Polyetherketoneketone, a high-performance polymer for splinting mobile teeth: A clinical report.

A digital workflow for fabricating a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) periodontal splint is described. The antibacterial properties of PEKK and the precision and efficiency of digital technology led to the provision of a splint with no adverse effects on oral hygiene or periodontal maintenance during a 2-year follow-up.

A digital guiding device to facilitate cementation of porcelain laminate veneers.

This article presents a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) guiding device to facilitate the simultaneous preconditioning and cementation of multiunit porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs). The guiding device was designed from the digital cast of the PLVs and definitive cast assembly, with gingival margins 2 mm from the PLV margins and lingual perforations and milled from a transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) disk. The PLVs were seated in the guiding device during the preconditioning procedures and transferred to the abutment teeth with luting cement loaded on the intaglio surfaces. Excess resin cement was removed while the guiding device held the PLVs in place. This technique provides predictable, accurate, and efficient simultaneous preconditioning and cementing of PLVs.

Digital planning workflow for partial maxillectomy using an osteotomy template and immediate rehabilitation of maxillary Brown II defects with prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence of benefits for the rehabilitation of Brown II defects with prosthesis in surgery. However, the current literature is sparse for maxillary tumour resection using osteotomy templates. OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of maxillectomy using a custom fabricated osteotomy template and to evaluate the prosthesis for surgical accuracy, appearance and functioning (speech, swallowing and occlusal force). METHODS: Ten patients with Brown II defects caused by tumour resection were treated with precise partial maxillectomy using an osteotomy template. The immediate rehabilitation of the Brown II defect was completed with a prefabricated prosthesis. The post-operative three-dimensional images and the pre-operative virtual images were superimposed, and average deviation and maximum deviation were calculated. Speech intelligibility, swallowing, appearance and University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QoL) were examined at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Occlusal force was examined post-operatively at 6 months. RESULTS: The maximum deviation between the actual and virtual surgery was 5.12 ± 0.44 mm, with an average of 1.02 ± 0.17 mm. Speech intelligibility, swallowing and UW-QoL improved significantly (P < .05) after wearing the prosthesis. The recovery index of the occlusal force on the affected side was 20.19%-32.28%. The skewed degree of the mouth corner, the difference in the height of the left and right lips, the maximum deviation distance and the change area volume decreased significantly (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The precise rehabilitation of maxillary Brown II defects can be achieved using a prosthesis fabricated with an osteotomy template. The prosthesis restored appearance and functional capabilities (such as speech and occlusal force).

[Clinical application of optimal designed Upcera super transparent zirconia all-ceramic restorations].

PURPOSE: To summarize the clinical application of special designed Upcera ST zirconia all-ceramic restorations in cases with limited occlusal space. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with 23-unit restorations were enrolled in this study. First, the shape of abutment teeth and diagnostic wax-up were captured and digitized by Sirona inEos system. Then, each individually shaped framework to grant a defined ST zirconia base core was created by the reduced program of inLab software. Finally, all restorations were veneered with VITA VM9 and evaluated at placement using modified U.S.Public Health Service Criteria 6 to 12 months after restoration. Patients were inquired with satisfaction questionnaire at the same time. RESULTS: During 6 to 12 months of follow-up visit, except for one of 23 restorations was rated as failure by fractured root, none was replaced due to framework fracture or unrestorable delamination of the ceramic veneer. The shape and colour of all restorations were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure optimum long-term clinical results of all-ceramic crown restorations, one important key is to overcome the fragmentation of dental prosthesis through modifying the shape of restoration. Based on the results of this study, the specially designed processing technology shows sufficient stability for ST zirconia all-ceramic restorations within a short term, which is deserved to be used in selected cases.