Bis-EMA/Bis-GMA ratio effects on resin-properties and impregnated fiber-bundles.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of different ratios of Bis-EMA/Bis-GMA resin mixtures on the inherent viscosity and curing-related properties: including degree of cure (DC%), shrinkage strain, Knoop micro-hardness (KH) and flexural strength of resin-impregnated fiber-bundles.

Methods: Bis-EMA/Bis-GMA monomers were mixed (by weight) in the following ratios: M1 = 30 %/70 %, M2 = 50 %/50 %, M3 = 70 %/30 %, and M4 = 100 %/0 %. Standard measurements were made of refractive index, viscosity, degree of conversion, shrinkage strain and Knoop hardness (KHN).

Is Polyetheretherketone an Effective Alloplastic Material in Comparison to Titanium in Calvarial Reconstruction.

Introduction And Aim: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium (Ti) cranioplasty implants ideal outcomes are good esthetics, long-term stability, and protection of the fragile brain tissue. However, it is unclear whether PEEK implants can offer an equal alternative to Ti implants. This work aimed to critically review papers and case series published on both Ti and PEEK Cranioplasty regarding complications, clinical outcomes, ease of use, esthetics, manufacture and availability, cost and time-saving factors, postoperative quality of life (QOL), as well as their suitability for the fronto-orbito region reconstruction.

Cohesive Zone Modeling of Pull-Out Test for Dental Fiber-Silicone Polymer.

Background: Several analytical methods for the fiber pull-out test have been developed to evaluate the bond strength of fiber-matrix systems. We aimed to investigate the debonding mechanism of a fiber-silicone pull-out specimen and validate the experimental data using 3D-FEM and a cohesive element approach.

Methods: A 3D model of a fiber-silicone pull-out testing specimen was established by pre-processing CT images of the typical specimen.

Mechanical properties and bonding of maxillofacial silicone elastomer mixed with nano-sized anti-microbials.

Objectives: The antibacterial efficacy of silicone is improved by impregnating it with antimicrobials such as chlorohexidine and zinc oxide. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanical properties and bonding of maxillofacial silicone elastomer mixed with Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP), and Chlorohexidine Diacetate Salt (CHX) at three different concentrations (1 %, 3 %, and 5 %).

Methods: Specimens of a silicone elastomer (M511) were prepared and divided into 7 groups.

Maxillofacial prosthetics and digital technologies: Cross-sectional study of healthcare service provision, patient attitudes, and opinions.

Purpose: Digital technologies are continuously improving the accuracy and quality of maxillofacial prosthetics, but their impact on patients remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the impact of facial prosthetics service provision, patients' perception, and digital technology on prostheses construction.

Materials And Methods: All patients who presented for evaluation and management of facial defects between January 2021 and December 2021 at the ENT clinic were eligible for study enrollment.

Fracture strength of anterior cantilever resin-bonded fixed partial dentures fabricated from high translucency zirconia with different intaglio surface treatments.

Purpose: To compare the fracture resistance and failure modes of anterior cantilever resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) fabricated from high translucency zirconia with different intaglio surface treatments.

Materials And Methods: Sound-extracted canines (N = 50) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10) to be restored with high translucency zirconia RBFBDs of different intaglio surface treatments. The RBFPD was designed using exocad software and fabricated using a CAM milling machine.

Marginal Discrepancy of Five Contemporary Dental Ceramics for Anterior Restorations.

Objectives:  This study aimed to compare marginal accuracy of five contemporary all-ceramic crowns indicated for anterior restorations.

Materials And Methods:  A master die of maxillary central incisor was prepared for all-ceramic crown and duplicated to produce 50 replicas of epoxy resin material. Five ceramic materials were used to mill the crowns ( = 10).

Use of 3-dimensional imaging and manufacturing for bilateral auricular prostheses: A case series of six patients with congenital auricular defects.

The prosthetic reconstruction of unilateral ear deformity is a straightforward procedure which relies on copying the details, position, and symmetry of the existing contralateral ear. However, reconstructing bilaterally missing ears is challenging. The use of 3-dimensional (3D) technology in the prosthetic reconstruction of the bilaterally missing ears of 6 patients is described.

