Determining the widths of the maxillary anterior teeth for esthetics: comparison of the Mondelli and Albers formulas, esthetic proportion, and golden ratio.

The purpose of this study was to compare various formulas for idealized proportions of the maxillary incisors to the actual dimensions of natural teeth. The Mondelli formula 1 (MF1), Mondelli formula 2 (MF2), Albers formula (AF), esthetic proportion (EP) for width and height of anterior teeth, and golden ratio (GR) were calculated for a total of 50 dental students (30 women and 20 men) who participated in the study. The following measurements were obtained directly in the participant's mouth with a digital caliper: the mesiodistal and incisogingival dimensions of the maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines; the intercanine distance; and the smile width. The participants were photographed, and the smile width was also measured on the photographs. The MF1 and MF2 were each calculated twice, using both direct measurements and photographic measurements. The projected central incisor widths calculated using the MF1, MF2, and AF were compared among themselves and against the actual measurements using analysis of variance and Fisher test for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). The EP and GR were analyzed using descriptive statistics. There was a statistically significant difference between all of the widths projected by the formulas and the actual widths of the central incisors (P < 0.05). Whether calculated from a direct or a photographic measurement, the incisor widths projected by the MF1 and MF2 were statistically similar to each other (P > 0.05). The EP values were similar to those reported in the literature. Only 2% of the participants had an incisor width ratio (central incisor/lateral incisor) that matched the GR of 1.618, while 86% fell within the range of 1.2 to 1.4. Overall, the proportions calculated with the MF1, MF2, AF, EP, and GR did not exactly match the actual dimensions of natural teeth. The formulas and the proportions available in the literature can assist in esthetic planning, but the individual characteristics of each patient and expertise of the dentist should guide treatment for each case.

Profilometric, esthetic, and patient-reported outcomes of the L-shape technique combined with delayed connective tissue grafting in the maxillary anterior region: A 3-year case series study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the profilometric, esthetic, and patient-reported outcomes of peri-implant tissues in the maxillary anterior esthetic zone following guided bone regeneration (GBR) using the L-shape technique combined with delayed connective tissue grafting (CTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Profilometric and pink esthetic score (PES) measurements were performed at the time of implant surgery with GBR (T0) and at the 1- (T1), 2- (T2), and 3-year (T3) follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were also assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Statistical analysis over 3 years of follow-up assessed changes at time points (T0, T1, T2, and T3) and time periods (T0-T1, T0-T2, and T0-T3) using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (57.5 ± 12.3 years) were included in this study. The mean profilometric change in peri-implant tissues over the 3-year follow-up period was 3.49 ± 1.11 mm, and the buccal contours were not significantly different between the comparison periods. The PES remained stable, while all OHIP-14 domain scores improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous implant placement and GBR using the L-shape technique combined with delayed CTG in the maxillary anterior region provides stable buccal profiles and consistent esthetics and improves patient-reported quality of life over a 3-year period. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated that GBR using the L-shape technique combined with delayed CTG in the maxillary anterior region improved the buccal profile, esthetics, and patient-reported quality of life.

Restoration of Teeth with Severely Compromised Tooth Structure using Digital Planning Combined with Orthodontic Magnetic Extrusion-A Report of 2 Cases.

This report outlines 2 digitally planned cases in which the teeth underwent magnetic extrusion to preserve the supracrestal tissue attachment and regain the ferrule, followed by their restoration. Case 1: A 42-year-old man with the chief concern of a fractured right maxillary second premolar. Following the completion of root canal treatment, the remaining tooth structure was insufficient to create a ferrule for tooth restoration. For this scenario, a rapid magnetic extrusion technique was performed on tooth #4 to obtain an approximate 3-mm ferrule. The condition of both the dentition and the restorative margin was acceptable 18 months following treatment. Case 2: A 62-year-old man with the chief complaint of mobility on both sides of the maxillary arch in relation to a tooth-supported fixed partial denture (FPD). Following removal of the FPD, multiple extractions were carried out and tooth #6 was subjected to magnetic extrusion in 3 stages to a maximum of 4 mm to obtain a ferrule. At the 18-month and 3-year follow-up appointments, the tooth had no symptoms and the gingiva around the restorations had optimal architecture and margins. The 3-dimensional digital planning was helpful in precisely positioning the magnets within the tooth and the provisional restorations to facilitate axial extrusion. The extruded teeth were restored with zirconia crowns in both cases. The beneficial outcomes observed from these cases provides evidence that the integration of digital planning and magnetic extrusion holds promise as a method for reconstructing teeth with crowns that are significantly compromised.

Guided coronally advanced flap to treat gingival recession: Digital workflow and case report.

