A direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) root analogue implant placed in the anterior maxilla. Case report.

BACKGROUND: Modern cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition and three-dimensional (3D) image processing, combined with direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), allows custom-made, root-analogue implants (RAIs). PURPOSE: To demonstrate how DMLS permits customized titanium RAI production, with immediate insertion and restoration in a fresh extraction socket of the anterior maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A titanium RAI perfect copy of the radicular unit needed for replacement was created by customized DMLS, and inserted into a fresh extraction socket of the esthetic area of the anterior maxilla. RESULTS: Follow-up after 1 year: the DMLS RAI implant showed a satisfactory functional and esthetic integration, with no bone resorption or soft tissue recessions. CONCLUSIONS: The production of customized DMLS RAIs opens new interesting perspectives for immediate implantation. KEY WORDS: Direct metal laser sintering, Root analogue implant.

Morse taper performance: A finite element analysis study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the magnitude and distribution of stresses generated on implants, abutments and first molar metal-ceramic crowns using finite element analysis. METHODS: Preliminary three-dimensional models were created using the computer-aided design software SolidWorks. Stress and strain values were observed for two distinct virtual models: model 1 - Morse taper and solid abutment; model 2 - Morse taper and abutment with screw. A load (250 N) was applied to a single point of the occlusal surface at 15° to the implant long axis. Von Mises stresses were recorded for both groups at four main points: 1) abutment-retaining screws; 2) abutment neck; 3) cervical bone area; 4) implant neck. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Model 1 showed a higher stress value (1477.5 MPa) at the abutment-retaining screw area than the stresses found in model 2 (1091.1 MPa for the same area). The cervical bone strain values did not exceed 105 µm for either model.

Accuracy of Different Implant Impression Techniques: Evaluation of New Tray Design Concept.

PURPOSE: To evaluate implant impression accuracy with a new tray design concept in comparison to nonsplinted and splinted impression techniques for a 2-implant situation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A reference bar titanium framework was fabricated to fit on 2 parallel implants. The framework was used to generate a resin master model with 2 implants that fit precisely against the framework. Three impression techniques were evaluated: (1) nonsplinted, (2) splinted, and (3) nonsplinted with modified tray impressions. All the trays were fabricated from light-cured acrylic resin material with openings that corresponded to the implant impression copings. Ten impressions were taken for each technique using poly(vinyl siloxane) impression material. The impressions were poured with type IV dental stone to generate the test casts. A rosette strain gauge was bonded to the middle of the framework. As the framework retaining screws were tightened on each test cast, the developed strains were recorded until the completion of the tightening to 35 Ncm. The generated strains of the rosette strain gauge were used to calculate the maximum principal strain. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed among the different impression techniques. The modified tray design impression technique was associated with the least framework strains, which indicates greater accuracy compared with the other techniques. There was no significant difference between the splinted and the nonsplinted impression techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The new tray design concept appeared to produce more accurate implant impressions than the other techniques. Despite the statistical difference among the impression techniques, the clinical significance of this difference is yet to be determined.

Morse taper performance: A finite element analysis study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the magnitude and distribution of stresses generated on implants, abutments and first molar metal-ceramic crowns using finite element analysis. METHODS: Preliminary three-dimensional models were created using the computer-aided design software SolidWorks. Stress and strain values were observed for two distinct virtual models: model 1 - Morse taper and solid abutment; model 2 - Morse taper and abutment with screw. A load (250 N) was applied to a single point of the occlusal surface at 15° to the implant long axis. Von Mises stresses were recorded for both groups at four main points: 1) abutment-retaining screws; 2) abutment neck; 3) cervical bone area; 4) implant neck. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Model 1 showed a higher stress value (1477.5 MPa) at the abutment-retaining screw area than the stresses found in model 2 (1091.1 MPa for the same area). The cervical bone strain values did not exceed 105 µm for either model.

Accuracy of Intraoral Scanners: A Systematic Review of Influencing Factors.

