A comparative in vitro analysis of various temporization materials with respect to pulp chamber temperature changes during polymerization.

AIM: (1) To compare the temperature rise in the pulp chamber with different resin materials used for making provisional fixed partial dentures in anterior and posterior region while using Polyvinylsiloxane impression materials as matrix. (2) To identify a superior provisionalization material based on the amount of heat dissipated suitable for anterior and posterior provisional fixed partial denture fabrication. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Temporary crowns and bridges are integral to Fixed Prosthodontics. It has been observed that conventional fixed prosthesis temporisation materials release heat due to the exothermic polymerisation reaction. When such a provisional material is directly let to set on a vital tooth, the heat transfer causes irreversible changes in the pulp tissue depending of the degree of change. Hence, this study observes amount of heat generation in various materials during temporisation procedure, by simulating similar conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two Models were fabricated, one simulating missing lateral incisor (Model A) and another simulating missing first molar (Model B). Intact maxillary central incisors and canine for Model A and intact mandibular Second Premolar and Second Molar were selected to act as abutments. These abutment teeth were fitted with the tip of a K-type Thermocouple inside their pulp chambers and these were connected to a digital thermometer. Five temporisation materials were chosen for fabrication of temporary crowns through Direct technique. (1) polymethy methacrylate (Self Cure acrylic), (2) bisacryl composite (Protemp 4), (3) visible light cure urethane dimethacrylate (Revotec LC), (4) barium glass and fumed silica infused methacrylate (Dentsply Integrity) and (5)nano-hybrid composite (VOCO Structur 3). Ten observations were made for each provisional material on each model. During each observation, temperature rise was recorded at 30s interval from the time of application, through the peak and till a decrease in temperature is observed. Polyvinyl siloxane was used as matrix for all except light cure resin, where polypropylene sheet was used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Anova test used for statistical. RESULTS: ANOVA test revealed that there was a significant difference in the temperature changes associated with the provisional restorative materials used. Among the five, polymethy methacrylate (self cure resin) showed the maximum rise in temperature, followed by bisacryl composite (Protemp 4), visible light cure urethane dimethacrylate (Revotec LC), barium glass and fumed silica infused methacrylate (Dentsply Integrity) and nano-hybrid composite (VOCO Structur 3). There was no comparable difference between Model A and B but an overall reduction of temperature rise was observed in model B. CONCLUSION: VOCO Structur 3 showed the least temperature rise in the pulp chamber, and overall temperature rise was less for model B which can be attributed to the residual dentin thickness.

Radiotherapy molds: An approach to fabricating facial moulage.

Impression procedures for recording large maxillofacial defects are tedious and difficult because of the unavailability of stock impression trays. This article describes the procedure of fabricating a straightforward facial moulage with predictable accuracy by using a reusable radiotherapy thermoplastic sheet.

Radiation attenuation properties of materials used to fabricate radiotherapy prostheses in vitro study.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the attenuation of radiation doses by four materials, heat-polymerized, and self-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), putty-type, and injection-type polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression material. This in vitro study should aid in the selection of dental materials for radiotherapy prostheses, thereby minimizing the possibility of radiotherapy side effects. METHODS: Specimens of each type were fabricated as a 5 × 5 cm squares with a thickness of 10 mm. Heat-polymerizing PMMA, self-polymerizing PMMA, putty-type PVS impression material, and injection-type PVS impression material were selected. A calibration curve was created to determine the association of radiation doses and grayscale value. A linear accelerator was used to irradiate the specimens. The radiation doses above and below the materials were measured using radiochromic film dosimetry. After film irradiation, the pixel scale of color change was used to determine the radiation dose based on the created calibration curve. The results were exported to find average doses to calculate the percentage of the attenuated dose for a comparison of the four materials. RESULTS: The average attenuated doses of heat-polymerizing PMMA, self-polymerizing PMMA, putty-type PVS, and injection-type PVS were 10.8%, 6.2%, 17.2%, and 14.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: PVS showed higher attenuating radiation exposure compared with PMMA.

