Disposable plastic trays and their effect on polyether and vinyl polysiloxane impression accuracy-an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dimensional accuracy of impressions taken by use of disposable stock plastic trays and to compare performance with that of metal trays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a metallic model incorporating three precision balls and three abutment teeth, one-step dual-phase polyether (PE) and vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impressions were taken using either metal or disposable plastic trays (n = 10 for each of the resulting four test groups). Respective plaster cast scans were aligned with the reference dataset to evaluate global (distance and angle deviations) and local (trueness and precision) accuracy. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to determine group differences. RESULTS: For all impression tray and material combinations, global accuracy was good (mean distance changes < 100 µm) with greatest deviations being observed for distances exceeding one quadrant of the dental arch. In general, distances measured in the plaster casts were too short. Only VPS impressions with plastic trays showed a different behavior with a large percentage of cross-arch distances exceeding the reference value. Mean local accuracy ranged between 6 and 14 µm (trueness), and 6 and 16 µm (precision). On abutment tooth level, metal trays were associated with a significantly better precision (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The observed distortions of the studied impression trays and materials are small and should enable satisfying clinical impression-taking. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cleaning and processing of metal trays before re-use are time-consuming. Especially for patients' management with single crowns and small fixed dental prostheses, disposable plastic trays can be a viable and cost-effective alternative.

Treatment with a CAD-CAM-fabricated, double-crown-retained, removable partial denture: A clinical report.

This clinical report describes treatment with a double-crown-retained, removable partial denture with a 2-year follow up. Primary and secondary crowns and a removable partial denture metal-alloy framework were fabricated using computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and milled from cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy.

Randomized trial investigating zirconia electroplated telescopic retainers: quality of life outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to evaluate the effect of electroplated telescopic removable dental prostheses (E-RDPs) with zirconia primary crowns on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For E-RDPs, electroplating is used to produce precisely fitting gold copings on telescopic primary crowns. These copings are bonded intra-orally to the denture framework. Fifty-six participants in need of 60 removable restorations were randomly allocated one of two materials for the primary crowns: cobalt-chromium alloy or zirconia. OHRQoL was assessed by use of the 49-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) and by additional patient self-rating at baseline before treatment, and after 6 and 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed by use of one- and two-sample t-tests and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Mean OHIP sum score at baseline was 53.4 (SD 37.4, 95 % CI 41.3-62). At follow-ups, it decreased significantly (after 6 months: mean 20, SD 26, 95 % CI 13-27.1; after 12 months: mean 16.4, SD 17.9, 95 % CI 11.6-21.2). The mean reduction in OHIP sum score after 12 months was 25 (SD 31.2, 95 % CI 13.1-36.9) for cobalt-chromium alloy and 44.4 (SD 32.3, 95 % CI 31.1-57.8) for zirconia. However, no statistically significant difference of the two materials on OHIP change or patient self-rating was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Although OHRQoL was improved by using both cobalt-chromium alloy and zirconia primary crowns for E-RDPs, post-treatment differences between the groups were not statistically significant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Zirconia E-RDPs enhance OHRQoL. However, zirconia primary crowns do not outperform cobalt-chromium alloy crowns regarding patient satisfaction-despite their tooth-like color.

Electroplated telescopic retainers with zirconia primary crowns: 3-year results from a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical outcome for electroplated telescopic removable dental prostheses (E-RDPs) with zirconia primary crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty E-RDPs, with primary crowns manufactured from either cobalt-chromium alloy or zirconia, were fabricated for 56 participants. Electroplating was used to produce gold copings directly on the telescopic primary crowns. These copings were bonded intra-orally to the prosthesis framework. After 36 months, prosthesis survival and number of complications were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by the use of Kaplan-Meier modeling and the log-rank test. RESULTS: Survival of the E-RDPs, 96.4% after 3 years, was identical in both groups. The need for aftercare was high but not significantly different: technical complications were observed for 37% and 42.9% of the prostheses for the zirconia and cobalt-chromium alloy primary crowns, respectively. Fracture of composite veneer was the most frequent complication (59.1%). The incidence of fractured abutment teeth, decementation, and endodontic problems was 7.9% in the zirconia group and 14% in the control group. The majority of abutment-level complications were treated restoratively. A significant difference was found for maximum probing depth at the abutment teeth: In the zirconia group, it decreased by 0.2 mm, whereas it increased by 0.8 mm in the control group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: After 3 years of observation, survival of zirconia E-RDPs was favorable and comparable with that of established double-crown-retained prostheses. Further studies must clarify whether there are benefits of zirconia primary crowns for periodontal health. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although these results encourage the use of zirconia primary crowns, more research is necessary to reduce the number of complications observed for secondary telescopic crowns, for example, failure of the veneer.

