Finger prosthesis: the art of reconstruction

Hand deformities affect aesthetics function of hand severely compromised and also cause psychological disturbances. This report describes the fabrication of a silicone finger prosthesis for a patient after an accident at work. The finger prosthesis was retained by a vacuum effect on the stump. The silicone material Silastic-MDX 44210 was used to provide function and aesthetics. The finger prosthesis offered psychological, functional and rehabilitative advantages for the patient. Restoring the natural appearance with the prosthesis eliminated the trauma generated by the dysfunction and represented an efficient psychological therapy.

Patients from the Oral Oncology Center, UNESP, Araçatuba with an indication for prosthesis

Head and neck tumors are a major health concern worldwide, due to their high incidence and mortality rates, particularly in developing countries. In Brazil, this type of cancer is commonly diagnosed and studies suggested that it may be the leading cause of mortality in the country. The increase in life expectancy worldwide, as well as environmental and behavioral factors, are related to carcinogenesis. Therefore, an understanding of basic epidemiology and statistical methods is critical, in order to promote early diagnosis and cancer prevention. Cancer patients with an indication for prosthesis were selected from the medical records of the Oral Oncology Center, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, between 1991 and 2010. The following variables were recorded: gender, age, type and location of the lesion, radiation dose and dental prosthesis. The majority of the patients were male (74.15%) and >60 years of age (53.37%). Tumors were most commonly located in the floor of the mouth (11.1%) and squamous cell carcinoma was the most prevalent type (72.8%). This study provides the profiles of patients who attended the Oral Oncology Center and the results may aid in the creation of cancer prevention programs.

Safety and efficacy of fixed-combination travoprost/timolol in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension not controlled with timolol monotherapy

To assess the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed-dose combination (TRAV/TIM-FC) in patients not achieving the target IOP of ≤18 mmHg while on timolol 0.5% (TIM) monotherapy. A multicenter, prospective, open-label study (NCT01336569) was conducted in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Eligible patients were receiving TIM monotherapy with a screening/baseline IOP of 19-35 mmHg in ≥1 eye. TIM was discontinued on the baseline visit day (no washout period) and TRAV/TIM-FC was initiated and administered once daily at 8 pm for 4-6 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was mean change in IOP from TIM-treated baseline to study end, measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance and paired samples t-test (5% significance). A total of 49 patients were enrolled (mean age, 63 [range, 42-82] years; 55.1% White; 73.5% women), and 45 were included in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Mean duration of treatment with TRAV/TIM-FC was 31 days. Mean ± standard deviation IOP reduction from baseline (TIM) to the follow-up visit (TRAV/TIM-FC) was -5.0±3.6 mmHg. IOP decreased significantly (P<0.0001) from baseline (22.1±2.6 mmHg) to study end (17.1±3.9 mmHg) in the ITT population, with a mean IOP reduction of 22.3%. Most patients (n=33/45; 73.3%) achieved IOP ≤18 mmHg. Two patients experienced a total of four adverse events (AEs), including a patient who reported one serious AE (enterorrhagia) that was considered unrelated to treatment, and a patient who reported one event each of drug-related redness, pruritus, and foreign body sensation. Most patients (n=47/49; 95.9%) reported no AEs. TRAV/TIM-FC lowered IOP in patients who were not at target IOP while receiving TIM monotherapy, with most patients achieving an IOP ≤18 mmHg with TRAV/TIM-FC. TRAV/TIM-FC was well tolerated in this population.

Stress distribution in bone simulation model with pre-angled implants

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Color stability of the artificial iris button in an ocular prosthesis before and after acrylic resin polymerization

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Zirconia-based dental crown to support a removable partial denture: a three-dimensional finite element analysis using contact elements and micro-CT data