BACKGROUND: The inherently technique-sensitive nature of periodontal plastic procedures demands a significant level of skill and expertise. The incorporation of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies emerges as a potential strategy to optimize and simplify surgical procedures. This case report describes the digital workflow and presents the clinical outcomes achieved using a guided coronally advanced flap for the treatment of a single gingival recession (GR). METHODS AND RESULTS: A female patient with a gingival recession type 1 (RT1 B-) defect on the mandibular second left premolar underwent successful treatment using a guided coronally advanced flap (g-CAF) and de-epithelized connective tissue graft (CTG). The digital planning included intraoral scanning of the mandible and hard palate using an intraoral scanner, with resulting polygon format (PLY) files exported for virtual model creation. The CAF guide was meticulously designed to orient horizontal and vertical incisions at the papillae base adjacent to the GR defect. For the donor site, a guide was specifically created, positioning the graft area 2 mm apically to the premolars' gingival margins. The delineation of this area involved two horizontal and vertical incisions, meticulously based on the dimensions of the GR. The digitally designed guides were then 3D-printed using a surgical guide-specific resin, contributing to the precise execution of the innovative surgical approach. Complete root coverage was achieved. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates that g-CAF can be a promising approach for the treatment of single GR. HIGHLIGHTS: Why is this case new information? To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first manuscript to report a guided procedure for the treatment of gingival recession. This report provides the digital workflow for the fabrication of a guide to perform the coronally advanced flap for single recession defects. What are the keys to successfully manage this case? It is necessary to adequately scan the recession defect area and palate. Properly not only design the guide using specific software but also print it. The guide has to be stable when in position for the surgical procedure. What are the primary limitations of this technique? This guide was designed to help surgeons during the incisions. However, it does not provide aid to split and release the flap and suture.

Attractive combinations of female gingival displays, buccal corridor sizes, and facial heights according to orthodontists, dentists, and laypeople of different ages and sexes: a psychometric study.

INTRODUCTION: Esthetics plays a crucial role in orthodontics and many other dental and medical fields. To date, no study has assessed the combined effects of the 3 facial features 'facial height, gingival display (GD), and buccal corridor size (BC)' on facial/smile beauty. Therefore, this study was conducted for the first time. METHODS: In this psychometric diagnostic study, beauty of 27 randomized perceptometric images of a female model with variations in facial heights (short, normal, long), gingival displays (0, 2, 4, 6 mm), and buccal corridor sizes (2%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) were evaluated by 108 judges (36 orthodontists, 36 dentists, 36 laypeople) using a 5-scale Likert scale (1 to 5). Combined effects of facial heights, GDs, BCs, judges' sexes, ages, and jobs, and their 2-way interactions were tested using a mixed-model multiple linear regression and a Bonferroni test. Zones of ideal features were determined for all judges and also for each group using repeated-measures ANOVAs and the Bonferroni test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Judges' sex but not their age or expertise might affect their perception of female beauty: men gave higher scores. The normal face was perceived as more beautiful than the long face (the short face being the least attractive). Zero GD was the most attractive followed by 4 mm; 6 mm was the least appealing. BCs of 15% followed by 10% were the most attractive ones, while 25% BC was the worst. The zone of ideal anatomy was: long face + 0mm GD + 15% BC; normal face + 2mm GD + 15% BC; long face + 2mm GD + 15% BC; normal face + 0mm GD + 15% BC. CONCLUSIONS: Normal faces, zero GDs, and 15% BCs may be the most appealing. Facial heights affect the perception of beauty towards GDs but not BCs.

Impact of restoration thickness and tooth shade background on the translucency of zirconia laminate veneers: An in vitro comparative study.

Purpose: Our in vitro comparative study aimed to investigate the impact of thickness and tooth shade background on the translucency of highly translucent zirconia veneers. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 5Y-TZP zirconia veneers of shade A1 were fabricated with thicknesses of 0.50 mm (n = 25), 0.75 mm (n = 25), and 1.0 mm (n = 25). The translucencies were measured on composite resin teeth with shades A1, A2, A3, A3.5, and A4 using a digital color imaging spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Results: The translucency values were optimal for the veneers placed over the substrate teeth with shades A1 and A2, regardless of the veneer thickness. Additionally, veneers with a thickness of 0.50 mm exhibited significantly higher translucency than those with thicknesses of 0.75 mm and 1.0 mm. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the translucency of the highly translucent zirconia veneers was influenced by both veneer thickness and tooth shade background. The optimal veneer thickness for achieving the highest translucency was 0.50 for the veneers with A1 and A2 shades placed over the substrate teeth. Clinical Relevance: The optimal thickness for achieving the highest translucency of the highly translucent zirconia laminate veneers was 0.50 mm for the veneers with A1 and A2 shades placed over the substrate teeth. Clinicians and dental technicians could consider this when selecting materials for aesthetic restorations.

