Effects of Quartz Splint Woven fiber periodontal fixtures on evaluating masticatory efficiency and efficacy.

Masticatory efficiency is altered by mobile teeth resulting from periodontal disease. The goal of our study was to investigate changes before and after fixation of mobile teeth with a Quartz Splint Woven high-strength quartz fiber splint and evaluate the fixation effect.Forty-two patients with chronic severe periodontal disease and 2 to 3 degree tooth mobility underwent fixation with Quartz Splint Woven quartz fiber splints. Masticatory efficiency was determined before and 1 month after periodontal treatment, and 1 month after fixation. Changes in periodontal probing depth (PD) and periodontal attachment level (AL) were measured and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Masticatory efficiency significantly increased from 39.32% to 50.95% after treatment (P < .001). One month post-fixation, mastication efficiency increased to 67.99% (P < .001). At 3 months post-fixation, efficacy was 100% and at 6 months it was 95.24%; PD decreased from (4.91 ±â€Š0.63) to (4.19 ±â€Š0.60) mm at 1 month post-periodontal treatment, and significantly decreased to (3.73 ±â€Š0.60) mm 1 month post-fixation (P < .001); AL decreased from (4.43 ±â€Š0.58) to (3.96 ±â€Š0.51) mm 1 month after periodontal treatment. One month post-fixation, AL reduced to (3.64  ±â€Š0.46) mm (P < .001).Masticatory efficiency improved after periodontal treatment. Using Quartz Splint Woven quartz fiber periodontal splint for mobile tooth fixation can further improve mastication efficiency and periodontal condition. A stable and ideal fixation can be achieved within 6 months, which provides a clinical basis for treatment and preserving mobile teeth in severe periodontal disease. Mastication efficiency may be recommended as the index for evaluating curative effects of periodontal disease treatment.

Side effects of mandibular advancement splints for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Occlusal side effects or development of pain and/or functional impairment of the temporomandibular complex are potential reasons for poor compliance or abandonment of mandibular advancement splints treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at providing a comprehensive review evaluating the craniofacial side effects of oral appliance therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: An electronic search was systematically conducted in PubMed and Virtual Health Library from their inception until October 2016. Only Randomized Controlled Trials whose primary aim was to measure objectively identified side effects on craniofacial complex of a custom-made oral appliance for treating primary snoring or obstructive sleep apnea were included. Studied patients should be aged 20 or older. The risk of bias in the trials was assessed in accordance with the recommendations of The Cochrane Risk of Bias criteria. RESULTS: A total of 62 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. After the review process, only 6 met all the inclusion criteria. All studies were rated as having a high risk of bias. The most uniformly reported mandibular advancement splint side effects were predominantly of dental nature and included a decrease in overjet and overbite. The risk of developing pain and function impairment of the temporomandibular complex appeared limited with long-term mandibular advancement splint use. CONCLUSION: The limited available evidence suggests that mandibular advancement splint therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea results in changes in craniofacial morphology that are predominantly dental in nature, specially on a long-term basis. Considering the chronic nature of obstructive sleep apnea and that oral appliance use might be a lifelong treatment, a thorough customized follow-up should therefore be undertaken to detect possible side effects on craniofacial complex. It is also important to provide adequate information to the patients regarding these possible changes, especially to those in whom larger occlusal changes are to be expected or in whom they are unfavorable. Long-term assessments of adverse effects of oral appliance therapy, with larger study samples and recruitment of homogenous patient population are still required.

