Application of Minimally Invasive Prosthodontics With an Esthetic 16-Unit Rehabilitation of the Dental Arches for a Patient With Anterior Dental Crowding and a Relatively Deep Bite: A Case Report.

Minimally invasive dentistry indicates an operative intervention to correct or manipulate a dental anomaly or lesion while focusing on preserving the original tissues as much as possible. Losing teeth or teeth loss is one of the most common problems patients have always suffered from due to different reasons, such as caries, trauma, or periodontal problems. In cases of multiple teeth loss, oral rehabilitation is usually indicated. Aesthetic reconstruction of a patient's mouth with crowded teeth and a deep bite is challenging for prosthodontists. This case report shows an applicable conservative approach of minimally invasive dentistry in this situation while maintaining vertical dimension and centric occlusion.

Immediate Loading Full-Arch 3D-Printed Implant-Supported Fixed Rehabilitation: A Case Report with 24-Month Follow-Up.

Implant-supported immediate loading full-arch rehabilitation has been documented in the literature. More recently, computed surgical guides have frequently been used since they facilitate planning and performing surgical treatment without the need to raise a flap, thus reducing trauma and morbidity. This case report describes an immediate full-arch, fixed rehabilitation with full loading placed on four commercially available 3D-printed implants, with a 24-month follow-up. The implants were placed with the help of a digitally planned 3D-printed surgical guide. The provisional fixed prosthesis installed immediately was replaced after 3 months. At the time, the soft and hard tissue around the implants appeared stable, without signs of inflammation. The same situation was observed at the 24-month follow-up. Three-dimensional-printed implants seem to be a promising choice in this case. However, further clinical studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary to confirm their efficacy.

State of the Art in the Treatment of Congenital Agenesis With Implant-Supported Prosthesis: A Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Management.

Congenital dental agenesis, particularly in younger adults, can have a profound impact on aesthetics and overall quality of life. The scientific literature offers various management strategies for this condition, with orthodontic movement and implant-supported rehabilitation being central to treatment. However, achieving predictable and successful outcomes necessitates a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. Such an approach integrates diverse professional perspectives to ensure accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning, ultimately aiming to restore dental function and address aesthetic concerns effectively. In this case report, we present the successful rehabilitation of a young patient with congenital agenesis of the mandibular central incisors. The treatment strategy combined oral surgery (extraction of deciduous teeth and autogenous bone graft), orthodontic movement (opening spaces to allow implant installation), periodontics (connective tissue graft), implantology, and prosthetic planning. We detail the specific surgical approaches employed and discuss how their integration contributed to the overall success of the case. This multidisciplinary treatment approach not only restored dental function but also met the patient's aesthetic expectations and enhanced the patient's quality of life, highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach in managing complex dental conditions.

"Weighing it Down": Technique to Reduce the Weight of an Obturator.

Objective: The objective during the obturator fabrication (interim or definitive) should be to reduce the weight of the obturator prosthesis. This is because the increased weight of the maxillary obturator is detrimental to the success of the prosthesis due to decreased retention (pulled by gravity), constant rubbing of prosthesis on mucosa and increased patient discomfort. Design and Interventions: Of the many simple baby-steps to ensure enhanced retention of the prosthesis, a simple method to reduce the weight has been described using the subtractive technique of obturator fabrication. Results: Reduced weight of the obturator prosthesis which makes the prosthesis more acceptable to the patient and more successful overall.

Epidemiological profile of patients attending the maxillofacial prosthodontics unit at Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, Morocco: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: the present study aimed to establish an epidemiological profile of patients consulting the unit of maxillofacial prosthodontics in Rabat. Results deriving from this study will help enhance the quality of patient care in our center and can also serve as a comparison tool with other maxillofacial teams around the world. Methods: during 11 months all patients consulting the unit of maxillofacial prosthodontics in our center were included. We opted for a questionnaire with 3 variables: socio-demographics, clinical examination data, and the type of prosthetic treatment adopted. The study was conducted in the Department of Removable Prosthodontics in the Center of Consultation and Dental Treatment of Rabat Morocco (CCDTR) from September 2020 to July 2021. Results: the study population consisted of 91 patients, with a majority of male patients at 53% (n=48). During our study period, the proportion of patients under one-year-old was predominant, accounting for 38.4% (n=35) of the total sample. Among the patients in the sample, 72.5% (n=66) had no profession, while 66% (n=60) had a low income. Regarding medical insurance, the majority of our patients, 85.5% (n=78), were covered by Public Health Insurance for the Low-income Population (PHILP). Among the total sample, 57.1% (n=52) consulted for a combination of pain function and aesthetics. Additionally, 61.5% (n=56) were referred by teaching hospitals. For the type of oro-facial defect, 52.7% (n=48) of the sample consisted of newborns with congenital facial cleft. Out of the 91 patients, 36 had maxillofacial tumors, with 47.6% (n=17) of them presenting squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, 63.7% (n=58) of the prosthetic treatments adopted involved presurgical orthopedic treatments for newborns with facial cleft. Conclusion: the study on the epidemiological profile of patients attending the maxillofacial prosthodontics unit at Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, Morocco provides important insights. The findings highlight the predominance of male patients and the prevalence of oro-facial defects in newborns. Socioeconomic factors, such as low income and lack of profession, are significant considerations. The majority of patients are covered by the PHILP, indicating the importance of medical insurance. These findings contribute to improving healthcare planning and specialized care for this patient population.

