Impact of scanning range and image count on the precision of digitally recorded intermaxillary relationships in interocclusal record using intraoral scanner.

PURPOSE: The effect of scan range and the number of scanned images on the precision of in vivo intermaxillary relationship reproduction was evaluated using digital scans acquired with an intraoral scanner. METHODS: The study involved 15 participants with normal occlusion. Two different interocclusal recording settings were employed using the intraoral scanner (TRIOS 4): 'MIN,' focusing on the minimal scan range of the first molar region, and 'MAX,' including the scan range from the right first premolar to the right second molar. These settings were combined with three different image counts, resulting in six experimental conditions. Interocclusal recordings were performed four times for each condition. Dimensional discrepancies between datasets were analyzed using three-dimensional morphometric software and compared using two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Median dimensional discrepancies (interquartile range; IQR) of 39.2 (30.7-49.4), 42.2 (32.6-49.3), 30.3 (26.8-44.1), 20.1 (16.0-34.8), 21.8 (19.0-25.1), and 26.6 (19.9-34.5) µm were found for MIN/200, MIN/400, MIN/600, MAX/200, MAX/400, and MAX/600, respectively. Significant differences in dimensional discrepancies according to scan range were found. Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant differences between MAX and MIN (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Scan range may affect the precision of intermaxillary relationship reproduction. Thus, scanning of the most extensive region practically achievable is recommended.

Novel model-less fully digital workflow for implant superstructures in an esthetic zone: A technical report.

PURPOSE: This report introduces a fully digital workflow for the fabrication of implant superstructures in an esthetic zone using an intraoral scanner (IOS), computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, and monolithic multilayer zirconia. METHODS: Digital impressions of scan bodies and occlusal registration were made in the esthetic zone using an IOS. The provisional restoration in the oral cavity was scanned, and the provisional restoration with an optimized surface morphology of the subgingival contour was scanned outside the oral cavity. These morphological data were integrated into the CAD software to generate a digital cast. The morphology of the final superstructure was generated based on morphological data of the provisional restoration. The final superstructure was fabricated from monolithic multilayer zirconia using a CAM machine, sintered, colored with a stain material, and subsequently bonded to a titanium base using resin cement. CONCLUSIONS: The superstructure was successfully fabricated using a model-less, fully digital workflow, and delivered to the patient. No clinical complications were reported. Thus, within the limitations of this report, the novel developed superstructure fabrication techniques can change the clinical and laboratory workflows from analog to digital in the esthetic zone.

Sequentially Selective Coalescence of Binary Self-Propelled Droplets upon Collective Motion.

Subsequent synthesis and detection using droplets as microreactors have shown promise in the development of novel materials and drugs because microreactors enable small-scale synthesis and detection of covalent/non-covalent intermolecular interactions. Self-organization exhibited by autonomous droplets under non-equilibrium conditions is beneficial for manipulating the sequentiality and selectivity of droplet coalescence because expensive equipment or elaborate techniques are not required with the autonomy of droplets. However, to our knowledge, selective coalescence caused by the collective motion of self-propelled droplets has not been demonstrated in inanimate systems. Here, we report sequentially selective coalescence based on the dynamic collective pattern of self-propelled droplets composed of ethyl salicylate (ES) or butyl salicylate (BS). When ES and BS droplets were placed on an aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution, the collective motion of droplets resulted in three stages of selective coalescence on the time development. Initially, coalescence was observed only between different types of self-propelled droplets. Subsequently, the formed droplets selectively coalesced with ES droplets. Finally, mature droplets merged with BS droplets. The sequentially selective coalescence was discussed from the dynamic pattern formation of swarming droplets and the collapse of the SDS monolayer at the o/w interface caused by the difference in Laplace pressure and the interfacial instability at the contact point between droplets. Thus, this study formulates a strategy of sequentially selective coalescence of droplets via the collective motion of non-identical self-propelled droplets, promoting a new type of powerful and efficient automation technology based on an autonomous inanimate manner of spatiotemporal pattern formation under non-equilibrium conditions for the droplet manipulation.

