Elastic dental prostheses - alternative solutions for patients using acrylic prostheses: Literature review.

Elastic dentures are prostheses made of thermoplastic material. This category includes: nylons, acetals, acrylicpolymers, and acrons. Elastic prostheses have been recognized for several years; however, their propertiesare constantly being modified. In the opinion of the majority of patients, elastic prostheses are comfortable,handy and long-lasting. Elastic dentures are a good choice for esthetic reasons. They may be recommendedfor patients who do not accept clasps in framework dentures, but cannot afford dentures supported withprecise elements or implant-based fixed appliances. Such dentures can be applied in masticatory organrehabilitation in patients with increased absolute reflexes, especially retching. Furthermore, such features likesize, construction weight or material plasticity and smoothness are considered to be advantages of thermoplasticmaterials. Elastic dentures are the only removable appliances for patients allergic to metal or acrylic.They are better tolerated by patients with an uneasy prosthetic base or with systemic diseases, e.g., diabetes,who are more susceptible to the traumatic activity of the hard plate of traditional dentures made of acrylicmaterial. Adaptation time is shortened and the number of necessary corrections is reduced. Hygiene rulesas well as follow-up visits terms must be strictly obeyed.

Clinical Aspects of the Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Dysfunction of the Masticatory System.

The purpose of this work is to present a new, still experimental method of treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by injecting botulinum toxin Type A (TBX-A), using its effects not as a toxin but as a medication. The mechanism of TBX-A, indications and contraindications for its use, as well as possible side effects, are discussed. Temporomandibular disorders are of concern to approximately 70-80% of the population. The effect of botulinum toxin depends on blocking the release of acetylcholine from a presynaptic neuromuscular synapse and, in the autonomous system, blocking its release from post-ganglionic cholinergic neurons. In cases of long-term TMJ disorders, muscle activity increases and spastic contractions may even appear. TBX-A offers an opportunity for a normal social and family life for many patients suffering from masticatory system disorders (MSD), who have been isolated from the environment by pain. The study is based on a review of the literature and the authors' own experiences during several attempts to treat patients by this method. TBX-A is a safe medicine when the injection is performed by a well-trained physician.