A newly developed patient fixation system using a dedicated mouthpiece and dental impression materials for head and neck radiotherapy: a preliminary study.

We evaluated the basic characteristics and efficacy of our newly developed patient fixation system for head and neck radiotherapy that uses a dedicated mouthpiece and dental impression materials. The present investigation demonstrated that with this system, the changes in the absorbed dose to water depending on the material of the mouthpiece were small, with a maximum of 0.32% for a 10-MV photon beam. For the dental impression material, we selected a silicone material with the lowest Hounsfield unit (HU) value that had little effect on the generation of artifacts and the quality of the X-ray beam. Multiphase magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the head-up and -down motions in the thermoplastic shell without the mouthpiece were 5.76 ± 1.54 mm, whereas the motion with the mouthpiece decreased significantly to 1.72 ± 0.92 mm (P = 0.006). Similarly, the head-left and -right motion displacement decreased from 6.32 ± 1.86 mm without the mouthpiece to 1.80 ± 0.42 mm with the mouthpiece (P = 0.003). Regarding the tongue depressor function of the mouthpiece, the median distance from the hard palate to the surface of the tongue was 28.42 mm. The present results indicate that the new immobilization device developed herein that uses a mouthpiece and a thermoplastic shell is useful for suppressing patients' head motions and tongue positions.

Extended-pour and conventional alginates: effect of storage time on dimensional accuracy and maintenance of details

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the dimensional stability and maintenance of details of conventional and high stability alginates up to 5-day storage. Methods: Two types of alginates were selected (n=10) for this study, conventional (Hydrogum) and high stability alginates (Hydrogum 5), which were produced with the aid of a cylindrical metal block and a ring-shaped metal mold (Specifications 18, 19, and 25, ANSI/ADA). Ten images were obtained from the molds for the dimensional stability test, which were taken immediately after their production and at each different storage periods (15 min, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, and 120 h) by a digital camera. The specimens were kept hermetically sealed in plastic bags (23°C) and then used to obtain 140 (n=70) dental stone models, used in the detail reproduction test, in which the angular accuracy of three grooves (20 µm, 50 µm, and 75 µm) was observed at each period. The details reproduction accuracy was classified using a predetermined score classification. Measurements of dimensional changes were made in the Corel DRAW X6 program. The data were submitted to the Student's t-test (α?#8197;= 0.05). Results: A statistically significant difference concerning the size of the matrix was observed after 24h for both alginates, and a statistically significant negative linear dimensional change (contraction) was verified after 24 h of storage (1.52% for the high stability alginate, and 1.32% for the conventional alginate). The high stability alginate kept the full details for 72 hours, while the conventional alginate, for 24 h. Both alginates reproduced the 75 µm groove at all storage periods. Conclusion: Impressions made with both alginates presented satisfactory clinical results when the alginates were immediately poured.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a estabilidade dimensional e manutenção de detalhes de alginatos convencionais e de alta estabilidade por até 5 dias de armazenamento. Métodos: Para esse estudo, foram selecionados dois tipos de alginatos: convencional (Hydrogum) (n = 10) e de alta estabilidade (Hydrogum 5) (n = 10), sendo produzidos com o auxílio de um bloco metálico cilíndrico e um molde metálico em forma de anel (especificações 18, 19 e 25, ANSI/ADA). Para o teste de estabilidade dimensional, dez imagens foram obtidas imediatamente e para cada tempo de armazenamento (15 min, 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas), realizadas por câmera digital. As amostras foram mantidas hermeticamente fechadas em sacos plásticos (23°C). Para o teste de reprodução de detalhes, as amostras foram utilizadas para obter 140 (n = 70 por grupo) modelos de gesso, sendo observada a precisão angular de três sulcos (20 µm, 50 µm e 75 µm) para cada período. A precisão da reprodução de detalhes foi classificada usando uma classificação de pontuação predeterminada. As medições das mudanças dimensionais foram feitas no programa Corel DRAW X6. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste t de Student (α = 0,05). Resultados: Foi observada diferença estatística em relação à matriz após 24h para ambos os alginatos. Uma mudança dimensional linear negativa estatisticamente significativa (contração) foi verificada após 24 h de armazenamento (1,52% para alginato de alta estabilidade; 1,32% para alginato convencional). O alginato de alta estabilidade manteve os detalhes completos por até 72 horas, enquanto o alginato convencional, por 24 horas. Os alginatos reproduziram o sulco de 75 µm para todos os períodos. Conclusão: As impressões feitas com ambos os alginatos devem ser imediatamente vazadas para se ter resultados clínicos satisfatórios.