Digital impressions by intraoral scanning (IOS) have become an increasingly popular alternative to conventional impressions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the available IOS systems for dental impression, and identify the influencing factors on accuracy. The literature search was completed to retrieve all the studies that investigated the IOS accuracy when used to scan teeth. A total of 2305 studies were initially obtained. After applying the inclusion criteria, 32 studies were suitable for the analysis. The following systems were included in the review: Cerec Bluecam, Cerec Omnicam, Cadent iTero, Lava C.O.S, Lava True Definition, TRIOS, TRIOS Color, E4D, Planscan, MHT, Carestream 3500 and Zfx IntraScan. In comparison to conventional impressions, the IOS systems can be reliably used for diagnostic purposes and short-span scanning. However, for whole arch scanning, the IOS is susceptible for more deviation. The studies indicated variable outcome of the different IOS systems. While the accuracy of IOS systems appears to be promising and comparable to conventional methods, they are still vulnerable to inaccuracies. For prosthesis fabrication, the IOS accuracy is enhanced by reducing the span of scanning, and ensuring the scanned surfaces exhibit minimal irregularities.

Profilometric changes of peri-implant tissues over 5 years: A randomized controlled trial comparing a one- and two-piece implant system.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the profilometric changes of the buccal soft tissues between baseline and 5 years of loading using a one- and two-piece dental implant system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients randomly received dental implants of either a two-piece type (BRA) or a one-piece type (STM). Casts were obtained at baseline (after crown insertion), at the 1-year and at the 5-year follow-up. Stereolithography files were obtained from the casts for digital superimposition. One implant and the contralateral natural tooth were selected for the analysis. Thirty-three patients (BRA = 16; STM = 17) were included. Measurements included changes for crown height (CH) and estimated soft tissue thickness, as well as the profilometric change at the implant and the tooth site. Nonparametric methods were applied for the statistical analyses and medians and quartiles presented. RESULTS: The BRA group lost -0.39 mm and the STM group lost -0.40 mm of volume between baseline and the 5-year follow-up at the implant site (p > 0.05). The tooth site lost -0.18 mm (BRA) and -0.12 mm (STM) (p > 0.05). Volume differences between implants and teeth amounted to -0.05 mm (baseline to 1 year) and -0.25 mm (baseline to 5 years) for BRA, while for STM, the values were 0.03 mm (baseline to 1 year) and -0.16 mm (baseline to 5 years). The changes for implant CH at 1 and 5 years of follow-up amounted 0.10 and 0.09 mm (BRA) and to 0.03 and 0.22 mm (STM). The changes in tissue thickness at 1 and 5 years in the BRA group amounted to -0.28 and -0.66 mm at 1 mm, -0.21 and -0.46 mm at 3 mm, and -0.32 and -0.45 mm at 5 mm, respectively. The changes in the STM group amounted to -0.15 and -0.54 mm at 1 mm, -0.24 and -0.48 mm at 3 mm, and -0.32 and -0.57 mm at 5 mm, respectively. No significantly different medians were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal profilometric and linear changes occurred at implant sites between baseline and 5 years, between implant and tooth sites and between the two implant systems.

A Novel Methodology to Validate the Accuracy of Extraoral Dental Scanners and Digital Articulation Systems.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study is to develop a novel method to investigate the accuracy of 3D scanners and digital articulation systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An upper and a lower poured stone model were created by taking impression of fully dentate male (fifty years old) participant. Titanium spheres were added to the models to allow for an easily recognisable geometric shape for measurement after scanning and digital articulation. Measurements were obtained using a Coordinate Measuring Machine to record volumetric error, articulation error and clinical effect error. Three scanners were compared, including the Imetric 3D iScan d104i, Shining 3D AutoScan-DS100 and 3Shape D800, as well as their respective digital articulation software packages. Stoneglass Industries PDC digital articulation system was also applied to the Imetric scans for comparison with the CMM measurements. RESULTS: All the scans displayed low volumetric error (p⟩0.05), indicating that the scanners themselves had a minor contribution to the articulation and clinical effect errors. The PDC digital articulation system was found to deliver the lowest average errors, with good repeatability of results. CONCLUSION: The new measuring technique in the current study was able to assess the scanning and articulation accuracy of the four systems investigated. The PDC digital articulation system using Imetric scans was recommended as it displayed the lowest articulation error and clinical effect error with good repeatability. The low errors from the PDC system may have been due to its use of a 3D axis for alignment rather than the use of a best fit.