Evaluation and recommendations of the oral health, oral function, and orofacial aesthetics-related measures of the ICHOM Standard Set for Cleft Lip and Palate.

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of outcome measures for the orofacial domain included in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for Cleft Lip and Palate (ICHOM-SCS). In this multicentre study involving two cleft centres, suggestions to optimize the type and timing of outcome measures were made based on data and clinical experience. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (CLEFT-Q Jaw, Teeth, Eating/Drinking; Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Oral Symptoms Scale (COHIP-OSS)) and clinical outcome measures (caries experience and dental occlusion) data were collected retrospectively for age 5, 8, 10, 12, 19, and 22 years. The data were categorized by cleft type and analysed within and between age groups using Spearman correlation, the distribution of responses per item, a two-sample test for equality of proportions, and effect plots. Most correlations between PROMs and clinical outcome measures were weak (r < 0.5), suggesting PROMs and clinical outcome measures complement each other. The COHIP-OSS and CLEFT-Q Eating/Drinking barely detected problems in any patient category and are no longer recommended. A suitable alternative appears complex to find; outcomes of this study and the recent literature doubt an added value. Similar problems were found in the CLEFT-Q Jaw at time-point 12 years. Therefore, time-points 15 and 17 years are currently suggested.

Dental and periodontal dimensions stability after esthetic clinical crown lengthening surgery: a 12-month clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the stability of periodontal tissues 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months after esthetic crown lengthening (ACL) and the possible correlations between changes in those structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty individuals were evaluated through clinical assessment, photography, and tomography. Measurements included gingival margin (GM), clinical crown length (CCL), interdental papilla height (PH) and width (PW), gingival thickness (GT), bone thickness (BT), probing depth (PD), distance between alveolar crest and GM, distance between alveolar crest and cementoenamel junction. Nonparametric and correlation statistics were performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: CCL at T0 was 7.42 ± 0.70 mm and increased to 9.48 ± 0.49 mm immediately after ACL, but it decreased to 8.93 ± 0.65 mm at T12. PD decreased 0.60 mm from T0 to T6, and it increased 0.39 mm from T6 to T12. BT decreased 0.20 mm, while GT increased 0.29 mm from T0 to T12. Both PW and PH showed enlargement in T12. A positive moderate correlation was found between CCL/T0 and CCL/T12, GT/T0 and AC-GM/T12, BT/T0 and GT/T12. A few negative moderate correlations were PD/T0 and CCL/T12, PD/T0 and PH/T0, PD/T0 and BT/T12. CONCLUSIONS: ACL procedure was effective. Although some rebound occurred, that was not clinically important. PD tended to reestablish its original length, partially due to a migration of GM during the healing period. Besides, a thickening of supracrestal soft tissues was observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study centers on the factors influencing the stability of periodontal tissues after esthetic crown lengthening, underscoring the procedure's influence on esthetics and biology and the need for careful treatment planning.

Quo vadis, esthetic dentistry? Part II: Composite resin overtreatment and social media appeal.

OBJECTIVES: This article presents case reports highlighting over-treatments with resin composites, often misconceived as minimally invasive procedures. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Tooth-colored restorative materials, such as ceramics and composites, have found widespread application to correct problems related to tooth color, shape, and alignment. When composite resin is used, these procedures can be done in a very conservative, cost-effective, and timely fashion. However, it is noteworthy that contemporary dental esthetic expectations are based on standards propagated by social media and other marketing and communications platforms. The abuse of and addiction to social media impacts can lead to unrealistic esthetic expectations and standards for both patients and dentists. CONCLUSIONS: After a critical discussion on ceramic veneers published in part I of this 2-part series, this article directs attention towards what has become a trendy fashion, i.e., the use of direct composite resins as "non-prep" veneers in clinical situations that arguably required no restorative intervention at all. We further explore how social media influences the decision-making processes of both professionals and patients.