Side effects of mandibular advancement splints for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Occlusal side effects or development of pain and/or functional impairment of the temporomandibular complex are potential reasons for poor compliance or abandonment of mandibular advancement splints treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Objective: This study aimed at providing a comprehensive review evaluating the craniofacial side effects of oral appliance therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Methods: An electronic search was systematically conducted in PubMed and Virtual Health Library from their inception until October 2016. Only Randomized Controlled Trials whose primary aim was to measure objectively identified side effects on craniofacial complex of a custom-made oral appliance for treating primary snoring or obstructive sleep apnea were included. Studied patients should be aged 20 or older. The risk of bias in the trials was assessed in accordance with the recommendations of The Cochrane Risk of Bias criteria. Results: A total of 62 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. After the review process, only 6 met all the inclusion criteria. All studies were rated as having a high risk of bias. The most uniformly reported mandibular advancement splint side effects were predominantly of dental nature and included a decrease in overjet and overbite. The risk of developing pain and function impairment of the temporomandibular complex appeared limited with long-term mandibular advancement splint use. Conclusion: The limited available evidence suggests that mandibular advancement splint therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea results in changes in craniofacial morphology that are predominantly dental in nature, specially on a long-term basis. Considering the chronic nature of obstructive sleep apnea and that oral appliance use might be a lifelong treatment, a thorough customized follow-up should therefore be undertaken to detect possible side effects on craniofacial complex. It is also important to provide adequate information to the patients regarding these possible changes, especially to those in whom larger occlusal changes are to be expected or in whom they are unfavorable. Long-term assessments of adverse effects of oral appliance therapy, with larger study samples and recruitment of homogenous patient population are still required.

RESUMO Introdução: efeitos colaterais oclusais e o desenvolvimento de dor e/ou disfunção do complexo temporomandibular podem levar à baixa adesão ou ao abandono do tratamento do ronco e da apneia obstrutiva do sono com aparelhos de avanço mandibular. Objetivo: fornecer uma revisão abrangente da literatura sobre os efeitos colaterais craniofaciais do tratamento do ronco e da apneia obstrutiva do sono com aparelhos de avanço mandibular. Métodos: foram realizadas buscas eletrônicas sistematicamente no PubMed e na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde até outubro de 2016. Foram incluídos apenas Ensaios Controlados Randomizados, com o objetivo primário de mensurar objetivamente os efeitos colaterais no complexo craniofacial associados ao uso de aparelhos de avanço mandibular no tratamento do ronco e da apneia obstrutiva do sono. Os pacientes estudados deveriam ter 20 anos de idade ou mais. A avaliação do risco de viés dos trabalhos selecionados seguiu as recomendações do The Cochrane Risk of Bias. Resultados: no total, 62 artigos completos foram avaliados em relação à elegibilidade. Após o processo de revisão, apenas 6 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Todos os estudos foram julgados como tendo alto risco de viés. Os efeitos colaterais mais frequentemente encontrados foram de natureza dentária e incluíram uma diminuição do overjet e do overbite. O risco de desenvolvimento de dor ou disfunção do complexo temporomandibular pareceu limitado na avaliação de longo prazo do uso do aparelho de avanço mandibular. Conclusão: as evidências disponíveis são limitadas e sugerem que o tratamento do ronco e da apneia obstrutiva do sono com aparelhos de avanço mandibular resulta em alterações craniofaciais predominantemente dentárias, especialmente nas avaliações de longo prazo. Considerando-se que a apneia obstrutiva do sono é crônica e que os aparelho intrabucais se constituem em uma forma de tratamento contínuo e por tempo indefinido, é necessário um acompanhamento individualizado para monitorar possíveis efeitos colaterais no complexo craniofacial. Também é importante informar aos pacientes sobre esses possíveis efeitos, especialmente àqueles nos quais são esperadas maiores alterações oclusais ou nos quais elas sejam desfavoráveis. Ainda são necessárias avaliações de longo prazo dos efeitos colaterais do tratamento com aparelhos intrabucais, com amostras maiores e mais homogêneas.

Repercusiones del uso de Dispositivos de Avance Mandibular como Terapia para el Síndrome de Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño en el Complejo Temporomandibular. Revisión Narrativa / Repercussions of the use of Mandibular Advancement Devices as Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in the Temporomandibular Complex. Narrative Review