Immediate Implant Placement in Conjunction with Maxillary Sinus Lifting and Grafting.

Bone deficiency in the posterior maxillary bone can be associated with a large sinus cavity and this dilemma can limit implant placement for dental rehabilitation in this area. The maxillary sinus lifting technique can be the solution for many clinical situations with minimal bone height, allowing the placement of longer implants. Autogenous bone graft is a safe and reliable material for reconstructive surgery. In this article, a case of an elderly male patient with inadequate maxillary bone height is presented. Simultaneous maxillary sinus elevation and implant placement with autogenous parietal bone graft were performed.

Post sterilization of intraoral scan body and the effect it has on the axes and distances between three adjacent implants: in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this pilot in-vitro study was to assess the effect of sterilization on the intra-implant axis, inter-implant axis, intra-implant distance and inter-implant distance of three implants in a straight line by using laboratory scanner (LBS) versus intra-oral scanner (IOS) with intra-oral scan bodies (ISB). METHODS: A printed 3D model with three internal hex analogs in the positions 15#,16#,17# was used. Zirkonzhan (ZZ) intra-oral scan body (ISB), two-piece titanium was used. The ZZ ISBs were scanned by 7 Series dental wings (LBS) and 30 times by Primescan (IOS) pre sterilization and 30 times post sterilization. For each scan (pre and post) stereolithography (STL) file was created and a comparison between all the scans pre sterilization and post sterilization were superimposed on the laboratory scan by using a 3D analyzing software. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test performed followed by Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. (p < 0.05) Results: Post sterilization of the ZZ ISB, the mean errors were significantly increased for the inter-implant distances (p < 0.0005), intra-implant distances 1,2,3 (p < 0.0005), intra-implant axis 1,3 (p < 0.0005) and inter-implant axes 13,23 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the mean errors for intra-implant axis 2 (p < 0.0005) and inter-implant axis 12 (p < 0.0005) were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: ZZ ISB showed changes in all four parameters after sterilization. The middle ISB had the largest changes in mean error regarding all four parameters. Sterilization process may affect the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the ZZ ISB after three cycles. There is a lack in the literature in this field and there is a need for further studies to explore the effect of sterilization (multiple cycles) on different ISBs and for creating an approved guidelines regarding the amount of sterilization for each ISB in the industry.

Criteria for choosing prosthetic biomaterials according to their physicochemical properties for anterior and posterior sectors. a comprehensive review.

Objective: To describe the existing knowledge about metal-free prosthetic biomaterials according to their physicochemical properties and based on this, define criteria for their placement in both the anterior and posterior sectors. Materials and methods: A digital search was carried out in the databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar of the literature published in the English language without time restrictions and included original articles such as case reports, retrospective and prospective studies, narrative, comprehensive, systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Meanwhile, short communications, editorials and articles in a language other than English were excluded. Results: 40 articles were evaluated, published between 2000 and 2023. The main characteristics and physicochemical properties of ceramic biomaterials such as zirconia, feldspathic based ceramics, lithium disilicate and alumina, among others, were analyzed and summarized. In addition, certain criteria were defined based on the available scientific evidence on the use of different ceramic systems both in the anterior sector and in the posterior sector for patients who need some type of prosthetic restoration. Conclusions: Among the different metal-free materials used for the construction of fixed dental prostheses, zirconia has been shown to have better aesthetic, biomechanical and biocompatibility properties, which makes it a candidate material for the rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients.

