Digital workflow for prosthetic management of malpositioned implant in an adolescent patient: A 20-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Dental implants placed in adolescent patients pose a challenge to restore and maintain an esthetic outcome over longer period of follow-up. Maxillomandibular changes throughout adulthood may lead to complications such as implant infraocclusion and interproximal contact loss. This case report describes an alternate prosthetic treatment strategy for maxillary single implant placed in an adolescent patient in the esthetic zone with inappropriate implant axis and screw hole placement. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: With temporary restorations, the gingiva and soft tissues were shaped to imitate the emerging profile of the contralateral side. A zirconia screw-retained abutment was customized as a copy-mirror from the contralateral prepared tooth to mimic the exact shape and to avoid labiolingual over contour by computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM). The porcelain laminate veneer was bonded to the zirconia abutment. Porcelain adhesive approach was used instead of traditional principles of retention and resistance form of the abutment. CONCLUSIONS: A functional and esthetic outcome was achieved and maintained, while a minimally invasive procedure was implemented to use the malplaced implant instead of explanting it. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present report illustrates the prosthetic management of a malpositioned dental implant placed 20 years ago, utilizing a minimally invasive digital protocol.

Evaluation of marginal and internal adaptation of veneers generated by the guided prosthetic tooth preparation system.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study aimed to assess and contrast the marginal and internal adaptation of all-ceramic prefabricated veneers manufactured via the FirstFit guided tooth preparation system against all-ceramic veneers produced using the chairside Computer-Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) system following identical guided preparation protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two main groups were included, with 16 lithium disilicate veneers per group. Four typodonts were used for the test (FirstFit) and control CAD/CAM groups. Intraoral scans created master casts and preparation guides. Guides performed preparations on typodont teeth (two central incisors and two lateral incisors). Prepared teeth were scanned (CEREC Omnicam) to design and mill CAD/CAM veneers. Marginal gap thickness and cement space thickness were measured using light microscopy at four locations: marginal, cervical internal, middle internal, and incisal internal. RESULTS: No significant difference existed between groups for marginal adaptation (p = 0.058) or incisal internal adaptation (p = 0.076). The control group had significantly lower values for middle internal adaptation (p = 0.023) and cervical internal adaptation (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Guided preparation evaluation showed no significant differences in marginal or incisal internal adaptation. The CAD/CAM group had significantly lower middle and cervical internal adaptation values.

Curriculum change using Tuckman's model: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing.

TUSDM's Comprehensive Care Department accomplished curriculum change and faculty development by following a process consistent with Tuckman's model of change. The FORMING of three ad-hoc committees was followed by STORMING stage, in which volunteers identified opportunities and needs of 11 courses. In the NORMING stage, committees' findings were categorized into four themes: curriculum restructuring, guideline development, outcomes assessment, and resource needs. The concluding PERFORMING stage involved addition and consolidation of courses, modules, workshops, and guidelines, establishing a faculty calibration plan, and revision of clinical outcomes assessment. A staged, bottom-up approach to implementing curriculum change can lead to outcomes enhancement, concomitant with faculty enrichment.

Prosthesis accuracy of fit on 3D-printed casts versus stone casts: A comparative study in the anterior maxilla.