[Effect of disinfectant with benzethon chloramine and isopropanol as main active ingredients on the accuracy of dental impression].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of disinfectant (Cavicide) with benzethon chloramine and isopropanol as main active ingredients disinfectant on dental impression accuracy. METHODS: The effect of Cavicide on three impression materials (alginate, polyether and vinylpolysiloxane) were assessed using a standard model. The standard model was digitized by an extraoral scanner (IScan D103i, Imetric). For each kind of impression materials, thirty impressions were taken following the manufactures' instruction in the same conditions. Subsequently, the impressions were randomly divided into three groups, with ten impressions in each group. After the impression taking was completed, the three groups underwent pure water rinse for 1 min (blank control, BC), 2% glutaraldehyde solution immersion disinfection for 30 min (glutaraldehyde, GD), and Cavicide solution spray disinfection for 5 min (Cavicide, CC), respectively. All the impressions were digitized by the extraoral scanner (IScan D103i, Imetric) after disinfection and exported to a dedicated three-dimensional analysis software (Geomagic Qualify 2014, Geomagic, USA). In the software, the digital models of the impressions were trimmed to teeth and then superimposed with the digitized standard model via best-fit alignment. Root mean square (RMS) was used to evaluate the deviations between the impression and the standard model. The deviation in the anterior and posterior regions was evaluated respectively. One-way ANOVA test and the LSD post-hoc test were used to compare the deviations between the three groups (P < 0.05). The color map of each superimposition was saved for visual analysis. RESULTS: For the polyether and vinylpolysiloxane materials, the difference between the three groups was not statistically significant (P=0.933, P=0.827). For the alginate material, the difference in posterior region between group GD and group BC, as well as group GD and group CC were statistically significant (GD vs. BC, P=0.001; GD vs. CC, P=0.002), while the difference between group BC and group CC was not statistically significant (P=0.854). The visual analysis showed an obvious deviation in the buccal-lingual direction in group GD. CONCLUSION: Disinfectant (Cavicide) with benzethon chloramine and isopropanol as main active ingredients using spray disinfection has no effect on the accuracy of the alginate, polyether and vinylpolysiloxane impressions.

Dimensional stability of alginate molds scanned at different storage times / Estabilidade dimensional de moldes de alginato digitalizados em diferentes tempos de armazenamento