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue escribir, según la literatura científica disponible más actual, los efectos que inducen el uso de dispositivos de avance mandibular, como terapia para el SAHOS, en el sistema temporomandibular de los pacientes. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura más actual (últimos 10 años; 2006-2016) a partir de la búsqueda electrónica en las bases de datos PubMed, TripData Base, Epistemonikos, The Cochrane Library y las revistas especializadas Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine y SLEEP. Con el uso de las palabras clave: "Mandibular advancement device", "orthodonthic appliances", "sleep apnea syndroms", "sleep apnea obstructive", "Temporomandibular joints disorder", los operadores booleanos AND y OR. Se realizó un análisis crítico de la literatura evaluando nivel de evidencia, grado de recomendación y riesgo de sesgo de cada publicación. La búsqueda en las distintas bases de datos arrojó un total de 242 documentos, de los cuales 60 fueron seleccionados por título y abstract. Luego 8 estudios fueron descartados por estar repetidos. Se aplicaron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión quedando un total de 20 artículos; se eliminaron 8 por no responder a la pregunta de investigación y se añadió 1 título mediante la búsqueda manual. Finalmente, se analizaron 13 artículos; 2 revisiones sistemáticas, 2 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y 6 series de casos. La mayoría de los documentos incluidos concuerda en que los efectos inducidos por los DAM, sobre el complejo temporomandibular son mínimos y reversibles, sin explicitar ningún diagnóstico de TTM en particular. Sin embargo, esta evidencia viene en su mayoría de estudios recomendables, pero no concluyentes. Se necesitan más y mejores estudios para realizar un análisis y abstraer conclusiones más certeras. Estos deben ser homogéneos a la hora de clasificar TTM y definir un protocolo óptimo de avance mandibular.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to describe, based on the most recent scientific literature available, the effects produced by the mandibular advance appliances (MAA) as a therapy for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in the temporomandibular system. We carried out a review of the most current literature published in the last 10 years, based on an electronic search in PubMed, TripData Base, Epistemonikos, The Cochrane Library and the specialized magazines Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and SLEEP. The key words used for each search were "MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE", "ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES", "SLEEP APNEA SYNDROMS", "SLEEP APNEA, OBSTRUCTIVE", and "TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS" combined with boolean operators AND and OR. A critical analysis of the literature was evaluated based on the level of evidence, degree of recommendation and risk of bias of each publication. We obtained 242 articles and 60 of these were selected by title and abstract. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, obtaining 20 articles of which 8 were excluded because they did not answer the investigation question. One article was obtained by manual search. Of this number, 13 articles, 2 systematic reviews, 2 randomized clinical trial and 6 cases series were analyzed. Most of the articles analyzed agreed that the effects produced by the MAA in the temporomandibular complex are minimal and reversible, and they did not specify any TMD diagnosis in particular. However, this evidence comes mostly from recommended but inconclusive studies. More and better designed studies are needed, with homogeneous classification of TMD diagnostic criteria that allows to define an optimal protocol for mandibular advancement as a therapy.

Biological and Technical Complications of Splinted or Nonsplinted Dental Implants: A Decision Tree for Selection.

PURPOSE: To present an in-depth review on splinting versus nonsplinting the restorations of adjacent dental implants, in addition to discussing biological and technical complications associated with either choice; and to provide the clinician with a decision tree that serves in everyday judgments when it comes to addressing this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed for articles comparing success of splinted versus nonsplinted dental implants. RESULTS: There is no evidence to suggest that implementing either prosthetic design results in higher implant survival. Both designs tend to have their own set of complications, but there is compelling evidence to suggest that splinted restorations generally have less technical complications. CONCLUSION: Either splinting or nonsplinting are valid options for restoring adjacent implants, but each tend to face different biological and technical complications. Knowing which patients are more likely to face particular complications is strategic to provide patients with successful restorations.

Case report: hypodontia and short roots in a child with Fraser syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fraser syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of which there has only previously been one case reported in the dental literature. The main characteristics are cryptophthalmos, syndactyly and genital abnormalities. Orofacial findings reported are: facial asymmetry, cleft lip and palate, high arched palate, dental crowding, fusion of primary teeth, dental hypoplasia, malocclusion, and supragingival calculus. CASE REPORT: A 15 year old girl with Fraser syndrome attended Bradford and Airedale salaried dental services complaining of painful mandibular anterior teeth. On examination she presented with hypodontia, shortened roots, and the mandibular anteriors had a titanium trauma splint fixed to reduce the mobility. This had been placed 4 years previously by a paediatric specialist. However oral hygiene was poor around it and therefore the patient had calculus and gingivitis. TREATMENT: The splint was removed followed by subgingival scaling under local analgesia, fissure sealants of all posterior teeth, regular oral hygiene instruction and scaling, and occasional use of chlorhexidine gel. FOLLOW-UP: She has been reviewed regularly with frequent scalings over two years. CONCLUSION: This case reports the possibility of hypodontia and short roots being associated with Fraser syndrome.