Preparation and Analysis of Craniofacial Titanium Implants Surfaces Produced by Additive 3D Printing and Conventional Manufacturing.

Study Design: Surface finish of titanium patient-specific craniofacial implants is known to affect their acceptability and durability and relevant literature still inconclusive on the best surface finishing protocol.

Objectives: This study investigated surface topography of three-dimensionally (3D) printed and conventionally manufactured craniofacial titanium implants following non-contact 3D laser profile-meter analysis.

Methods: Seven groups of titanium specimens (n = 10) were prepared and their surfaces were treated differently and included sole or combined treatment of mechanical polishing, gritting with 50 micron ALO, cold acid treatment using nitric acid for 20 hours (70% w/w), etching using acidic solution (69% nitric and 48% hydrofluoric acids) for 10 minutes and then electro-chemically anodized in another acidic solution (85% orthophosphoric and 98%sulphuric acid).

Contemporary Review on Craniectomy and Cranioplasty; Part 2: Material Selection and Plate Manufacture.

Cranioplasty materials include metals (ie, titanium); ceramics (ie, hydroxyapatite); polymers (ie, poly-methyl-metha-acrylate [PMMA]); and plastics (ie, polyether ether ketone). This paper aims to review their advantages and drawbacks. No ideal material currently exist, however, titanium implants are universally agreed to have lower infection rates than those reported for hydroxyapatite and PMMA implants; thus justifying their current wide use.

Contemporary Review on Craniectomy and Cranioplasty; Part 1: Decompressive Craniectomy.

This paper aims to review clinical benefits of decompressive craniectomy (DC) in both adult and paediatric populations; its indications and factors contributing to its postoperative success. The Glasgow Outcome Scale and the Modified Rankin Scale are the most commonly used scales to assess the long-term outcome in patients post DC. In adult traumatic brain injury patients, 2 randomized clinical trials were carried out; DECRA (Decompressive Craniectomy in Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury) and RESCUEicp (Randomised Evaluation of Surgery with Craniectomy for Uncontrollable Elevation of inter cranial pressure) employing collectively 555 patients.

Effect of freshly placed core buildup composites on setting of silicon impression materials.

Aim: The aim is to study the effect of freshly placed composite build-ups on setting of additional silicone impression materials.

Settings And Design: In vitro - experimental study.

Materials And Methods: Three composite materials; Build-It™ F.

Successful prosthetic salvage of a suboptimal autogenous auricular reconstruction with digital technologies: A report of 3 challenging treatments.

The surgical reconstruction of congenitally missing or malformed ears is challenging and involves complicated surgeries. Ear shape, position, and skin color will likely be compromised in patients with relative anatomic symmetry, and it is easier to reproduce these features with a prosthesis. This article describes the prosthetic reconstruction of 3 patients who had received failed or suboptimal surgical reconstruction of their missing or deformed ears.

Effect of universal adhesives on microtensile bond strength to hybrid ceramic.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of universal adhesives (UA) and silane on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of resin cement to a hybrid ceramic Vita Enamic (VE).

Methods: VE specimens were acid etched using hydrofluoric acid (HF) and were assigned to three groups (n = 10) based on the applied bonding technique. In group 1 (S), a silane-based primer was used as a surface treatment prior to the application of a resin cement (Variolink Esthetic DC).

Direct 3D Printing of Flexible Nasal Prosthesis: Optimized Digital Workflow from Scan to Fit.

A maxillofacial prosthesis is a successful treatment modality to restore missing facial parts. Digital technologies and 3D printing are employed in constructing facial prostheses such as ears; however, their application is still partial, and final prostheses are usually manufactured conventionally using stone molds. This report aims to introduce a complete digital workflow to construct a nasal prosthesis and compare it to the conventional workflow of a patient requiring a nasal prosthesis.

Developing an In-house Interdisciplinary Three-Dimensional Service: Challenges, Benefits, and Innovative Health Care Solutions.

