Staining potential differences between an infiltrative resin and an esthetic, flowable composite.

OBJECTIVE: To compare color change magnitude of an infiltrative resin and a flowable composite resin after immersion in commonly consumed beverages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disks (1 × 9 mm) of a flowable composite (Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable) and a resin-infiltrative product (Icon) were made. Specimens were dark-stored in tap water (24 hours). Baseline color parameters (CIE L*a*b*) were obtained using a colorimeter (Easyshade V4, VITA). Specimens were immersed (dark stored, 37°C, 1 week) in commercial beverages: Kool-Aid, coffee, Coca-Cola, and tap water (control). ΔE00 between final and baseline conditions for each material/beverage combination was determined (N = 10/group). Initial analysis of variance indicated significant impact of major factors/interactions on ΔE00 . Subsequently, t-tests between ΔE00 values of restorative materials within each beverage was performed: alpha 0.05. RESULTS: Kool-Aid produced the greatest color change for flowable composite, with a ΔE00 significantly greater than the infiltrative product. No significant ΔE00 differences were noted between products immersed in coffee, however color parameters causing these differences were not similar. Water or Coca-Cola immersion showed lowest ΔE00 values for both materials, considered visually imperceptible: ΔE00 values <0.8. CONCLUSIONS: Color change potential of infiltrative resin or resin composite was highly dependent on beverage type, with no general trends observed in which material was affected more. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Staining potential of an infiltrative restorative resin differs from that of a filled, flowable composite material on a beverage-by-beverage basis. The potential for color change seems not related to the presence or absence of fillers in the restorative material.

Certification renewal process of the American Board of Orthodontics.

The American Board of Orthodontics was established in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. Its goal is to protect the public by ensuring competency through the certification of eligible orthodontists. Originally, applicants for certification submitted a thesis, 5 case reports, and a set of casts with appliances. Once granted, the certification never expired. Requirements have changed over the years. In 1950, 15 cases were required, and then 10 in 1987. The Board has continued to refine and improve the certification process. In 1998, certification became time limited, and a renewal process was initiated. The Board continues to improve the recertification process.

Complications and solutions in presurgical nasoalveolar molding therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To outline three main categories of nasoalveolar molding complications, describe their etiologies and manifestations, and prescribe preventive and palliative therapy for their proper management. Estimates of the incidence of each complication also are provided. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from the charts of 27 patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate treated by the first author (D.L.-B.) at the University of Puerto Rico (n = 12) and the Medical College of Georgia (n = 15). Confidence intervals for the true incidence of each complication were calculated using exact methods based on the binomial distribution. A significance level of .05 was used for all statistical tests. RESULTS: Of the soft and hard tissue complications considered, only one (tissue irritation) had an estimated incidence greater than 10%. Compliance issues were of greater concern, with an estimated incidence of 30% for broken appointments and an estimated incidence of 26% for removal of the nasoalveolar molding appliance by the tongue. CONCLUSIONS: Although benefits outnumber the complications, it is important to address all complications in order to prevent any deleterious outcomes.