Short-Term Prospective Clinical Evaluation of Monolithic and Partially Veneered Zirconia Single Crowns.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the short-term clinical performance and esthetics of monolithic and partially (i.e., facially) veneered zirconia single crowns (MZC and PZC, respectively). METHODS: Between September 2011 and June 2013, 68 participants received 90 MZCs and 72 PZCs. Clinical study documentation was performed at crown cementation (baseline), at the 6-month follow-up, and then yearly thereafter using standardized report forms. Eight participants with 14 single crowns (eight MZCs and six PZCs) dropped out during clinical follow-up. Thus, 60 participants (28 male, mean age 62.5 ± 13.1 years) fitted with 82 MZCs and 66 PZCs were analyzed in February 2016 (Kaplan-Meier survival; mean observation time for the restorations 35.1 ± 6.3 months). Descriptive statistics were calculated for participants' and dentists' esthetic ratings on a numerical rating scale from 0 to 10 (0 = unacceptable color and shape; 10 = excellent color and shape). RESULTS: Complications were predominantly biological in nature. One PZC was affected by minor chipping. Cumulative 3-year failure-free survival was 98.5% (standard error (SE), 1.5%) for both MZCs and PZCs. Three-year cumulative complication-free survival (success) was 93.6% (SE 2.8%) for MZCs and 95.5% (SE 2.6%) for PZCs. Three-year cumulative fracture-free survival was 100% for MZCs and 98.5% (SE 1.5%) for PZCs. Crowns of both types were awarded high esthetic scores by participants and dentists. CONCLUSIONS: Monolithic and partially veneered zirconia crowns can be used clinically with excellent short-term survival and success and without compromising esthetic appearance. Longer-term follow-up is, however, desirable. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: During the observation time, both monolithic and partially veneered zirconia crowns showed an outstanding low technical complication rate: only one minor chipping and three losses of retention were observed. Additionally, esthetics was excellent. Based on these results the clinical use of this kind of restoration is promising. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:22-30, 2017).

Undetected residual cement on standard or individualized all-ceramic abutments with cemented zirconia single crowns - a prospective randomized pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and amount of residual cement after attachment of monolithic zirconia crowns to standard and individualized ceramic abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients (mean age 58.9 years at inclusion in the study; 30% male) were randomized to receive either a standard or an individualized abutment on a bone-level implant. Monolithic zirconia single crowns were attached to abutments by use of permanent glass-ionomer cement. Crowns were fabricated with an occlusal hole to enable unscrewing of the abutment-crown complex. Immediately after cementation, superstructures were removed and both the peri-implant soft tissue and the abutment-crown complex were photographed in a standardized manner, to detect residual cement. Photographs were analyzed using Corel Photo Paint X7, and residual cement-to-total abutment and residual cement-to-peri-implant soft tissue area ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Residual cement was observed for 9 of 10 (90%) individualized abutments, compared with 4 of 10 (40%) standard abutments (OR = 13.5, P = 0.049). Twenty-seven of 40 (68%) individualized abutment surfaces were affected, compared with 12 of 40 (30%) standard abutment surfaces. The probability of observing residual cement was approximately five times higher for the surfaces of individualized abutments than for those of standard abutments (P = 0.005). The mean amount of sulcus surface covered by cement was 1.17% (SD 2.85) for the individualized abutments and 3.78% (SD 7.40) for the standard abutments. The position of the margin significantly affected the amount of residual cement. CONCLUSION: Both individualized and standard all-ceramic abutments result in small amounts of subgingival residual cement on abutment and sulcus surfaces. However, use of individualized abutments does not guarantee complete avoidance of undetected cement rests. Undetected residual cement might be avoided by use of all-ceramic abutments with visible abutment shoulders.

