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Background/Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze and compare the Streptococcus mutans ability to adhere and form biofilm on the surface of light-cured VS heat-cured dental composite resins; Methods: Three composite resins with different chemical formulations were selected: GrandioSO (GR), Venus Diamond (VD) and Enamel Plus Hri Biofunction (BF). Disk-shaped specimens were manufactured by light-curing the composite resins (light-cured subgroups) and subjecting them to a further heat-curing cycle at 80° for 10 min (heat-cured subgroups). Specimens were analyzed for planktonic CFU count (CFU/mL), sessile CFU count (CFU/mL) and for biomass quantification (OD570nm); Results: The planktonic CFU count was higher in all the light-cured subgroups than in the heat-cured subgroups (light-cured: GR = 7.23 × 106, VD = 2.14 × 107, BF = 4.40 × 107; heat-cured: GR = 4.89 × 106, VD = 4.95 × 106, BF = 2.80 × 107), with a statistically significant increase for BF and VD. Focusing on the sessile CFUs, both GR (light-cured = 7.49 × 106; heat-cured = 3.97 × 106) and VD (light-cured = 2.93 × 107; heat-cured = 6.07 × 106) showed a significantly increased number of colonies in the light-cured subgroups. The OD570nm values recorded for the light-cured BF subgroup (0.4280) were significantly increased compared to the heat-cured BF subgroup (0.1931); Conclusions: A more complete polymerization protocol seems to lead to a potential reduction in the risk of secondary caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior teeth restoration represents a challenge for dentists, who often rely on the dental technician's wax-up. The proposed Stratified Stamp Technique (SST) allows for clinically reproducing the wax-up in a quick and easy way. A patient with fractures and discoloration on the upper central incisors was treated with resin-based composite direct restorations. Using SST, a 1 mm thick thermoformed polyethylene-terephthalate-glycol (PETG) template, based on the technician's wax-up, was produced. Enamel Selective Area Reduction (SAR) was performed to guarantee adequate space for the restorations, and the fracture margins were rounded and finished. Traditional layering procedures according to the five color dimensions of teeth were performed, except for the final labial layer, which was realized with warm composite loaded inside the template and polymerized through it, in order to ensure accurate tooth morphology reproduction. SST offers a reliable method for transferring technician's wax-up morphology to direct composite restorations in anterior teeth. Compared with other methods, SST allows for better isolation with a rubber dam and permits traditional layering with multiple composite shades, thus leading to satisfactory esthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the clinical workflow for occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) increase in patients showing extensive tooth wear and mild teeth misalignment/crowding. A patient affected by dental erosion and occlusal abnormalities was treated to improve her situation. After ascertaining sound condyle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions, an OVD increase was sought to provide enough inter-occlusal space for the restorations. The use of TMJ three-dimensional imaging throughout the clinical procedures allowed to objectively track the condyle and disk position and confirm a steady condyle–glenoid cavity relationship before definitive restorations placement. Sectional clear aligner therapy prior to totally additive prosthetic rehabilitation allowed obtaining slight derotation and movements of anterior teeth, thus maximizing sound tissue preservation. Adhesively luted restorations were finally delivered on both anterior and posterior sectors. At the end of the treatment, the pre-operative TMJ balance appeared successfully preserved, and the patient was satisfied with the aesthetic and function achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A safe method to increase the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in patients with mild temporomandibular symptoms (such as tenderness upon palpation) is described. After a temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance (MR), an OVD increase was sought, pursuing pure rotational movement without condyle displacement. Prior to definitive rehabilitation, an additional MR confirmed steady and healthy condyle‐disc‐fossa relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]