Treatment of single gingival recessions using biofunctionalized collagen matrix: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Connective tissue graft substitutes have been used widely to overcome autogenous graft limitations. Nevertheless, they do not provide comparable results in the treatment of periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue defects. Based on the principles of tissue-engineered materials, injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) has been combined with collagen matrices (CMs) to enhance their clinical efficacy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case series demonstrating the use of i-PRF for the biofunctionalization of a volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) as an adjunct to coronally advanced flap (CAF) to treat single gingival recession (GR) defects. METHODS & RESULTS: The study included 10 patients. Bleeding on probing, probing depth, GR height, clinical attachment level, esthetics, and dentin hypersensitivity were evaluated. After 6 months, a significant GR reduction (RecRed: 2.15 ± 0.7 mm; p = 0.005) and percentage of root coverage (% RC) of 81.13% were observed. Additionally, 40% of the sites showed complete root coverage. Gingival thickness increased 0.64 mm. Patient-centered evaluations demonstrated dentin hypersensitivity and esthetics improvements by the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: VCMX biofunctionalized with i-PRF associated with CAF technique showed promising clinical outcomes in the treatment of single RT1 GR defects.

Confecção de guia multifuncional para planejamento de reabilitação implantossuportada: relato de caso / Preparation of a multifuncional guide for the planning of implant-supported rehabilitations: case report / Elaboración de una guía multifuncional para la planificación de rehabilitación implantosoportada: informede caso

Introdução:Em busca da estética e da função mastigatória,é cada vez mais crescente aprocurapor reabilitações implantossuportadas. O guia multifuncional surgepara orientar a disponibilidade óssea e contribuir no planejamento da instalação tridimensional dos implantes, seguindo os princípios do planejamento reverso.Objetivo:Descrever, por meio de um caso clínico, a possibilidade de obtenção de resultados de excelente previsibilidade em coroas unitárias implantossuportadas, por meio do uso de guias multifuncionais, no planejamento do início ao fim de tratamento.Relato decaso:Paciente A.M.F, 44 anos, sexo feminino, compareceu à clínica de Prótese dentária do Departamento de Odontologia/UFRN com queixa de insatisfação da sua prótese removível e harmonia do sorriso. Ao exame clínico e radiográfico, observou-se ausência do elemento 12, apresentando um espaço interoclusal de 5mm e distância médio-distal de 7mm. Foi confeccionado o guia em resina acrílica, o qual foi preenchido o espaço desdentado com um dente de estoque. Em seguida, o dente deste guia teve seu centro perfurado com uma broca esférica para peça reta na região de cíngulo e com isso, preenchida com guta percha em bastão. Após isso, o paciente foi encaminhado para realizar uma tomografia computadorizada cone beam com o guia multifuncional em posição.As imagens obtidas permitiram o planejamento para instalação do implante, como inclinação e posicionamento favorável, bem como ausência de disponibilidade óssea na região. Além disso, o guia funcionou em outras etapas do tratamento da paciente, como na fase provisória.Conclusão:Os guias auxiliam em diversas fases do tratamento e permitem maior previsibilidade dos resultados em reabilitações protéticas unitárias implantossuportadas, apresentando-se como um dispositivo promissorpara ocorreto posicionamento do implante (AU).

Introduction:In search of esthetics and improved masticatory function, the demand for implant-supported rehabilitation is increasing. Multifunctional guides emerge to assess bone availability and help plan the three-dimensional installation of implants, following the principles of reverse planning. Objective:To describe, through a clinical case, the possibility of obtaining excellent predictability in implant-supported single crowns, through the use of multifunctional guides, inthe planning of a treatment from beginning to end. Case report:Patient A.M.F, 44 years old, female, came to the Prosthodontics clinic at the Department of Dentistry/UFRN complaining of dissatisfaction with her removable prosthesis and the harmony of her smile. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed the absence of element 12, with an interocclusal space of 5mm and a mid-distal distance of 7mm. The acrylic resin guide was made and the edentulous space was filled with a stock tooth. The center of theguide tooth was then drilled with a spherical straight-bit burr in the cingulum region and filled with gutta-percha stick. The patient was then referred for a cone beam computed tomography with the multifunctional guide in position. The images obtained allowed planning for implant installation, such as favorable inclination and positioning, as well as the absence of bone availability in the region. In addition, the guide was effective during other stages of the patient's treatment, such as the provisional phase.Conclusion:The guides assist in various phases of treatment and allow greater predictability of results in implant-supported single prosthetic rehabilitations, presenting themselves as a promising device for correct implant positioning (AU).

