills are low in patients with FDP. Apparently, they do not profit from CBT of the techniques studied here. Studies observing their actual brushing behavior should be conducted to elucidate reasons for their deficits and to explore why CBT does not work in this group of patients.

Template-guided flapless implant insertion and prosthetic rehabilitation with telescopic crowns in a patient with treated generalized aggressive periodontitis: a case report.

Implant therapy offers a wide range of possibilities in prosthetics. Especially for completely edentulous patients with early tooth loss due to periodontitis, implant therapy is an option to regain a comfortable, esthetic dental rehabilitation. Several studies have indicated that osseointegrated implants can be placed successfully in periodontally compromised patients but with lower survival and success rates than in uncompromised patients. This case report describes a patient that received periodontal therapy for generalized aggressive periodontitis and achieved prosthetic rehabilitation 16 years later with telescopic crowns by means of template-guided flapless implant insertion. In particular, in patients with a history of periodontitis in which bone loss makes implant planning more complicated and in whom wound healing might be compromised, the approach presented in this paper describes a method that is predictable and minimally traumatic.

Functional state of the mandible and rolling-gliding characteristics in the TMJ.

For the physiological intact stomatognathic system, the three main functional states (occlusat articular functions, free mandibular movements, and ideal bolus function) were biomechanically discussed concerning the structure of movement, rolling-gliding characteristics, and force transfer in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In all three cases, rolling is not possible in the TMJ since the instantaneous rotational axis is positioned outside of the joint-rolling is not necessary because the TMJ is not loaded by appreciable forces. In the aged stomatognathic system with a lost discus and considerable Loads in the TMJ, however, the attrition of the joint is eased by rolling movement at the articulating surfaces. The destruction of the discus can be seen as a physiological adaptation which brings back the joint to an original odontogen condition.

A clinical follow-up study of magnetically retained overdentures (Dyna-system).

This study reports on 99 magnetic retention units (root caps and minimagnets) were used to stabilise overdentures in 66 patients. Tooth mobility, root caries, periodontal health, denture function, integrity of root caps and minimagnets were evaluated 4-12 years after insertion. The results showed a marked reduction in root mobility (increased stability in 86% of the roots), but extraction of 8% of the roots. After 116 months the survival rate calculated according to Kaplan and Meier was 79% for roots, 90% for caps and 77% for minimagnets. Nine per cent of the roots demonstrated caries and 10% discoloration of the root caps.