OBJECTIVE: To compare in vitro the accuracy of fit of a reference prosthesis seated on three-dimensional (3D) printed casts generated from digital implant scans vs stone casts made by conventional implant impressions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A partially edentulous maxillary master cast with two internal connection implants was generated, while a reference implant-supported prosthesis was fabricated. Conventional splinted open-tray impressions were taken to create stone casts (n = 10) (control group). A digital scan was taken of the master cast using a white light intraoral optical scanner (IOS) (TRIOS, 3Shape), and a Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file was obtained. Four 3D printers were used to print the casts (n = 10 from each 3D printer): Straumann® P30+, Varseo S, Form 3b+and M2 Carbon. Accuracy of fit of the reference prosthesis on all control and test casts was assessed using the screw resistance test and radiographic test. Additionally, all casts were digitized using the same IOS, and the STL files were superimposed to the master cast STL file (reference) to evaluate the 3D accuracy with inspection Geomagic Control software using the root-mean-square (RMS) error. RESULTS: The reference prosthesis presented with clinically acceptable fit on all casts. The highest median RMS error was found in the stone cast group (94.6 µm) while the lowest median was in the M2 Carbon group (46.9 µm). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). For post hoc comparisons, Dunn's test with the Holm-Bonferroni correction resulted in a statistically significant difference in four tests, with M2 Carbon exhibiting lower RMS error than the stone cast (p < 0.001) and P30+ (p < 0.001) groups, Form 3b exhibiting lower RMS error than the stone cast (p < 0.001) group, and Varseo S exhibiting lower RMS error than the stone cast (p = 0.006) group. CONCLUSION: Using the screw-resistance test and radiographic assessment, the reference prosthesis fit presented with clinically acceptable accuracy of fit on all casts. Printed casts from 3 different printers demonstrated statistically significant lower 3D deviations than stone casts generated using a conventional implant impression for the present partially edentulous scenario with two implants, but this did not affect prosthesis fit. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Even though there were 3D deviations between the master cast and all control and test casts generated from conventional impressions and digital scans respectively, the reference prosthesis presented with accurate fit on all casts. This indicates that there is a threshold for clinically acceptable accuracy of fit and that 3D-printed casts may be used as definitive master casts to fabricate implant-supported fixed dental prostheses for the partially edentulous anterior maxilla.

Biaxial flexural strength of various CAD-CAM glass-ceramic materials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the flexural strength of three CAD-CAM glass-ceramic materials and to investigate the effect of various surface treatments on their flexural strength. METHODS: 120 rectangular specimens were fabricated from three different types of CAD-CAM ceramic blocks and were divided into three groups: zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (Celtra Duo, Group 1), leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic (IPS Empress CAD, Group 2), and lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max CAD, Group 3). Dimensions of the specimens were standardized to 14.5x12.5 mm and 1.5 mm thickness. Specimens in each group were randomized into four subgroups. The first subgroup (NS) did not undergo any surface treatment; the second subgroup (P) underwent polishing only; the third subgroup (G) underwent glazing only; and the fourth subgroup (PG) underwent both polishing and glazing surface treatments. Biaxial flexural strength (FS) testing was performed until fracture occurred; FS was calculated in MPa. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: Group NS2 showed the lowest FS (89.34 ± 25.30 MPa). Group PG3 showed a significantly higher FS (365.38 ± 52.52 MPa) than Group P3 (268.15 ± 48.34). There was a statistically significant difference among the material groups for each surface treatment: IPS e.max CAD showed the highest FS, which was significantly greater than that of both Celtra Duo and IPS Empress CAD. The combination of polishing and glazing surface treatment resulted in significantly higher flexural strength than polishing alone for all three materials tested. For each material, no significant difference was found between the following surface treatments: control and polishing-only surface treatments; glazing-alone and the combination of polishing and glazing surface treatments. For each surface treatment, Celtra Duo showed significantly lower flexural strength than IPS e.max CAD. However, it displayed higher flexural strength than IPS Empress CAD, although the difference was only significant for glazing and the combination of polishing and glazing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides the clinician with an estimate of the flexural strength of glass-ceramic materials and shows how various surface treatments affect their strength.

Accuracy of 3D Printed Implant Casts Versus Stone Casts: A Comparative Study in the Anterior Maxilla.