Improvement of oral health-related quality-of-life by use of different kinds of double-crown-retained removable partial dentures.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the hypotheses that treatment with double-crown-retained removable partial dentures (RPDs) improves oral health-related quality-of life (OHRQoL) over a 36-month period and that the performance of RPDs retained by use of electroplated double crowns (EP-RPDs) was different to that of RPDs retained by use of cast double crowns (C-RPDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients (mean age = 64 years, 63% men) were recruited and randomly assigned to C-RPD or EP-RPD. OHRQoL was assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after insertion, by use of the oral health impact profile (OHIP). An unweighted total score was calculated (OHIP-SUM). A two-level hierarchical model was used for statistical analysis. First-level units were the measurements on the six occasions; second-level units were the patients. RESULTS: Improvement of OHRQoL was observed in both groups after treatment (t = 7.27, p < 0.001). Whereas a treatment-material interaction indicated that treatment with EP-RPDs resulted in greater immediate improvement of OHRQoL, a time-material interaction indicated that long-term improvement was greater for C-RPDs. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with EP-RPDs and C-RPDs improved OHRQoL initially. Over a period of 36 months the effect was significant. The treatment is, therefore, a promising therapeutic option. The cast conical design seems to have advantages with regard to long-term OHRQoL.

A comparison of two digital techniques for the fabrication of complete removable dental prostheses: A pilot clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The introduction of digital techniques might improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of treatment with complete removable dental prostheses (CDs). PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot clinical trial was to study and compare the clinical feasibility, complications during fabrication, and quality of 2 types of digitally designed CDs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five participants were recruited into this preliminary clinical trial. For each participant, 2 pairs of digital CDs were designed. Prosthesis bases were fabricated by using identical data, either by milling from polymethyl methacrylate blanks or by injection molding. The treatment involved 4 clinical appointments. Polyvinyl siloxane impressions were made with custom trays and were subsequently digitalized. After evaluating esthetics and function with trial dentures, the CD bases were fabricated. To evaluate the workflow and quality of the prostheses, the clinical outcome was measured on 6-point scales ranging from poor (grade 6) to excellent (grade 1). For both prosthesis types, the following aspects were examined: fit, retention, esthetics, phonetics, maxillomandibular relation, and occlusion. RESULTS: Both types of digital CDs could be fabricated without major complications. Only a few minor complications occurred during the fabrication process, predominantly esthetic issues. No pronounced difference was found between the prostheses concerning functional aspects. The definitive esthetic outcome was rated as very good. CONCLUSIONS: The CDs fabricated using digital technology met the clinical requirements. However, more research is needed to confirm the results of this investigation.

Electroplated and cast double crown-retained removable dental prostheses: 6-year results from a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of removable dental prostheses (RDP) supported by either electroplated (EP-RDP) or cast (C-RDP) double crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four participants received a total of 60 RDP. Two hundred and seventeen abutment teeth were provided with double crowns. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups (EP-RDP or C-RDP). Re-evaluations took place after 6 months and then once a year up to 6 years. Primary endpoint was survival time for RDP and abutment teeth; secondary endpoints were failure of facing, decementation of primary crown, and post-prosthetic endodontic treatment. T, U, and chi-squared tests were used to assess the homogeneity of the EP-RDP and C-RDP groups. Survival differences were analyzed with log-rank tests and Cox regression models; secondary endpoints were assessed by the use of logistic regression. RESULTS: Six-year survival was 77 % for EP-RDP and 97 % for C-RDP. Cumulative survival of abutment teeth was 85 % for EP-RDP and 91 % for C-RDP; differences between survivals in the two groups did not reach statistical significance. Survival of abutment teeth depended on tooth vitality. Failures of facings, decementations, or post-prosthetic endodontic treatments were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: To identify possible differences between different double crown systems, longer follow-up periods and/or larger numbers of patients are needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Survival of teeth supporting double crown-retained RDP is affected by their vitality. Clinical performance was acceptable for both RDP supported by electroplated or cast double crowns.