Intraoral scan bodies in implant dentistry: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Intraoral scan body (ISB) design is highly variable and its role in the digital workflow and accuracy of digital scans is not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the relevant reports pertaining to ISBs with regard to design and accuracy and to describe their evolution and role in the digital dentistry workflow. Special attention was placed on their key features in relation to intraoral scanning technology and the digitization process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE/PubMed search was performed to identify relevant reports pertaining to ISB usage in dentistry. This search included but was not limited to scan body features and design, scan body accuracy, and scan body techniques and the role of ISBs in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) processes. Commercially available scan bodies were examined, and a patient situation was shown highlighting the use of ISBs in the digital workflow. RESULTS: Deficiencies in the reports were found regarding various scan body topics, including ISB features/design, accuracy, and the role of ISBs in CAD-CAM processes. CONCLUSIONS: ISBs are complex implant-positioning-transfer devices that play an essential role in the digital workflow and fabrication of accurately fitting implant-supported restorations. With scanner technology rapidly evolving and becoming more widespread, future studies are needed and should be directed toward all parts of the digital workflow when using ISBs. By understanding the basic components of ISBs and how they relate to digital scanning and CAD-CAM technology, more emphasis may be placed on their importance and usage in the digital workflow to ensure accurate transfer of implant position to the virtual and analog definitive cast. Efforts should be made by clinicians to identify an optimal ISB design in relation to the specific intraoral scanning technology being used.

Use of digital impression systems with intraoral scanners for fabricating restorations and fixed dental prostheses.

Accurate impressions are essential in fabri-cating dental restorations and fixed dental prostheses. During the last decade, digital impression systems have improved substantially. This review discusses the accuracy of digital impression systems for fabrication of dental restorations and fixed dental prostheses. A literature search in PubMed was performed for the period from July 2010 through June 2017. The search keywords were Cerec, digital impression, direct digitalization, indirect digitalization, and intraoral scanner. Only relevant studies are summarized and discussed in this review. In general, the latest systems have considerably reduced the time required for impression making, and the accuracy and marginal fit of digital impression systems have recently improved. Restorations and fixed dental prostheses fabricated with currently available digital impression systems and intraoral scanners exhibit clinically acceptable ranges of marginal gap in both direct and indirect procedures.

Quasi-static strength and fractography analysis of two dental implants manufactured by direct metal laser sintering.

BACKGROUND: New manufacturing methods was developed to improve the tissues integration with the titanium alloy pieces. OBJECTIVE: The present in vitro study was to assess the resistance and fracture mode after applied a quasi-static compressive force on the two dental implants manufactured by direct metal laser sintering. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty dental implants manufactured by direct metal laser sintering, using titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) granules in two designs (n = 10 per group): Conventional dental implant (group Imp1) two-piece implant design, where the surgical implant and prosthetic abutment are two separate components and, the one-piece implant (group Imp2), where the surgical implant and prosthetic abutment are one integral piece. All samples were subjected to quasi-static loading at a 30° angle to the implant axis in a universal testing machine. RESULTS: The mean fracture strengths were 1269.2 ± 128.8 N for the group Imp1 and, 1259.5 ± 115.1 N for the group Imp2, without statistical differences (P = .8722). In both groups, the fracture surface does not present crack between the compact core and the superficial (less dense and porous) part of the implants. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the measured resistance data for the two implant models manufactured by direct metal laser sintering tested in the present study, we can suggest that they have adequate capacity to withstand the masticatory loads.