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and accuracy of molds made with four commercial brands of alginate scanned at different times using digital model analysis. Eighty molds of a standard Typodont were made using 4 types of alginate (CCC: Cavex Color Change; IA: Identic Alginate; HY5: Hydrogum 5 and JP: Jeltrate Plus). The molds were scanned at four times: immediately (T1), 24h (T2), 72h (T3) and 120h (T4) after molding. Measurements were taken in three dimensions: anteroposterior, transverse and vertical. Significant differences in dimensional changes were noted between the materials over time (p <0.05). Anteroposterior dimensional variation was noted between times, especially for IA and JP. For transverse and vertical variables, a difference was found between the groups, especially at 24 h, 72 h and 120 h. CCC presented significant dimensional shrinkage only at T120 (transverse). IA and JP presented larger dimensional distortions in the vertical measurements. The molding materials used were not dimensionally stable when evaluated after 120 hours of molding. However, such evidence suggests that alginates with longer storage time, such as Cavex Color Change, are more accurate than conventional alginates.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a precisao e acurácia por meio de análise de modelos digitais de moldes digitalizados obtidos com quatro marcas comerciais de alginato em diferentes tempos. Oitenta moldes de um Typodont padrao foram obtidos utilizando 4 tipos de alginato (CCC: Cavex Color Change; IA: Identic Alginate; HY5: Hydrogum 5 e JP: Jeltrate Plus). Os moldes foram escaneados em quatro tempos: mediatamente (T1), 24h (T2), 72h (T3) e 120h (T4) após a moldagem. As medidas foram feitas em très dimensoes: ântero-posterior, transversal e vertical. Diferenças significativas nas mudanças dimensionais foram observadas entre os materiais ao longo do tempo (p <0,05). Variação dimensional ântero-posterior foi observada entre os tempos, principalmente para IA e JP. Para as variáveis transversal e vertical houve diferenga entre os grupos, principalmente em 24h, 72h e 120h. CCC apresentou contração dimensional significativa apenas em T120 (transversal). IA e JP apresentaram maiores distorções dimensionais na vertical. Os materiais de moldagem utilizados nao foram dimensionalmente estáveis quando avaliados após 120 horas de moldagem. No entanto, tais evidencias sugerem que os alginatos com maior tempo de armazenamento, como Cavex Color Change, sao mais precisos do que os alginatos convencionais.

Evaluación de la precisión de impresiones sobre implantes usando guía multifuncional en el sistema all-on-four / Accuracy of implant impression using a multifunctional guide in the All-on-Four treatment concept

ABSTRACT Introduction: The passivity of prosthetic components is one of the most important prerequisites in oral implant rehabilitation for maintenance of osseointegration. Objective: Thus, the present study analyzed in vitro the accuracy of different molding techniques in prosthetic rehabilitation on angled implants installed in an anatomical model of a metallic edentulous maxilla. Methods: Laboratory experiment study. A reference metal model of an edentulous maxilla was used. A metal framework was used for the misadaptation assessment. Three groups (n= 10) were compared and impressions were made with vinyl-polysiloxane and casts were obtained with type IV stone: (1) Impression with a metallic open-tray without splinted transfers; (2) Impression with a metallic open-tray and metal splinted transfers; (3) Impression with a multifunctional guide and metal splinted transfers. Misadaptation was assessed with the aid of a stereomicroscope and measuring software. Data were submitted to ANOVA with Welch correction and the Games-Howell post-hoc test with the significance set at 5 percent. Results: Misadaptation (µm) was 110,23 ± 30,94, 37,53 ± 3,92, and 37,69 ± 2,79 for the the groups. Statistically significant differences between impression with a metallic open-tray with and without splinted transfers were observed (p < 0,001). No significant differences between the other types of impression. Conclusions: Impression with a metallic open-tray without splinted transfers and with a multifunctional guide splinted with metal transfers were the most precise methods resulting in higher accuracy in transferred implants(AU)

