Lithium Disilicate Ceramics in Prosthodontics: Unveiling Innovations, Current Trends, and Future Horizons

In contemporary dentistry, ceramic restorations have experienced a surge in popularity. This paper aims to review the current state of literature and recommendations concerning the application of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic IPSTM e.Max. This comprehensive review also covers material science, mechanical intricacies, and optical properties of glass-ceramic material. Further, this review extends valuable clinical insights, presenting recommendations for the effective utilization of IPS e.Max CAD restorations in dental practices

Obstructive sleep apnea: oral appliances and materials

For the dental profession in general and in prosthodontists speciality, the subject of sleep medicine continues to offer great challenges and opportunities in diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment based on qualitative evidence. Though the role contends by the prosthodontists is still in its infancy, there is a lot to find out and understand in the rapidly evolving field of sleep medicine because the recognition of co-managing patients with sleep disorders by the prosthodontists is quick changing into a reality. This article discusses the prosthodontic perspectives, particularly on obstructive sleep apnea

Prosthodontic management of subtotal maxillectomy with minimally invasive interim obturator: a case report

The interim obturator serves as a pathway between the immediate or surgical obturator and the final prosthesis, offering functional and aesthetic benefits until the delivery of the definitive prosthesis. Furthermore, it acts as a guide during the fabrication of the definitive prosthesis, influencing aspects such as prosthesis extension, teeth arrangement, and the positioning of retentive aids. These aids may encompass orthodontic wiring, surgical suturing, and other non-invasive techniques. This case report details a conservative and less invasive method for retaining an interim obturator in maxillectomy patients, providing an alternative approach in prosthodontic care

Role of Nanotechnology in Prosthodontics: a review

In the present-day context, a considerable portion of the population faces the challenge of edentulism. Various treatment approaches, including both fixed and removable prostheses, are available for restoring missing teeth. Noteworthy progress has recently been observed in the characteristics of commonly used dental materials, attributed to the emergence of nanotechnology. This technological advancement has significantly contributed to improving the outcomes of dental treatments. Nanotechnology represents a multidisciplinary domain that amalgamates principles from both the arts and sciences, involving the manipulation of structures and functional materials at a minuscule scale. This field leverages various physical and chemical methodologies to operate at dimensions where sizes of particles, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, give rise to what is termed as Nanoparticles. The integration of nanoparticles in dentistry, particularly within dental materials such as ceramics, acrylic resin, tissue conditioners, and denture adhesives, has exhibited a discernible positive impact on their inherent properties. This review predominantly delves into an exploration of diverse applications of nanoparticles within the realm of dentistry, with a specific emphasis on their role in prosthodontics

Feeding plate prosthesis for an infant with cleft lip and palate: a case report

Cleft lip and palate are congenital anomalies that manifest at birth, leading to a range of complications such as feeding challenges, dysfunction of the eustachian tube, middle ear infections and effusion, hearing loss, speech disorders, and dental and orthodontic issues. A feeding plate is a prosthetic solution crafted to address these challenges by effectively sealing the cleft and restoring the separation between the oral and nasal cavities. This case report details the procedure for fabricating a feeding plate specifically designed for neonates with cleft lip and palate

A comprehensive review on bonding between monolithic ceramics and tooth structure with different adhesive agents.

Reliable bonding between the prepared tooth and monolithic ceramics can be achieved by various luting agents available on the market. The selection of luting agent and cementation technique plays an important role in the success of the restoration. With the advent of resin-based adhesive systems as luting agents, clinicians\u27 perspectives have changed to a more conservative approach. Recent systems, chemically adhere the crowns to the prepared tooth structure showing higher bond strength. To reach the aesthetic demands of the patients, all-ceramic restorations were considered over metal-ceramic crowns. Few all-ceramic crowns are brittle, the strength is dependent on the chemical structure and method of fabrication. While some all-ceramic restorations gain strength after cementation. Thus, the choice of luting agent used in cementing all-ceramic crowns is crucial. Even though many luting agents are being introduced no single luting agent fulfilled all the requirements. Among them, adhesive cements showed greater bond strength and enhanced the retention of minimal preparation, which are less retentive. Traditional non-adhesive agents can be used in retentive preparations that bond through mechanical means rather than the chemical bond seen in newer adhesive cements. Also, surface treatments of zirconia showed greater bond strengths irrespective of the luting agent being used. These include air abrasion, acid etching, applying silane couplers, and primers that increase the surface area for adhesion. The use of all-ceramic restorations, the need for surface treatments, types of surface treatments, adhesion and adhesive agents, and evidence from current in vitro research on monolithic ceramics and tooth adhesion were all discussed in this review

An overview of applications of PEEK polymer in prosthodontics.

The rapid evolution of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) led to the introduction of newer materials that could be precisely milled for the fabrication of dental prostheses. PEEK (PolyEtherEtherKetone) has been explored for a number of applications for clinical dentistry, including removable dental prostheses, fixed dental prostheses, implant-supported prostheses, resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses and implant-retained overdentures. The major beneficial property of PEEK is its lower Young\u27s modulus, and as elastic as bone, providing a cushioning effect and reduction of stress transferred to abutment teeth. It is a material with high biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, high-temperature resistance, chemical stability, polishability, good wear resistance, and high bond strength with luting cements. Further, PEEK is also recommended for a wide range of CAD-CAM fabricated fixed and removable prostheses, fabrication of occlusal splints, intra-radicular posts, implant abutments and provisional restorations. PEEK material shows a property of radiolucency, which is advantageous for the evaluation of both osseointegration and tissue surrounding the implant on computed tomography. Considering these properties, PEEK is increasingly being used in implantology

Videographic Analysis of Blink Dynamics following Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty and Its Association with Dry Eye

Background: This study was undertaken to characterize the effects of upper eyelid blepharoplasty on blink dynamics and to evaluate the hypothesis that changes in blink dynamics following blepharoplasty are associated with postoperative dry eye. // Methods: The voluntary blink of 14 eyes of 7 patients with dermatochalasis undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty was recorded with a high-speed camera preoperatively and 6–8 months postoperatively, alongside a group of 11 controls. The images were analyzed for palpebral aperture, blink duration, and maximum velocity during opening and closing phases. Patients undergoing blepharoplasty were assessed for dry eye symptoms pre- and postoperatively at 6–8 months using the ocular surface disease index score. // Results: Despite intraoperative orbicularis oculi resection, there was no significant compromise of blink duration or maximum velocity of eyelid opening or closure post-blepharoplasty. Postoperatively, patients had an increase in palpebral aperture compared with both preoperatively (8.71 versus 7.85mm; P = 0.013) and control groups (8.71 versus 7.87mm; P = 0.04). Postoperatively at 6–8 months, there was an increase in dry eye symptoms in 6 of 7 patients compared with preoperatively (ocular surface disease index, 16.6 versus 12.5; P < 0.05). There was no positive correlation between the increase in palpebral aperture and the increase in dry eye symptoms (r = –0.4; P = 0.30). // Conclusions: Using modern videographic technology, this study demonstrates that upper eyelid blepharoplasty results in an increase in resting palpebral aperture but has no effect on dynamic blink parameters. Changes in palpebral aperture or blink dynamics are unlikely to be the cause of dry eye syndrome following blepharoplasty

Exposure to Ambient Air Fine Particulate Matter Prevents VEGF-Induced Mobilization of Endothelial Progenitor Cells from the Bone Marrow

Background: Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5; < 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) induces endothelial dysfunction and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to postnatal endothelial repair and regeneration. In humans and mice, EPC levels are decreased upon exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5