Three-Dimensional Static Articulation Accuracy of Virtual Models - Part I: System Trueness and Precision.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 3D static articulation accuracy of 3 model scanner-CAD systems (Ceramill Map400 [AG], inEos X5 [SIR], Scanner S600 Arti [ZKN]) using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Trueness and precision for each system will be reported in Part I. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The master model simulated a single crown opposing a 3-unit fixed dental prosthesis. Five mounted stone cast sets were prepared, and one set was randomly selected. Reference values were obtained by measuring interarch and interocclusal reference features with the CMM. The stone cast set was scanned 5 times consecutively and articulated virtually with each system (3 test groups, n = 5). STL files of the virtual models were measured with CMM software. dRR , dRC , and dRL , represented interarch global distortions at right, central, and left sides, respectively, while dRM , dXM , dYM , and dZM represented interocclusal global and linear distortions between preparations. RESULTS: For trueness values, mean interarch global distortions ranged from 13.1 to 40.3 µm for dRR , -199.0 to -48.1 µm for dRC , and -114.1 to -47.7 µm for dRL . Mean percentage error of interarch distortion did not exceed 0.6%. Mean interocclusal distortions ranged from 16.0 to 117.0 µm for dRM , -33.1 to 101.3 µm for dXM , 32.9 to 49.9 µm for dYM and -32.0 to 133.1 µm for dZM. ANOVA of trueness found statistically significant differences for dRC , dRL , dRM , dXM , and dZM . For precision values, absolute mean difference between the 10 superimposition combinations ranged from 25.3 to 91.0 µm for dRR , 21.5 to 85.5 µm for dRC , 24.8 to 70.0 µm for dRL . Absolute mean difference ranged from 49.9 to 66.1 µm for dRM , 20.7 to 92.1 µm for dXM , 86.8 to 96.0 µm for dYM , and 36.5 to 100.0 µm for dZM . ANOVA of precision of all test groups found statistically significant differences for dRR , dRC , dRL , dXM and dZM , and the SIR group was the least precise. CONCLUSION: The overall interarch global distortion of all three model scanner-CAD systems was low and did not exceed 0.6%. Variations in scanner technology, virtual articulation algorithm, and use of physical articulators contributed to the differences in distortion observed among all three groups.

Three-Dimensional Static Articulation Accuracy of Virtual Models-Part II: Effect of Model Scanner-CAD Systems and Articulation Method.

PURPOSE: Accurate maxillomandibular relationship transfer is important for CAD/CAM prostheses. This study compared the 3D-accuracy of virtual model static articulation in three laboratory scanner-CAD systems (Ceramill Map400 [AG], inEos X5 [SIR], Scanner S600 Arti [ZKN]) using two virtual articulation methods: mounted models (MO), interocclusal record (IR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The master model simulated a single crown opposing a 3-unit fixed partial denture. Reference values were obtained by measuring interarch and interocclusal reference features with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). MO group stone casts were articulator-mounted with acrylic resin bite registrations while IR group casts were hand-articulated with poly(vinyl siloxane) bite registrations. Five test model sets were scanned and articulated virtually with each system (6 test groups, 15 data sets). STL files of the virtual models were measured with CMM software. dRR , dRC , and dRL , represented interarch global distortions at right, central, and left sides, respectively, while dRM , dXM , dYM , and dZM represented interocclusal global and linear distortions between preparations. RESULTS: Mean interarch 3D distortion ranged from -348.7 to 192.2 µm for dRR , -86.3 to 44.1 µm for dRC , and -168.1 to 4.4 µm for dRL . Mean interocclusal distortion ranged from -257.2 to -85.2 µm for dRM , -285.7 to 183.9 µm for dXM , -100.5 to 114.8 µm for dYM , and -269.1 to -50.6 µm for dZM . ANOVA showed that articulation method had significant effect on dRR and dXM , while system had a significant effect on dRR , dRC , dRL , dRM , and dZM . There were significant differences between 6 test groups for dRR, dRL dXM , and dZM . dRR and dXM were significantly greater in AG-IR, and this was significantly different from SIR-IR, ZKN-IR, and all MO groups. CONCLUSIONS: Interarch and interocclusal distances increased in MO groups, while they decreased in IR groups. AG-IR had the greatest interarch distortion as well as interocclusal superior-inferior distortion. The other groups performed similarly to each other, and the overall interarch distortion did not exceed 0.7%. In these systems and articulation methods, interocclusal distortions may result in hyper- or infra-occluded prostheses.