PURPOSE: To conduct an in vitro comparison of the amount of three-dimensional (3D) deviation of 3D printed casts generated from digital implant impressions with an intraoral scanner (IOS) to stone casts made of conventional impressions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A maxillary master cast with partially edentulous anterior area was fabricated with two internal connection implants (Regular CrossFit, Straumann). Stone casts (n = 10) that served as a control were fabricated with the splinted open-tray impression technique. Twenty digital impressions were made using a white light IOS (TRIOS, 3shape) and the Standard Tesselation Language (STL) files obtained were saved. Based on the STL files, a digital light processing (DLP) and a stereolithographic (SLA) 3D printer (Varseo S and Form 2) were used to print casts (n = 10 from each 3D printer). The master cast and all casts generated from each group were digitized using the same IOS. The STL files obtained were superimposed on the master cast STL file (reference) to evaluate the amount of 3D deviation with inspection software using the root mean square value (RMS). The independent-samples Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's test with Bonferroni correction (for post hoc comparisons) were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The Varseo S group had the lowest median RMS value [77.5 µm (IQR = 91.4-135.4)], followed closely by the Conventional group [77.7 µm (IQR = 61.5-93.4)]. The Form 2 had the highest mean value [98.8 µm (IQR = 57.6-87.9)]. The independent-samples Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.018). Post hoc testing revealed a significant difference between Varseo S and Form 2 (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The casts generated from the Varseo S 3D printer had better 3D accuracy than did those from the Form 2 3D printer. Both the Varseo S group and the conventional stone casts groups had similar 3D accuracy.

Digital workflow for the rehabilitation of the excessively worn dentition.

Excessively worn dentition is a clinical condition that mainly impacts the esthetic appearance of patients. In many cases, this may even extend to affect their psychologic condition and social interaction, and consequently reduce their quality of life. The treatment steps of such cases involve comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, a rigid rehabilitation plan, and a careful and well-structured treatment execution. To facilitate long-term success, patient compliance and a strict recall program should be implemented. The case report presented in this article provides a step-by-step description of the treatment of an excessively worn dentition with the aid of the digital workflow.

Effect of acidic pH on surface roughness of esthetic dental materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Exposure to gastric acid in patients with bulimia nervosa and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes demineralization of hard tooth structures. This chemical attack also causes the degradation of dental ceramics, which results in increased surface roughness and reduced strength. However, studies comparing the effect of acidic pH on resin matrix ceramic with other computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) esthetic materials are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the surface roughness changes of different CAD-CAM restorative dental materials after exposure to acidic pH by using a 3D optical interferometer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five esthetic CAD-CAM block materials, a leucite glass-ceramic (IPS Empress CAD), a zirconia (BruxZir Solid Zirconia), a resin matrix ceramic (VITA Enamic), a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max CAD), and a feldspathic porcelain (VITABLOCS Mark II CAD) were tested. Eighteen specimens were sectioned from CAD-CAM blocks into 2-mm-thick rectangular plates and immersed in 10 mL of 5% hydrochloric acid (HCl) with (pH=2) at 37 °C for 45 and 91 hours. The surface roughness average (Ra) of the specimens was measured by using a 3D optical interferometer before the storage period (baseline), after 45 hours, and after 91 hours of exposure to HCl. Statistical analyses were performed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and the post hoc Dunn test with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). RESULTS: Regarding the comparison of surface roughness changes at different periods of evaluation (baseline, 45 hours, 91 hours), there were no statistically significant differences for lithium disilicate (P=.063) or zirconia (P=.513). Leucite glass-ceramic, feldspathic porcelain, and the resin matrix ceramic demonstrated statistically significant differences (P<.001). For all tests that were statistically significant, greater surface roughness was found at the time point with the longer HCl exposure. Regarding the comparison of materials in terms of change in surface roughness between baseline to 45 hours and baseline to 91 hours, the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a statistically significant difference among the materials in both cases (P<.001). Lithium disilicate and zirconia exhibited the least change in surface roughness among the 5 materials. CONCLUSIONS: Leucite glass-ceramic, feldspathic porcelain, and resin matrix ceramic showed statistically significant increases in surface roughness when they were exposed to simulated gastric acid for 45 and 91 hours. Lithium disilicate and zirconia showed no statistically significant change in surface roughness after exposure to HCl for 45 and 91 hours.