Three-dimensional evaluation of sleep bruxism-related splint wear using a dental laboratory scanner: A preliminary clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The wear depth on the occlusal splint (OS) is reportedly associated with the sleep bruxism (SB) level, as evaluated using portable polysomnography (PSG) recordings. However, the OS is deformed owing to SB forces, possibly preventing the accurate quantification of the wear facets. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to introduce a newly developed system to quantify the wear facets on the OS using a dental laboratory scanner (D810) and investigate the association between the wear facets, as evaluated with this system, and the SB level. METHODS: Ten healthy individuals who were diagnosed with SB based on portable PSG recordings participated in this study. They were asked to wear the OS for 2 months. The first day after a 2-week adaptation period was defined as the reference day, and sequential scanning of the OS surface was performed on days 15, 30, and 45. Changes in the OS surface from the reference day allowed dimensional evaluation of the wear facets in terms of maximum wear depth, wear area, and wear volume. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test whether each of these variables could be predicted by any of the SB-related variables. RESULTS: The total duration of SB episodes per hour of sleep and the maximum muscle activity were significantly associated with the wear area, as measured with our system (adjusted R-squared was .78, p < .01). CONCLUSION: Our system allows dimensional analysis of the wear facets on the OS surface in association with the SB level.

Dynamic ordering caused by a source-sink relation between two droplets.

Two droplets composed of different chemicals, 1-decanol and liquid paraffin, floating on the water surface show characteristic co-responsive behavior. The presence of two different types of droplets in the system imposes an asymmetry that would not be possible with single droplets alone. The self-propulsion and interactions between droplets appear because surface active 1-decanol molecules provided by the source are absorbed by the paraffin sink thus generating an asymmetric surface tension gradient. This source-sink relation between droplets stabilizes and enhances the self-propulsion, and leads to a variety of dynamic structures including oscillations in the inter-droplet distance. We found that the character of time evolution also depends on the concentration of dye, Sudan Black B, initially used just to stain the decanol droplet. A simple mathematical model explains the transition between the stationary state and the oscillations as a Hopf bifurcation.

Shear bond strength of an acrylic resin to a ceria-stabilized zirconia-alumina nanocomposite.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ceria-stabilized zirconia-alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP-Al2O3) has properties that may be suitable for partial denture frameworks. However, studies on its adhesion strength and durability with denture base resin are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the optimal surface treatment for Ce-TZP-Al2O3 to secure a durable bond with an acrylic resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The surface of Ce-TZP-Al2O3 test specimens was alumina airborne-particle abraded (Group APA) and then treated with 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) (Group MDP) and 2 silica coating methods: the flame spraying method (Group SLP) and the tribochemical treatment (110 µm: Group TRB-P, 30 µm: Group TRB-S). TRB-P and TBR-S were further treated by MDP (Group CBT-P and CBT-S). Autopolymerizing acrylic resin was bonded to the specimens, and the shear bond strength was tested after thermocycling (5 °C and 60 °C, 10 000 cycles). The area of the resin remaining on the fractured surfaces was also measured. To evaluate the effect of the surface treatment condition on shear bond strength and the resin remaining, 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted, followed by the Tukey multiple comparison post hoc test. Additionally, the effect of thermocycling on the specimens was evaluated by the Student t test. RESULTS: After placement in deionized water for 24 hours, the shear bond strengths of Group MDP and 2 types of combination treatment (Groups CBT-P and CBT-S) were significantly higher than those of Groups SLP, TRB-P, and TRB-S (P<.05). Moreover, the fractured surface of all the treatment conditions except Group APA showed cohesive failure. The shear bond strength as a result of all treatment conditions decreased significantly after thermocycling (P<.05). Group CBT-S showed the highest shear bond strength; however, no significant differences were found between Groups CBT-S and MDP (P=.908). In particular, the area of resin remaining on the fractured surfaces of Group CBT-S was 100% (cohesive failure). CONCLUSIONS: The combined surface treatment of alumina airborne-particle abrasion and tribochemical treatment, along with primer treatment using silane coupling and an MDP monomer, improved the adhesion strength and adhesion durability between base resins and Ce-TZP-Al2O3.

Clinical evaluation of the precision of interocclusal registration by using digital and conventional techniques.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although studies have evaluated the accuracy of data obtained by intraoral scanners (IOSs), studies on the precision of interocclusal registrations made with IOSs are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the precision of IOS interocclusal registration with that of conventional methods with a silicone impression material and a gypsum cast. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight participants with complete natural dentitions were enrolled. Images of their maxillary and mandibular quadrant arches and their interocclusal relationship were scanned with 2 IOSs: the 3M True Definition Scanner and the TRIOS Scanner 3. In the conventional method, impressions of complete-arch dentition and quadrant-arch dentition were made with a silicone impression material, and gypsum casts were fabricated, mounted on a dental articulator related with a silicone interocclusal record, and scanned with a 3D laboratory scanner. These procedures were repeated 4 times, and 4 sets of interocclusal registration data in standard tessellation language (STL) format were generated for each condition. Interocclusal registration precision was evaluated by determining the discrepancy of the STL data between repeated measurements by using the best-fit-algorithm method. RESULTS: The average discrepancies for all participants were 25 ±12 µm for the True Definition, 31 ±7 µm for the TRIOS 3, 154 ±59 µm for the complete arch, and 128 ±33 µm for the quadrant arch. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that the effect of the impression methods on the discrepancy was statistically significant (P<.001). The Steel-Dwass test showed that both digital scan methods exhibited significantly smaller discrepancies than the 2 conventional methods (P=.005). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the intermaxillary relationship captured by the digital scan method by using IOSs had better precision than that obtained by the conventional method.