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) technologies have been employed in regular medical specialties. They span wide scope of uses, from creating 3D medical models to design and manufacture of Patient-specific implants and guidance devices which help to optimize medical treatments, patient education, and medical training. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of factors and aspects to consider when planning to setup a 3D service within a hospital serving various medical specialties.

Surface characteristics and biocompatibility of cranioplasty titanium implants following different surface treatments.

Objective: Surface and mechanical properties of titanium alloys are integral for their use in restoring bone defects of skull and face regions. These properties are affected by the method of constructing and surface treatment of the titanium implant. This study aimed to investigate the effects of titanium finishing protocols on the surface morphology, hardness and biocompatibility of TiAl6V4.

Fracture load and survival of anatomically representative monolithic lithium disilicate crowns with reduced tooth preparation and ceramic thickness.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of reducing tooth preparation and ceramic thickness on fracture resistance of lithium disilicate crowns.

Materials And Methods: Specimen preparation included a standard complete crown preparation of a typodont mandibular left first molar with an occlusal reduction of 2 mm, proximal/axial wall reduction of 1.5 mm, and 1.

Survey of Ocular Prosthetics Rehabilitation in the United Kingdom, Part 2: Anophthalmic Patients' Satisfaction and Acceptance.

Aim: Ocular prostheses are integral for anophthalmic patients. Part 1 of this study reported that patients' aetiology, opinions, and attitudes significantly affected their prosthetic eyes experience. Part 2 investigates the patient satisfaction and acceptance in light of some of the aetiological demographics reported in Part 1.

Novel Treatment Planning of Hemimandibular Hyperplasia by the Use of Three-Dimensional Computer-Aided-Design and Computer-Aided-Manufacturing Technologies.

Rationale And Aim: Hemimandibular hyperplasia is characterized by an obvious overgrowth in the size of the mandible on one side, which can extend up to the midline causing facial asymmetry. Surgical resection of the overgrowth depends heavily on the skill and experience of the surgeon. This report describes a novel methodology of applying three-dimensional computer-aided-design and computer-aided-manufacturing principles in improving the outcome of surgery in 2 mandibular hyperplasia patients.

Evaluating Various Preparation Protocols on the Shear Bond Strength of Repaired Composite.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different combinations of various surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of repaired composite resin.

Materials And Methods: A total of 122 composite samples were prepared from Filtek Z350 XT. Samples were light cured and stored for 6 weeks.

Survey of Ocular Prosthetics Rehabilitation in the United Kingdom, Part 1: Anophthalmic Patients' Aetiology, Opinions, and Attitudes.

Purpose: Ocular prostheses are constructed to aid cosmetic, functional, and psychological rehabilitation of anophthalmic patients. Part-1 of this study aimed to evaluate anophthalmic patients' opinions, attitudes, and experience about aspects related to their postfit ocular prostheses.

Methods: One hundred sixty questionnaires were delivered to anophthalmic patients inquiring about different information such as age, gender, occupation, eye-loss cause, prosthesis type, prosthesis-wearing frequency, prosthesis-cleaning frequency, and problems encountered.

Simultaneous Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacture Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery and Mandibular Reconstruction Using Selective-Laser Sintered Titanium Implant.

This patient report describes simultaneous bimaxillary orthognathic surgery and mandibular reconstruction by means of three-dimensional (3D) planning, 3D printed biocompatible surgical wafers, and 3D selective-laser sintered titanium implant. A 26-year-old male patient presented with a left mandibular defect secondary to trauma. The whole body of the mandible on the left hand side was deficient with a narrow connection with the remaining left condyle.

Improved Virtual Planning for Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery.

Conventional model surgery planning for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery can be laborious, time-consuming and may contain potential errors; hence three-dimensional (3D) virtual orthognathic planning has been proven to be an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective alternative. In this report, the 3D planning is described for a patient presenting with a Class III incisor relationship on a Skeletal III base with pan facial asymmetry complicated by reverse overjet and anterior open bite. A combined scan data of direct cone beam computer tomography and indirect dental scan were used in the planning.