les kalman

The torque of posterior teeth is of great importance in esthetics and occlusion. In the present article, we introduce a simple but useful device to measure intermolar torque. The device consists of two movable and adjustable arms that lie on the selected molar teeth bilaterally; the graduated plane at the body of the appliance then shows the intermolar torque. This device can measure intermolar torque easily and rapidly, with high validity and at a low cost.

This preliminary investigation explored additive manufacturing to fabricate cobalt-chromium onlay restorations without the use of digital design. Extracted molars were prepared for foursurface onlays followed by the conventional approach for the fabrication of provisionals. The provisionals were digitized with an intraoral scanner, and stereolithography (STL) files were fabricated with additive manufacturing in cobalt-chromium, utilizing selective laser melting (SLM). Onlays were bonded to the corresponding tooth. Restorations were polished after cementation and assessed with photography, radiography, and a clinical post-cementation checklist. Cementation was unremarkable; marginal adaption and surface finish were generally acceptable. A simple, efficient, and inexpensive alternative workflow for the fabrication of indirect restorations without using the digital design is proposed.

Functional appliances have been used for treatment of skeletal class II patients. Clark’s twin block appliance is a commonly used functional appliance, but it has some shortcomings like compromised appearance and lack of patient cooperation. Therefore we introduced the present modification to enhance patient cooperation and increase the efficiency of the appliance.

Clinical innovation: 

The present innovation describes a new functional appliance. The clear twin block is a modification of the traditional twin block that is made by thermoplastic clear sheets without using any wire. The unique features of this device include improved appearance and patients’ acceptance.

This appliance is relatively easy to make as wire bending is not required. Patient cooperation may also be improved as compared to traditional twin block, as there are no wire clasps to irritate the soft tissue and it is more inconspicuous. This manuscript summarizes the properties of the device and the method of fabrication.

Determining the shade of dental materials is a challenging requirement for the restorative dentist. Improper shade selection is the second cause for laboratory remakes, resulting in inefficiency and additional cost, and unnecessary stress for the clinician and patient. The process of shade selection is somewhat subjective, with no consensus on the protocol. This research investigation aimed to develop a novel software application to provide an accurate, objective, and systematic approach to shade determination for teeth, soft tissues, and dental materials. An IOS software application was developed, termed Smile Shade, to facilitate a simple approach for dental shade determination. Smile Shade functions on a high-dynamic-range microcolor sensor with automatic temperature control and inter-device repeatability of <1.0 ∆E. The determination of shade is completed through the evaluation of color based on CMYK, RGB, and LAB, which are different techniques of storing colors. Further research is underway to compare this novel application to the traditional shade tab approach commonly practiced at most dental schools.

Implant-supported crowns remain an ideal treatment option for the replacement of a missing tooth. The provisionalization phase remains a critical step between surgery and final crown placement, guiding soft tissue healing and providing esthetics and function. Although there are several possible pathways for provisionalization, the options are time-consuming, technically difficult and expensive, resulting in confusion and frustration for the dentist and cost and time for the patient. A novel dental implant abutment has been developed that aims to resolve the shortcomings of current abutments and the provisionalization process. 3D printing or additive manufacturing, with plastic and metal, were employed as an alternative approach for production of the prototype abutment. Scanning, computer-aided design and 3D plastic and metal printing were employed. Abutments were fabricated in MED690 VeroDentPlus and Duraform 316L stainless steel, respectively. Prototypes were printed with a claimed accuracy of 16 µm (plastic) and 8 µm (metal). The prototypes were qualitatively assessed for functionality by implant threading and simulated provisionalization process in a laboratory setting. The plastic prototypes were not suitable due to threading issues and material weakness. Metal prototypes tolerated artificial tooth fabrication successfully but concerns with thread pitch and accuracy remained. 3D metal printing appears to be a suitable alternative to traditionally machined implant components; however, post-production processing seems to be required. Further research is warranted.

Mouthguards (MGs) remain an important piece of personal protection for athletes for the prevention of injury. Although MGs provide tremendous benefts, the design and fabrication process does not record the position of the mandible or the occlusion, which could lead to injury. This study compared a novel MG to over‑the‑counter (OTC) and custom MGs on a skull model.
The OTC MG was formed as per manufacturer’s guidelines, the custom MG was laboratory fabricated, and the novel MG was fabricated through a proprietary process. Each group of the three MGs was assessed for vertical dimension change, occlusal contacts, and condylar displacement.
Average number of occlusal contacts for the OTC, custom and novel MG were 2.4, 4.0, and 10, respectively. There was a signifcant difference between all values (P The novel MG was signifcantly different (P

Indirect non-metal restorations restore the function and esthetics of severely carious or broken teeth. This report explores a novel approach for the impression, model fabrication and provisionalization of a pin reinforced onlay (pinlay) preparation.A dentoform molar was prepared for a pinlay indirect restoration. An impression, model and a provisional were fabricated with the employed pins and determined to be clinically acceptable. The pinlay may offer the patient and clinician another treatment option for oral rehabilitation.

Background. There is no clear consensus on operative hand instrumentation. In general, there is one hand instrument that completes one task. Consequently, numerous instruments are required for the placement, shaping and carving of a restoration. This reduces clinical efficiency, increases cost and may generate frustration.
Methods. A novel dental hand instrument has been developed. The instrument (GTI) can complete several tasks. The instrument was assessed in a laboratory setting with amalgam, composite and glass-ionomer restorations on dentoform teeth.
Results. Results indicated that class II amalgam and composite restorations were significantly faster than conventional instrumentation (PConclusion. The GTI is an industry-translated, novel medical device that offers the clinician an alternative to standard instrumentation. Further investigations are required with increased samples sizes, clinical assessment and expanded utility.