Development of an intraoral device for social inclusion of a physically disabled patient.

The aim of this study is to describe the use of an intraoral assistive technology for a patient with idiopathic generalized muscular dystonia, presenting temporomandibular disorder and severe anterior tooth mobility and diastema. A multidisciplinary team developed an intraoral device to provide typing and painting functions, and promote relaxation of masticatory muscles without compromising the teeth and supporting tissue structures. The occlusal splint associated with the device promoted muscle relaxation and relief of the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction, in this case with generalized muscle dystonia, allowing typing and painting with her mouth without causing tooth mobility or occlusal alteration. This intraoral device has low cost, easy adaptation and was efficient in TMD symptoms. Furthermore, the patient returned to her rehabilitation allowing performance of her duties without compromising dental structures, facilitating the social and the digital inclusion.

Oral changes stemming from hemangioma of the tongue.

Hemangiomas are among the most common tumors found in children and are characterized by an excess of blood vessels. They most often affect the area of the head and neck, occur with greater frequency among women and Caucasians, and can be found in the oral cavity-especially on the lips, tongue, or mucosa. Clinically, hemangiomas present as asymptomatic red or blue-colored lesions that grow rapidly and are capable of spontaneous regression. When they are found on the tongue, they can result in clinical problems as well as recurrent trauma due to biting of the tongue and tooth-brushing, resulting in bleeding, obstruction of the upper airways, and difficulty with chewing, deglutition, and speaking. The purpose of this article was to present a case study of a 4-year-old child with a diagnosis of hemangioma of the tongue, emphasizing the oral changes found as a result of this lesion, as well as the dental treatment used to minimize these changes.

Shear bond strength to primary enamel: influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation distance.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation distance on the shear bond strength of an adhesive restorative system to primary enamel. METHODS: Fifty buccal surfaces of extracted human canines were ground and divided into 5 groups (N=10). The control group was etched with 35% phosphoric acid (CA). In the lased groups, the enamel surface treatment was performed with the Er:YAG laser (80mJ/2Hz) by varying the irradiation distance (12, 14, 16, and 17 mm), followed by acid etching. An adhesive agent (Single Bond) was applied on the bonding sites, and resinous cylinders (Filtek Z250) were prepared. Shear bond strength tests were performed in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/minute). Failure mode was assessed using a X40 magnification stereomicroscope. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by analysis of variance. RESULTS: The means in MPa were: (1) CA=18.76 (+/-6.68); (2) 12 mm=12.73 (+/-5.46); (3) 14 mm=15.9 (+/-6.81); (4) 16 mm=20.1 (+/-6.94); and (5) 17 mm=15.15 (+/-6.81). There was no statistically significant difference (P<.05) among the tested groups. CONCLUSION: The different Er:YAG laser distance irradiations did not influence the adhesive resistance of the resinous system to enamel, even when compared with the control group (acid etching solely).