Veneer fracture is the most common complication in zirconia-based restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of a zirconia-based crown in a lower canine tooth supporting removable partial denture (RPD) prosthesis, varying the bond quality of the veneer/coping interface. Microtomography (μCT) data of an extracted left lower canine were used to build the finite element model (M) varying the core material (gold core - MAu; zirconia core - MZi) and the quality of the veneer/core interface (complete bonded - MZi; incomplete bonded - MZi-NL). The incomplete bonding condition was only applied for zirconia coping by using contact elements (Target/Contact) with 0.3 frictional coefficients. Stress fields were obtained using Ansys Workbench 10.0. The loading condition (L = 1 N) was vertically applied at the base of the RPD prosthesis metallic support towards the dental apex. Maximum principal (σmax) and von Mises equivalent (σvM) stresses were obtained. The σmax (MPa) for the bonded condition was similar between gold and zirconia cores (MAu, 0.42; MZi, 0.40). The incomplete bonded condition (MZi-NL) raised σmax in the veneer up to 800% (3.23 MPa) in contrast to the bonded condition. The peak of σvM increased up to 270% in the MZi-NL. The incomplete bond condition increasing the stress in the veneer/zirconia interface.

Vacuum energy and the fixed point of QED

The vacuum energy of QED, as a function of the coupling constant α, is shown to have an absolute minimum at the critical coupling αc=π/3. The effect of chiral symmetry breaking diminishes as the coupling is increased. We argue that these aspects of the vacuum energy shall remain unaltered beyond the ladder approximation.

Segmental osteotomy for the correction of a malpositioned single implant: an 8-year follow-up

This case report is an 8-year follow-up of a malpositioned single implant, which was treated with segmental osteotomy, to confirm the treatment's characteristics, indications, and advantages. Deep buccal positioning of an endosseous implant placed in the maxillary left central incisor area did not permit acceptable prosthetic rehabilitation, despite its favorable bone insertion with no significant marginal bone loss. The surgical procedure included osteotomy and block movement performed toward the lingual and cervical position, fixed with a provisional prosthesis and miniplates and mini-implants. A connective tissue graft was necessary for esthetics optimization and was performed in a second stage. Advantages including the prevention of alveolar ridge damage, the improvement of gingival contour, and the use of an already integrated implant are presented. Clinically satisfactory hard and soft tissue stability permitted us to consider segmental surgery as a reliable alternative for malpositioned osseointegrated implants.

A utilização de abutment de zircônia na reabilitação oral: aspectos protéticos e periodontais

Zirconia abutments are used to obtain satisfactory aesthetic results in implant fixed anterior prostheses when metal abutments promote a grayish mucosal discoloration of the peri-implant soft tissues. However, there is a lack of studies to confirm the clinical performance of the peri-implant soft tissues surrouding zirconia abutments. This study described a case report of a patient treated with implant fixed all-ceramic crown made out on zirconia abutment after 3 years of followup. A 47-year-old female patient was admitted to the dental clinic (Aracatuba Dental School) complaining about the fracture of her implant fixed single crown in the region of the left lateral incisor. The patient chose the replacement of the fractured prosthesis for an allceramic crown. After 3 years of follow-up it was observed that maintenance of the aesthetic results and the peri-implant soft tissue without any inflammation or gingival recessions. Within the limitations of a case report, it can be conclude that zirconia abutments is a effective rehabilitation treatment because it preserves the aesthetics and function through the maintenance of peri-implant tissues.

Magnet-retained facial prosthesis combined with maxillary obturator

Prosthetic rehabilitation of the midfacial defects has always perplexed prosthodontists. These defects lead to functional and esthetic deficiencies. The purpose of this clinical case report was the presentation of the prosthetic rehabilitation of an extraoral-intraoral defect using two-piece prosthesis magnetically connected. This prosthesis has dramatically improved the patient’s speech, mastication, swallowing, and esthetic.

Prótese total fixa na maxila: soluções protéticas

The modalities of treatment with prostheses over implants for total edentulous patients can be divided in fixed and removable prostheses (overdentures). The fixed prostheses modality has proven to offer better results as to the functional aspects and, results in higher longevity. Overdentures are considered as a modality of rehabilitation utilized to compensate the need for better retention, aside from augmenting chewing efficiency. Its use is justified by its facilitated hygiene, reduced surgical and prosthetic costs, reestablishment of labial support and elimination of the possibility of air escape. However, this option presents psychosocial downside, since the fact that it is considered a removable rehabilitation modality does not please the majority of patients. Although many patients prefer a fixed implant-supported prosthesis to a removable overdenture, frequently it is necessary to utilize an implant retained overdenture as an alternative to the treatment, due to anatomical, physiological, aesthetic, hygienic, and financial limitations regarding the patient. The objective of this study was to discuss a clinical case of a partially edentulous patient treated in the Implantodontic Surgery Post-Graduation Course from the Kenedy Dentistry Institute Mozarteum/Famosp Unit – Goiânia-Brazil), and submitted to osseointegrated implants surgical fixation techniques. A modality of differential diagnosis was established after osseointegration period, it aimed at facilitating the choice of a rehabilitation model that could favor the patient’s and professional`s expectations. Therefore the appreciated aspects were function, comfort, aesthetics, and especially the patient satisfaction.

