Characterization of morphology and composition of inorganic fillers in dental alginates.

Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy microanalysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Archimedes' Principle were used to determine the characteristics of inorganic filler particles in five dental alginates, including Cavex ColorChange (C), Hydrogum 5 (H5), Hydrogum (H), Orthoprint (O), and Jeltrate Plus (JP). The different alginate powders (0.5 mg) were fixed on plastic stubs (n = 5) and sputter coated with carbon for EDX analysis, then coated with gold, and observed using SEM. Volume fractions were determined by weighing a sample of each material in water before and after calcining at 450(°)C for 3 h. The alginate materials were mainly composed of silicon (Si) by weight (C-81.59%, H-79.89%, O-78.87%, H5-77.95%, JP-66.88%, wt). The filler fractions in volume (vt) were as follows: H5-84.85%, JP-74.76%, H-70.03%, O-68.31%, and C-56.10%. The tested materials demonstrated important differences in the inorganic elemental composition, filler fraction, and particle morphology.

Interproximal space recovery using an orthodontic elastic separator before prosthetic restoration: a case report.

The presence of a dental contact point is essential to maintain normal occlusion and to preserve the health of periodontal structures. Occasionally dental caries could compromise the interproximal contact point, leading to migration of the adjacent teeth with consequent retention of food, gingival inflammation, pocket formation, bone loss and dental mobility. In order to achieve an adequate restorative treatment, reestablishment of interproximal space is necessary. This report describes the interproximal space recovery between the maxillary first and second molars of a 45-year-old female patient before tooth reconstruction. In this case, an orthodontic elastic separator was indicated as an alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances in order to recover the necessary space. The technique was proven efficient, effective, economical, easy to perform and, above all, less invasive than other methods. The interproximal space was regained and a ceramic onlay was cemented for restoring the maxillary second molar. Periodical clinical and radiographic follow-up should be maintained to ensure long-term success.

Interproximal space recovery using an orthodontic elastic separator before prosthetic restoration: a case report

The presence of a dental contact point is essential to maintain normal occlusion and to preserve the health of periodontal structures. Occasionally dental caries could compromise the interproximal contact point, leading to migration of the adjacent teeth with consequent retention of food, gingival inflammation, pocket formation, bone loss and dental mobility. In order to achieve an adequate restorative treatment, reestablishment of interproximal space is necessary. This report describes the interproximal space recovery between the maxillary first and second molars of a 45-year-old female patient before tooth reconstruction. In this case, an orthodontic elastic separator was indicated as an alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances in order to recover the necessary space. The technique was proven efficient, effective, economical, easy to perform and, above all, less invasive than other methods. The interproximal space was regained and a ceramic onlay was cemented for restoring the maxillary second molar. Periodical clinical and radiographic follow-up should be maintained to ensure long-term success.

A presença dos pontos de contato dentais é essencial para a manutenção da oclusão habitual e da saúde das estruturas periodontais. Ocasionalmente as cáries dentárias podem comprometer o ponto de contato interproximal, induzindo a migração de dentes adjacentes com conseqüente retenção de alimento, inflamação gengival, formação de bolsa periodontal, perda óssea e mobilidade dental. A fim de realizar um tratamento restaurador adequado, o restabelecimento do espaço interproximal é necessário. O presente relato descreve a recuperação do espaço interproximal entre molares de uma paciente de 45 anos de idade antes da reconstrução dentária. Neste caso, um elástico ortodôntico separador foi indicado como alternativa aos dispositivos ortodônticos fixos no restabelecimento do espaço necessário. A técnica utilizada provou ser eficiente, efetiva e econômica, e principalmente menos invasiva e fácil de ser realizada. Contudo para que o sucesso clínico se estabeleça ao longo do tempo, faz-se necessário um controle clínico e radiográfico.