RESUMEN Introducción: La pasividad de los componentes protésicos es uno de los prerrequisitos más importantes para el mantenimiento de la osteointegración en la rehabilitación oral sobre implantes. Objetivo: Evaluar in vitro la precisión de diferentes técnicas de impresión en rehabilitación sobre implantes inclinados instalados en un modelo anatómico de un maxilar metálico desdentado. Métodos: Estudio de laboratorio de tipo experimental. Se utilizó un modelo metálico de referencia de un maxilar desdentado. Fue utilizada una barra metálica para la evaluación de la desadaptación. Se compararon tres grupos (n = 10), se realizaron impresiones con polivinilsiloxano y se obtuvieron modelos con yeso piedra tipo IV: (1) impresión con una cubeta metálica abierta sin unión de los transferentes; (2) impresión con una cubeta metálica abierta y unión de los transferentes con cilindros metálicos; (3) impresión con una guía multifuncional y unión de los transferentes con cilindros metálicos. La desadaptación se evaluó con la ayuda de un microscopio estereoscópico y un software de medición. Los datos se enviaron a ANOVA con la corrección de Welch y la prueba post-hoc de Games-Howell con la significación establecida en 5 por ciento. Resultados: La desadaptación (µm) fue de 110,23 ± 30,94; 37,53 ± 3,92 y 37,69 ± 2,79 para los grupos, respectivamente. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la impresión con cubeta abierta metálica con y sin unión de los transferentes (p <0,001). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los otros tipos de impresiones. Conclusiones: La impresión con cubeta abierta metálica sin unión de los transferentes y con una guía multifuncional con unión de los transferentes con cilindros metálicos fueron los métodos más precisos que dieron como resultado una mayor precisión en la transferencia de la posición de los implantes(AU)

Evaluating the effect of different combination of impression and pouring materials on marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia crowns / Evaluación del efecto de diferentes combinaciones de materiales de impresión y vertido en la adaptación marginal e interna de las coronas de circonio

Purpose: Two important factors in dental prosthesis are making an accurate impression and producing a suitable cast which represents the exact relationship between prepared tooth and oral structures. This study, aimed to investigate the effects of different combinations of impression and pouring materials on marginal and internal adaptation of premolar zirconia crowns. Material and Methods: Forty maxillary premolars were prepared considering round shoulder finish line. The impressions were made either by additional (Panasil) or condensation (Speedex) silicon, and poured by two different types of gypsum materials (Siladent or GC gypsum) (N=10). Zirconia crowns were fabricated using a CAD-CAM system. The crowns were cemented, and the samples were cut in bucco-lingual direction. Marginal and internal gaps were measured by stereomicroscope (×25). Results: The mean marginal gaps for Pansil-Siladent, Panasil-GC, Speedex-Siladent, and Speedex-GC were 141 µm, 143 µm, 131 µm, and 137 µm respectively. The internal gaps were 334 µm, 292 µm, 278 µm, and 257 µm respectively. The independent T-Student test showed no significant differences in average marginal or internal gap among various impression and gypsum materials or their interactions (p>0.05). Two-way ANOVA test showed no significant differences in maximum marginal or internal gap among various impression and gypsum materials and their interactions (p>0.05). Conclusion: The present study revealed no statistically significant difference in marginal/internal gap among crowns prepared using different combinations of impression-pouring materials evaluated.

Introducción: Dos factores importantes en la prótesis dental son hacer una impresión precisa y la producción de un modelo adecuado que represente la relación exacta entre el diente preparado y las estructuras orales. Este estudio, tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos de diferentes combinaciones de materiales de impresión y vertido sobre la adaptación marginal e interna de coronas de zirconio premolar. Material y Métodos: Se prepararon cuarenta premolares maxilares considerando la línea de meta del hombro redondo. Las impresiones se realizaron con silicio adicional (Panasil) o de condensación (Speedex) y se vertieron con dos tipos diferentes de materiales de yeso (yeso Siladent o GC) (N = 10). Las coronas de zirconio se fabricaron utilizando el sistema CAD-CAM. Las coronas se cementaron y las muestras se cortaron en dirección buco-lingual. La brecha marginal e interna se midió con estereomicroscopio (×25). Resultados: Las brechas marginales medias para Pansil-Siladent, Panasil-GC, Speedex-Siladent y Speedex-GC fueron de 141µm, 143µm, 131µm y 137µm, respectivamente. Las brechas internas fueron 334µm, 292µm, 278µm y 257µm, respectivamente. La prueba de T-Student independiente no mostró diferencias significativas en la brecha marginal o interna promedio entre varios materiales de impresión y yeso o sus interacciones (p>0.05). La prueba ANOVA bidireccional no mostró diferencias significativas en el espacio marginal o interno máximo entre varios materiales de yeso y de impresión y sus interacciones (p>0.05). Conclusión: El presente estudio no reveló diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la brecha marginal/interna entre las coronas preparadas con diferentes combinaciones de materiales de impresión y vertido evaluados.