Effect of assistive devices on the precision of digital impressions for implants placed in edentulous maxilla: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of assistive devices on the precision of digital impression for multiple implants placed in the edentulous maxilla. METHODS: A reference model representing an edentulous maxilla with four implants was developed. The digital impression group included three settings: Type 0, without an assistive device; Type 1, with an assistive device connecting only neighboring implants; and Type 2, with an assistive device connecting not only neighboring implants but also the two posterior implants, with perpendicular branches from this bar towards the anterior implants. Digital impressions were made five times for each type using three intraoral scanners (IOSs). For conventional method, silicone impressions and verification jigs were prepared; fabricated plaster models were scanned using a laboratory scanner/industrial 3D scanner. In analysis 1, two-way ANOVA analyzed the effect of IOSs and assistive devices on the precision of digital impressions. In analysis 2, one-way ANOVA compared the silicone impressions, the verification jigs, and the most precise group of digital impressions from analysis 1. RESULTS: In analysis 1, the IOS and assistive device type (F = 25.22, p < .0001) effects and the interaction between these two factors (F = 5.64, p = .0005) were statistically significant. In analysis 2, CON, VJ, and digital impression with Type 2 devices (most precise devices in analysis 1) were compared; better precision was obtained by digital impression with Type 2 device than by CON and VJ (F = 30.08, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: For implants placed in an edentulous maxilla, digital impressions with assistive devices can provide better precision compared to silicone impressions and verification jigs.

A surfactant reaction model for the reciprocating motion of a self-propelled droplet.

We report herein experimental observations of the reciprocating motion of a self-propelled droplet floating on the surface of an aqueous surfactant solution and a simple reaction model capable of reproducing the observed behavior of the droplet. The reciprocating motion was observed in a quasi-one-dimensional annular channel, so the reciprocation was not caused by reflections at boundaries. To understand the reciprocation, our model assumes a reaction between the surface active substance emitted from the droplet and surfactants dissolved in the aqueous solution. This reaction invokes an inversion of the surface tension gradient and thus the droplet's reciprocation. We show that the model can reproduce experimental results semi-quantitatively using numerical simulations with realistic parameters.

Effects of different types of intraoral scanners and scanning ranges on the precision of digital implant impressions in edentulous maxilla: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the precision of digital implant impressions in comparison with conventional impressions and assess the impact of the scanning range on precision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An edentulous maxilla model with six implants was scanned with four intraoral scanners (IOSs) and a dental laboratory scanner five times each, and stereolithography (STL) data were generated. A conventional silicone impression was made, and a model was fabricated, which was scanned using the laboratory scanner. This procedure was also repeated five times. Nine different ranges of interest (ROIs) were defined, and the average discrepancies of the measurement points between each pair of STL images out of five for each ROI were calculated. The effects of "impression method" and "ROI" on precision, as evaluated by the averaged discrepancy, were tested by two-way analysis of variance (p < .05). RESULTS: The effects of "impression methods" and "ROI" and their interactions were statistically significant. The discrepancies in the scanned datasets of the dental laboratory scanner were significantly lower than those in the other impression methods. The discrepancies of the IOSs were comparable with those of the laboratory scanner when the ROI was limited, however; the discrepancies deteriorated when the ROI expanded across the arch, while those of the laboratory scanner remained stable irrespective of the ROI. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this in vitro study, digital implant impressions by IOSs may show clinically acceptable precision when the scan range is limited, such as in 3-unit superstructure supported by two implants.

Novel fully digital workflow for removable partial denture fabrication.

