The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Prosthodontics: A Comprehensive Review.

Prosthodontics is a dental subspecialty that includes the preparation of dental prosthetics for missing or damaged teeth. It increasingly uses computer-assisted technologies for planning and preparing dental prosthetics. This study aims to present the findings from a systematic review of publications on artificial intelligence (AI) in prosthodontics to identify current trends and future opportunities. The review question was "What are the applications of AI in prosthodontics and how good is their performance in prosthodontics?" Electronic searching in the Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Cochrane Library was conducted. The search was limited to full text from January 2012 to January 2024. Quadas-2 was used for assessing quality and potential risk of bias for the selected studies. A total of 1925 studies were identified in the initial search. After removing the duplicates and applying exclusion criteria, a total of 30 studies were selected for this review. Results of the Quadas-2 assessment of included studies found that a total of 18.3% of studies were identified as low risk of bias studies, whereas 52.6% and 28.9% of included studies were identified as studies with high and unclear risk of bias, respectively. Although they are still developing, AI models have already shown promise in the areas of dental charting, tooth shade selection, automated restoration design, mapping the preparation finishing line, manufacturing casting optimization, predicting facial changes in patients wearing removable prostheses, and designing removable partial dentures.

Assessment of reproducibility and influence of different dental specialties on functional implant prosthodontic score: A prospective clinical study analyzing single-unit implant crowns.

AIM: Implant therapy in partially edentulous patients has become the most adapted and predictable treatment modality. The success rate of implants has been measured in terms of esthetic, biological, and technical factors such as radiographic bone loss, prosthetic complications, and stability. Despite the existence of several indices for the esthetic assessment of implant crowns, a need for functional evaluation of the implant crown with an objective and reproducible score has arisen. The study aims to validate the reproducibility of the functional implant prosthodontic score (FIPS) and the influence exerted by different dental specialties while evaluating posterior single-unit implant crowns. STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a prospective clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with cement-retained single-implant crowns in the posterior region of the jaws were included. Eight examiners, two prosthodontists, two periodontists, two oral surgeons, and two orthodontists evaluated 15 photographs of single-unit implant crowns during the 1-year follow-up examination. The examiners assessed the photographs for FIPS, which includes five parameters for objectively evaluating the single-unit implant crowns. Assessments were performed twice at a gap of 4 weeks. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's correlation with a 95% confidence interval was calculated for the intra-examiner and the Kruskal-Wallis test for inter-examiner reproducibility. RESULTS: The mean total FIPS scores for all included examiners were 7.133 for time T1 and 7.074 for time T2, showing a strong Pearson correlation coefficient for intra-examiner reproducibility. No significant difference was analyzed among different specialties with statistically significant values of the Kruskal-Wallis test. CONCLUSION: Intra- and inter-examiner analysis showed very consistent results during the reproducibility assessment of FIPS. The results validated the use of FIPS as a long-term predictive functional evaluation tool for the single-implant crowns in posterior sites irrespective of the effect of different dental specialties. It could be used for risk estimation and prognosis for long-term survival and performance of implant crowns.

Biomechanical performance of endocrown and core-crown restorations: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare, through a systematic review of the literature, the biomechanical performance of endocrowns and traditional core-crowns (with and without intracanal post) for the rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth with severe coronal structure damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In-vitro studies comparing endocrowns with (post-)core-crown restorations were selected and screened by two independent reviewers. The included studies were submitted to the risk of bias analysis using the RoBDEMAT tool and the biomechanical outcomes were collected for qualitative analysis. The extracted data were presented based on comparative analyses among the included studies. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies were included: 9 studies evaluated restorations of molars, 14 for premolars, and 8 studies evaluated anterior restorations. For the majority of the studies, endocrowns showed either similar or greater survival rates under fatigue and monotonic load than (post-)core-crown restorations, irrespectively of the tooth. The endocrowns showed more favorable failure patterns than (post-)core-crowns, irrespectively of the tooth. Endocrowns produced lower stresses in the restorative material for molars and premolars and in the luting material for premolars than (post-)core-crown restorations. The included studies presented adequate information for most items of the RoBDEMAT risk of bias tool. CONCLUSION: Endocrowns showed similar or greater biomechanical performance than the traditional (post-)core-crown restorations in most of the evaluated studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This systematic review showed that endocrowns present either similar or greater biomechanical performance than core-crown restorations for anterior and posterior endodontically treated teeth with severe structural damage.