Effect of instruction, light curing unit, and location in the mouth on the energy delivered to simulated restorations.

PURPOSE: To determine the amount of energy (Joules/cm²) delivered by students to simulated restorations in a patient simulator based on the restoration location, the curing light unit used, and before vs. after instruction on how to improve their light curing technique. METHODS: 30 dental students "light cured" two simulated restorations (that were 1-mm deep anterior and 4-mm deep posterior) using three light-curing units (LCUs) : VALO, Bluephase G2, and Optilux 401. A MARC Patient Simulator was used to measure the irradiance (mW/cm²) received by the restorations in real-time to calculate the radiant exposure (J/cm²) delivered during a 20-second exposure. At first, students were asked to use the light curing technique that they had been previously taught. They were then given 5 minutes of additional verbal instructions and a practical demonstration on proper curing technique using the patient simulator. They then light cured the restorations again. Based on a literature review, 16 J/cm² was considered the minimum acceptable radiant exposure. RESULTS: Before receiving instruction using the simulator, some students delivered as little as 4 J/cm² to the restoration. A mixed model test determined that the radiant exposure delivered to the anterior restoration was significantly greater than that delivered to the posterior restoration (Plt; 0.001). Additionally, when the locations were compared for each LCU individually, a paired t-test determined that before the students received the additional instruction, the anterior restoration received a significantly greater radiant exposure than the posterior restoration, for all three LCUs. Further paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests determined that after instruction, the radiant exposure improved significantly at both the anterior and posterior locations, for all three LCUs. The Bluephase G2 and the VALO each individually delivered 45% more radiant exposure than the Optilux 401 (P< 0.001 for both). The Bluephase G2 and VALO lights delivered similar mean radiant exposures (25.4 J/cm² and 25.7 J/cm², respectively). This difference was not significant. Depending on the light unit used, at the posterior location, there was a 24 to a 52% increase in the mean radiant exposure that was delivered after instruction compared to before instruction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Prior to using the patient simulator, students and their instructors thought that the students were delivering an adequate amount of energy when light curing. This was not always the case. The location of the restoration, the curing light output, its size and shape and how it is used all affected the amount of energy delivered to a restoration. Dental professionals and educators should be aware that appropriate training can improve the amount of energy delivered, and that restorations in posterior teeth will require longer exposure times than those in anterior teeth.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Children with Asthma: Self and Parental Perceptions.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore whether age, gender, asthma severity, asthma duration, and exposure to parental smoking were associated with levels of asthma-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Greek children with asthma and to identify any differences between self- and proxy ratings of asthma-specific HRQoL. METHOD: One hundred and seventy-three (173) children with asthma (8-12 years old) and their parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Asthma Module self- and proxy measures. RESULTS: Asthma severity, age, and asthma duration explained almost half of the variance in asthma-specific HRQoL scores according to self- and proxy reports. Older male children with more severe asthma who were diagnosed for a longer period of time and had at least one smoking parent reported lower asthma-specific HRQoL according to self- and proxy reports. Although children and their parents seemed to agree in their views of asthma-specific HRQoL, there were significant differences in ratings of specific parameters of asthma-specific HRQoL. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the factors that account for a significant variance in asthma-specific HRQoL scores according to self- and proxy reports and is among the first to record the effect of parental smoking on children's and parents' perceptions of asthma-specific HRQoL.

Clinical evaluation of chemical and light-activated tooth whitening systems.

Tooth whitening has become one of the most popular dental treatments available. This article compares the efficacy of 2 in-office whitening systems using a split-arch, randomized, parallel, blinded clinical evaluation study. Both in-office tooth whitening systems were effective and there was no significant statistical difference over the 2-week period of observation. The use of light did not demonstrate any benefit over the chemically activated tooth whitening system after a 2-week recall.

