Flexural properties and fatigue limit of 3D-printed and milled resin-based materials.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), and fatigue limit (FL) of 3D-printed resin-based polymers and composites and compare them to 3D-printed composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bar-shaped specimen (25 × 2 × 2 mm) was CAD designed according to ISO 4049:2019, and 60 duplicates of the 3D model were nested at a 45-degree angle with the printing platform and 3D-printed with three materials: denture teeth resin (Denture Teeth, Formlabs), temporary crown and bridge resin (Temporary CB, Formlabs), and composite (Flexcera Smile Ultra+, Desktop Health). The 3D model was also imported into a dental CAM software, duplicated 60 times, nested, and milled from a 3D-milled composite puck (Ivotion Denture Teeth, Ivoclar). All specimens were post-processed following the manufacturer's recommendation. The specimens were then subjected to a three-point bending test until failure using a Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.75 mm/min, and FS and FM were calculated. The remaining thirty specimens were tested for Fatigue Limit using the staircase approach starting at 50% FS maximum up to 1.2 M cycles at 10 Hz. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Weibull distribution (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The results showed that Ivotion and Flexcera had higher FS (110.3 ± 7.1 MPa and 107.6 ± 6.4 MPa, respectively) and FM (3.3 ± 0.1 GPa and 3.0 ± 0.2 GPa, respectively) compared to the 3D-printed Denture Teeth (FS = 66.4 ± 18.5 MPa and FM = 1.8 ± 0.1 GPa) and Temporary CB (FS = 79.6 ± 12.1 MPa and FM = 2.7 ± 0.4 GPa). Weibull analysis showed that the Ivotion and Flexcera had a more uniform and narrower spatial distribution of defects (m: 27.98 and 29.19) than the printed materials, which had m values of 8.17 and 4.11 for Temporary CB and Denture Teeth, respectively. Although no differences were found in the static properties (FS and FM) between Ivotion and Flexcera, Ivotion presented a higher endurance limit than Flexcera (51.43 vs. 40.95 MPa). The Temporary CB presented 21.08 MPa and Denture Teeth presented 17.80 MPa of endurance limit. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-milled (Ivotion Denture Teeth) and 3D-printed (Flexcera Smile Ultra+) composites outperformed 3D-printed resins (Formlabs Denture Teeth and Temporary Crown & Bridge) in terms of flexural properties and fatigue resistance. 3D-milled (Ivotion) and 3D-printed (Flexcera) composites exhibited similar flexural properties, but 3D-milled composites showed a 25% higher fatigue endurance limit, suggesting improved clinical longevity.

Interproximal contact loss between implant restorations and adjacent natural teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of interproximal contact loss (ICL) between implant restorations and adjacent teeth in relation to age, gender, follow-up time, and arch location. METHODS: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). The formulated population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was "What is the prevalence of the ICL between implant restoration and adjacent teeth?" The search strategy used four main electronic databases and an additional manual search was performed until February 2023. Clinical studies that evaluated the prevalence of interproximal open contact between implant restorations and adjacent teeth were included. A qualitative analysis for clinical studies was used to assess the risk of bias. In addition, a single-arm meta-analysis of proportion was performed to evaluate the percentage of mesial versus distal open contact and total ICL between implant restoration and adjacent teeth. RESULTS: Fifteen studies published between 2014 and 2023 met the eligibility criteria. Seven studies presented ICL rates higher than 20%. All studies evaluated ICL in posterior regions (molar, premolar area). Five studies had an ICL rate lower than 50% and three studies had an ICL rate higher than 50%. One study assessed the interproximal contact at three months post-restoration insertion, four studies assessed the interproximal contact at 1-year follow-up and nine studies evaluated the interproximal contact over 2 years of follow-up. Mesial and distal ICL rates were 44.2% (95% CI: 30.6% to 58.6%) and 27.5% (95% CI: 10.5% to 55.0%), respectively. The heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 (95% CI) = 87.8% (75.9% to 93.8%). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the included studies, the prevalence of ICL was high, occurring more frequently at the mesial contact. There were no significant differences in relation to age, gender, and arch location.