Corrélation entre les distances intercanthus, intercanine et la largeur du nez chez une population marocaine

Introduction : La sélection de la taille des dents antérieures maxillaires est l'une des étapes cliniques des plus importantes dans la réussite de l'esthétique de la prothèse amovible. Plusieurs études ont été réalisées pour établir des méthodes d'estimation de la largeur des dents antérieures maxillaires.Objectif : Déterminer l'existence d'une corrélation entre la largeur du nez, la distance inter-canthus interne et la distance inter-canine maxillaire, afin de faciliter le choix des dents antérieures maxillaires.Matériel et méthodes : Soixante-deux étudiants marocains de la faculté de médecine Dentaire de Casablanca âgés entre 18 et 26 ans ont été inclus dans cette étude ; La distance inter-canthus interne a été mesurée entre les angles médians de la fissure palpébrale. La largeur du nez a été mesurée entre les ailes du nez au point le plus large. La distance inter-canine maxillaire a été déterminée par voie intra-orale. Les mensurations ont été prises à l'aide d'un pied à coulisse électronique. Les coefficients de corrélation ont été calculés pour déterminer la relation entre les différents éléments (P < 0,05). Résultats : Bien que les corrélations soient non-significatives, il existe une relation significative entre la distance inter-canthus interne et la largeur du nez. Conclusion : Dans les limites de cette étude, les résultats suggèrent que la largeur du nez et la distance inter-canthus interne ne peuvent pas être utilisées pour déterminer la largeur des six dents antérieures maxillaires pour les patients édentés totaux ou partiels

Evaluation of the safety and efficiency of novel metallic implant scaler tips manufactured by the powder injection molding technique.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have compared the properties of ultrasonic scaling instruments, it remains controversial as to which is most suitable for implant scaling. This study evaluated the safety and efficiency of novel metallic ultrasonic scaler tips made by the powder injection molding (PIM) technique on titanium surfaces. METHODS: Mechanical instrumentation was carried out using four types of metal scaler tips consisting of copper (CU), bronze (BR), 316 L stainless steel (316 L), and conventional stainless steel (SS) tips. The instrumented surface alteration image of samples was viewed with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface profile of the each sample was investigated with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) and maximum height roughness (Rmax) of titanium samples were measured and dissipated power of the scaler tip was estimated for scaling efficiency. RESULTS: The average Ra values caused by the 316 L and SS tip were about two times higher than those of the CU and BR tips (p < 0.05). The Rmax value showed similar results. The efficiency of the SS tip was about 3 times higher than that of CU tip, the 316 L tip is about 2.7 times higher than that of CU tip, and the BR tip is about 1.2 times higher than that of CU tip. CONCLUSIONS: Novel metallic bronze alloy ultrasonic scaler tip minimally damages titanium surfaces, similar to copper alloy tip. Therefore, this bronze alloy scaler tip may be promising instrument for implant maintenance therapy.

Fracture resistance of zirconia-based all-ceramic crowns after bur adjustment.