Introducción:En busca de estética y función masticatoria, la demanda de rehabilitaciones implantosoportadas es cada vez mayor. La guía multifuncional hasurgido para orientar la disponibilidad ósea y ayudar a planificar la instalación tridimensional de implantes, siguiendo los principios de la planificación inversa. Objetivo: Describir, a través de un caso clínico, la posibilidad de obtener una excelente predictibilidad en coronas unitarias implantosoportadas, mediante el uso de guías multifuncionales, en la planificación desde el início hasta el final del tratamiento. Informe de caso: Paciente A.M.F, 44 años, sexo femenino, compareció a la clínica de Prostodoncia del Departamento de Odontología/UFRN quejándose estar insatisfecha con su prótesis removible y con la armonía de su sonrisa. El examen clínico y radiográfico reveló la ausencia del elemento 12, con un espacio interoclusal de 5 mm y una distancia medio-distal de 7 mm. Se confeccionó una guía de resina acrílica y se rellenó el espacio edéntulo con un diente provisorio. A continuación, se perforó el centro del diente guía con una broca recta esférica en la región del cíngulo y se le rellenó con gutapercha en barra. Posteriormente, el paciente fue remitido a una tomografía computarizada cone beamcon la guía multifuncional en posición. Las imágenes obtenidas permitieron planificar la instalación del implante, como inclinación y posicionamiento favorables, así como la ausencia de disponibilidad ósea en la región. La guía también funcionó en otras fases del tratamiento del paciente, como en la fase provisional. Conclusión:Las guías ayudan en varias fases del tratamiento y permiten una mayor previsibilidadde los resultados en rehabilitaciones protésicas unitarias implantosoportadas, presentándose como un dispositivo prometedor para el correcto posicionamiento de los implantes (AU).

Evaluation of one versus two glaze firings on the color stability and mechanical properties of an extrinsically characterized monolithic CAD-CAM lithium disilicate glass ceramic.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 1 versus 2 glaze firings on the color and mechanical properties of an extrinsically characterized lithium disilicate ceramic after thermal cycling, brushing, or both. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty specimens were divided into 2 groups: 1 glaze firing (GL1) and 2 glaze firings (GL2). Each group was subdivided into 4 groups (n = 10), according to the experimental conditions: thermal-cycling, brushing, thermal-cycling + brushing, and immersion in distilled water (control). Color variation, surface roughness, and Vickers microhardness were analyzed before each designated experiment and after the simulated periods of 2.5, 5, and 10 years. Three-way mixed ANOVA was used for all outcomes, followed by 1-way ANOVA, repeated measures 1-way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, and t-test to check for statistical differences (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Thermal cycling generated greater color changes in the GL1 group at 2.5 and 5 years (p < 0.001; p = 0.013). Brushing generated color changes in GL1 at 5 years (p = 0.003) and in GL2 at 10 years (p = 0.017). Regarding surface roughness, the GL1 group suffered alterations in thermal cycling + brushing at 5 years. In the control group, the GL1 group exhibited higher roughness values than GL2 (p < 0.05). Most of the groups experienced an increase in microhardness at 2.5 years (p < 0.05). In the GL1 group, thermal-cycling increased the microhardness at 5 years (p = 0.006); at 5 and 10 years, the GL1 group had a higher microhardness than the GL2 in thermal-cycling + brushing (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ceramics with 1 glaze firing showed greater color, roughness, and microhardness changes compared to those submitted to 2 firings.

The capacity of conservative preparations for lithium disilicate glass-ceramic laminates luted with different resin cements to mask different substrate shades: A minimally invasive esthetic approach.

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the ability of 0.5 mm thickness lithium disilicate laminates associated with resin cement to mask different substrate saturations. METHODS: 60 specimens (n = 5) were prepared with CAD/CAM lithium disilicate glass-ceramic IPS e.max CAD, 0.5 mm thick, in three degrees of translucency (HT, MT and LT); cemented by Variolink Esthetic LC Light+ (L) and Neutral (N) on composite resin substrates A1 and A4 shades. Color measurements were performed by a spectrophotometer (CM-3700d -Konica Minolta). The L*, a*, b* parameters of the tri-layer structure (laminate/ resin cement/ substrate) were used to calculate color difference ( ∆ E 00 $$ \Delta {\mathrm{E}}_{00} $$ ) by CIEDE2000 formula and Translucency Parameter ( TP 00 $$ {TP}_{00} $$ ). This study adopted ∆ E 00 $$ \Delta {\mathrm{E}}_{00} $$ = 0.8, as perceptibility threshold (PT), and ∆ E 00 $$ \Delta {\mathrm{E}}_{00} $$ = 1.8, as acceptability threshold (AT). Statistical analyses were performed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (a = 0.05). RESULTS: Color difference between resin cement shades showed statistical differences (p < 0.0001) and ∆ E 00 $$ \Delta {\mathrm{E}}_{00} $$ > 1.8 for all groups. Color difference between substrates saturations showed a significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001) and ∆ E 00 $$ \Delta {\mathrm{E}}_{00} $$ values above AT for all groups. The TP 00 $$ {TP}_{00} $$ demonstrated significant statistical differences (p < 0.0001). The LTL combination, the opaquest set, showed the smallest ∆ E 00 $$ \Delta {\mathrm{E}}_{00} $$ values between substrate shades differences, however, above AT. CONCLUSION: The translucency of the lithium disilicate, the substrate saturation and the resin cement opacity influenced final color of restoration. The ceramic translucency impact on final color was reduced by opaque resin cement. Furthermore, the LT lithium disilicate and the Light+ resin cement reduced the translucency of the restoration, contributing to mask saturated substrate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study shows the influence of conservative lithium disilicate laminates with different degrees of translucency associated with resin cement on final color of saturated substrate restorations. A minimally invasive esthetic protocol for masking substrates is demonstrated by associating low translucency ceramic laminates and opaque resin cement.