Rehabilitación del sector anterosuperior mediante protocolo digital / Rehabilitation of the anterior-superior sector using digital protocol

Presentamos un caso clínico en el que todos los pasos y etapas (Diagnóstico, planificación, cirugía de inserción de implantes y rehabilitación prostodóncica) han sido realizados mediante recursos digitales (CBCT, impresión digital, escáner facial, planificación prostodóncica, cirugía guiada, carga inmediata, prótesis definitiva). La precisión del tratamiento y la predictibilidad del mismo, superan a la técnica habitual, si bien es preciso un entrenamiento previo para poder utilizar al máximo estos recursos. (AU)

We present a clinical case in which all the steps and stages (diagnosis, planning, implant insertion surgery, and prosthodontic rehabilitation) have been performed using digital resources (CBCT, digital impressions, facial scanning, prosthodontic planning, guided surgery, immediate loading, definitive prosthesis). The accuracy and predictability of the treatment surpass the traditional technique, although prior training is necessary to make the most of these resources. (AU)

[Construction and application of virtual patients in prosthodontics].

In recent years, with the rapid development of digital technology, the application of oral virtual patients in prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and other disciplines has gradually increased. Although the focus on oral virtual patients varies in different disciplines, the application of oral virtual patients in assisting the prediction of treatment effects and the formulation of treatment plans will have good prospects. The construction accuracy and presentation effects of oral virtual patients can be influenced by the source of three-dimensional (3D) image, and methods of registration. Based on the studies and clinical experiences of our team, researches of other teams, the source of 3D images, the construction methods, and the clinical applications of virtual patients in prosthodontics will be presented, so as to provide a reference for normalized application and development of oral virtual patients and to offer a future development direction of oral virtual patients.

One-Stage Virtual Plan of a Complex Orthodontic/Prosthetic Dental Rehabilitation.

In complex dental treatments, a preliminary virtual plan (VP) can minimise the probability of errors and increase the predictability of the achieved result. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence open more opportunities for such planning, as they can be applied at the early stages of clinical examination to develop a simultaneous VP of all stages of treatment. The present clinical case describes a one-stage entire VP combining all the stages of treatment: gnathological, orthodontic, and prosthetic rehabilitation, until the final result. This approach avoids the accumulation errors associated with multistage VP, in which one stage of planning follows the end of a previous stage. One-step VP also allows demonstrating to the patients the expected results of the restoration, which increases their motivation to initiate the treatment.

Preparation and application of chitosan biomaterials in dentistry.

Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polysaccharide that has a wide range of applications in the field of dentistry due to its functional versatility and ease of access. Recent studies find that chitosan and its derivatives can be embedded in materials for dental adhesives, barrier membranes, bone replacement, tissue regeneration, and antimicrobial agent to better manage oral diseases. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview on the preparation, applications, and major breakthroughs of chitosan biomaterials. Furthermore, incorporation of chitosan additives for the modification and improvement of dental materials has been discussed in depth to promote more advanced chitosan-related research in the future.

El tratamiento con implantes cigomáticos en pacientes con atrofia maxilar severa / Treatment with zygomatic implants in patients with advanced atrophy of maxilla

El tratamiento con implantes en pacientes con diabetes. Un estudio comparativo a 7 años

Treatment with zygomatic implants in patients with advanced atrophy of maxilla

El tratamiento con implantes en pacientes con diabetes. Un estudio comparativo a 7 años / Treatment with zygomatic implants in patients with advanced atrophy of maxilla

