Confocal microscopic observations of stromal keratocytes in soft and rigid contact lens wearers.

Purpose: To determine the density of corneal stromal cells in wearers of soft contact lenses (SCLs) and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses (CLs).

Methods: The keratocyte density (KD) was measured at different depths of the stroma by confocal microscopy. In study 1, 32 wearers of rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses and 30 wearers of SCLs were studied.

Effect of buccal part designs of polyamide resin partial removable dental prosthesis on retentive force.

Purpose: To identify buccal design criteria for retainer on polyamide resin removable partial dentures.

Methods: A left upper distal extension model was used for this study. Undercut was given on the buccal side of first and second premolars.

Influence of number and inclination angle of implants on stress distribution in mandibular cortical bone with All-on-4 Concept.

Purpose: The All-on-4 is used in the therapy of edentulous mandibles. However, few studies have investigated the effect of such implants on supporting bone. To clarify differences in stress in peri-implant cortical bone between 2-patterns of 6 implants and 8-patterns of 4 implants with change in inclination angle based on the All-on-4.

Retainer design for unilateral extension base partial removable dental prosthesis by three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of differences in the retainer design on load on abutment teeth and displacement of the denture base in mandibular unilateral extension base partial removable dental prosthesis to determine the optimum design for a mechanically appropriate retainer.

Methods: Three models were used. Each incorporating a removable denture with different designs of retainer positioned.

Influence of width and depth of palatal vault on rigidity of palatal strap: a finite element study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop design criteria for palatal straps according to palatal shape.

Methods: The palatal shapes of 60 dentate maxillary stone casts were measured using a contact-type three-dimensional measuring instrument. Based on the average of the 60 palatal shapes, 5 three-dimensional finite element models (FE models) were constructed: a basic FE model, a wide palatal FE model, a narrow palatal FE model, a deep palatal FE model and a shallow palatal FE model.