Objetivo: Describir el conocimiento existente sobre los biomateriales protésicos libres de metal, según sus propiedades fisicoquímicas, y definir, con base en ello, criterios para su colocación tanto en el sector anterior como en el posterior. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda digital en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science y Google Scholar de la literatura publicada en idioma inglés, sin restricciones de tiempo. Se incluyó artículos originales como reportes de casos, estudios retrospectivos y prospectivos, revisiones y metanálisis narrativos, exhaustivos y sistemáticos. Por otra parte, se excluyeron comunicaciones breves, editoriales y artículos en idioma distinto al inglés. Resultados: Se evaluaron 40 artículos, publicados entre 2000 y 2023. Se analizaron y resumieron las principales características y propiedades fisicoquímicas de biomateriales cerámicos, como circonia, cerámicas de base feldespática, disilicato de litio y alúmina, entre otros. Además, se definieron ciertos criterios basados en la evidencia científica disponible sobre el uso de diferentes sistemas cerámicos, tanto en el sector anterior como en el posterior, para pacientes que necesitan algún tipo de restauración protésica. Conclusiones: Entre los diferentes materiales libres de metales utilizados para la construcción de prótesis dentales fijas, la circonia ha demostrado tener mejores propiedades estéticas, biomecánicas y de biocompatibilidad, lo que la convierte en un material candidato para la rehabilitación del paciente parcialmente edéntulo.

Full-Arch Rehabilitation With Mucosa-Supported Prostheses Utilizing a Digital Workflow: A Case Report.

The advent of digital workflows has revolutionized oral rehabilitation, offering excellent prosthesis and restoration adaptation while reducing work time. This case report aims to describe a full-arch rehabilitation protocol using mucosa-supported prostheses through a digital workflow. The technique begins with scanning the upper jaw and taking an impression of the lower jaw, followed by scanning to create a digital cast. Next, border molding and the final impression of both arches are performed using a closed-mouth technique, during which the patient is guided to perform lateral and protrusive movements. Subsequently, intraoral scanning of the occlusion and both impressions is conducted, leading to the design of the final dentures with the established occlusion. Finally, the dentures are printed in Formlabs resin specifically designed for dentures. The digital workflow facilitates the manufacturing of mucosa-supported full-arch prostheses effectively. This method allows for the adjustment of the vertical dimension of occlusion, ensures excellent adaptation of the prosthesis to the soft tissues, and provides aesthetic satisfaction for the patient. Additionally, it reduces the number of sessions required to install the definitive prosthesis.

Validation of the conceptual framework and intervention scope of oral function rehabilitation exercise.

OBJECTIVES: This study used a Delphi survey to define the concept of oral function rehabilitation exercise (OFRE) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and to categorise intervention domains for community-dwelling older adults. BACKGROUND: While numerous studies have been conducted to improve oral function through exercise interventions, the conceptual definition of oral exercise remains unclear and there is a lack of systematic categorisation of oral exercise intervention domains. METHODS: A preliminary model was developed based on the key findings of 19 papers selected from a prior systematic review. Its validity was confirmed through a Delphi survey conducted twice with eight expert panellists. Consensus was achieved by evaluating the validity of the OFRE conceptual framework, the accuracy of OFRE conceptual definitions, and intervention domains. RESULTS: Through expert consensus, an ICF-based OFRE conceptual framework was developed that includes 21 factors that affect the oral health status of the older adults. The OFRE intervention domain for improving the health status consisted of oral function rehabilitation warm-up exercise, masticatory function exercise, swallowing function exercise, articulatory function exercise, salivary function exercise, and oral function rehabilitation cool-down exercise, and 11 specific intervention methods were derived. CONCLUSIONS: The OFRE intervention can be used for planning and applying successful interventions to improve oral function and life function of older adults.

Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly Edentulous Patients with Full-Arch Rehabilitation Treatments: A Systematic Review.

