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Glass ionomer cement are dentals biomaterials introduced by Wilson and Kent in 1971. These materials are used in many fields and more particularly in dentals restorations. Several factors such as marginal integrity, mimicry and aesthetics are essential for the long-term sustainability of direct restorations in the mouth. Finishing and polishing ensure the aesthetic and the functional integration of these materials and promote their long-term success. In 2007, a review of the literature presented the state of scientific knowledge on the finishing and polishing methods available on the market for ionomer glass cements. The results obtained showed that the ideal instrumentation for their finishing and polishing was not yet available. However, Sof-Lex® disk sequences seemed to be the most appropriate for finishing and polishing these materials. Clinical and industrial research allows a constant evolution of techniques and materials.The aim of this review is to identify, through the scientific literature, the most appropriate instruments, finishing and polishing methods for glass ionomer cements., Les ciments verres ionomères sont des biomatériaux dentaires introduits par Wilson et Kent en 1971. Ils sont utilisés dans de nombreux domaines et plus particulièrement pour les restaurations dentaires. Plusieurs facteurs tels que l’étanchéité, le mimétisme et l’esthétique sont indispensables au maintien à long terme, au sein de la cavité buccale, des restaurations réalisées en technique directe. Les techniques de finition et de polissage assurent l’intégration esthétique et fonctionnelle de ces matériaux et favorisent leur succès à long terme. En 2007, une revue de la littérature faisait l’état des connaissances scientifiques sur les méthodes de finition et de polissage disponibles sur le marché pour les ciments verres ionomères. Les résultats obtenus démontraient que l’instrumentation idéale pour leur finition et leur polissage n’était pas encore disponible. Cependant, les séquences de disques Sof-Lex® semblaient être les plus appropriées pour la finition et le polissage de ces matériaux. Les recherches cliniques et industrielles permettent une constante évolution des techniques et des matériaux. L’objectif de cette thèse d’exercice est de recenser au travers de la littérature scientifique, les instruments, les méthodes de finition et de polissage les plus appropriées pour les ciments verres ionomères.

Objectives: The main purpose of this review is to study the following parameters: depth of cure (DOC), degree of conversion (DC) and polymerization shrinkage, of bulk fill resin-based composites in the context of coronary restorations. In a second time, it also addresses the question of the use of these bulk fill composite in the daily practice. Materials and Methods: The literature review is based on the PubMed, SienceDirect and EBSCO databases. It includes 80 articles up to 07/08/18. Results: As claimed by composites manufacturers, most of the bulk fill resin tested sustained a depth of cure of 4mm. Flowable composites reach a better degree of conversion than the packable composites. On the other hand packable forms show less polymerization shrinkage than the flowable forms. Conclusion: The variation of the results - both between composites and across different studies for a single composite - as well as their dispersion (high relative standard deviation) demand to be cautious in our interpretation. Before drawing further conclusions, it is therefore necessary to design specific standardized protocols for the study of bulk fill composites., Objectifs : L’ objectif principal de cette revue de littérature est d’étudier, les paramètres suivants : profondeur de polymérisation (DOC), degré de conversion (DC) et stress de polymérisation (SP) des composites bulk fill dans des cas de restauration coronaires. L’ objectif secondaire est d’émettre des pistes de réflexion sur le fait d’utiliser les résines bulk fill dans la pratique quotidienne. Matériels et méthodes : Recherche bibliographique manée sur PubMed, EBSCO et ScienceDirect, 80 articles ont été inclus. L’ arrêt des recherches a été fixé au 07/08/18. Résultats : Conformément aux promesses des fabricants, la majorité des composites bulk fill testés peuvent atteindre une profondeur de polymérisation moyenne de 4mm. Les formes fluides ont un meilleur degré de conversion moyen que les formes condensables. Les formes condensables présentent moins de stress de polymérisation que les fluides. Conclusion : La variabilité des résultats inter et intra composites ainsi que la dispersion importante (coefficient de variation élevé), imposent une certaine prudence dans l’interprétation. Il semble donc nécessaire de développer des protocoles expérimentaux standardisés spécifiques à l’étude des bulk fill pour limiter ces biais.

