The chamfer finish line: preclinical student performance using different bur designs.

The primary purposes of this investigation were to evaluate sophomore dental student performance in the production of a chamfer finish line using two diamond bur types-a round-ended bur and a torpedo-shaped bur-and to gain student feedback about their preferences for bur type. Fifty students took part in the study, each of whom prepared the buccal surfaces of two mandibular molar typodont teeth, producing chamfer finish lines. Students prepared both teeth in the same laboratory session and were randomly assigned to two groups that were required to prepare the first of the two molars with a specific bur type. The prepared chamfer finish lines were scored and the data analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Student performance was significantly better when the round-ended bur was used (p=0.005). Student feedback was collected with a survey that consisted of four questions and the opportunity to provide write-in comments. In response to the question "Overall, was one bur type better?" 58 percent of the students preferred the round-ended bur for creating a chamfer finish line. The most frequent write-in comment, made by twelve of the fifty students, criticized the torpedo-shaped bur for creating finish lines that were too shallow or too long.

A clinician's guide to purchasing surgical loupes.

Magnification using loupes is expanding within dental professions. Loupes offer enhanced vision of fine detail and critical ergonomic advantages. To achieve the maximum benefit from loupes, the dental professional should consider key features at the time of purchase. Proper fitting and adjustment are essential elements in the successful use of loupes. Though more expensive than simple, diopter lenses, the inherent advantages of compound and prism telescopic loupes make them superior choices when dental magnification is being considered.

Microabrasion of cast metal margins--a warning.

Plastic test patterns were milled to simulate casting margins and were cast in a variety of dental alloys. The cast specimens were exposed to horizontal and vertical streams of low-pressure microabrasion with 50 microm aluminum oxide particles. Post-exposure measurements show all specimens were affected by microabrasion. Dentists and laboratory technicians who use microabrasion must be aware of the potential damage to casting margins.

Evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties of commonly used denture base resins.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the mechanical and thermal properties of 6 commonly used polymethyl methacrylate denture base resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sorption, solubility, color stability, adaptation, flexural stiffness, and hardness were assessed to determine compliance with ADA Specification No. 12. Thermal assessments were performed using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. Results were assessed using statistical and observational analyses. RESULTS: All materials satisfied ADA requirements for sorption, solubility, and color stability. Adaptation testing indicated that microwave-activated systems provided better adaptation to associated casts than conventional heat-activated resins. According to flexural testing results, microwaveable resins were relatively stiff, while rubber-modified resins were more flexible. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that microwave-activated systems were more completely polymerized than conventional heat-activated materials. CONCLUSION: The microwaveable resins displayed better adaptation, greater stiffness, and greater surface hardness than other denture base resins included in this investigation. Elastomeric toughening agents yielded decreased stiffness, decreased surface hardness, and decreased glass transition temperatures.

Removal of a metal-ceramic fixed partial denture with a loose retainer.

In clinical practice, it is necessary to remove a ceramic-veneered fixed partial denture when an abutment becomes loose. When possible, the fixed partial denture is removed in a single piece, allowing recementation when appropriate. A 1-piece removal is challenging, often putting the veneer and abutment teeth at risk for damage. This article describes a technique for fabricating and using a 2-piece matrix that both protects the prosthesis and better directs removal forces along the long axis of the abutments.