PURPOSE: This technical procedure report introduces a newly developed method for removable partial denture (RPD) fabrication using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and rapid prototyping (RP) technologies. METHODS: Full-arch digital impressions of the partially edentulous jaw were made by an IOS or the conventional method. The denture framework, artificial teeth, and denture base were designed by commercially available CAD software. Each of the denture components including connectors, clasps, and artificial teeth and the denture bases were fabricated separately by the CAM machine or the three-dimensional (3D) printer, and then assembled using an adhesive material. CONCLUSIONS: RPDs were successfully fabricated using fully digital workflow and delivered to the patient, and no clinical complications were reported. Within the limitations of this report, the newly developed RPD fabrication techniques have the potential to change clinical and laboratory workflow from analog to digital.

Free-energy model of phase inversion dynamics in binary phase separation.

We propose here an alternative way to understand the characteristic pattern formation found in the so-called viscoelastic phase separations. Since the viscoelastic phase separations have been observed in systems with strong viscoelastic nature such as polymer solutions, numerical modelings for them have been conducted so far by introducing dynamic properties such as concentration-dependent mobility or elastic relaxation moduli to a usual scheme of phase separations. In contrast to these approaches, we propose the introduction of a small change, a bump, in the local free-energy function, keeping a parameter representing dynamic properties constant. We show that the bump in the local free-energy function successfully induces desired pattern formations in a controlled way, while it does not change equilibrium states. The mechanisms by which this free-energy approach reproduces experimentally observed pattern formations are discussed.

Zirconia-Reinforced Framework for Maxillary Complete Dentures.

PURPOSE: This study introduces a newly developed zirconia complete denture (ZrD) that incorporates a ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nano-composite framework fabricated with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine edentulous patients received either a maxillary ZrD (n = 10) or a maxillary conventional complete denture (CD) (n = 19). Patient satisfaction was evaluated before and 12 months after prosthesis placement using the McGill Denture Satisfaction Instrument. RESULTS: During follow-up periods of up to 2 years, no denture fractures were found in the ZrD or CD group. All aspects of patient satisfaction improved, and no significant group differences were found. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that maxillary complete dentures with nano-zirconia frameworks might be an alternative prosthetic treatment option.

Spontaneous emulsification and self-propulsion of oil droplets induced by the synthesis of amino acid-based surfactants.

It is well known that oil droplets in or on water exhibit spontaneous movement induced by surfactants, and this self-propulsion is regarded as an important factor in droplet-based models for a living cell. We report here an oil-droplet system spontaneously producing amino acid-based surfactants, which are then utilized for the droplets' self-propulsion. Thus this system is an active system capable of producing the fuel for the propulsion by itself, which can be used as a conceptual model for cell metabolism.

In vivo evaluation of inter-operator reproducibility of digital dental and conventional impression techniques.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the inter-operator reproducibility of three-dimensional (3D) images of teeth captured by a digital impression technique to a conventional impression technique in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve participants with complete natural dentition were included in this study. A digital impression of the mandibular molars of these participants was made by two operators with different levels of clinical experience, 3 or 16 years, using an intra-oral scanner (Lava COS, 3M ESPE). A silicone impression also was made by the same operators using the double mix impression technique (Imprint3, 3M ESPE). Stereolithography (STL) data were directly exported from the Lava COS system, while STL data of a plaster model made from silicone impression were captured by a three-dimensional (3D) laboratory scanner (D810, 3shape). The STL datasets recorded by two different operators were compared using 3D evaluation software and superimposed using the best-fit-algorithm method (least-squares method, PolyWorks, InnovMetric Software) for each impression technique. Inter-operator reproducibility as evaluated by average discrepancies of corresponding 3D data was compared between the two techniques (Wilcoxon signed-rank test). RESULTS: The visual inspection of superimposed datasets revealed that discrepancies between repeated digital impression were smaller than observed with silicone impression. Confirmation was forthcoming from statistical analysis revealing significantly smaller average inter-operator reproducibility using a digital impression technique (0.014± 0.02 mm) than when using a conventional impression technique (0.023 ± 0.01 mm). CONCLUSION: The results of this in vivo study suggest that inter-operator reproducibility with a digital impression technique may be better than that of a conventional impression technique and is independent of the clinical experience of the operator.

Self-inverted reciprocation of an oil droplet on a surfactant solution.

Self-motion of an oil droplet was investigated on a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) aqueous phase. With an increase in the concentration of SDS, the nature of self-motion of a butyl salicylate (BS) droplet as the oil droplet was changed, i.e., no motion, reciprocation with a small amplitude, and reciprocation with a large amplitude, which was a value close to the half-length of the chamber. The interfacial tension, contact angle, and convective flow around the droplet were measured to clarify the driving force of reciprocation. The mechanisms of two types of reciprocation and mode-change were discussed in terms of the adsorption of SDS molecules at the BS/water interface and the dissolution of a mixture of BS and SDS into the bulk phase, the convective flow, and the Young's equation. The features of reciprocation and mode-change depending on the concentration of SDS were qualitatively reproduced by numerical calculation based on an equation of motion and the kinetics of SDS and BS at the air/aqueous interface.