Smile Aesthetics Assessment in Patients Undergoing the Finishing Phase of Orthodontic Treatment: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective To describe the smile characteristics of patients entering the finishing phase of orthodontic treatment. Methods This observational study involved a non-probabilistic sample of 48 patients. Clinical records served as the basis for determining the type of treatment (with or without extractions). Photographs were analyzed to obtain smile variables. Dental casts and panoramic radiographs were evaluated to ascertain the cast-radiograph evaluation (CRE) index. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted at a significance level of 0.05. Results The study evaluated 24 men and 24 women, with an average age of 20.10 ± 6.78 years. Fifty percent of the patients did not undergo extractions, and the average CRE index for the sample was 34.83 ± 9.01. Regarding the smile, a medium smile line was prevalent in 66.7% of cases, and a non-consonant smile arc was observed in 58.3%. Significant differences in the smile arc were found between patients with and without extractions (p=0.019). Right and left buccal corridors measured 2.52 mm ± 1.52 and 2.43 mm ± 1.37, respectively. The upper dental midline deviated by 0.80 ± 0.91 mm and had an angulation of 1.65 ± 2.05º. Both variables showed significant differences between Class I and Class II patients (p=0.020; p=0.027). Symmetrical smiles were also observed (1.05 ± 0.17). Conclusions Based on our findings, clinicians should focus on the smile arc in patients who have not undergone extractions and on the midline inclination in Class II patients. These appear to be the most common areas for improvement in patients who are in the finishing phase of treatment. Additionally, considerable variability exists in the smile characteristics of patients still undergoing orthodontic treatment, leaving room for further enhancement of results.

Proficiency of Clear Aligner Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of orthodontic treatment using clear aligner therapy (CAT). This efficiency was measured using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index, the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) index, or the similarity between the final ClinCheck and the final scanned models. A search was done electronically between 1998 and 2021 using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Three reviewers individually rated the articles. The ROBINS tool and the Cochrane risk of bias tool were used to evaluate the quality of observational research and randomized controlled trials, respectively. The degree of certainty for each selected outcome was evaluated using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Six studies with a total of 166 participants were considered after the full texts of 61 potential reports were reviewed. This research included in the review covered the period from 1998 to 2021 in retrospect. According to the current systematic review and meta-analysis, transparent aligners had a successful outcome. In mild to moderate cases, aligner treatment appears to have a significant advantage in terms of efficiency (treatment time); nonetheless, insufficient evidence of efficacy was observed based on multiple cross-sectional investigations. When compared to traditional brackets, clear aligners provided a more stable course of treatment.

A família das facetas dentais sob a visão da Odontologia Legal / Ethical issues of dental veneers

A faceta dental é um procedimento executado há muito tempo e com os avanços dos materiais e técnicas apresenta-se com frequência como uma opção para alterar a estética dentária, refletindo na aparência do sorriso. Apareceram novas terminologias ligadas às facetas dentais aumentando a oferta e a procura por tais procedimentos. Na sequência, as indicações das facetas dentais aumentaram, bem como as sobre-indicações e os problemas éticos e legais. Enquanto as facetas dentais podem ser uma opção válida e interessante quando bem indicadas e conduzidas, é importante que os profissionais da odontologia estejam cientes de que, por mais avançados que sejam os materiais utilizados, eles não podem substituir os tecidos dentais que são desgastados no preparo do dente. Assim, é essencial que o dentista seja capaz de indicar e contraindicar o procedimento de facetas dentais com base em critérios técnicos e éticos, em vez de se deixar levar por modismos ou vontades do paciente. Uma vez que um profissional decida realizar um tratamento com facetas dentais, ele é o responsável pelo procedimento, mesmo que tenha sido feito exclusivamente a pedido do paciente. O Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido deve ser personalizado para o caso com o claro registro do entendimento do paciente, bem como a autorização para o tratamento. Deve-se buscar a filosofia da odontologia minimamente invasiva, respeitando os requisitos técnicos e legais na execução das facetas dentais e considerando sempre o bem-estar do paciente no longo prazo