[Dental impression material left in patients with a palatal defect: a case series]. / Achterblijven van tandheelkundig afdrukmateriaal bij schisispatiënten met een palatumdefect.

Inattention while taking dental impressions of the upper jaw of patients with a palatal defect can lead to dental impression material being left behind. Two patients with a cheilognathopalatoschisis and a full arch prosthesis in the upper jaw were referred with complaints characteristic of chronic sinusitis and recurrent epistaxis, lasting several years. A facial cone beam computer tomogram revealed dental impression material left behind in the palatal defect and the nasal cavity. In the case of both patients, the foreign bodies were removed under general anaesthesia. One of the patients twice brought up a residual fragment of dental impression material left in the palatal defect after surgery.

A digital workflow with computer-assisted implant planning for fabricating an impression splinting framework and custom tray for multiple implants.

A fully digital workflow for designing and manufacturing a splinted framework and a custom tray for the impression of multiple implants placed with guided surgery is described. This digital workflow protocol does not require extra visits after surgery to prepare for the definitive impression because of the use of preoperative digital implant planning data. As a result, it helps reduce laboratory procedures, chairside time, and treatment cost.

Morphological Characteristics and Individual Differences of Palatal Rugae.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the number, symmetry, shape and individual characteristic of palatal rugae. METHODS: In our study, we performed on subjects ages 16 to 57 (23.01 ±â€Š7.12), ranging from a total of 230 (108 female and 122 male). Alginant impression material from each took dimensions of the upper jaw. Then casts were obtained by pouring hard casts. The shapes, lengths, and directions of rugae measured on these casts. The palatine photos were taken by using a mobile phone-Samsung brand with 12 MP camera and an orthodontic mirror. The casts and photographs were selected at random belonging to 100 subjects. Selected at random 10 photographs were matched among 100 casts. The ratios of correct matches were determined. RESULTS: In our study, the total number of palatal rugae was found as 9.49 ±â€Š1.87 in females and 9.42 ±â€Š1.92 in males. The most detected rugae pattern was wavy on both females and males. The most rarely seen rugae pattern was converged in the males and circular in the females. Regarding lengths of rugae, the most detected rugae pattern was the primary one. Regarding the direction of rugae pattern, positive-sided one was the most dominant in both genders. We determined the ratio of matching the casts belonging to Palatine with the photos as 63.5%. The number of rugae aged under 18 and above 41 was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.003), but the number of curved and positive-sided rugae in older ages was not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with data from earlier studies, the shapes, length, and direction of palatal rugae were seen specific in every individual, and it was seen to have discriminating characteristics among different populations. The possible differences in individual specific palatal rugae require further studies involving larger samples.

Performance of a repair service set for the retrieval of fractured abutment screws: a pilot in vitro study.

PURPOSE: To report the success of a repair service set for the retrieval of fractured screws and to compare three clinical assessments to an in vitro assessment to verify the completeness of removal of the fractured screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve clinicians were asked to remove fractured implant abutment screws from prepared specimens by means of a repair service set. The completeness of the removal of any abutment screw material was measured by the fit of an impression post, a dental surgery microscope, and the use of an elastomeric impression material. RESULTS: After the participants attempted to remove the fractured screw with the repair service set, 100%, 83.3%, 66.7%, and 75% of the fractured screws were considered successful in the impression post, dental surgery microscope, silicone replica, and stereomicroscope assessments, respectively. CONCLUSION: The retrieval of fractured screws succeeded in 75% of the cases. The silicone replica technique and the dental surgery microscope had similar diagnostic values to the stereoscopic microscope assessment.