Randomized clinical evaluation of a light-cured base material for complete dentures.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare plaque adhesion, tissue reaction, and technical complications for complete dentures based on visible light-cured resin (VLCR) or on conventional poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stratified randomized cohort study was designed with 52 patients treated with a complete denture in the maxilla (n = 28), the mandible (n = 2), or both (n = 22). Seventy-four dentures were manufactured, 38 of PMMA and 36 of VLCR. Investigators and patients were unaware of the nature of the denture base material. Plaque adhesion, tissue reaction, and technical complications were investigated 4 weeks after denture insertion (baseline). Recall investigations were performed after 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: After 6, 12, and 24 months, plaque adhesion was significantly higher for VLCR dentures than for PMMA dentures. Tissue reaction was comparable for both groups, however. After 6, 12, and 24 months, need for repair was significantly greater for VLCR prostheses. The mean number of additional aftercare sessions per patient after 24 months was 50 % higher for VLCR than for PMMA. CONCLUSIONS: Good oral hygiene must be established by patients treated with VLCR dentures, to remove biofilm from these dentures. Increased aftercare must also be taken into account when this material is used. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VLCR might be a viable alternative to PMMA for patients with allergic reactions to residual monomer or benzoyl peroxide.

Clinical comparison of metal ceramic resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses with a conventional and a mixed retainer design.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Little is known about the clinical performance of fixed dental prostheses that rigidly connect adhesive retainers and crowns. PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to assess and compare the clinical performance of resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses with a conventional and a mixed retainer design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Included as participants were all patients of the hospital since 2004 with regular clinical follow-up who were treated with 3-unit or 4-unit metal ceramic resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses with a conventional 2-adhesive retainer design (conventional group) or with a mixed type combining an adhesive retainer with a crown or a partial crown retainer (mixed group). The analysis included 84 participants with a total of 57 (64%) prostheses in the conventional group and 32 (36%) prostheses in the mixed group. Treatment and data collection were standardized. Cumulative survival without failure (defined as a restoration in need of replacement), chipping, and debonding were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared for the groups (log-rank test) (α=.05). RESULTS: During a mean observation period of 4.1 years (SD, 2.5 years; minimum, 0.4 years; maximum, 9.4 years), 12 complications occurred in 10 restorations. Defects of the ceramic veneer (n=6) were observed most frequently. The estimated 5-year failure-free survival rate was 97.4% (standard error, .025) in the conventional group and 95% (standard error, .049) in the mixed group (log-rank, P=.32). The 5-year cumulative survival rate without chipping was 90.7% (standard error, .064) for the conventional group and 93.8% (standard error, .061) for the mixed group (log-rank, P=.44). The 5-year cumulative survival rate without debonding was 95.1% (standard error, .034) for the conventional group and 91.5% (standard error, .058) for the mixed group (log-rank, P=.54). CONCLUSIONS: Limited by a small sample size and a short follow-up period, the findings of this retrospective analysis indicate that the clinical performance, in terms of survival and the incidence of complications, is comparable for conventional resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses and those that rigidly connect an adhesive wing and a partial or complete crown. Acceptable 5-year survival and complication rates imply that the medium-term prognosis for resin-bonded restorations with a retentive preparation design is comparable with that for conventional fixed dental prostheses.

Clinical success of implant-supported and tooth-implant-supported double crown-retained dentures.

The objective of this retrospective study was to compare biological and technical complications of implant-supported and tooth-implant-supported double crown-retained dentures (DCRDs) with those of tooth-supported DCRDs. Sixty-three DCRDs were monitored. One study group included 16 prostheses with a combination of implants and natural teeth as double crowns (ti group), whereas in the second study group, 19 dentures were retained exclusively on implants (ii group); a third study group with 28 exclusively tooth-supported dentures served as controls (tt group). Tooth loss, implant failure, and technical complications (loss of retention of primary crown, abutment screw loosening, loss of facing, fracture of resin denture teeth and fracture of saddle resin) were analysed. During the observation period of 24 months, no implants or teeth were lost in the ti group and three technical complications were recorded. In the ii group, two implants were lost, two cases of peri-implantitis occurred and four technical complications were observed. In the tt group, two cases of tooth loss and seven technical complications were observed. At the time of the last examination, all prostheses of the ti group and the ii group were functional. Patients of these two study groups reported high satisfaction with both function and aesthetics with no significant difference between the two groups. Treatment with DCRDs showed comparable results in the three study groups. The 2-year results indicate that double crowns can be recommended for implant and combined tooth-implant-retained dentures.

Factors affecting wear of composite resin denture teeth--24-month results from a clinical study.

