When (and when not) to use the Dahl Concept.

The Dahl Concept describes the re-establishment of occlusal contacts after the provision of a planned localised appliance or restoration in supraocclusion. Initially developed to create space for prosthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth suffering from localised wear, the principle has later been successfully applied to a variety of situations, including the Hall technique and resin-bonded bridges cemented in supraocclusion. Despite high levels of success seen in the relevant literature and widespread adoption in specialist care, the wider profession appears to be far more cautious in its use. This article aims to provide a brief summary of the Dahl Concept and discuss the local and general factors that influence its successful implementation in the hope of promoting its increased adoption by the broader dental profession.

Resin-Bonded Bridges ­ the Problem or the Solution? Part 1- Assessment and Design.

Resin-bonded bridges (RBBs) have an important role to play in the minimally invasive prosthodontic replacement of missing teeth. This treatment modality is perceived to have a high clinical failure rate by some practitioners, which may be associated with poorly planned and executed designs and adhesive techniques. This paper, the first part of a two-part series, discusses the important planning stages in the successful provision of RBBs, including assessment, appropriate abutment selection and design considerations. The second part of this series will focus on the clinical stages of RBB provision. Clinical relevance: This paper aims to provide the general dental practitioner with a guide to appropriate case selection and an overview of the planning stages involved for the provision of RBBs.

Resin-Bonded Bridges ­ the Problem or the Solution? Part 2: Practical Techniques.

This is the second part of this two-part series. The first paper discussed key aspects of case selection, planning and design of resin-bonded bridges (RBBs). This paper outlines the important clinical stages involved in the successful provision of RBBs, including communication with the dental laboratory, clinical protocols and management of the de-bonded RBB. Clinical relevance: This paper aims to provide the general dental practitioner with a practical guide to the successful provision of RBBs, highlighting common barriers to successful treatment and how these may be overcome.

The use of a diagnostic wax set-up in aesthetic cases involving crown lengthening--a case report.

UNLABELLED: Crown-lengthening surgery (CLS) consists of recontouring and repositioning the gingival margin as well as the alveolar crest. This technique results in the increase of the clinical crown height of teeth, which can consequently be advantageous in terms of improving retention and resistance, as well as aesthetics.The aim of this article is to demonstrate the uses of the diagnostic wax set-up and the subsequent production of surgical stents and templates to provide the patient with an initial intra-oral diagnostic mock-up for the process of obtaining consent, as well as acting as a useful guide for gingival and osseous recontouring in order to achieve a predictable, healthy and stable dento-gingival complex with pleasing aesthetics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of a well made diagnostic wax-up can provide valuable information to the dentist, laboratory, and patient which can be otherwise difficult to communicate.

NICE guidelines and their relevance to the dental team.

UNLABELLED: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) of the National Health Service (NHS) produces guidance for the health sector on a range of issues. Specific guidance on dental subjects has been issued in relation to third molar removal, dental recall interval and HealOzone therapy. In addition, there are examples of more generic guidance which may also be relevant to dental practice. This paper discusses the background and functions of NICE and summarizes the guidance of relevance to the dental team. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: NICE guidance provides an authoritative summary of the current state of knowledge on certain clinical issues and gives guidance for healthcare workers. The authors discuss how this guidance should impact upon clinical practice.