Laser-assisted debonding of ceramic veneers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The process of removing ceramic veneers is difficult, time consuming, and invasive. However, although lasers should provide a straightforward method for the debonding of ceramic veneers, a systematic review is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of the laser-assisted debonding of ceramic veneers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Then, an analysis was performed using the meta-analysis approach to investigate the efficacy of the laser-assisted debonding of ceramic veneers. Quality assessment of the included articles was carried out using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. For the meta-analysis, the RevMan 5.4 software program was used to perform a random-effects model of standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 1108 studies were identified, of which 627 studies were selected for title and abstract analysis. The qualitative analysis included 16 studies, of which 3 studies were used in the quantitative synthesis. In the meta-analysis, the shear bond strength of the laser groups was compared with that of the control group. A substantial level of heterogeneity was noted in the included studies (I2=67%, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that erbium lasers have a significant immediate effect in decreasing the shear bond strength of ceramic veneers. Furthermore, with proper laser settings, veneers can be safely removed without damaging the underlying tooth structure.

The association between Dental Fluorosis and COL1A2 gene polymorphism among a Tunisian Population.

Dental fluorosis (DF) is a prevalent developmental defect of tooth enamel caused by exposure to excessive fluoride, with the severity dependent on various factors. This study aimed to investigate the association between DF and a specific genetic polymorphism (rs412777) in the COL1A2 gene among a Tunisian population. A case-control study was conducted from July to November 2022, involving a total of 95 participants including 51 cases and 44 controls. Dental examinations and genetic analysis were performed to assess the relationship between the COL1A2 gene polymorphism and DF.The results of allelic distribution revealed that A allele carriers were significantly protected against (DF) when compared to those with the C allele (C vs. A, p = 0.001; OR = 0.375 (0.207-0.672)). This suggests a strong correlation between the presence of the C allele and the risk of developing DF. Additionally, significant association between the CC genotype of rs412777 and an increased risk of DF was found under both codominant and dominant genetic models (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001 respectively).The findings suggest that genetic predisposition plays a relevant role in the development of DF. Further research is needed to explore the potential use of genetic markers for DF and their implications for public health. This study provides the first insights into the genetic factors associated with DF in the Tunisian population, contributing to our understanding of this prevalent dental condition.

Temporary fixed prosthesis materials and beverage colorants: an in vitro study.

The esthetic outcome of temporary prostheses, especially those in the anterior area, is of primary importance. The purpose of this in vitro study was therefore to evaluate the color stability of 3 temporary restorative materials: self-curing (SC) acrylic resin (Tempron); heat-curing acrylic resin (SR Ivocron); and polymethyl methacrylate resin blocks (Telio CAD) machined using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The heat-curing material was polymerized with either a pressure-curing technique (PT) or a flasking technique (FT). As a result, there were 4 experimental groups: SC, PT, FT, and CAD/CAM. Sixteen specimens were prepared for each group. After polymerization or milling, all specimens were polished using a diamond polishing paste, and 1 specimen from each group was exposed to Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy before immersion. The specimens were exposed to pigmented beverage agents (coffee, cola, turmeric solution, or tea), and the color change was monitored for 4 weeks using FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy as well as by macroscopic observation of the specimens (n = 4 per group per immersion period). The PT specimens showed the most significant color change, followed by the SC specimens. A less significant color variation was noted in the FT specimens, and insignificant change was reported in the CAD/CAM group. The solution that had the most significant staining effect was turmeric, and the CAD/CAM resin showed the greatest color stability of the tested materials. Color stability depends on the material used, the polymerization technique, the polishing steps, the pigmentation agent, and the duration of exposure to the agent.

Evaluating 10 Commercially Available SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Serological Tests by Use of the STARD (Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) Method.

Numerous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapid serological tests have been developed, but their accuracy has usually been assessed using very few samples, and rigorous comparisons between these tests are scarce. In this study, we evaluated and compared 10 commercially available SARS-CoV-2 rapid serological tests using the STARD (Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) methodology. Two hundred fifty serum samples from 159 PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients (collected 0 to 32 days after the onset of symptoms) were tested with rapid serological tests. Control serum samples (n = 254) were retrieved from pre-coronavirus disease (COVID) periods from patients with other coronavirus infections (n = 11), positivity for rheumatoid factors (n = 3), IgG/IgM hyperglobulinemia (n = 9), malaria (n = 5), or no documented viral infection (n = 226). All samples were tested using rapid lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) from 10 manufacturers. Only four tests achieved ≥98% specificity, with the specificities ranging from 75.7% to 99.2%. The sensitivities varied by the day of sample collection after the onset of symptoms, from 31.7% to 55.4% (days 0 to 9), 65.9% to 92.9% (days 10 to 14), and 81.0% to 95.2% (>14 days). Only three of the tests evaluated met French health authorities' thresholds for SARS-CoV-2 serological tests (≥90% sensitivity and ≥98% specificity). Overall, the performances varied greatly between tests, with only one-third meeting acceptable specificity and sensitivity thresholds. Knowledge of the analytical performances of these tests will allow clinicians and, most importantly, laboratorians to use them with more confidence; could help determine the general population's immunological status; and may help diagnose some patients with false-negative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) results.

Chewing efficiency and contact area discrepancies in Angle's class I and II malocclusion: A comparative study.

