Laser fusion of selected dental casting alloys.

Laser-fused precious, nonprecious, and mixed metal welds were investigated for optimum weld energy requirement as determined by tensile strength tests. These strengths were compared to soldered unions. Laser fusion is as good as, or better than, unions created by conventional dental joining methods.

Preventing ceramic failures when integrating fixed and removable prostheses.

The successful integration of fixed and removable units requires diagnostic skill, careful planning, and adherence to detail in execution. Failures can be either in function or esthetics, may occur in either the fixed or removable segment, and can be catastrophic or insidious. Success demands that all the customary requirements for each independent unit, fixed or removable, be met and then the additional requirements for integration be ascertained and fulfilled. In such situations there are an exponentially greater number of possibilities for failure. When the dentist is alert to the potential for failure he may intercept and prevent it. Meticulous care pays long-term dividends in the lasting satisfaction of a patient who enjoys imporved masticatory performance, preservation of the existing tissues, and self-confidence borne from a smile that does not reveal differences between the natural and the simulation of nature. The integration of fixed and removable units is another manifestation of the skillful blending of science and art.

Light and lighting in the dental office.

For any task, the eye can respond effectively if there is enough light, if that light is properly distributed, if the appropriate color correction is provided, and if visual contrasts are balanced. Dental offices differ in the types of work performed, the number of people engaged in various tasks, and the types of patients treated. Each office and each room can be planned according to the guidelines herein suggested as long as a rational analysis is applied to the result desired and the tasks being accomplished. The authors suggest that all concerned with office design, the architect, the contractors, and even other illuminating engineers be asked to read this article before integrating their efforts, for the dental office presents some variations not frequently encountered by these people. The need for conservation of our energy sources mandates wise use of all our energy expenditures. There is another resource conservation need that is sometimes overlooked--the effective use of talented people such as the dentist and his staff. The employment of adequate illumination design heeds both demands while giving a rewarding pleasantness and enjoyment of the work environment.

Computers in dental education.

The advent of electronic support for dental education offers many possible improvements in the manner in which information is conveyed to students. Although dental schools are only beginning to implement these concepts and devices, there is indication that they will become increasingly common. Concepts can be more lucidly conveyed when images and mulitmedia are used effectively. Distances can be transcended, and information gathered from and conveyed to others without regard to physical limitations. The dental school curricula must accommodate the changing milieu in which dentistry is practiced and prepare students for the future, electronically assisted dental practice.

Digital tools for clinical dentistry. An Internet tutorial.

Computer technology has expanded the scope of digital tools that play a significant role in the practice of dentistry. In the search for current information and references about these devices, the Internet has become an essential resource. This paper will discuss some of the available digital adjuncts and their useful application in the clinical practice of dentistry, and will point the reader to web sites that are pertinent and informative.

Digital radiography--not if, but when.

Digital radiography can enhance the dental practice by facilitating diagnosis, enabling orderly filing and archiving, and allowing better communication with patients. Although the initial investment in equipment is substantial, it is quickly repaid and provides both a substantive and fiscal benefit. There are challenges involved in implementation, but they are quickly being overcome. It is only logical for dentistry to move along with the rest of society into the digital age and take advantage of its benefits.

A systematic approach to the control of esthetic form.

A systematic, orderly approach to the problem of establishing harmonious phonetics, esthetics, and function in fixed restorations has been described. The system requires an initial investment of time in performing an adequate diagnostic waxing, but recoups that time in many clinical and laboratory procedures. The method has proved a valuable asset in fixed prosthodontic care. The technique can be expanded and combined with other techniques with a little imagination and artistic bent.

A reassessment of the mandibular transverse horizontal axis therory.

1. Within the limits of accuracy imposed by individual operators, equipment, and patient variations, a single transverse horizontal axis can usually appear to be located. 2. Location of a kinematic axis is worthwhile clinical procedure to transfer an arc of rotation in the sagittal plane from the patient to an articulator. 3. Past experiments have been useful, but none have proved or disproved the presence of colinear or noncolinear condyle arcs. Only the arc of the rigid clutch and its associated mechanism is located. Such an apparent arc may result from the resolution of compound condylar movements. 4. The right angle-nonright angle concept is misleading and generally is not applicable to clinical procedures. 5. The anatomic asymmetries of the axis transfer procedure may result in cast dislocations that may produce undesirable alterations in esthetic tooth positions. 6. The single transverse horizontal axis as a fact in articulating instruments and as a theory in the human craniomandibular complex. 7. The terms "transverse horizontal mandibular axis" and "intercondylar axis" should not be confused or used as synonyms. The term "transverse horizontal mandibular axis" ("hinge axis") should be used instead of "condylar" or "intercondylar" axis.

Prosthodontic education in the United States.

Prosthodontic education in the United States is well established and closely supervised by the American Dental Association, prosthodontic specialty organizations, and dental educators. Since the social and economic environment is rapidly changing in relation to medical care, it is incumbent that the prosthodontic community be willing to adapt new scientific and technical information to be able to continue to provide high-quality dental care.

The future of computers in clinical dentistry.

It is essential that computer manufacturers and system developers increase their cooperative efforts to establish and maintain standards. Individual, stand-alone systems will not survive, and error-prone integration will prevent progress. File formats--whether graphics or text based--must be completely and seamlessly integrated between users. This has not occurred in other aspects of computer application. Can we expect it to in dentistry? We must. The profession will only reap the true benefits of computerized practice if CDA, ADA, the insurance carriers, manufacturers and developers are willing to sit together and agree to cooperative efforts. Such cooperation is imperative. While initially altruistic, it will be commercially essential in the long run. For many applications, the ability of a computer-based system to quantify information adds a new level to diagnosis. Coupled with this diagnosis support knowledge bases will provide dentists with added sophistication and expanded competence in diagnosis and treatment. It is reasonable to assume that the patient's relevant medical data--medications, status of principal organ systems, etc.--may also be made available electronically. Practice performance data, the legality of entries, and the compilation of and access to national data bases must all respect the patients' and dentists' rights and privacy, while serving society's health care needs. There are some very large issues ahead. Developing the hardware is the easy part.The software is more complex and, as it is specifically designed for dentists, more expensive. The profession is too small to share these costs over the available customer base--limiting the number of vendors that can survive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)