The objectives of this study were to measure the occlusal wear of composite resin denture teeth in patients wearing a complete denture and to evaluate factors affecting wear. Fifty participants provided with complete dentures in at least one jaw were included. Gypsum casts were made from preliminary vinyl polysiloxane impressions 4 weeks after insertion, then after 6 (t(1)), 12 (t(2)), and 24 months (t(3)). Three-hundred and three posterior denture teeth were evaluated after 24 months. Wear was measured indirectly, from the casts, by means of a three-dimensional laser scanner device. Sequential images of the occlusal surfaces were digitized and superimposed (occlusal matching). Statistical analysis was performed by the use of mixed regression models, with the patient being a random effect. Mean wear (median, interquartile range; micrometer) of the entire occlusal surface was 8 (19) at t(1), 18 (34) at t(2), and 40 (61) at t(3). Maximum vertical loss (median, interquartile range; micrometer) was 92 (112) at t(1), 146 (148) at t(2), and 226 (184) at t(3). The dental status of the opposing jaw and the nature of the opposing material significantly affected the wear of denture teeth at t (3). Gender, daily wearing time, jaw, and type of tooth had no significant effects on the extent of wear. Clinically relevant vertical loss of composite resin denture teeth occurs after 24 months. Considering the limitations of this study, wear of denture teeth was affected by dental status and opposing material. The results suggest that wear of composite resin denture teeth exceeds that of enamel.

Association between patient satisfaction with complete dentures and oral health-related quality of life: two-year longitudinal assessment.

The objective was to evaluate the development of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with complete dentures and the association between OHRQoL and patient satisfaction. Fifty-two patients (mean age, 66.3, 48.1% male) received dentures in at least one jaw. The analysis was conducted on participants with dentures in both jaws (CD-Both; n = 22) or in the upper jaw only (CD-Max; n = 28). Data were collected 4 weeks, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years after insertion. OHRQoL was measured by use of the OHIP-EDENT. Self-rated patient satisfaction was assessed on a scale of 0-10. To prove the hypothesis that patient satisfaction would be a meaningful predictor of OHRQoL, and not vice versa, multilevel analysis and cross-lagged correlation analysis were performed for both groups separately. OHRQoL improved from 22.9 (SD, 20.7) to 12.1 (SD, 14.5) for CD-Both and from 20.3 (SD, 17.2) to 14.7 (SD, 15.1) for CD-Max. Multilevel analysis revealed that patient satisfaction and OHRQoL were significantly associated (p < 0.0001) for both groups. Differences between the groups were found with regard to the effect of time after insertion and the interaction between time and satisfaction with OHRQoL which were significant only for the group CD-Both; however, no evidence was found for the causality of this association in the cross-lagged analysis for both groups (ZPF test, p > 0.016). Patient satisfaction and OHRQoL were associated for wearers of complete dentures. Within the limitations of the study, however, the causality that patient satisfaction predicts OHRQoL, and not vice versa, could not be proven.

Clinical success rates for polyether crown impressions when mixed dynamically and statically.

The purpose of this study is to compare success rates of dual-viscosity impressions for two types of mixing techniques of the polyether elastomeric impression material. Additionally, influencing parameters on the success rates should be evaluated. The expectation was that there would be no difference between the success rates for the two mixing techniques. Two centres enrolled 290 subjects (727 teeth) into the trial. Patients were randomized for the two types of mixing techniques. One step, dual-viscosity impressions were made with either statically mixed Impregum Soft tray material (SAM) or dynamically mixed Impregum Penta H DuoSoft (DMM). Low viscosity Impregum Garant L DuoSoft was used for both groups. Gingival displacement involved the use of two braided cords. Full-arch trays were used exclusively. Both critical defects and operator errors were assessed for the first impression taken by trained dentists. The primary outcome was impression success. For comparison of the two mixing techniques, the odds ratio for success and the corresponding one-sided 95% confidence interval was calculated by a logistic regression model. To account for the dependence between several teeth within one patient, the method of general estimating equations was used. The overall impression success rate was 35.4%. Both mixing techniques showed equal success rates indicated by an OR of 1.0 and a lower limit of the one-sided 95% confidence interval of 0.71. Using this result to develop the corresponding interval for the difference, it could be shown that the success rate using SAM was at most 8.2% lower than that when using DMM with a probability of 95%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of other potential influencing factors showed position of finish line (p = 0.008, supra compared to mixed), blood coagulation disorder (p = 0.021) and the level of training of the clinician (student vs dentist, p=0.008) to have an independent influence on the success rate. Dynamic mechanical mixing and the new static mixing of polyether tray material showed nearly equal success rates in the study even though success rates were comparatively low (DMM, 35.3%; SAM, 35.4%).