Background: The improvement of oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with different types of prosthesis for completely edentulous jaws in the elderly population is a critical factor in clinical decision making for these vulnerable patients. This review aims to evaluate the changes in OHRQoL after treatment with different types of full-arch prostheses in the elderly edentulous population to determine the prostheses that result in the greatest improvement in OHRQoL. Materials and Methods: Clinical studies of different types of full-arch prostheses that measured the OHRQoL in edentulous patients 60 years or older were searched for in the PubMed, Embase and Scopus electronic databases, with additional hand searching to summarize the outcomes of the selected studies. Result: Among the 302 identified studies, 10 studies were selected. A total of 504 patients wearing 133 complete dentures, 372 implant overdentures and 39 fixed prostheses were assessed among the selected studies. The overall OHIP and GOHAI scores were evaluated at baseline and in the 3rd, 6th, 12th and 18th months of treatment with the respective prostheses. The improved OHRQoL with overall OHIP scores associated with conventional dentures were 9.21-12.5% from the 3rd month to 1 year after treatment, whereas those associated with implant overdentures and full-arch fixed prosthesis were 9-25.26% at 1 year and 18.53-26.79 at the 18th-month follow-up, respectively. The increased overall GOHAI scores were 21.3-25.43% for conventional dentures, 36.82-41.32% for implant overdentures and 39.48-42.83% for full-arch fixed prosthesis from the 3rd month to the 6th-month follow-up. Conclusion: In general, the improvement in OHRQoL after rehabilitation with implant overdentures declined at one year, and that with full-arch fixed prosthesis declined at the 18th-month follow-up; meanwhile, the OHRQoL associated with conventional dentures improved stably up to one year, but the implant-supported prostheses resulted in an obviously greater improvement in the OHRQoL than that obtained with conventional dentures. However, studies with longer follow-up periods are still required to evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness.

A Literature Review of Vertical Dimension in Prosthodontics Theory and Practice - Part 1: Theoretical Foundations.

Vertical dimension (VD) is a critical factor in prosthodontics, playing a pivotal role in the functional and aesthetic outcomes of dental treatments. This literature review explores theoretical foundations and the various aspects of VD, including its definition, measurement, and clinical significance in prosthodontics. The relationship between VD and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is examined. Additionally, the impact of VD on facial proportions and aesthetics is significant, as it affects the lower third of the face and influences the patient's overall appearance and self-esteem. In conclusion, understanding the intricate relationship between VD, TMDs, facial aesthetics, and psychological well-being is essential for effective prosthodontic treatment. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted role of VD in enhancing both functional and aesthetic outcomes, ultimately improving patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Effectiveness of zygomatic-implant fixed rehabilitation for the atrophic edentulous maxilla: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atrophic edentulous maxilla is a debilitating condition caused by the progressive and irreversible bone resorption following loss of teeth, that results in bone of inadequate volume and density. This makes conventional implant therapy extremely challenging without complex reconstructive procedures. Several techniques such as sinus augmentation, short implants, and tilted implants have been used for the rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla. In recent years, zygomatic implants have emerged as a graftless rehabilitation technique. However, few studies compare zygomatic-implant fixed rehabilitation with other fixed rehabilitation techniques. The existing body of evidence on zygomatic implants is largely based on clinical and disease-oriented outcomes. METHODS: A network meta-analysis (NMA) will be conducted in order to compare the effectiveness of zygomatic-implant fixed rehabilitation with the other rehabilitation techniques. Experimental and observational studies comparing different implant-assisted fixed rehabilitation in adults with atrophic maxilla will be included. The primary and secondary outcomes will be patient's satisfaction and quality of life respectively. Additional outcomes include the implant's survival/success, and biological and prosthetic complications. An electronic search will be performed through various databases for articles in English and French, without time limits. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized controlled trials, and ROBINS-I for non-randomized and observational studies. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts and extract data. Any discrepancy between reviewers will be discussed and resolved through consensus or with the help of a third reviewer. Pairwise meta-analyses will be performed using a random effects model. I2, τ2, transitivity, subgroup/meta-regression analyses will assess and explain heterogeneity and distribution of effect modifiers. A network plot will be created to connect the different interventions directly and indirectly. Interventions will be ranked using the surface under cumulative ranking curve. Confidence in the results of the NMA will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). DISCUSSION: This study will be the first to assess the effectiveness of zygomatic-implant fixed rehabilitation for the atrophic maxilla using NMA. The evidence obtained will aid clinical decision-making and will advance the knowledge of the rehabilitation techniques for the atrophic maxilla. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023353303.

Contact point marking with the OccluSense system-an in vitro study on reliability and validity.

