Air abrasion: fixing the cutting edge

The cutting edges of the anterior teeth can be preserved and/or restored using proper concepts and instrumentation. Air abrasion is uniquely well-suited for preparing the class VI restoration.

Two-piece occlusion rim for screw-retained implant prosthesis

The record base for a multiple, implant-supported, fixed prosthesis may be attached to the implants by screws. The screw attachment provides a stable record base for recording maxillomandibular relationships. Extraoral adjustment of the occlusion rim requires that it be unscrewed to allow removal from the mouth. The rim must be reattached with screws for the next intraoral evaluation. Although this cycle of removal and replacement provides stability, retention, and accuracy, it is time-consuming and inefficient. To resolve this problem, a two-piece record base/occlusion rim can be used. The screw-retained record base remains intraoral for the duration of the clinical appointment. The occlusion rim is designed to fit over the record base, with retention and stability, without screw retention. Use of the two-piece record base/occlusion rim facilitates convenient removal, adjustment, and replacement of the occlusion rim.

Controlled retainer-screw access placement for screw-retained implant prosthesis

An implant-supported prosthesis is often secured to the underlying gold cylinders by retaining screws. There must be access to these screws from the oral surface of the prosthesis. Conventional preparation of this access is from the oral surface. This approach is difficult because the underlying gold cylinder is obscured. It may be damaged by a rotary cutting instrument as the access is prepared above it, because the cylinder cannot be seen during the preparation. Alternatively, the access hole may be unnecessarily enlarged in an attempt to find the cylinder. This loss of structure may weaken the prosthesis. A new approach, using 18-gauge stainless steel wire as a rotary cutting instrument, permits preparation of the access chamber from the intaglio surface of the prosthesis. This reduces risk of damage to the gold cylinder and is less destructive to the overlying material.

A simplified system for nomenclature of implant abutment position

No standardized procedure is available for identifying the location of implants in the dental arch. For charting purposes as well as communication among dentists and other health professionals, a universally understood and accepted method is necessary. Such a procedure must be simple and conform to the different tooth designation systems. This article proposes the addition of the lower case letter "i" in each tooth designation system to provide a standard procedure for location of implant abutment position.

Resin-bonded retainers with custom-made precision attachment for anterior alveolar ridge defect in patients with cleft

A resin-bonded retainer with a custom-made attachment is an acceptable alternative for patients who have narrow anterior alveolar ridge defects. This restoration facilitates hygiene and satisfies the requirements of form, fit, function, and esthetics.