INTRODUCCIÓN: La implantología oral puede constituir una modalidad terapéutica en el tratamiento prostodóncico de los pacientes con compromiso médico. El estudio muestra la evaluación del tratamiento con implantes en pacientes con diabetes comparados con pacientes sin diabetes. MÉTODOS: 48 pacientes edéntulos totales (24 pacientes diabéticos y 24 no diabéticos) fueron tratados con 96 implantes con superficie arenada y grabada Galimplant ® en la mandíbula para su rehabilitación prostodóncica con sobredentaduras mandibulares. 2 implantes fueron insertados en cada paciente. Los implantes fueron cargados funcionalmente tras un periodo de tiempo de 6 semanas con retenedores de fricción. Los hallazgos clínicos (implantológicos y prostodóncicos) se han seguido durante 7 años. RESULTADOS: Los resultados indican una supervivencia de los implantes del 95,8%. Durante el periodo de seguimeinto clínico se perdieron 4 implantes (dos implantes en cada grupo). La pérdida de hueso marginal media fué de 0,7 mm en ambos grupos. El 100% de los pacientes fueron tratados mediante una sobredentadura implantorretenida con anclajes de fricción. En 14 pacientes se realizaron cambios en los componentes plásticos de los ataches. El seguimiento clínico medio fue de 82,5 meses (60-102 meses). CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados del presente estudio indican que el tratamiento con implantes dentales en pacientes diabéticos es una terapéutica exitosa sin diferencias entre los pacientes diabéticos y no diabéticos

INTRODUCTION: Implant dentistry can to constitute a therapeutic modality in the prosthodontic treatment of medically compromised patients. This study reports the evaluation of treatment with implants in patients with diabetes compared with patients without diabetes. METHODS: 48 edentulous patients (24 diabetic patients and 24 non-diabetic patients) were treated with 96 Galimplant ® sand-blasted and acid-etched surface implants for prosthodontic rehabilitation with mandibular overdentures. Two implants were inserted in each patient. Implants were loaded after a healing free-loading period between 6 weeks with locator attaches. Clinical findings (implant and prosthodontics) were followed during at 7 years. RESULTS: Clinical results indicate a survival rate of implants of 95.8% in both groups. Four implant was lost during the follow-up period (two implants in each group). Media marginal bone loss was 0.7 mm in both groups. 100% of patients were treated with overdentures retained with 2 implants with locator attaches. Changes in plastic components of attaches were reported in 14 patients. The media follow-up was of 82.5 months (60-102 months). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical results of this study indicate that treatment with dental implants in diabetic patients is a successful implant treatment without differences with nondiabetic patients

Occlusal Plane Evaluation In Dentate Patients For Complete Denture Prosthodontic Practice.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical determination of occlusal plane is an important clinical step in construction of complete denture. Objective of present study was to find out the parallelism of occlusal plane to ala-tragus line in dentate subjects to provide a guideline for establishment of occlusal plane for edentulous patients. METHODS: In local dental College from April to October 2017 using purposive sampling technique this comparative study was conducted. After preliminarily examination, desired photographs of 120 subjects using fulfilling the inclusion criteria were taken biting on proper positioned Fox's Plan. Photographs were analysed through the computer software named Digimizer Image Analysis (Version 4.2.5.0) for three posterior reference points on the tragus of the ear at its superior (ATs), middle (ATm) and inferior (ATi) margin and one anterior reference point, i.e., Inferior margin of the Ala of the nose. Three lines were drawn with the help of the software that were extending from the posterior reference points to anterior reference point and fourth line Parallel to the upper level of the fox plane (FxP). Finally, the angles between the above-mentioned lines computed were analysed to check the parallelism. One sample t-test was utilized using SPSS. RESULTS: Mean angles value on right side of subjects between FxP to three reference points ATs, ATm, ATi were 3.261, 2.720 and 2.245 and on the left they were 2.347, 2.558 and 2.029 respectively showing no parallelism (angle value zero). CONCLUSIONS: Major findings revealed no parallelism among these planes.

Artificial intelligence in fixed implant prosthodontics: a retrospective study of 106 implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns inserted in the posterior jaws of 90 patients.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science concerned with building smart software or machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. We present a protocol for the use of AI to fabricate implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns (MZCs) cemented on customized hybrid abutments. METHODS: The study protocol consisted of: (1) intraoral scan of the implant position; (2) design of the individual abutment and temporary crown using computer-aided design (CAD) software; (3) milling of the zirconia abutment and the temporary polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) crown, with extraoral cementation of the zirconia abutment on the relative titanium bonding base, to generate an individual hybrid abutment; (4) clinical application of the hybrid abutment and the temporary PMMA crown; (5) intraoral scan of the hybrid abutment; (6) CAD of the final crown with automated margin line design using AI; (7) milling, sintering and characterisation of the final MZC; and (8) clinical application of the MZC. The outcome variables were mathematical (quality of the fabrication of the individual zirconia abutment) and clinical, such as (1) quality of the marginal adaptation, (2) of interproximal contact points and (3) of occlusal contacts, (4) chromatic integration, (5) survival and (6) success of MZCs. A careful statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: 90 patients (35 males, 55 females; mean age 53.3 ± 13.7 years) restored with 106 implant-supported MZCs were included in the study. The follow-up varied from 6 months to 3 years. The quality of the fabrication of individual hybrid abutments revealed a mean deviation of 44 µm (± 6.3) between the original CAD design of the zirconia abutment, and the mesh of the zirconia abutment captured intraorally at the end of the provisionalization. At the delivery of the MZCs, the marginal adaptation, quality of interproximal and occlusal contacts, and aesthetic integration were excellent. The three-year cumulative survival and success of the MZCs were 99.0% and 91.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AI seems to represent a reliable tool for the restoration of single implants with MZCs cemented on customised hybrid abutments via a full digital workflow. Further studies are needed to confirm these positive results.