The use of dental veneers has increased in recent years due to advancements in materials and techniques, which have made it a frequent option for enhancing dental esthetics and improving smiles. However, the rise in the number of veneer procedures has also resulted in an increase in overtreatment and ethical/legal concerns. While dental veneers can be an effective solution for improving the appearance of teeth, it is important for dental professionals to be aware that they are not as good as the dental tissue that may need to be removed during preparation. Dentists must use their technical and ethical expertise to determine whether veneers are appropriate for a patient, based on their individual needs and expectations. Patient desires and trends should not be the sole determining factors. If a dental professional decides to proceed with a veneer treatment, they are responsible for ensuring that it is conducted using minimally invasive dentistry techniques and in accordance with technical and ethical principles. A customized Informed Consent Term is mandatory for each situation. The long-term wellbeing of the patient should be the top priority throughout the process

Role of Dentofacial Harmony among Young and Old Adult Females in Smile Perception of Dental Specialists and Laypeople: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine whether balance and harmony of the face, when seen as a whole, alter the smile perception as compared to a lone standing smile in female subjects of two age groups and to identify parameters of dental composition and dentofacial harmony associated with the smile perception of dental specialists (DS) and laypeople (LP). Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine DS and 29 LP scored the smile attractiveness of 84 full-face images (FFIs) and corresponding smile images (SIs) of young adults (YA: 20-29 years) and old adults (OA: 50-59 years), using the Visual Analogue Scale. Smile analysis software (Planmeca Romexis®Smile-Design) was used to measure 10 parameters of dental composition and dentofacial harmony in FFI. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were used to analyze the data. Results: A significant difference was not seen between the smile attractiveness scores of FFI and SI in both raters and age groups. Significant differences were observed between DS and LP in the YA group. The OA group was rated significantly higher than the YA group. The correlation between smile attractiveness scores and each of the nine dentofacial parameters was not significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Framing of images did not significantly alter smile perception. FFI received higher scores than SI, and raters were more critical of the YA group. Professional training of raters and an interplay of smile and facial attractiveness of the female subjects contributed to the smile perception of raters. No parameters of dental composition or dentofacial harmony significantly associated with smile attractiveness were identified.

Long-term outcome of implants exhibiting buccal soft tissue dehiscence in the esthetic zone.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing aesthetic demands require that the color and contour of the peri-implant soft tissues be in harmony with the neighboring teeth. Recession, migration toward the apical, is a frequent clinical finding. Its presence can lead to inflammation and increased marginal bone loss. These complications, in addition to affecting the aesthetic results of our treatment, are difficult to treat and can threaten the survival of the implant. There are fewer studies showing the outcome of treatment of soft-tissue defects around implants. The aim of this article is to describe the treatment of a soft-tissue defect around an implant-supported prosthesis treatment, performed on two neighboring implants, in the esthetic zone in a patient with a high smile and to evaluate both the coverage achieved and the patient's esthetic satisfaction. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: This study showed that a mucogingival approach, using a surgical technique designed for the treatment of alveolar ridge defects, together with tissue management with temporaries and a new restoration, achieved an optimal result. CONCLUSIONS: The case has been closely followed up, for 10 years, and the authors have been able to confirm the long-term stability of the result. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The following paper shows the result of an innovative approach. Connective tissue platform technique, usually performed for soft-tissue augmentation, was used for a defect in soft-tissue dehiscence. The authors followed the results for 10 years, and the results achieved were satisfactory in terms of esthetic.

Comparison of shear bond strength and residual adhesive remnants on the enamel surface after debonding of three different orthodontic molar tubes : A scanning electron microscope study.

BACKGROUND: The aim for this research was to evaluate and compare the impact, bond strength, and residual adhesive on the enamel surface after debonding of different orthodontic molar tubes. The tested materials were metal, composite, and newly introduced ceramic orthodontic molar tubes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 66 first molar teeth were randomly divided into three groups. Metal, glass-fiber composite and ceramic orthodontic molar tubes were bonded and shear bond strength (SBS) tests were performed. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores after debonding were recorded and the enamel surfaces were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after the adhesives were cleaned. RESULTS: The mean SBS values of the metal and ceramic tube groups were significantly higher than that of the glass-fiber composite tube group. The highest SBS values were recorded for the ceramic tube group (11.09 ± 2.51 MPa). Failure typically occurred at the adhesive-enamel interface in the ceramic group, whereas the majority of the samples in the glass-fiber composite group showed failure at the adhesive-tube base interface according to ARI and SEM investigations. ARI 1 and ARI 2 scores were commonly observed for the metal tube group. CONCLUSIONS: All the molar tubes tested had generated clinically acceptable SBS values; however, the values for glass-fiber composite molar tubes were significantly lower than those for the ceramic and metal molar tubes. If the debonding procedure is performed carefully, the ceramic molar tubes may be an enamel-safe product for patients seeking fully esthetic orthodontic treatment.