Is It Cost Effective to Add an Intraoral Scanner to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice?

PURPOSE: Intraoral scanners (IOSs), which create digital "impressions" of dental arches, have become popular for prosthetic and orthodontic applications. Adoption in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) practices has been slower, likely because of high implementation costs and low-volume use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate costs for introduction of an IOS into an OMS practice. The authors hypothesized that digital impressions would be more efficient in time and cost compared with conventional impressions and that implementation costs would be offset within 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study that included patients who had digital impressions during the first year after introduction of an IOS to the practice. Conventional alginate impressions obtained at the same visit were included for comparison. Variables included time for each step in each impression process, IOS experience of the operator obtaining the impression, and associated costs. Per-arch costs for each technique were calculated using time-driven activity-based costing methodology. RESULTS: Sixty-three digital impressions and 31 conventional impressions were included. Mean total times for digital and conventional impressions were 14.1 ± 1.3 and 19.4 ± 4.0 minutes per arch, respectively. On a per-patient basis (2 arches for digital impressions and 4 arches for conventional impressions because of the inability to create duplicate stone models from each alginate impression), total impression times were 24.8 ± 2.7 minutes for digital and 67.2 ± 14.8 minutes for conventional impressions. Total calculated costs for digital and conventional impressions were $21.42 and $29.40 per arch and $37.66 and $102.10 per patient, respectively. In a practice with 2 patients for impressions per working day (500 per year), it would take 1.04 years to offset the purchase of the IOS; with 5 sets of impressions per day (1,250 per year), it would take 5 months. CONCLUSION: Digital impressions are more efficient and cost effective than standard impressions, and implementation costs can be offset within the first year.

Dimensional Stability of Casts Derived from Three Types of Alginate at Different Times After Impression

Objective: To evaluate the dimensional changes in three types of alginate following three different delay times after casting. Material and Methods: In this laboratory study, a maxillary arch-shaped stainless steel model was prepared and three pins with similar and determined diameters and heights were placed (one at mid-line and two on the underside of the model) as reference points to compare the dimensional stability of the three types of alginates. A special metal tray was made from the main model. The main moldel was imprisoned by the metal tray, and these were kept for a specific time in a humid environment. Gypsum Type 4 was poured over the impression to obtain 90 gypsum casts for three types of alginate. The dimensions of casts obtained from each alginate were compared in two lateral and anterior-posterior dimensions, they were compared with each other, and the alginates were also compared to the main model. Results: At a time interval of 15 minutes, the dimensional accuracy of the casts obtained from the three types of alginates, with the main model in both anterior-posterior and transverse dimensions was not significantly different (p<0.05); but there was a significant difference at 60 minutes and 24 hours in both dimensions (p<0.05). Although there was no significant difference between the alginates in both dimensions and all three studied time periods, the least difference with the main model was related to Zhermack and the highest difference was related to Golchai alginates. Pairwise comparisons showed that none of the samples had a significant difference in terms of dimensions. Conclusion: The dimensional stability of alginate was a time-dependent type of alginate and had no significant effect on the dimensional accuracy of casts.

Injection Shrinkage аnd Water Sorption of Some Thermoplastic Dental Materials

Objective: To evaluate the change of diameter of different injection-molded thermoplastic materials. Material and Methods: Four thermoplastic injection-molded materials were analyzed (Bre.flex 2nd edition, Vertex ThermoSens, Perflex Biosens and Polyan IC). A total of 432 test samples were made in the form of an "hourglass". All samples were divided into three groups: Group I (Control) - consisting of 36 test samples for each type of material, that was not exposed to artificial aging or a wet environment; Group II - consisting of 36 test samples for each type of material, that were artificially aged through dehydration; Group III - specimen were subjected to artificial aging without dehydration. The diameter of each specimen was measured with a digital caliper. Data were analysed using the Student's t-test. Results: Regarding to shrinkage, the samples from the Bf Control group have a mean value of 1.56 mm and was observed a shrinkage of the injection-molded polyamide material within 0.25%. The comparison between the samples from Group II and Group III showed statistically significant differences (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between groups for Thermosens and Biosens (p>0.05). The comparison between Group II and Group III for Polyan IC samples shows that Group III has a higher arithmetic mean value (p<0.01). Conclusion: Shrinkage of the polymers during the injection process is present in all materials. The thermocycling and the storage in a dry or in a wet environment of the samples results in a change of the diameter in almost every single type of material.