BACKGROUND: Occlusal contacts can be stained and thereby visualised employing occlusal indicators. Qualitative and quantitative indicators are differentiated. The hybrid system OccluSense supposedly combines analogue contact marking and digital registration of contacts. The reliability and validity of its contact marking have not yet been validated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this controlled randomised in-vitro study was to examine the reliability and validity of analogue contact staining with OccluSense compared to Arti-Fol and the reference standard Gnatho-Film. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental apparatus was designed to simulate static occlusion. The occlusal contacts were stained 50 times with Gnatho-Film to determine the average number and location of contacts registered. For comparison, the contacts were pre-stained with Gnatho-Film and then registered with Arti-Fol or OccluSense 50 times each. Every staining was statistically evaluated and compared to Gnatho-Film alone, regarding the number and location of contacts. Based on the observed characteristic staining behaviour of OccluSense, a modified evaluation strategy was developed for its colour markings (OccluSense (mod.)). RESULTS: Both evaluations of OccluSense determine that the same number of contacts was registered in over 94% of all cases. Neither OccluSense nor Arti-Fol stain the exact same number of contacts as Gnatho-Film, but the modified evaluation OccluSense (mod.) did improve the results for validity. CONCLUSION: When employing the modified evaluation strategy, OccluSense staining achieves similar reliability and validity as the reference standard. Pre-colouring of occlusal contacts with Gnatho-Film and the modified evaluation strategy, might become standard for analysing occlusal contacts stained by OccluSense in the future.

Prospective case series study on the survival rates of occlusal polymethyl methacrylate veneers as a semipermanent therapy in patients with severe pathologic tooth wear.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the survival rate of minimally invasive semipermanent occlusal polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) onlays/veneers in previous temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with severe tooth wear and with a loss of vertical dimension after up to 7 years. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This case series was designed as a follow-up evaluation with consecutive patient recruitment. All patients bearing the indication for this kind of rehabilitation were treated by the same clinician using the same adhesive methodology. The study included 22 patients (3 men/19 women), with a mean ± SD age of 50.7 ± 11.6 years. Controls followed within the first 4 weeks (and subsequently as required). Failure criteria included damage by fracture, chipping, and retention loss. Survival rates were determined based on the Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: 328 semipermanent occlusal/incisal veneers were included (142 maxillary/186 mandibular teeth). Almost 80% of the restorations were in place and in function when starting the follow-up treatment after 180 days; failures predominantly occurred within the first 3 to 6 months but proved reparable. Depending on the patients' priorities, scheduled replacements followed successively, and more than 65% did not show repair or any renewal needs for more than 360 days. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study the survival rates of occlusal veneers made of PMMA were sufficiently high to allow for consecutive treatment of the respective teeth by means of permanent restorations while preserving the restored vertical dimension. In patients with severe tooth wear and a TMD history, semipermanent restorative therapy with occlusal PMMA onlays/veneers would seem a noteworthy option.

Assessment of oral hypofunction and its association with age among Korean community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing proportion of older adults in Korea and growing interest in aging, the concepts of oral aging and oral hypofunction have recently been introduced. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the age-specific oral function levels of Korean older adults and develop expert intervention methods for healthy aging. METHODS: Dysphagia, independence of daily living, and oral hypofunction were assessed in 206 older adults living in Wonju, Gangwon State, South Korea. Subjective dysphagia was assessed through self-report questionnaires using the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), the Korean version of Eating Assessment Tool-10, and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index. In addition, the oral hypofunction assessment items included decreased chewing ability, occlusal pressure, tongue pressure, oral dryness, and oral cleanliness. RESULTS: DHI increased significantly with age, with those in their 80 s reporting the most difficulty swallowing. Oral function in terms of chewing ability (maximum occlusal pressure and number of remaining teeth), maximum occlusal pressure, and maximum tongue pressure also declined with increasing age. While there was no significant difference in oral dryness by age, those in their 80 s had dry mouth according to the criteria of the oral moisture checking device. CONCLUSIONS: In an assessment of oral function in community-dwelling, independent Korean older adults, the number of items that were assessed as oral hypofunction increased with age. The findings can be used to standardize the oral hypofunction assessment item and develop age-based individualized intervention plans for the early management of oral health and individual oral myofunctional rehabilitation in Korean community-dwelling older adults.

Pain-free bite force in a healthy population: Within-session test-retest reliability in different sitting positions.