Marginal deterioration of the silicone for facial prosthesis with pigments after effect of storage period and chemical disinfection

The failure of facial prostheses is caused by limitations in the properties of existing materials, especially flexibility and durability. Therefore, this study evaluated the marginal deterioration of a silicone used for fabrication of facial prostheses (Silastic MDX4-4210, Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, MI, USA) according to the influence of artificial aging, daily disinfection, and 2 types of pigmentation. Thirty specimens were fabricated and subdivided in 6 groups: without pigmentation, pigmented with make-up powder and iron oxide, and evaluated with and without the action of the disinfectant. Analysis of marginal deterioration was performed on a scanning electron microscope (magnification, ×5000) immediately 6 months and 1 year after fabrication of specimens, following the guidelines of ASTM International. After visual analysis of the photomicrographs, it was noticed that all groups presented marginal deterioration and alterations in surface texture with time. The use of disinfection did not contribute to the marginal deterioration of polymer (silicone), regardless of the pigmentation and artificial aging.

Influência do material oclusal na distribuição de tensões em próteses implantossuportadas unitárias

Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of occlusal veneering material in single fixed implant-supported crowns through the 3-D finite element method. Material and methods: Four models were fabricated using the Rhinoceros 4.0, SolidWorks, and InVesalius softwares. Each model represented a block of mandibular bone with an external hexagon implant of 5 mm x 10 mm and different veneering materials including NiCr (1), porcelain (2), composite resin (3), and acrylic resin (4). An axial load of 200 N and an oblique load of 100 N were applied. Results: model (2) with porcelain veneering presented a lower stress concentration for the NiCr framework, followed by the composite resin and acrylic resin. The stress distribution to the implant and bone tissue was similar for all models. Conclusions: there is no difference of stress distribution to the implant and supporting structures by varying the veneering material of a single implant-supported prosthesis.

Influência do material oclusal na distribuição de tensões em próteses implantossuportadas unitárias

Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of occlusal veneering material in single fixed implant-supported crowns through the 3-D finite element method. Material and methods: Four models were fabricated using the Rhinoceros 4.0, SolidWorks, and InVesalius softwares. Each model represented a block of mandibular bone with an external hexagon implant of 5 mm x 10 mm and different veneering materials including NiCr (1), porcelain (2), composite resin (3), and acrylic resin (4). An axial load of 200 N and an oblique load of 100 N were applied. Results: model (2) with porcelain veneering presented a lower stress concentration for the NiCr framework, followed by the composite resin and acrylic resin. The stress distribution to the implant and bone tissue was similar for all models. Conclusions: there is no difference of stress distribution to the implant and supporting structures by varying the veneering material of a single implant-supported prosthesis.

Diastemas: reestablishment of an attractive smile

A healthy and attractive smile is very valued in today s society. Yet this requires better aesthetic and cosmetic solutions from dental surgeons.The present paper presents a case report of diastema closure using an association of tooth movement induced by orthodontic elastics,dental cosmetics and resin-bonded prosthesis. The female patient L.B.A.J., aged 19 years, visited the Integrated Clinic of Araçatuba DentalSchool UNESP mainly complaining of missing teeth and poor esthetics. After anamnesis, clinical and radiographic examination revealedhypodontia of the maxillary right and left first premolars, abnormal maxillary right lateral incisor shape and diastema between the maxillaryright lateral incisor and canine and between the maxillary left lateral incisor and canine. Planning was done which included indication ofdiastema closure with composite resin restoration and metal-free resin-bonded prosthesis, with a structure made of Vectris (Ivoclar VivadentInc., Amherst, NT, USA). The option for dental cosmetics associated with resin-bonded prosthesis after movement with orthodontic elasticsresulted in an excellent aesthetic outcome of low cost and short treatment duration.Indexing terms: composite resins; diastema; fixed resin bonded partial denture.