Evaluation of marginal and internal fit of single crowns manufactured with an analog workflow and three CAD-CAM systems: A prospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: This prospective clinical study evaluated and compared the marginal and internal fit of crowns fabricated with an analog workflow and three different computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five participants in need of a single complete-coverage molar or premolar crown were recruited in the study. Twenty-two completed the study, and three participants dropped out. Teeth were prepared according to a standardized protocol by one operator. For each participant, one final impression was made with polyether material (PP) and three intraoral scanners: CEREC Omnicam (C), Planmeca Planscan (PM), and True Definition (TR). For the PP group, crowns were fabricated with a pressable lithium disilicate ceramic, whereas for the other three groups (C, PM, and TR), crowns were designed and milled with dedicated CAD-CAM systems and materials. Marginal (vertical and horizontal) and internal discrepancies between the crowns and tooth preparation were measured at various locations with digital superimposition software. Data was analyzed for normality with Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests and then compared with one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Mean vertical marginal gap values were 92.18 ± 141.41 µm (PP), 150.12 ± 138.06 µm (C), 129.07 ± 109.96 µm (PM), and 135.09 ± 112.03 µm (TR). PP group had statistically significantly smaller vertical marginal discrepancy (p = 0.001) than all other groups, whereas no significant difference was detected among the three CAD-CAM systems (C, PM, and TR). Horizontal marginal discrepancies were 104.93 ± 111.96 µm (PP), 89.49 ± 119.66 µm (C), 113.36 ± 128.49 µm (PM), and 136.39 ± 142.52 µm (TR). A significant difference was detected only between C and TR (p < 0.0001). Values for the internal fit were 128.40 ± 49.31µm (PP), 190.70 ± 69.79µm (C), 146.30 ± 57.70 µm (PM), and 168.20 ± 86.67 µm (TR). The PP group had a statistically significant smaller internal discrepancy than C (p < 0.0001) and TR groups (p = 0.001), whereas no significant difference was found compared to the PM group. CONCLUSION: Posterior crowns fabricated with CAD-CAM systems showed vertical margin discrepancy greater than 120 µm. Only crowns fabricated with the conventional methodology had vertical margins below 100 µm. Horizontal marginal discrepancy was different among all groups, and only CEREC CAD-CAM was below 100 µm. Internal discrepancy was less for crowns fabricated with an analog workflow.

Digitally designed and additively manufactured tooth reduction guides for porcelain laminate veneer preparations: A clinical report.

Porcelain laminate veneers are a conservative treatment to enhance esthetics, tooth shape, color, and contours. Enamel preservation during tooth preparation is essential for the long-term success of these micromechanically retained partial coverage restorations. Different methods have been described to clinically assess tooth preparation relative to definitive restorative contours. This clinical report describes a digital workflow to fabricate 3-dimensionally (3D) printed tooth reduction guides based on digital esthetic planning. These 3D-printed reduction guides help clinicians visualize and gauge tooth preparations relative to the desired restorative contours, aid in enamel preservation, and overcome some of the limitations associated with conventionally fabricated tooth reduction guides.

Outcome of Endodontic Treatment through Existing Full Coverage Restorations: An Endodontic Practice Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: This case series assessed the outcome of nonsurgical endodontic treatment completed through retained full coverage restorations (FCRs) in a board-certified endodontist private practice. The number of cases completed by the first author was 153. METHODS: All cases were performed following a standardized protocol for treatment and restoration depending on the type of FCR. Number of cases that showed up for 2- to 4-year follow-up was 127, with 83% recall rate. The age range of patients was 33-95 years, with mean age of 54.734 years. The mean recall time was 2.448 years. FCRs and their distribution were as follows: 4 anterior teeth, 14 premolars, and 109 molars. There were 103 nonsurgical root canal treatments and 24 retreatments. Patients who presented for recall had 74 porcelain fused to metal crowns, 17 zirconia crowns, 15 abutments of porcelain fused to metal bridges, 14 lithium disilicate crowns, 5 gold crowns, 1 full metal crown, and 1 gold onlay. RESULTS: There were no endodontically related failures. Six cases failed; 3 were due to vertical root fractures, 1 was due to horizontal root fracture, and 2 were due to extensive recurrent caries causing restorative failure. The percentage of healed cases following the American Association of Endodontists outcome criteria adopted in 2004 with intact retained FCR was 95.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest predictable favorable outcomes for nonsurgical endodontic treatment through FCR following the proposed protocol for diagnosis, treatment, and restoration.

Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation of an Adolescent Patient with Severe Dental Fluorosis: A Clinical Report.

Dental fluorosis is a developmental defect affecting amelogenesis. It presents clinically in different forms depending on the concentration, duration, and time of exposure to fluoride. Several therapeutic modalities have been described to manage mild and moderate forms of dental fluorosis; however, limited literature is available on the restorative management of severe forms of dental fluorosis, specifically in young individuals. This clinical report describes a complete prosthodontic rehabilitation of an adolescent patient with severe dental fluorosis affecting his permanent dentition. The patient was treated with a combination of monolithic, minimally-veneered zirconia crowns and direct composite resins. At the 1-year follow-up appointment, there were no complications, and both the patient's oral health and the integrity of the restorations remained stable.

A combined analog and digital workflow for retrofitting a monolithic ceramic crown to an existing removable partial denture.