Flexural strength of polyether ether ketone high-performance polyether in comparison with base metal alloy and zirconia ceramic / Resistencia a la flexión del poliéter éter cetona poliéter de alto rendimiento en comparación con la aleación de metal base y la cerámica de circonio

Optimal flexural strength is a critical prerequisite for prosthetic frameworks. This study aimed to assess the flexural strength of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) polymer compared to a base metal alloy and high-strength Zirconia ceramic commonly used in prosthodontic treatments. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 10 bar-shaped samples measuring 18×5×2mm were fabricated of each the PEEK polymer, nickel-chromium base metal alloy and zirconia ceramic. Half of the samples in each group were subjected to 5000 thermal cycles between 5°C - 55°C with 20 seconds of dwell time and 20 seconds of transfer time to simulate oral conditions. All samples then underwent three-point bending test. Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test were applied to compare the mean flexural strength of the groups with and without thermocycling at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The flexural strength of base metal alloy, Zirconia and PEEK was 1387.70±45.50 MPa, 895.13±13.99 MPa and 192.10±5.37 MPa, respectively. The difference was significant among the groups (p<0.001). Thermocycling had no significant effect on the flexural strength of samples in any group (p=0.306). Conclusion: PEEK high-performance polymer had a lower flexural strength than base metal alloy and Zirconia ceramic, and its flexural strength was not affected by thermocycling. PEEK seems to be able to resist masticatory forces in the oral cavity pending further in vitro and clinical studies.

La resistencia a la flexión óptima es un requisito previo crítico para los marcos protésicos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la resistencia a la flexión del polímero de poliéter éter cetona (PEEK) en comparación con una aleación de metal base y cerámica de Zirconia de alta resistencia comúnmente utilizada en tratamientos de prostodoncia. Materiales and Métodos: En este estudio experimentalin vitro, se fabricaron 10 muestras en forma de barra de 18 × 5 × 2mm de cada polímero PEEK, aleación de metal base de níquel-cromo y cerámica de circonio. La mitad de las muestras en cada grupo fueron sometidas a 5000 ciclos térmicos entre 5°C - 55°C con 20 segundos de tiempo de permanencia y 20 segundos de tiempo de transferencia para simular condiciones orales. Todas las muestras se sometieron a una prueba de flexión de tres puntos. Se aplicó ANOVA bidireccional seguido de la prueba de Tukey para comparar la resistencia a la flexión media de los grupos con y sin termociclado a un nivel de significancia de 0.05. Resultados: La resistencia a la flexión de la aleación de metal base, Zirconia y PEEK fue de 1387,70 ± 45,50 MPa; 895,13 ± 13,99 MPa y 192.10 ± 5,37 MPa, respectivamente. La diferencia fue significativa entre los grupos (p<0,001). El termociclado no tuvo un efecto significativo sobre la resistencia a la flexión de las muestras en ningún grupo (p=0,306).Conclusión:El polímero de alto rendimiento PEEK tiene una resistencia a la flexión más baja que la aleación de metal base y la cerámica de circonio, y su resistencia a la flexión no se vio afectada por el termociclado. PEEK parece ser capaz de resistir las fuerzas masticatorias en la cavidad oral, con la necesidad de más estudios in vitroy clínicos.