Sequence selection by dynamical symmetry breaking in an autocatalytic binary polymer model.

Template-directed replication of nucleic acids is at the essence of all living beings and a major milestone for any origin of life scenario. We present an idealized model of prebiotic sequence replication, where binary polymers act as templates for their autocatalytic replication, thereby serving as each others reactants and products in an intertwined molecular ecology. Our model demonstrates how autocatalysis alters the qualitative and quantitative system dynamics in counterintuitive ways. Most notably, numerical simulations reveal a very strong intrinsic selection mechanism that favors the appearance of a few population structures with highly ordered and repetitive sequence patterns when starting from a pool of monomers. We demonstrate both analytically and through simulation how this "selection of the dullest" is caused by continued symmetry breaking through random fluctuations in the transient dynamics that are amplified by autocatalysis and eventually propagate to the population level. The impact of these observations on related prebiotic mathematical models is discussed.

Spontaneous change in trajectory patterns of a self-propelled oil droplet at the air-surfactant solution interface.

Trajectory-pattern formation of a self-propelled oil droplet floating on the surface of a surfactant solution in a circular dish is studied both experimentally and by simulation. The Marangoni effect induced by the dissolution of oil in the solution drives the droplet's motion. The trajectories spontaneously organize into several patterns including circular, knot-forming, back-and-forth, and irregular ones. They are either global patterns, whose center corresponds to the dish center, or other local patterns. Our simple model consisting of three forces, the driving force, the viscous resistance, and the repulsion from the boundary, successfully reproduces the global trajectory patterns including the power spectrum of the droplet speed.

A 3-year follow-up of ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP/A) frameworks for fixed dental prostheses.

PURPOSE: Zirconia/alumina nanocomposite stabilized with cerium oxide (Ce-TZP/A) shows significantly higher mechanical strength than yttrium-oxide-partially-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) and allows post-sintered machining that does not require any subsequent treatment. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the clinical performance of veneered Ce-TZP/A frameworks for fixed dental prostheses. METHODS: Fifteen patients with 22 Ce-TZP/A fixed prostheses were included in this study. The fixed dental prostheses were cemented with resin cement (baseline) and were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after cementation. Clinical events, including fracture and loss of retention, secondary caries, and marginal integrity, were recorded. The biologic outcome was judged by comparing the pre-treatment and post-treatment bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing pocket depth (PPD) of the abutment teeth. Radiographic examination was also performed at 12, 24 and 36 months. RESULTS: The mean observation period was 35.9±5.5 months. During this period, one abutment tooth was extracted due to root fracture and the survival rate was 95.2%. No significant change in BOP, PPD, and radiographic image was found during the 36-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, Ce-TZP/A was found to provide sufficient stability as a framework material in all regions. Special attention, however, must be paid to designing framework that provides sufficient support for the veneer. Furthermore, studies with longer observation periods and more patients are needed.

Influence of the rigidity of a provisional restoration supported on four immediately loaded implants in the edentulous maxilla on biomechanical bone-implant interactions under simulated bruxism conditions: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to (1) establish a biomechanical model that simulates the full-arch restoration supported by immediately loaded implants, which is customized for individual patients, and (2) clarify the effect of the implant placement and rigidity of a provisional restoration on the biomechanical response at the bone-implant interface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element analysis models of a maxillary full-arch prosthesis supported by four immediately loaded implants were created from computed tomography data of maxillary edentulous patients. Displacements of the implants and equivalent stress on the bone around the implants under the loading conditions that simulated sleep bruxism were then calculated for these models. The effects of the implant placement angle (vertical or inclined), the reinforcement of the provisional restoration (with or without reinforcement), and the implant length on the maximum displacements of each implant were investigated, in addition to the average equivalent stress of the bone around the implant. RESULTS: A longer implant and rigid restoration with reinforcement have the potential to reduce implant displacements and associated bone stress; however, the rigidity of the restoration had a much more significant effect on these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The rigidity of full-arch provisional restorations supported by four immediately loaded implants should be improved by reinforcements, which could ensure the successful achievement of osseointegration by reducing load-induced micromovements of the implants.