Férula de acrílico y alambres circunmandibulares para el tratamiento de una fractura de mandíbula / Splint made from acrylic and circummandibular wires for treatment of mandible fracture

Se presenta el caso de una niña que sufrió una caída desde una altura de varios metros y presentó una fractura en el fémur izquierdo y en el cuerpo mandibular del lado izquierdo. Como tratamiento se empleó una férula de acrílico y alambres circunmandibulares para reducir y estabilizar la fractura de la mandíbula; la fractura del fémur fue reducida por método abierto con placa y tornillos. La férula se retiró a las semanas de la fractura. Se le realizó un seguimiento clínico y radiográfico durante 3 meses, y se constató una excelente evolución, con excelente consolidación ósea y oclusión. Los resultados demostraron la utilidad de este medio de fijación de fracturas, sobre todo porque es poco agresivo para los niños y con él se evitan muchas complicaciones(AU)

This is the case of a girl fell from some meters height and had a fracture of left femur and in the left side of mandibular body. As treatment we used an acrylic and circummandibular wires to reduce the mandible fracture; the femur's fracture was reduced by open method using plates and screws. A few weeks later splint was removed. A clinical and radiographic follow-up was made over three months, confirming an excellent course, bone consolidation and occlusion. Results showed the usefulness of this method of fracture's fixation mainly because it is not much aggressive for children avoiding in this way many complications(AU)

Comparison of strains for splinted and nonsplinted implant prostheses using three-dimensional image correlation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze and compare strain distribution patterns for splinted and nonsplinted restorations for dental implants with an internal conical connection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two stereolithic acrylic resin models were created using computed tomographic scan data from a patient missing all mandibular molar teeth. Two implants were placed in the right side of two mandibular models using a computer-generated surgical guide and appropriate protocol. The first model received 5 x 13-mm implants, and the second received 5 x 11-mm implants. Three splinted and three nonsplinted sets of gold screw-retained prostheses were created to fit the implants on each of the two stereolithic models. The 3D image correlation technique was used for full-field measurement of strains using commercial image correlation software and a pair of high-resolution digital cameras, which provided a synchronized stereo view of the models during the experiment. Static loads of up to 203 N were applied in vertical and oblique directions. Strain distribution data were compared for major and minor strains. A mixed-models analysis of variance was done to evaluate all main effect and two-way interactions for each strain, and P values were corrected for multiple comparisons using the step-down Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: Evidence of increased load sharing for the splinted prostheses compared to the nonsplinted prostheses was shown. Strain distribution data represented by the ratio of anterior and posterior peak strains were not statistically different for the splinted and nonsplinted prostheses for either implant length. CONCLUSIONS: Splinted prostheses generated more uniform strain distributions; however, the strain distribution data were not statistically different from that seen for the nonsplinted prostheses. This suggests that splinting may not be significant for internally connected implants when the crown-to-implant ratio is less than 1. However, clinical corroboration of these findings is required.

Effects of severe dentoalveolar trauma on the quality-of-life of children and parents.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This investigation assessed the effects of dental trauma on the perception of pain and quality of life (QoL) of patient-parent pairs for a year following severe injuries. SAMPLE: A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain of injury and treatment for 27 individuals 8-20 years and their parents. The Child Oral Health Quality of Life (COHQoL) survey was used to assess the effects of dental injuries on the QoL of 23 children aged 8-14 and their parents. RESULTS: Mean VAS scores revealed that all patients and parents perceived the pain of initial injury to be significantly greater than pain of splint removal (P < or = 0.05) and that pain decreased in a stepwise manner from injury through emergency treatment to splint removal. The COHQoL questionnaire demonstrated a profound and continuing effect on children and their parent's QoL following severe dental injury. The initial parental COHQoL score was significantly greater than the 12-month score (P < or = 0.05) in both 8-10 and 11-14- year-olds. The COHQoL results indicated a measurable reduction in the QoL of patients and parents was still present 12-months after the injuries. At the end of one-year children were still affected by the social and well-being aspects of the injury yet parents exclusively reported that one-year effects were limited to their children's oral symptoms and functional limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Severe dental injuries produce initial and ongoing pain. Detrimental effects on the QoL of both children and parents are still present at one-year and these long-term effects are different for children and parents.

