Laser Indicated Occlusal Plane Device: A Novel Technique for Occlusal Plane Orientation.

Parallelism to the ala-tragus line is commonly used as a guide for the orientation of the occlusal plane with the help of a fox plane. The accuracy of parallelism is affected by improper judgment or patient movement. This report describes a method with a modified fox plane that aids in occlusal plane determination. The device is placed in the patient's mouth with the maxillary occlusal rim to determine parallelism to the ala-tragus line and interpupillary line. The adjustments are made until the laser light on the device runs parallel to the ala-tragus line, and the spirit bubble is centered between the lines of the tube. This technique facilitates direct visualization of parallelism, thereby avoiding parallax errors.

Differences in quality of life and patient satisfaction between complete denture occlusion schemes: A parallel randomized control trial.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Bilateral balanced occlusion has been advocated over nonbalanced occlusion for improved removable complete denture stability and function. However, assessments of quality of life and patient satisfaction studies between the 2 occlusion schemes are lacking. PURPOSE: The objective of this parallel randomized control trial was to determine the difference in quality of life and patient satisfaction between the nonbalanced and bilaterally balanced occlusal schemes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty participants were included in the parallel randomized control trial of nonbalanced and bilaterally balanced complete dentures. Thirty were recruited into each group with definitive inclusion and exclusion criteria as per the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. Quality of life was estimated from the oral health quality of life (Oral Health Impact profile) for edentulous patients questionnaire, and patient satisfaction was analyzed from a visual analog scale. The estimation was made at 0, 3, and 6 months after denture insertion. The data were statistically analyzed with the Friedman, Mann-Whitney, and t test (α=.05). RESULTS: The mean ±standard deviation Oral Health Impact profile score was 60.81 ±8.87 for nonbalanced dentures and 64.12 ±8.98 for bilaterally balanced dentures. The mean ±standard deviation visual analog scale score was 2.84 ±0.28 for nonbalanced dentures and 2.90 ±0.31 for bilaterally balanced dentures. The Mann-Whitney and t test indicated nonsignificant differences between the 2 groups and at different time intervals for Oral Health Impact profile and visual analog scale scores (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study detected no significant differences between the 2 occlusal schemes in quality of life or patient satisfaction.

Effect of fixed dental prosthesis on the brain functions of partially edentulous patients - pilot study with power spectrum density analysis.

PURPOSE: This study was done to analyse the influence of fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) on brain function by analysing power spectral density of partially edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included unilateral missing mandibular molar replacement patients. The patients were restored with three-unit metal ceramic FDP restorations. The cognitive function was analysed with a mental state questionnaire. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis of EEG alpha waves was made pre- treatment, post treatment and 3 months after FDP treatment to analyse the brain function. The data in various phases were obtained before and after chewing. The results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The mean pre and post treatment PSD was 0.0175 (SD ±0.0132) and 0.0178 (SD ±0.0135). The mean post treatment PSD after three months was 0.024 (SD± 0.019). The results were analysed with repeated ANOVA and were statistically significant. (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The study displayed improvement in brain function of partially edentulous patients with FDP rehabilitation.

Evaluation of Bond Strength between Grooved Titanium Alloy Implant Abutments and Provisional Veneering Materials after Surface Treatment of the Abutments: An In vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Titanium has become the material of choice with greater applications in dental implants. The success of the dental implant does not only depend on the integration of the implant to the bone but also on the function and longevity of the superstructure. The clinical condition that demands long-term interim prosthesis is challenging owing to the decreased bond between the abutment and the veneering material. Hence, various surface treatments are done on the abutments to increase the bond strength. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength between the abutment and the provisional veneering materials by surface treatments such as acid etching, laser etching, and sand blasting of the abutment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty titanium alloy abutments of 3 mm diameter and 11 mm height were grouped into four groups with ten samples. Groups A, B, C, and D are untreated abutments, sand blasted with 110 µm aluminum particles, etched with 1% hydrofluoric acid and 30% nitric acid, and laser etched with Nd: YAG laser, respectively. Provisional crowns were fabricated with bis-acrylic resin and cemented with noneugenol temporary luting cement. The shear bond strength was measured in universal testing machine using modified Shell-Nielsen shear test after the cemented samples were stored in water at 25°C for 24 h. Load was applied at a constant cross head speed of 5 mm/min until a sudden decrease in resistance indicative of bond failure was observed. The corresponding force values were recorded, and statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post hoc test. RESULTS: The laser-etched samples showed higher bond strength. CONCLUSION: Among the three surface treatments, laser etching showed the highest bond strength between titanium alloy implant abutment and provisional restorations. The sand-blasted surfaces demonstrated a significant difference in bond strength compared to laser-etched surfaces. The results of this study confirmed that a combination of surface treatments and bond agents enhances the bond strength.

Evaluation of the efficacy of titanium plates as denture markers under various heat sources and pressure - An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Denture Markers are used as one of the main identifying aid in mass disasters. Dental description of missing person in mass disasters plays a vital role in forensic research. Difficulties arise when the teeth are missing. In such situation the prosthodontic identification (ID) of replaced teeth becomes the priority. Till recently, there was no development of denture marker that could withstand massive fire accidents. AIM: To determine the use of titanium chips with identity code engraved on it as denture markers that could withstand high temperature and pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wax patterns were fabricated with identity code moulded on a rubber stamp. It was invested and casted with titanium. Titanium chips were inserted into the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) block and subjected to various heat treatments. RESULTS: There was no loss of identity when subjected to 1,500°C overnight but only residues left under pressure of 200 kg/cm(3). CONCLUSION: The literature recommends the metallic denture markers in order to withstand the post morten assaults. Titanium denture markers could be a preferred option as it can withstand high temperatures under pressure also.