O condicionamento de tecido peri-implantar na reabilitação estética de próteses unitárias sobre implantes: relato de caso clínico / Peri-implant tissue conditioning in the esthetic rehabilitation of unitary prostheses on implants: Clinical case report / Acondicionamiento del tejido periimplantario en la rehabilitación estética de prótesis unitarias sobre implantes: Informe de caso clínico

Introdução:A reabilitação protética implantosuportada de espaços edêntulos na região do sorriso é um desafio para o cirurgião-dentista. Para obtenção da estética em próteses unitárias sobre implante é necessário considerar aspectos como o correto posicionamento do implante e sua harmonia com os tecidos moles e duros. Objetivo:relatar o resultado estético e funcional de um tratamento com auxílio de coroa provisória associada ao condicionamento gengival na reabilitação final com coroa unitária implantossuportada. Relato de caso clínico: Paciente MJFA, 36 anos, sexo feminino, compareceu à clínica de Prótese Dentária do Departamento de Odontologia/UFRN queixando-se de trauma dentário com perda do elemento dentário 15 e necessidade de "ficar com sorriso mais bonito". Após instalação de implante com conexão cônica e período de osseointegração, foi realizada a confecção da coroa provisória sobre implante e iniciada sessões de condicionamento gengival por meio de acréscimos com resina acrílica, utilizando a técnica de pressão gradual sob a margem gengival. Observou-se uma melhora no tecido periimplantar e um perfil de emergência adequado. O caso possui proservação de 3 anos. Conclusões:a realização de condicionamento gengival previamente a prótese final é uma etapa importante para alcançar umareabilitação com característicasestéticas e funcionais semelhantes à de dentes naturais (AU).

Introduction:Implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous spaces in the smile areais a challenge for dental surgeons. To achieve pleasing esthetics in single implant prostheses it is necessary to consider aspects such as the correct positioning of the implant and its harmony with the soft and hard tissues.Objective:to report the esthetic and functional results of a treatment with the aid of a provisional crown associated with gingival conditioning in the final rehabilitation with a single implant-supported crown.Clinical case report:Patient MJFA, 36 years old, female, attended the Prosthodonticsclinic of the Department of Dentistry/UFRN complaining of dental trauma with loss of tooth 15 and the need to "havea more beautiful smile". Afterinstalling an implant with a conical connection and a period of osseointegration, a temporary crown was made on the implant and gingival conditioning sessions were initiatedby means of acrylic resin augmentations, using the gradual pressure technique under the gingival margin. An improvement in the peri-implant tissue and an adequate emergenceprofile were observed. The case has a 3-year follow-up period.Conclusions:performing gingival conditioning prior to the final prosthesis is an important step in achieving rehabilitation with esthetic and functional characteristics similar to those of natural teeth (AU).

Introducción: La rehabilitación protésica implantosoportada de espacios edéntulos en el áreade la sonrisa es un desafío para el cirujano dentista. Para conseguir una buena estética en las prótesis unitarias sobre implanteses necesario tener en cuentaaspectos como el posicionamiento correctodel implante y su armonía con los tejidos blandos y duros.Objetivo: informar losresultadosestéticosy funcionalesde un tratamiento con ayuda de coronas provisionales asociado al acondicionamiento gingival en la rehabilitación final con corona única implantosoportada.Relato de caso clínico: Lapaciente MJFA, 36 años, sexo femenino, se dirigióa la clínica de Prostodonciadel Departamento de Odontología/UFRN quejándose de un traumatismodental con pérdida del diente 15 y de la necesidad de "tener una sonrisa más bonita". Después de la colocación de un implante con conexión cónica y de un período de osteointegración, se realizó una corona provisional sobre el implante y se iniciaron sesiones de acondicionamiento gingival con aumentos de resina acrílica, utilizando la técnica de presión gradual bajo el margen gingival. Se observó una mejora del tejido periimplantario y un perfil de emergencia adecuado. El caso tiene un seguimiento de 3 años. Conclusiones: el acondicionamiento gingival previo a la prótesis definitiva es una etapaimportante para conseguiruna rehabilitación con características estéticas y funcionales similares a las de los dientes naturales (AU).