Intra-oral grinding is often required to optimize occlusion of all-ceramic restorations. The effect of burs of different grit size on the fracture resistance of veneered zirconia crowns was investigated in this study. Forty-eight standardized zirconia copings were produced. The ceramic veneer was designed with a positive ellipsoidal defect on the palatal aspect of the crowns. To simulate adjustment of dental restorations by burs, this palatal defect was removed by use of three different diamond-coated burs with grit sizes 46, 107, or 151 µm (fine, medium, or coarse, respectively). Each different grit size of bur was used to grind 16 crowns. All crowns were then polished and surface roughness was measured. Half of the specimens underwent thermomechanical aging (10,000 thermocycles between 6.5°C and 60°C) and 1.2 million cycles of chewing simulation (F = 108 N). A linear regression model was computed to test the effect of aging and grinding grit size at a level of significance of α = 0.05. Fracture loads increased with decreasing grit size. Grit size and aging had a significant effect on the fracture resistance of the crowns. Use of fine and coarse burs for intra-oral adjustments resulted in different fracture resistance of veneered zirconia crowns. Coarse burs should be avoided in the final stage of grinding before polishing.

A method and a device for the evaluation of the retention of telescopic dental crowns.

Telescopic crowns are used as support for removable dental prostheses' construction. A distinctive feature of crowns often used in their description and comparison is retention, which is understood as resistance when removing the prosthesis or a force needed to disconnect crowns. The article describes a method for the evaluation of retention in simulated conditions using a dedicated testing device. By subjecting the crown to cyclic loads in the range of forces occurring during clinical use and in the range of cycles leading to visible effects of wear, the method provides the evaluation of crowns in a wide range of duration, up to the loss of functionality. It also facilitates the identification of dominant phases of crown behaviour, which may be correlated with the results of clinical trials.

In vitro evaluation of marginal discrepancy of monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated with different CAD-CAM systems.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dental laboratories use different computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems to fabricate fixed prostheses; however, limited evidence is available concerning which system provides the best marginal discrepancy. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal fit of 5 different monolithic zirconia restorations milled with different CAD-CAM systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty monolithic zirconia crowns were fabricated on a custom-designed stainless steel die and were divided into 5 groups according to the type of monolithic zirconia crown and the CAD-CAM system used: group TZ, milled with an MCXL milling machine; group CZ, translucent zirconia milled with a motion milling machine; group ZZ, zirconia milled with a dental milling unit; group PZ, translucent zirconia milled with a zirconia milling unit; and group BZ, solid zirconia milled using an S1 VHF milling machine. The marginal fit was measured with a binocular microscope at an original magnification of ×100. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed with 1-way ANOVA and post hoc surface range test, and pairwise multiple comparisons were made using Bonferroni correction (α=.05). RESULTS: The type of CAD-CAM used affected the marginal fit of the monolithic restoration. The mean (±SD) highest marginal discrepancy was recorded in group TZI at 39.3 ±2.3 µm, while the least mean marginal discrepancy was recorded in group IZ (22.8 ±8.9 µm). The Bonferroni post hoc test showed that group TZI was significantly different from all other groups tested (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this in vitro study, all tested CAD-CAM systems produced monolithic zirconia restorations with clinically acceptable marginal discrepancies; however, the CAD-CAM system with the 5-axis milling unit produced the best marginal fit.

Two-Colored Dental Surveying Tool as an Alternative for Carbon Marker.

Various tools are used with a dental surveyor, including analyzing rods, carbon markers, undercut gauges, and protective sheaths for a specific function. A carbon marker is a parallel-sided carbon rod used to mark the survey line on a cast or a crown on a cast. The carbon marker (with or without protective sheath) cannot differentiate more than one survey line on the cast if needed. The wear of the carbon marker along the parallel walls after repeated use may give an incorrect survey line. We suggest a simple modification in the analyzing rod to prepare a two-colored surveying tool. An analyzing rod is a parallel-sided rod used to analyze the relative parallelism of two or more surfaces of a cast and to mark survey lines on wax patterns. With the modified analyzing rod, the survey lines can be marked with two colors, and the problem of breaking of the carbon marker also can be eliminated.