The influence of posterior occlusion when restoring anterior teeth.

When any type of esthetic restorative procedure is being considered or performed, a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan is required. Attention to the diagnostic signs of the loss of posterior support (LPS) and their influence on the anterior dentition will guarantee a more predictable outcome. Historical solutions and their inadequacies are addressed. Patient presentations are utilized to demonstrate contemporary treatment of patients requiring esthetic rehabilitations who are lacking posterior support.

An assessment of crown-to-root ratios with short sintered porous-surfaced implants supporting prostheses in partially edentulous patients.

PURPOSE: Implant length, implant surface area, and crown-to-root (c/r) ratio and their relationship to crestal bone levels were analyzed in 2 groups of partially edentulous patients treated with sintered porous-surfaced dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-nine implants were used to restore 74 partially edentulous patients with fixed prostheses. Implants were categorized according to their length ("short" versus "long") and estimated surface area ("small" versus "large"). "Short" implants had lengths of 5 or 7 mm, while "long" implants were either 9 or 12 mm in length. "Small" implants had estimated surface areas of < or = 600 mm2, while "large" implants had estimated surface areas > 600 mm2. Other data collected included c/r ratio (measured on articulated diagnostic casts), whether or not the implants were splinted, and standardized sequential radiographs. RESULTS: The mean c/r ratio was 1.5 (SD = 0.4; range 0.8 to 3.0), with 78.9% of the implants having a c/r ratio between 1.1 and 2.0. Neither c/r ratio nor estimated implant surface area (small or large) affected steady-state crestal bone levels. However, implant length and whether the implants were splinted did appear to affect bone levels. Long implants had greater crestal bone loss (0.2 mm more) than short implants; splinted implants showed greater crestal bone loss (0.2 mm more) than nonsplinted ones. These differences were statistically significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Sintered porous-surfaced implants performed well in short lengths (7 mm or less) in this series of partially edentulous patients. The data suggested that long implants and/or splinting can result in greater crestal bone loss; longer implants and splinted implants appeared to favor greater crestal bone loss in this investigation. These conclusions are, of course, specific to the implants used and would not be relevant to other implant types.

[Permanent adhesive dentures]. / Nes"emnye adgezivnye protezy.

The longitudinal clinical study (up to 15 years of clinical performance) was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of the different resin-bonded prostheses - fixed partial dentures, veneers, splints.

Healing of root resorption: a case report.

External resorption is sequelae of necrotic periodontal membrane over a large area of root following an injury to the tooth. This usually occurs after severe dental injuries such as intrusion, severe luxations or exarticulation injuries complicated by a prolonged extra oral period. This case report presents a clinical and radiographic follow up (13 months) of treatment of inflammatory external root resorption on maxillary central incisor using Vitapex. Gradual healing of resorption was observed radiographically with no tenderness or pathological mobility.

Use of acellular dermal matrix graft in the treatment of gingival recessions: a case report.

Case presentation in which a 12-years-old boy presented with two large gingival recessions on the maxillary central incisors, secondary to a lateral luxation. In the surgical procedure, an acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) was placed as a substitute for a free gingival graft. Twelve months later, complete root coverage was achieved, showing that ADMG, a biomaterial recently developed for mucogingival surgery, can be successfully used in the treatment of gingival recessions in pediatric patients.

Comfort and discomfort of dental trauma splints - a comparison of a new device (TTS) with three commonly used splinting techniques.