A clinical and laboratory workflow for fabricating and retrofitting a monolithic ceramic crown to an existing removable partial denture (RPD) is described. A conventional polyvinyl siloxane impression was made of the prepared tooth with the RPD in place. A stone cast was poured and, after die sectioning, scanned with a tabletop scanner. The ceramic crown was designed and fabricated by using a digital workflow to fit the RPD clasp assembly, providing an adequate undercut for the clasp. The crown was then delivered and the RPD evaluated for adequate fit.

Effect of framework design and firing cycle on the success rate of bilayered zirconia crowns.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of framework design and modification of porcelain firing cycle on the occurrence of fractures of metal-ceramic and bilayered zirconia crowns after cyclic loading. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Twenty-four zirconia crowns with two different apicocoronal incisal veneering porcelain lengths (ZS = 2.0 mm and ZL = 4.0 mm) were fabricated. Twenty-four metal-ceramic crowns with the same apicocoronal incisal veneering porcelain lengths (MS = 2.0 mm and ML = 4.0 mm) served as the control. All the specimens (n = 48) were thermally and mechanically cycle-loaded (49 N) for 1,200,000 cycles, and then evaluated for cracks and/or bulk fractures with an optical stereomicroscope (×10). In the second part of the study, the influence of firing cycle modification on the success rate of twenty-four bilayered zirconia crowns was also evaluated. Finally, two specimens from each group (n = 12) were sectioned and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Load-to-failure of the specimen that did not present bulk fracture was further assessed using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: A statistically significant lower occurrence of fractures (P < .05) was found after cyclic loading for bilayered zirconia versus metal-ceramic crowns. Modification of the firing cycle did not significantly influence the outcome after cyclic loading for zirconia bilayered crowns (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, porcelain-firing cycle with an extended cooling time did not appear to influence the occurrence of cracks and fractures of bilayered zirconia crowns.

Radiopacity of Resin Cements Using Digital Radiography.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Monitoring performance of glass-ceramic based indirect restorations using radiographic imaging might be difficult due to their low radiopacity. Therefore, materials used for their cementation must possess adequate radiopacity. PURPOSE: This study determined radiopacity of a group of resin-cements used for adhesive-cementation of glass-ceramic-based restorations using digital radiography. METHODS: Two specimens were prepared from a group of resin cements (VariolinkII-opaque, VariolinkII-opaque (base), VariolinkII-Transparent, VariolinkII-Transparent (base), Nexus, RelyX Unicem, RelyX ultimate, Duolink, Monocem and Resinomer) and longitudinal sections of same thickness were obtained from molar and premolar. Specimens were assigned to two groups one had molar section with 10 specimens whereas other had premolar with remaining 10 specimens. Each group was placed on digital radiograph sensor (Schick CDR, size 2) together with aluminum step-wedge. Sensor was exposed to X-ray using standard technique. Two images were obtained for each group. Pixel measurements were made using NIH Image-J software. Mean pixel measurements were converted into aluminum thickness equivalents. Data were statistically-analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed significant difference in mean pixel values among cements (p < 0.001). VariolinkII-opaque showed highest mean aluminum equivalent (4.6 mm Al/1 mm) followed by VariolinkII-opaque-Base (4.5 mm Al/1 mm), VariolinkII-transparent (4.45 mm Al/1 mm), VariolinkII-transparent-Base (4.45 mm Al/1 mm), Nexus (2.95 mm Al/1 mm), Duolink (2.7 mm Al/1 mm), RelyX Unicem (2.2 mm Al/1 mm) and finally RelyX ultimate (2 mm Al/1 mm). All cements had mean radiopacity values higher than that of enamel whereas Monocem (1.25 mm Al/1 mm) and Resinomer (1.2 mm Al/1 mm) had means between those of enamel and dentin. CONCLUSIONS: All tested resin-cements showed radiopacity values higher than that of dentin which is adequate for diagnostic purposes according to ISO recommendation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of resin cement with adequate radiopacity for adhesive cementation of glass-ceramic based restorations enables their radiographic monitoring. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:215-221, 2017).

Radiopacity of Nonmetallic CAD/CAM Restorative Blocks.

PURPOSE: This study determined the radiopacity of a group of computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture blocks using digital radiography and pixel monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens 2.0 ± 0.05-mm thick were cut from nine different blocks. Longitudinal sections of the same thickness were obtained from molar and premolar. Specimens were assigned to one of two groups, and each group was placed on a digital radiograph sensor together with an aluminum step wedge. Following standardized technique, the sensor was exposed and two images were obtained from each group. Images were analyzed using ImageJ software to determine the number of pixels at five different locations for each specimen. Means and standard deviations were calculated and the data statistically analyzed. Radiopacity values were expressed as equivalent of aluminum thickness. RESULTS: Analysis of variance revealed significant difference in mean pixels among the blocks (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The majority of blocks had radiopacity values that were higher than that of dentin.