Reconstructive and prosthodontic outcomes after multiple palatomaxillary reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE: A subset of patients who undergo major palatomaxillary reconstruction do not initially achieve their intended oncologic and/or reconstructive goals and require additional surgery. We aim to detail the unique management considerations in this patient population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction by the senior author (m.l.u.) between 1998 and 2016. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients required multiple reconstructions. The median time to second reconstruction was 17 months. The most common reason for a second reconstruction was for recurrent disease (10 of 21), followed by functional/aesthetic reasons (7 of 21) and osteoradionecrosis (4 of 21). Four patients went on to have a third reconstruction, and two underwent a fourth. A total of 27 reconstructions were performed, consisting of 20 soft tissue free flaps, four vascularized bone free flaps, and three locoregional flaps. CONCLUSION: This patient cohort represents unique oncologic and reconstructive challenges. With long-term follow-up, multiple reconstructions may be required to optimize oncologic and functional/aesthetic outcomes. This is the first series of its kind that details the reasons for, as well as the outcomes of, patients who required multiple reconstructive procedures following initial palatomaxillary reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2B Laryngoscope, 130:2349-2353, 2020.

Radiosurgery in dentistry: a review.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the clinical potential of radiosurgery applied to modern dentistry through a revision of the indexed literature. Radiosurgery represents a recent form of electrosurgery working at a frequency of 3.0-4.0 MHz. The depth of penetration of the waves is inversely proportional to the frequency. Radiowaves working at high frequency express a lower penetration with a consequent lower tissue alteration. The authors analyzed the literature in order to give to the scientific community an overview of the possible applications of radiosurgery in the clinical dental practice and their effectiveness. Radiosurgery can be used in prosthodontics, in periodontal and implant surgery, in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndromes (OSAS) and in endodontics. Our analysis shows that although there are few articles in indixed literature on the applications of radiosurgery in dentistry, thanks to the benefits that derive from it, radiosurgery will spread more in the daily clinical practice of the dentists.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Two Teaching Methods on Acquisition of Skills in Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dental faculty-student interactions, virtual assessment software, and associated rubrics on student performance by assessing tooth preparations generated during the students' final practical exam. The study, conducted in 2017 and 2018, compared teeth prepared for preclinical fixed prosthodontics competency exams by two subsequent classes of second-year dental students trained using different methods. Class A was trained for nine months prior to the exam using feedback via student-faculty interactions and conventional rubrics. Class B was trained for five and half months prior to the exam via contemporary rubrics that incorporated feedback from both faculty and virtual assessment software. Two blinded, independent, and calibrated faculty members randomly evaluated the tooth preparations and graded them as excellent, standard, or standard not met for occlusal reduction, axial/lingual reduction, contour/long axis/axial wall height, finish line location, finish line quality, and finish of the preparation. The interrater agreement was slight to fair (0.01 < Kappa < 0.4) for evaluation of preparations. The teaching method did not have a significant impact (p>0.05) on student performance for the assessed criteria. These results suggest that, with the use of virtual assessment software, a course director may be able to shorten a course and obtain the same results as a nine-month course.

Reliability of a Virtual Prosthodontic Project Realized through a 2D and 3D Photographic Acquisition: An Experimental Study on the Accuracy of Different Digital Systems.

AIMS: The study aims to assess the accuracy of digital planning in dentistry, evaluating the characteristics of different intraoral 3D scanners and comparing it with traditional imaging 2D recording methods. Specifically, using computer aided design (CAD) software and measuring inside CAD software, authors want to verify the reliability of different models obtained with different techniques and machines. METHODS: 12 patients that needed aesthetic restorative treatment were enrolled in the study. All the patients underwent recording data of the height and width dental elements 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 size using different technologies and comparing 2D with 3D methods. A T test was then applied in order to verify whether there was a statistically significant difference between the measurements obtained, comparing the different tools data (Emerald, TRIOS, Photogrammetry and DSS (Digital Smile System)) with the reference values. RESULTS: No significant differences emerged in the measurements made with the different scanners (Trios 3Shape ®, Planmeca Emerald ®) and photogrammetry. Therefore, what should be underlined regarding the 2D measurements is the speed and simplicity compared to all 3D techniques, so this work can help to better define the field of application and the limits connected to 2D techniques, giving a good window of the technique. CONCLUSIONS: The low number of patients is not sufficient to provide statistically significant results, but the digital planning future prospects seem to be promising. This study results highlighted how a photogrammetric scanner for dental arches would only have a much smaller shooting field size and greater accuracy. Despite these considerations, the photogrammetric facial scanner provided excellent results for the measurement of individual teeth, showing a great versatility of use.