BACKGROUND: Pain-free bite force (PFBF) is a promising measure to evaluate bite function in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), yet the reliability of the measure is unknown. OBJECTIVES: Establish the (1) within-session test-retest reliability of PFBF in a healthy population for a single and mean of three trials in supported and unsupported sitting; (2) standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). METHODS: Thirty healthy participants (n = 15 female, mean [SD] age = 34.4 [11.0] years) completed two sessions (30-60 min apart) comprising three PFBF trials on each side, in both supported and unsupported sitting, to provide data for 60 (30 participants × two sides) test-retest assessments. Test-retest reliability for the first trial and mean of three trials in each position were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), before calculating the corresponding SEM and MDC for males (M) and females (F) respectively. RESULTS: Within-session reliability was considered excellent for a single trial in supported sitting (ICC = 0.85; SEM M/F = 99/84 N; MDC M/F = 275/232 N) and unsupported sitting (ICC = 0.91; SEM M/F = 72/59 N, MDC M/F = 200/163 N), and for a mean of three trials in supported sitting (ICC = 0.89; SEM M/F = 66/79 N, MDC M/F = 182/220 N) and unsupported sitting (ICC = 0.92; SEM M/F = 64/59 N, MDC M/F = 177/164 N). CONCLUSION: Single and a mean of three trials in supported and unsupported sitting appear reliable methods to measure PFBF in a healthy population. Testing PFBF using a mean of three trials in unsupported sitting appears superior over other methods though due to higher test-retest reliability, and lower SEM and MDC. Future studies should examine the reliability of PFBF in TMD populations.

Personalized and Complex Esthetic Oral Rehabilitation in a Case of Non-Syndromic Oligodontia.

Dental agenesis is one of the most common developmental anomalies in humans and it is frequently associated with several other oral abnormalities. The present case describes non-familial agenesis of permanent teeth in a twenty-one-year-old boy with no apparent systemic abnormalities. The treatment included a personalized and interdisciplinary approach involving endodontics, orthodontics, implant-supported restorations and prosthetic treatments. The treatment plan was thoroughly elaborated using photographic analysis, study models, orthopantomogram, CBCT and cephalograms. Virtual smile design, diagnostic waxing and mock-ups previsualized the treatment objectives. The edentulous spaces were reconstructed by inserting dental implants and monolithic zirconia implant-supported restorations. The final results showed a highly esthetic and functional rehabilitation. Periodic check-ups have shown that the stability of the result is well maintained and that the implant-supported restorations are an optimal solution for patients with multiple anodontia.

Comparison between Conventional and Digital Impressions for Determining Axes and Distances of Three Implants in Straight and Curved Lines: An In Vitro Study.

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of conventional and digital impressions on several parameters (inter-implant distance, intra-implant distance, inter-implant axis, and intra-implant axis) of three implants in curved lines and straight lines by using a laboratory scanner (LBS) versus an intra-oral scanner (IOS). Methods: Two 3D models were fabricated using a printer, each model with three internal hex implants analogues at the positions of 15#,16#,17# (straight line) and 12#,13#,14# (curved line). Standard intra-oral scan bodies (ISBs) were used, and the two models were scanned using 7 Series dental wings (LBS, reference model), followed by ten scans with Primescan (digital method). Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files were created. Five polyether impressions were taken from each model (straight and curved), and gypsum type 4 models were poured; each model was scanned five times to create a total of 25 STL files for each group (conventional method). The comparison between all the STL files (conventional and digital) was made by superimposition of the STL files on the STL reference model laboratory file using a 3D analyzing software. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed, followed by Mann-Whitney tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. (p < 0.05). Results: For the conventional method, the mean errors were significantly higher for the curved line model (12-14) compared to the straight line model (15-17) for most parameters (p < 0.05). For the digital method, the mean errors were significantly higher for the curved-line model (12-14) compared to the straight line model (15-17) in half of the parameters (p < 0.05). Within the curved line model (12-14) and the straight line model (15-17), the mean errors between the conventional method and the digital method were not significant for most variables. Conclusions: The difference between curved lines and straight lines has an impact on the mean error of the conventional method. Both methods are reliable for straight and curved lines in partially dentate situations.

Analysis of the Improvement Effect of Combined Application of Oral Rehabilitation Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pediatric Swallowing Disorders.

Pediatric swallowing disorders are common yet often overlooked neuro-muscular system diseases that significantly impact the quality of life and development of affected children. This study aims to explore the effect of combined application of oral rehabilitation training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on improving pediatric swallowing disorders. Children meeting the inclusion criteria for swallowing disorders were divided into control and experimental groups based on different intervention protocols. The experimental group received combined oral rehabilitation training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, while the control group received only oral rehabilitation training. Results showed that the intervention was more effective in the experimental group, with shorter recovery time for normal swallowing function and improved nutritional status and quality of life. This study provides scientific evidence for clinical treatment of pediatric swallowing disorders. In conclusion, the combined application of oral rehabilitation training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation effectively improves pediatric swallowing disorders, with superior efficacy compared to single treatment methods. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action and optimize treatment protocols to enhance the therapeutic outcomes and prognosis of pediatric swallowing disorders.