Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Different Connector Designs for All-Ceramic Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses

All-ceramic fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) tend to fracture at the connector regions due to high stress concentration at these areas influenced by their design. This study was performed as an adjunct to an existing clinical study to evaluate the influence of the different radii of curvature of gingival embrasure on the stress distribution of a three-unit all-ceramic implanted supported FDP. Three three-dimensional (3D) models were created by scanning two titanium dental implants, their suitable zirconia abutments, and a patient-retrieved dental prosthesis using a micro-CT scanner. The radius of curvature of the gingival embrasure for the distal connector of the FDP was altered to measure 0.25 mm, 0.50 mm, and 0.75 mm. A finite element analysis (FEA) software (ABAQUS) was used to evaluate the impact of different connector designs on the distribution of stresses. Maximum Principal Stress data was collected from the individual components (veneer, framework, and abutments). The radius of curvature of gingival embrasure had a significant influence on the stress distribution at the assessed components. The tensile peak stresses at all structures were highest in the 0.25 mm model, while the 0.50 mm and 0.75 mm models presented similar values and more uniform stress distribution.

MODERN TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF GLASS-CERAMIC DENTAL PROSTHESES

The relevance of the problem of improving the quality of life and protecting human health in the context of the successful development of the modern society was presented. A literary review of well-known modern technologies for the design and manufacture of dental prostheses was carried out, as well as the leading domestic and foreign companies that were engaged in this were given. The history of the development of materials for obtaining clinical restorations (crowns, inlays, onlays, etc.) was considered and the main directions of the development of innovative ceramic materials for dental prosthetics were outlined. Based on the analysis of the properties of various types of materials for dental prosthetics, the prospects of using glass-ceramic materials in the development of dental prostheses have been substantiated. The chemical compositions of lithium silicate glasses for the synthesis of the glass matrix have been developed and the technological parameters for the production of glass-ceramic dental prostheses have been selected (Тgl. melting = 1350–1400 °С, Тheat treatment = 600–650 °С). Preliminary heat treatment before the formation of products ensures the formation of the required number of the nucleus of crystalline phase and the prerequisites for creating a volume crystallized structure under conditions of short-term heat treatment. The glass-ceramic prosthesis with a formed interpenetrating sitallized structure was obtained by the method of hot pressing with a short exposure (18-20 min). It was found that the obtained glass-ceramic material containing lithium disilicate as a crystalline phase in an amount of 40-60 vol. %, had high values of bending strength (σ = 400 MPa) and fracture toughness. The indicated mechanical properties of the developed materials, along with the approximate values of their modulus of elasticity to natural teeth, will significantly extend the service life of products under conditions of significant alternating loads that arise during the chewing cycle. A comparative assessment of the competitiveness of the developed dental prostheses based on lithium disilicate with world analogues was carried out, in particular the products of Ivoclar Vivadent and Vita Zahnfabrik, in terms of the main operational parameters. The positive effect of the introduction of domestic developed glass-ceramic dental prostheses to reduce import dependence has been determined.

Qualitative Evaluation of the Effects of Professional Oral Hygiene Instruments on Prosthetic Ceramic Surfaces

During professional hygiene procedures, different instruments used may cause various damage to dental prostheses. Deplaquing and scaling with curettes and ultrasonic instruments may inadvertently increase the surface roughness of the material and the risk of future bacterial adhesion and/or also compromise the marginal seal of the prosthesis. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the qualitative effects of two types of curettes and one piezoelectric instrument with a stainless-steel tip on three types of metal-free samples. After treating the samples with different instrumentations, they were analyzed using the scanning electron microscope and then underwent a qualitative microanalysis by using a spectroscopy machine. All the materials tested in this study have undergone significant changes of their superficial structure after instrumentation both with mechanical and manual instruments. Plastic curettes appeared to be less aggressive than the other instruments. Disilicate samples show a significantly lower degree of surface glazing erosion compared to the zirconia sample with all the instruments used.

Accuracy of Master Casts Generated Using Conventional and Digital Impression Modalities: Part 1—The Half-Arch Dimension

Accurate impression-making is considered a vital step in the fabrication of fixed dental prostheses. There is a paucity of studies that compare the casts generated by various impression materials and techniques that are commonly used for the fabrication of provisional and definitive fixed prostheses. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of casts obtained using conventional impression and digital impression techniques. Thirty impressions were made for the typodont model (10 impressions each of polyvinyl siloxane, alginate, and alginate alternative materials). Ten digital models were printed from the same model using a TRIOS-3 3Shape intraoral scanner. Accuracy was assessed by measuring four dimensions (horizontal anteroposterior straight, horizontal anteroposterior curved, horizontal cross-arch, and vertical). A one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05) were used to analyze data. A statistically significant difference in the four dimensions of the stone casts and digital models was observed among the four groups (exception: between alginate alternative and 2-step putty–light body impression in the horizontal anteroposterior straight, horizontal anteroposterior curved, and horizontal cross-arch dimensions; between alginate and alginate alternative in the horizontal anteroposterior curved dimension; between alginate and 2-step putty–light body impression in the horizontal anteroposterior curved dimension; and between alginate alternative and digital in the vertical dimension). Polyvinyl siloxane had the highest accuracy compared to casts obtained from other impression materials and digital impressions.