Removable partial dentures retained by hybrid CAD/CAM cobalt-chrome double crowns: 1-year results from a prospective clinical study: CAD/CAM cobalt-chrome double crowns: 1-year results.

OBJECTIVES: Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has been successfully used to replace conventional steps in the fabrication of double crowns, creating hybrid-workflows that might facilitate the wider application of these restorations in the future. However, in-vivo data are still lacking. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial was designed in which 20 patients (median age = 69 years; n women = 10) with 73 abutment teeth who needed a double-crown-retained removable partial denture (RPD) were consecutively recruited. While most of the work steps were done conventionally, gypsum models were digitized with a laboratory scanner to allow CAD/CAM fabrication of primary crowns and secondary structures. DentalDesigner software (3Shape) was used in combination with milling unit PrograMillPM7 and Co-Cr- blanks (Ivoclar-vivadent). Connectors were milled from wax, transferred to Co-Cr using lost-wax technique and bonded to the secondary crowns. Clinical follow-ups were scheduled 6 and 12 months after prosthesis insertion. Outcome parameters were complication-free survival of RPDs and abutment teeth after one year. RESULTS: After 12 months, complication-free survival was 74% and 91% for the RPDs and abutment teeth, respectively. Complications comprised decementations (n = 5), abutment tooth fractures (n = 2), fracture of denture teeth (n = 1), and loss of abutment teeth (n = 1). These complications were easily manageable, resulting in 1-year survival of 100% for CAD/CAM RPDs. CONCLUSIONS: First data on short-term complication rates of CAD/CAM double-crown-retained RPDs appear promising. To gather further evidence, prospective clinical trials over a longer follow-up time and with larger patient groups are required. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hybrid CAD/CAM double-crown retained RPDs showed a successful clinical application after one year of follow-up. Further research is needed to evaluate their performance in comparison to conventional manufacturing methods.

Accuracy of the newly formulated vinyl siloxanether elastomeric impression material.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A newly formulated vinyl siloxanether elastomeric impression material is available, but there is little knowledge of its accuracy in relation to existing materials. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the accuracy of disinfected vinyl siloxanether impressions and compare the accuracy to a common vinyl polysiloxane and a polyether impression system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Impressions were made from a modified dentoform master model containing a simulated crown preparation. Dimensional changes (mm) between the master model and working casts (type IV gypsum) were assessed. The following were evaluated: vinyl polysiloxane in a 1-step, dual-viscosity technique (VPS Dual), polyether as monophase material (PE Mono), and vinyl siloxanether in a 1-step, dual-viscosity (VSE Dual), and monophase technique (VSE Mono). Measurements of the master model and working casts, including anteroposterior (AP) and cross-arch (XA) dimensions, were made with a measuring microscope. The simulated crown preparation was measured in mesiodistal (MDG, MDO), buccolingual (BLG, BLO), and occlusogingival dimensions (OGL, OGB). Disinfection involved immersion for 10 minutes in potassium peroxomonosulfate, sodium benzoate, tartaric acid solution, or no disinfection (control) (n=8). A multivariate GLM statistical approach (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data (alpha=.05). Pearson's correlation test was used for related dimensions. RESULTS: The AP and XA dimensions of working casts were larger than the master for the disinfected condition and control. Whether disinfected or not, the working dies were shorter in height (OGB, OGL), larger in the buccolingual dimension (BLO, BLG), somewhat larger in the MDO dimension, and somewhat smaller in the MDG dimension compared to the prepared tooth of the master model, resulting in an irregular or oval profile. There were significant differences among the impression systems for each dimension except AP. Differences between the disinfected and nondisinfected conditions were significant (P=.03) with respect to dimensions of the gypsum working cast, but not for dimensions of the working die (P=.97). In general, differences relative to the master were small and of minor clinical significance considering marginal gaps of crowns smaller than 150-100 mum are considered clinically acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: VSE monophase impressions and VSE dual-viscosity impressions demonstrated acceptable accuracy for clinical use with immersion disinfection, since the results for VSE were comparable to the results for PE and VPS materials, and the differences as compared to the master model were small.