Additive Manufacturing Technologies Used for Processing Polymers: Current Status and Potential Application in Prosthetic Dentistry.

There are 7 categories of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, and a wide variety of materials can be used to build a CAD 3D object. The present article reviews the main AM processes for polymers for dental applications: stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), material jetting (MJ), and material extrusion (ME). The manufacturing process, accuracy, and precision of these methods will be reviewed, as well as their prosthodontic applications.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the clinical outcome of zirconia implant-restoration complex.

PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluates the clinical outcome of zirconia implant-associated survival and success rates, marginal bone loss, and implant-restoration complex integrity. STUDY SELECTION: Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, studies including ≥10 patients restored with zirconia implants supporting single crowns (SCs) or fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) prior to January 2017 were identified. Primary outcomes were survival rates and marginal bone loss around one and two-piece zirconia implants and the associated implant-restoration complex integrity. RESULTS: 1349 studies were selected; after duplicate removal and title screening, 36 remained for full-text screening. 17 studies met the inclusion criteria: 2 randomized controlled clinical studies, 11 prospective clinical studies and 4 retrospective studies. In total, 1704 implants from 1002 patients were evaluated, including 1521 one-piece and 183 two-piece zirconia implants with follow-up between 1 and 7 years. The mean survival rate was 95% (95% CI 91-97%). The overall mean marginal bone loss was 0.98mm (95% CI 0.79-1.18); the mean marginal bone loss after 1year was 0.89mm (95% CI 0.60-1.18). No meta-analysis regarding prosthetic outcomes was possible. CONCLUSIONS: Survival and marginal bone loss values after one year for one-piece zirconia implants are acceptable, but long-term studies are required to support their clinical use. No particular restoration material can be recommended; this decision is apparently based on clinicians' preferences. Results from two-piece implants do not provide sufficient data to support their clinical use and no abutment or cementing materials for two-piece zirconia implants can be recommended.

Selected Applications for Current Polymers in Prosthetic Dentistry - State of the Art.

BACKGROUND: Polymers have wide applications in medicine, including dentistry, i.e. in prosthetic dentistry. AIM: The following paper is aimed at demonstrating the applications of selected modern polymers in prosthetic dentistry based on the reported literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted using the PubMed, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases in relation to documents published during 1999-2017. The following keywords were used: polymers with prosthetic dentistry, impression materials, denture base materials, bite registration materials, denture soft liners, occlusal splint materials and 3D printing. Original papers and reviews which were significant from the modern clinical viewpoint and practical validity in relation to the possibility of using polymeric materials in prosthetic dentistry were presented. RESULTS: Denture base materials were the most commonly modified polymers. Modifications mainly concerned antimicrobial properties and reinforcement of the material structure by introducing additional fibers. Antimicrobial modifications were also common in case of relining materials. CONCLUSION: Polymeric materials have widely been used in prosthetic dentistry. Modifications of their composition allow achieving new, beneficial properties that affect the quality of patients' life. Progress in science allows for a more methodologically-advanced research on the synthesis of new polymeric materials and incorporation of new substances into already known polymeric materials, that will require systematization and appropriate classification.

The smiling scan technique: Facially driven guided surgery and prosthetics.

PURPOSE: To introduce a proof of concept technique and new integrated workflow to optimize the functional and esthetic outcome of the implant-supported restorations by means of a 3-dimensional (3D) facially-driven, digital assisted treatment plan. METHODS: The Smiling Scan technique permits the creation of a virtual dental patient (VDP) showing a broad smile under static conditions. The patient is exposed to a cone beam computed tomography scan (CBCT), displaying a broad smile for the duration of the examination. Intraoral optical surface scanning (IOS) of the dental and soft tissue anatomy or extraoral optical surface scanning (EOS) of the study casts are achieved. The superimposition of the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) files with standard tessellation language (STL) files is performed using the virtual planning software program permitting the creation of a VDP. CONCLUSIONS: The smiling scan is an effective, easy to use, and low-cost technique to develop a more comprehensive and simplified facially driven computer-assisted treatment plan, allowing a prosthetically driven implant placement and the delivery of an immediate computer aided design (CAD) computer aided manufacturing (CAM) temporary fixed dental prostheses (CAD/CAM technology).