Objective: The study aimed to assess and compare both the chewing efficiency and the contact area between class I and class II of Angle's malocclusions. Material and methods: A total of 120 individuals aged between 19 and 30 years were examined and were divided into two groups according to Angle's class (Class I and class II). The chewing efficiency was quantified using the ViewGum software and two-colored chewing gum. The contact area was quantified using modeling wax and MATLAB software. All data were collected, then, analyzed using SPSS software 21. Data normality was checked through kurtosis test. Descriptive results were calculated. Matched sample t-tests were used to compare chewing efficiency measurements between right and left sides. Independent t-tests were used to compare chewing efficiency and the contact area between class I and class II of Angle's malocclusions. Linear regression and Pearson correlation were used to assess the correlation between chewing efficiency and the contact area. The significance level was fixed at p = 0.05. Results: For group 1, the mean hue value on both sides was 0.086 ± 0.058. For group 2, it was 0.095 ± 0.055. The difference between both groups was statistically significant (p = 0.03). For group 1, the mean contact area was 49.91 ± 21.47 mm2. For group 2, it was 51.42 ± 19.76 mm2. The difference was statistically not significant (p = 0.4). The correlation between the contact area and the chewing efficiency in both groups was statistically significant and it was negative (in class I p = 0 and R = -0.616; in class II p = 0.01 and R = -0.408). Conclusion: The Chewing is better for patients with Angle's Class I malocclusion. The contact area is higher. Larger occlusal contact area leads to higher masticatory efficiency. Further studies should be conducted.

The assessment of Golden and Red Proportions among a North-African population.

INTRODUCTION: The constant increase of both esthetic demands and advancement in materials and technologies have led to the development of guidelines to achieve optimal aesthetic results. These tools are useful to predict the teeth proportion and dimensions. Golden and Red proportion are the most described theories. AIM: of present study was to evaluate the existence of both Golden and Red proportion in the maxillary anterior teeth among a North-African population. METHODS: This was an observational study performed at the Fixed Prosthetic department of the dental clinic of Monastir, Tunisia. The study included participants with full intact anterior dentition. Those with diastema or teeth crowding were excluded. For each one, an alginate impression was done. Measures were, including the perceived width and length, have been taken on casts using digital caliper. Width ratios of maxillary lateral incisor to maxillary central incisor and lateral incisor to canine were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 100 Tunisian participants including 97 females and 21 males. The maxillary central incisors were the largest (8.60±0.58mm) and the longest (99.71±1.14mm). The ratio was 0.89±0.09mm. Anterior teeth dimensions were not statistically not different between males and females. Significant differences were observed between calculated ratios with GP and to each other's. (p=0). CONCLUSIONS: Either GP nor RP is applicable amongst the Tunisian Population.

Facial Line Angles: A Key to Tooth-like Rehabilitation.

Recently, improvement of appearance and a quest for beauty have become a primary concern for patients. It is a challenging task for a clinician to achieve esthetic integration of prosthetic pieces for anterior teeth, particularly for highly demanding patients who give attention to particular details. The challenge is harder when only one tooth has to be restored. The objective is to achieve a fully and perfectly integrated rehabilitation with natural dentition. Poorly described, facial line angles are key to the success of achieving the desired tooth shape, especially for the maxillary central incisor. They influence both the shape and color of the tooth through optical illusion. Their misplacement could certainly spoil the esthetic outcome. Thus, it is mandatory to respect and recreate them. The objective of the present study was to define and then to highlight their importance. It also aimed to give some tips on how to perfect the shape of prosthetic teeth through a clinical case of central incisor esthetic rehabilitation.

Step-by-Step Esthetic Rehabilitation with Chairside System.

In modern dentistry, Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is a promising technology that allows fabrication of prosthetic restorations through milling procedures. Over years, with the continuous improvement of technology, direct CAD/CAM or "chairside" technology is becoming a widespread approach which offers immediate rehabilitation with long-term rates reported by several studies compared to conventional techniques. All steps are generally carried out in the dental office during the same treatment session. The present paper is about a healthy female patient with a decayed 36 tooth which was restored by ceramic onlay using Planmeca's PlanCAD system. Through the present clinical case, a detailed protocol of chairside technology would be presented from the digital impression to the milling process. It would detail impression steps. It would also highlight especially the virtual design confection of prosthetic restoration using a biogeneric model included in the software. It also illustrated tools which could be used by the dentist to perform the design. Also, some useful tips would be presented in order to perform the confection. On this subject, various studies showed the viability of such technology. To summarize, referring to previous studies, this promising technology allows especially time-saving and patient's comfort compared to the indirect one.

Peg-Shaped Lateral Incisors Treated with Ceramic Three-Quarter Crown.

In recent years, patients' expectations are becoming higher in terms of esthetic dentistry. Having the ideal smile is becoming a purpose as the appearance of stars and famous persons have been undoubtedly improved through smile correction. Peg-shaped lateral incisors are a common dental form aberration which could distort the smile and may hamper patient psychology because of the smaller shape and size in disharmony with other teeth. Three-quarter ceramic veneers are a mini-invasive approach which could solve the esthetic problem of peg-shaped teeth and ensure patient's satisfaction. The present paper was about a clinical case with peg-shaped lateral incisors treated with three-quarter ceramic crowns. It would also highlight the preparation particularities.