Microleakage of a microhybrid composite resin using three different adhesive placement techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of two adhesive systems in reducing microleakage when applied with three different adhesive placement techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty freshly extracted caries-free human premolars and molars were used. MO/DO Class II standardized preparations were performed with the gingival margin placed 1 mm above the CEJ. Teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups (group I: Prime& Bond NT, Dentsply/Caulk; group II: Single Bond, 3M Espe). Each group was divided into 3 subgroups: (A) application of 2 coats and one cure: IA-IIA; (B) 2 coats and 2 cures of each adhesive system: IB-IIB; and (C) one coat of each adhesive along with the manufacturers' B1 flowable resin (0.5-mm thick layer) cured together at once: IC-IIC. Each coat was cured for 20 s at 800 mW/cm2 using a quartz-tungsten halogen light (Elipar Trilight, 3M ESPE). Teeth were then restored using 2-mm increments of an A2 microhybrid composite (Esthet-X, Dentsply/Caulk). All teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h, thermocycled (500x, 5 degrees to 55 degrees C, 30 s dwell) and then placed in a 0.5% methylene blue dye solution for 24 h at 37 degrees C. Samples were sectioned longitudinally and evaluated for microleakage at the gingival margin under a stereomicroscope at 20x magnification. Dye penetration was scored using an ordinal scoring system, where 0: no penetration; 1: enamel penetration; 2: gingival dentin penetration; 3: axial dentin penetration. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used. RESULTS: A Mann-Whitney U-Test revealed no statistically significant difference between subgroups. Although not statistically significant, P&B NT (two coats and one cure) revealed the lowest microleakage scores. CONCLUSION: In the experimental model adopted for this study, microleakage was not affected either by the adhesive or its placement technique.

Clinical evaluation of a combined in-office and take-home bleaching system.

BACKGROUND: Tooth whitening is one of the fastest growing areas in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. An increasing number of patients are demanding faster ways to bleach their teeth. Therefore, clinicians are being pushed to seek quicker and easier means to bleach their patients' teeth, while maintaining safety in bleaching procedures. METHODS: The authors included in the clinical trial 10 subjects 18 years of age or older, each of whom had six caries-free maxillary anterior teeth without restorations on the labial surfaces and no tooth sensitivity. For each subject, one-half of the maxillary arch received a 35 percent hydrogen peroxide (Group 1) gel application for 30 minutes, and the other one-half of the maxillary arch received a 38 percent hydrogen peroxide (Group 2) gel application for 30 minutes. The in-office bleaching treatment was maintained and reinforced using a 10 percent carbamide peroxide at-home bleaching agent for 60 minutes. Subjects repeated both the in-office and take-home bleaching treatments for three consecutive days. RESULTS: The shade change was 8.5 for Group 1 and 9 for Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = .3434). An average shade rebound of two shades was recorded at seven days for both treatment systems. No sensitivity was reported during or after the bleaching treatment. CONCLUSIONS: When combined with 10 percent carbamide peroxide at-home applications, use of the Group 1 and Group 2 bleaching materials resulted in significant tooth lightening. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: By using the clinical technique presented, clinicians can reduce the time required to complete tooth-whitening treatment. Using the correct tray design and improved chemical formulations of tooth whiteners may reduce gingival and tooth sensitivity, thus increasing safety.