Agreement of treatment recommendations based on digital vs plaster dental models.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in orthodontists' treatment plans based on digital models compared with plaster models. Additionally, we assessed whether digital or plaster models influence the reliability of orthodontists' treatment plans, as well as the amount of time required to arrive at the plan. METHODS: Sixteen orthodontists planned treatment for 20 patients at 2 time points using either the same or different model formats (digital or plaster). The treatment plan decisions and time spent making the plans were recorded. The permutation test and a random effects model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The treatment plans arrived at with digital and plaster models were similar. With respect to extractions, the mean difference between digital and plaster formats was 11.9% (95% CI, 7.5%-16.3%). For surgery, the mean difference was 9.4% (95% CI, 5.0%-13.8%). There was no significant difference in the agreement rate between those who viewed models in different formats compared with those who viewed models twice in the same format (P >0.05). The time spent to plan treatment with plaster models was not significantly different from the time spent with digital models (P = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, digital models can be substituted for plaster models with no significant differences in the final plans, the reliability of the plans, and the time required to create the plan.

Marginal adaptation of provisional crowns made of acrylic and bisacrylic resins using different impression materials

Aim: To evaluate the marginal adaptation of provisional crowns made of acrylic and bisacrylic resins using different impression materials. Methods: a metal die and a matrix applied through a direct technique were used to fabricate the specimens. The impression materials used as a matrix were divided into four groups: Irreversible hydrocolloid(IH), laboratory silicone (LS), condensation silicone (CS), and addition silicone (AS). After the impression procedures, each matrix was loaded with the provisional prosthetic materials, Alike, Duralay, Protemp 4, and Structur 3 (n = 12). Marginal discrepancy was evaluated using a stereomicroscope at ×45 magnification. The images obtained were transferred to the Corel Draw X7 program, and the distances from the cervical margins of the specimen to the reference lines at the metal die were measured vertically. The data were analyzed by using 2-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (α=.05). Results: the acrylic resins had higher values ​​of marginal discrepancy compared to the bisacrylic resins. A statistically significant difference was found between all impression materials, and the irreversible hydrocolloid presented higher values of discrepancy (303.28­613.31 µm), whereas addition silicone had the lowest (48.61­190.06 µm). Conclusions: the bisacrylic resins had a better marginal adaptation compared to the acrylic resins. The addition silicone promoted a better marginal adaptation of the provisional prosthetic materials tested, followed by condensation silicone, laboratory silicone, and irreversible hydrocolloid

Comparison of impression techniques and double pouring by dental cast's accuracy. Preliminary clinical-lab trial

Aim: This study compared impression techniques and double pouring by means of cast's accuracy. Methods: For each patient (n=10), impressions from right maxillary canine to first molar were made with acrylic resin trays and vinyl-polysiloxane using one single-step, and four two-steps techniques: relief with poly(vinyl chloride) film; tungsten-carbide bur/scalpel blade; small movements of the tray; non-relief. Total visible buccal surface area of crowns was measured three times using photographs from patients (Baseline) and casts. Mean area values (mm2) between Baseline and casts differences were analyzed by two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (α=.05; 1-ß=85%). Results: No significant differences were observed for Impression Techniques (P=.525), Double Pouring (P=.281), and their interaction (P=.809). Conclusion: All impression techniques and double pouring produced casts with similar accuracy