Validation of the "obturator functioning scale" for Chinese-speaking patients with obturator prostheses after cancer-related maxillectomy.

Objective: The Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS) is a scale without formal measures of validity in any language. This study aimed to translate and adapt the OFS from English to Chinese and check its reliability and validity in Chinese-speaking patients with obturator prostheses after cancer-related maxillectomy.

Methods: The 15-item Chinese preversion of the OFS was completed by 133 patients in three tertiary stomatological hospitals.

Quality of life in patients with cancer-related Brown IIb maxillary defect: A comparison between conventional obturation rehabilitation and submental flap reconstruction.

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the differences in quality of life (QOL) outcomes between the conventional obturator prostheses (COP) and the pedicled submental artery island flap (SAIF) in the reconstruction of Brown IIb maxillary defects.

Materials And Methods: The QOL of 116 eligible patients who had a lapse ≥ 12 months after the cancer-related maxilla ablation was evaluated by the University of Washington quality of life scale (UW-QOL), Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck (PSS-HN), and Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS).

Results: Patients in the SAIF group reported statistically and clinically significant higher overall QOL scores but lower chewing scores in the UW-QOL scale when compared with those in the COP group (P < 0.

3D Evaluation of Accuracy of Tooth Preparation for Laminate Veneers Assisted by Rigid Constraint Guides Printed by Selective Laser Melting.

Objective: To design and fabricate 3D-printed rigid constraint guides for the tooth preparation for laminate veneers and to evaluate the accuracy of guide-assisted preparation.

Methods: Twenty maxillary right central incisor resin artificial teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups and prepared for laminate veneers. Tooth preparations were performed, assisted by guides in the test group and by depth gauge burs in the control group, and both were finished by freehand operation.

[Constructing 3-dimensional colorized digital dental model assisted by digital photography].

Objective: To explore a method of constructing universal 3-dimensional (3D) colorized digital dental model which can be displayed and edited in common 3D software (such as Geomagic series), in order to improve the visual effect of digital dental model in 3D software.

Methods: The morphological data of teeth and gingivae were obtained by intra-oral scanning system (3Shape TRIOS), constructing 3D digital dental models. The 3D digital dental models were exported as STL files.

[Application of patient-participated digital design in esthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth].

Objective: To explore a new method of patient-involved digital design, esthetic outcome prediction and fabrication for the esthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth, and to provide an alternative choice for the restoration of anterior teeth.

Methods: In this study, 32 patients with esthetic problems in their anterior teeth were included and divided into two groups randomly: the experimental group (16 patients) and control group (16 patients). In the experimental group, the dentition and facial images were obtained by intra-oral scanning and Three-dimensional (3D) facial scanning and then calibrated.

Inflatable hollow obturator prostheses for patients undergoing an extensive maxillectomy: a case report.

The presence of a large palatal or maxillary defect after partial or total maxillectomy for tumor, trauma or congenital deformation poses a challenge to prosthodontists, particularly when the use of an implant cannot be considered. This case report described the use of an air valve in a hollow silicone obturator to manufacture an inflatable obturator that could be extended further into undercut area to retain itself. The inflatable obturator exhibited adequate retention, stability and border sealing, thereby improving the masticatory,pronunciation and swallowing functions of patients.