Effect of different polymerization methods on composite microleakage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microleakage of a condensable resin composite using a microhybrid flowable composite as a liner, cured with four different methods of polymerization. METHODS: 40 freshly extracted caries-free human premolars and molars were used. MO/DO Class II standardized preparations were performed with the gingival margin placed 1 mm above the CEJ. Teeth were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 (control group): conventional mode (Elipar Highlight), Group 2: step mode (Elipar Highlight), Group 3: ramp mode (Elipar Trilight) and Group 4: pulse mode (VIP). Preparations were etched with 32% phosphoric acid (Uni-Etch) and an adhesive system (One-Step) was used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Teeth were then restored using a 1 mm layer of flowable composite (A2 AEliteflo LV) on the gingival and pulpal floor and condensable composite (Pyramid A2 Dentin and A1 Enamel) in 2 mm increments. Teeth were thermocycled x500 between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C with a dwell of 30 seconds and then placed in a 0.5% methylene blue dye solution for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. Samples were sectioned longitudinally and evaluated for microleakage at the gingival margin under a stereomicroscope at x30 magnification. Dye penetration was scored using an ordinal scoring system as 0: no penetration; 1: enamel penetration; 2: dentin penetration. RESULTS: A Mann-Whitney U Test revealed a statistically significant difference between Group 1 with Groups 2, 3 and 4 (P < 0.001). Group 1 yielded the most microleakage. No statistically significant difference was noted between Groups 2, 3 and 4.

Microleakage of resin-based liner materials and condensable composites using filled and unfilled adhesives.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of differing resin based liner materials in reducing microleakage. METHODS: 80 freshly extracted caries-free human premolars and molars were used. MO/DO Class II standardized preparations were performed with the gingival margin placed 1 mm above the CEJ. Teeth were randomly divided into two groups; each one was divided into four subgroups (A-B-C-D for Group 1 and E-F-G-H for Group 2). Each prepared tooth was etched with 32% H3PO4 (Uni Etch); in Group 1, one coat of One Step and in Group 2, two coats and two cures of Prime & Bond NT adhesives were applied. In each group 1 mm layer of three different liners was used: A2 Heliomolar RO for A and E; A2 Heliomolar Flow for B and F; A2 Bisfil 2B for C and G. No liner was used for D and H subgroups. Teeth were then restored using 2 mm increments of Pyramid A2 Dentin and A1 Enamel and cured with a VIP curing light. Teeth were thermocycled x500 between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C with a dwell of 30 seconds and then placed in a 0.5% methylene blue dye solution for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. Samples were sectioned longitudinally and evaluated for microleakage at the gingival margin under a stereomicroscope at x20 magnification. Dye penetration was scored using an Ordinal Scoring System where 0= no penetration; 1= enamel penetration; and 2= dentin penetration. RESULTS: A Chi Square Test revealed a statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Groups 2 (P < 0.001). Group 1 yielded the most microleakage. No statistically significant difference was noted between the subgroups of each group; a statistically significant difference of B and D vs. E and H (P < 0.01 > 0.001) and B vs. G and D (P < 0.05 > 0.01) was also noted. The dentin bonding agent in Group 2 contributed to a reduction of microleakage when compared to Group 1.

Clinical evaluation of a 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office whitening system.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of light-curing (heat conversion) vs no light-curing (no heat conversion) of a 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office tooth whitening system. Twenty patients with sound medical history (without tooth sensitivity) participated in this randomized, parallel clinical evaluation. Only six maxillary anterior teeth with discoloration and a tooth shade of A3 or darker were selected. Patients received a complete prophylaxis and were evaluated for initial (baseline) shade by three independent evaluators, precalibrated at 85% rater reliability in determining shades before the experiment began. Participants received a 20-minute chairside whitening treatment with a 35% hydrogen peroxide agent using a reflective resin barrier for gingival isolation. During the whitening treatment, the 35% hydrogen peroxide agent was light-activated with a halogen curing light on teeth Nos. 6 through 8 (Group I), but was not light-activated on teeth Nos. 9 through 11 (Group II). All patients returned 24 hours after the whitening application for shade evaluation. Although there were isolated instances (7 out of 20 patients) of greater degrees of lightening in the light-curing group, there was no statistically significant difference using the Mann-Whitney U test (P > .05). This study indicates that light-curing is optional with this 35% tooth whitening system.