Three-body wear of resin denture teeth with and without nanofillers.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The wear behavior of newly developed denture teeth with nanofillers may be different from teeth with other chemical formulations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the 3-body wear resistance of 11 different commercially available resin denture teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The materials tested were conventional (SR Orthotyp PE, Orthognath) and cross-linked acrylic resin teeth without inorganic fillers (Premium 8, SR Postaris DCL, Trubyte Portrait, Artiplus), composite resin teeth with inorganic fillers (SR Orthosit PE, Vitapan), and composite resin teeth (experimental materials) with inorganic nanofillers (NC Veracia Posterior, e-Ha, Mondial). Human enamel and a ceramic denture tooth (Lumin Vacuum) were used as reference materials. The 3-body wear test was performed in a wear machine developed by the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), with millet suspension acting as an abrasive medium (n=10, test load: 15 N, slip rate: 20%, number of cycles: 100,000). Wear was determined with the aid of a profilometer. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test using the closed testing approach (significance level for familywise error rate, alpha=.05). RESULTS: None of the acrylic and composite resin materials tested in this study demonstrated the 3-body wear resistance of ceramic teeth or human enamel. Teeth with inorganic fillers demonstrated significantly lower wear values than conventional or cross-linked acrylic resin teeth without fillers. Composite resin teeth with traditional fillers showed significantly lower wear than composite resin teeth with nanofillers. CONCLUSIONS: Denture teeth with and without inorganic fillers differed significantly with regard to the degree of wear generated in the ACTA wear simulator. The incorporation of nanofillers did not improve the wear resistance compared to teeth with traditional fillers.

Wear of resin denture teeth in partial removable dental prostheses.

PURPOSE: To investigate occlusal wear of resin denture teeth in partial removable dental prostheses worn by partially edentulous patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with partial removable dental prostheses were included in the study. Thirty-two patients with complete dentures served as a reference group. Occlusal wear after two years was evaluated indirectly using gypsum casts and a three-dimensional laser-scanner device. Overall wear of complete occlusal surfaces and maximum wear of occlusal contact areas were measured. Patient and prosthesis data were analyzed using univariate and multiple linear mixed models. RESULTS: Overall wear of denture teeth in partial removable dental prostheses was 91 (SD 85) µm, and maximum wear of occlusal contact areas was 329 (SD 204) µm (means and standard deviations). Average and maximum wear values for teeth in complete dentures were both lower than those for teeth in partial removable dental prostheses. However, differences between wear of different types of denture did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for gender, type of tooth, dental status of the opposing jaw, and antagonist material. Statistical analysis revealed that wear was greater for denture teeth occluding with ceramic crowns and/or fixed partial dentures as antagonists. CONCLUSIONS: Resin denture teeth in partial removable and complete dental prostheses are subjected to clinically important occlusal wear that might destabilize occlusion and cause further problems. Patient-related factors and dental status affect wear behavior and should be taken into consideration when treating patients with removable dentures.

Accuracy of a New Fast-Setting Polyether Impression Material.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dimensional accuracy of impressions made using a new fast-setting polyether material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A metallic reference model with two crown preparations, one inlay preparation, and three stainless steel precision balls was digitized to create a digital reference model. Sixteen one-step impressions were made for each of the four study groups, differing in impression material (regular-setting polyether [RSP] vs fast-setting polyether [FSP]) and technique (monophase vs dualphase), for a total of 64 specimens. Plaster casts fabricated from these impressions were digitized using 3D scans. Global accuracy was studied by evaluating distance and angle deviations between the replica and the reference model. Local accuracy was described in terms of trueness and precision of the aligned individual abutment tooth surfaces. RESULTS: For all impression materials and techniques, the local accuracy at the abutment tooth level was excellent. For surfaces prepared for crowns, mean trueness was < 10 µm, and mean precision < 12 µm. Inlay surfaces were associated with higher inaccuracies (mean trueness < 21 µm and mean precision < 37 µm). The greatest global inaccuracies were generally measured for the cross-arch span, with mean distance changes between -55 µm and -94 µm. For all aspects of studied accuracy, impressions with FSP were at least comparable to those fabricated with RSP. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, all tested polyether materials would allow for clinically acceptable impression making. The new fast-setting material could be an alternative to regular-setting polyether materials, especially for single crowns and small fixed partial dentures.