The present experimental study compared four dental trauma splints in 10 volunteers. The evaluated splints included a wire-composite splint (WCS), a button-bracket splint (BS), a resin splint (RS), and the newly developed titanium trauma splint (TTS). All splints were bonded to the labial surfaces of the maxillary lateral and central incisors and left in place for 1 week. After splint removal, the next splint was placed after a 1-week rest period. The sequence of splint application was randomized for each individual. The following subjective parameters were assessed using a visual analogue scale: sensitiveness of splinted teeth, irritation of the gingival margin, irritation of the lips, impairment of speech, eating and oral hygiene. The results show that the application of BS leads to a significantly higher irritation of the lips and greater impairment of speech compared to other splints (P < 0.05). The RS leads to an increased and significantly higher irritation of the gingiva (P < 0.05) owing to a significant increase in cleaning difficulties (P < 0.05). In conclusion, WCS and TTS appear to be more accepted splints according to a subjective assessment by 10 volunteers.

[Semi-rigid bracket splinting of teeth after traumatic luxation]. / Contention semi-rigide par boîtiers des luxations dentaires traumatiques.

We describe a non-rigid procedure using brackets for splinting teeth after traumatic avulsion. This type of appliance preserves alveolodental ligament physiology and enables immediate mastication without occlusal obstruction. Installation is easy, except when severe bleeding or alveolar fracture occurs.

Periodontal splinting in general dental practice.

Splinting periodontally involved teeth is a technique that has been in use for centuries. This article gives a brief history and review of the literature concerning periodontal splinting and outlines the rationale and indications for the correct application of periodontal splinting in modern dental practice. The common types of splint and clinical techniques involved are described, addressing some of the clinical problems.

Inflammatory and replacement resorption in reimplanted permanent incisor teeth: a study of the characteristics of 84 teeth.

Avulsion is a serious injury which can cause damage to some or all of the dental and surrounding tissues. This study examined the profiles of teeth showing inflammatory resorption, in terms of time prior to reimplantation, contamination, pulp extirpation time and period of splinting and compared them to teeth without resorption. There were a total of 71 children in the present study (mean age 9.8 years, range 6-16 years) with a total of 84 reimplanted teeth. Inflammatory resorption was present in 22 teeth. There was a significant relationship between the presence of inflammatory resorption and the time the teeth were dry prior to reimplantation, with a lesser effect for total delay time. There were slightly later pulp extirpation times for teeth with inflammatory resorption, with median delays of 16 and 11 days respectively and increased inflammatory resorption in teeth extirpated at 20 days or later. Replacement resorption was present in 40 teeth. There was a significantly longer splinting time in teeth with replacement resorption and more resorption in teeth splinted for longer than 10 days. It was concluded that pulp extirpation time was not critical unless the delay exceeded 20 days and that splinting time should not exceed 10 days.

Influence of acid-etched splinting methods on discoloration of dental enamel in four media: an in vitro study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the staining of enamel in relation to fixation of luxated teeth. Color changes induced by chlorhexidine, red wine, tea, and coffee were detected with a Minolta Chroma Meter (CR-121) after extracted teeth were treated to simulate construction of dental splinting. L*a*b* color readings were made before and after 7 days of incubation in the above-mentioned media in teeth treated 1) by acid-etching, 2) by acid-etching followed by resin, 3) by resin and composite, 4) by Triad Gel, and 5) by Protemp. L* is an indicator of black (0) and white (100). The a* values relate to the red (+100)-green (-100) color axes, and the b* values to the yellow (+100) and blue (-100) axes. Untreated teeth served as controls. One-way analysis of variance of mean L* values revealed no statistically significant differences in treatment. Discoloration was observed in all teeth, including the control ones. However, Protemp yielded the largest changes in mean L* values. Analysis of variance of mean L* values revealed statistically significant differences between incubation liquids because no increase in staining of enamel was noted after 7 days' incubation in chlorhexidine. Red wine increased the mean L* values more than coffee or tea. Changes in a*b* readings were toward red (+a*) after incubation in red wine, except in the case of teeth treated with resin. The color of all such teeth changed more toward yellow (+b*), because the resin used was yellow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Temporary intervention: dental splinting and the intragastric bubble.

Morbid obesity is a significant health problem in the United States today. This has resulted in an intensive investigation into temporary interventions for weight control. Dental splinting does not result in long-term weight loss because patients rapidly regain weight following release of jaw fixation. The Garren-Edwards intragastric bubble was equally ineffective in achieving weight loss and was fraught with numerous complications.