Oral allergies to dental materials are a growing problem and remain poorly diagnosed by health professionals. The complaints of patients with oral allergy are various and include sensations of burning or stinging of the oral mucosa, sensations of dryness of the oral cavity, or general symptoms such as headache, dyspepsia, asthenia, arthralgia, and myalgia. Signs suggestive of oral allergy include erythema, edema, purpuric patches on the palate, ulcerations of the oral mucosa (canker sore), gingivitis, glossitis mimicking geographic tongue, angular cheilitis, peri-oral eczema or the presence of lichenoid reactions of the oral mucosa. The diagnosis of an allergy will include data from the anamnesis, the clinical examination, as well as the results of allergy tests: epicutaneous tests (patch tests) or cutaneous tests (prick tests), possibly completed by a blood test ( in vitro lymphoblastic transformation test ou LTT).Les allergies orales aux matériaux dentaires représentent un problème croissant et demeurent peu diagnostiquées par les professionnels de la santé. Les plaintes des patients présentant une allergie buccale sont variées et compor tent des sensations de brûlures ou de picotements de la muqueuse buccale, des sensations de sécheresse de la cavité buccale ou des symptômes généraux de type céphalée, dyspepsie, asthénie, arthralgies, myalgies. Les signes qui peuvent faire suspecter une allergie de la cavité buccale sont la présence d’un érythème, d’un oedème ou piqueté purpurique du palais, des ulcérations de la muqueuse buccale (aphtes), une gingivite, une glossite dépapillante, une perlèche, un eczéma péribuccal ou encore la présence de réactions lichénoïdes de la muqueuse buccale. Le diagnostic d’une allergie comprendra les données de l’anamnèse, de l’examen clinique, ainsi que les résultats des tests d’allergies : tests épicutanés (patch tests) ou cutanés (prick tests), complétés éventuellement par un test sanguin (test de transformation lymphoblastique in vitro ou LTT).

Les amalgames dentaires constituent des matériaux d'obturation utilisés pour le traitement des lésions carieuses depuis plus de 150 ans. Cependant le mercure servant de base à la préparation des amalgames est universellement considéré comme un toxique très dangereux pour l'être humain. L'objectif de ce travail est de monter à travers un cas clinique certains signes locaux et généraux d'intoxication au mercure, les précautions à prendre lors de la dépose des amalgames, ainsi que les solutions de remplacements actuels qu'on doit proposer à nos patients. En réalité la toxicité des amalgames n'est que la partie émergée de l'iceberg. Les autres métaux employés en dentisterie peuvent également provoquer des problèmes importants en induisant des effets galvaniques, des intolérances, des allergies, des réactions d'intoxication ou de sub-intoxication. En matière de santé publique, ces motifs justifient amplement l'intérêt que tout thérapeute doit accorder aux alternatives prothétiques n'incluant pas de métal. Dental amalgams are dental filling materials which have been used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay for more than 150 years. However, mercury used as a basis for the preparation of amalgams is universally regarded as toxic and thus very dangerous for the human being. This clinical case report aimed to describe some local and general signs of mercury poisoning, to emphasize necessary precautions during amalgam filling and to highlight current replacement techniques that should be proposed to our patients. In effect, amalgam toxicity is just the tip of the iceberg. Other metals used in dentistry can cause significant problems bringing about galvanic effects, intolerances, allergies, toxic and subtoxic reactions. In public health, this is a sufficient reason to justify therapists’ interest in non-metal prosthetic alternatives.

This study aims to evaluate dental decay incidence and DMF index, plaque index and gingival index, and to assess the satisfaction/dissatisfaction in acrylic removal partial denture wearers (ARPD) and in partial edentate no wearers. It aims to improve the therapeutic management in prosthetic oral rehabilitation in DR Congo.This prospective cohort interventional randomized study on 376 patients enrolled and divided into two groups (with and without denture prosthesis) was performed in University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa Medical Center and Clinic Glory during the period August 2008 to August 2010.Three hundred seventy-six patients (376) with 163 men (47 ± 16 years) and 213 women (42 ± 15 years) were followed. Of the 376 patients randomized, 189 were of "prosthesis" group and 187 were in the group "without aid". Both groups were regularly reviewed every 6 months for 2 years. Ten thousand four hundred and fifty-two (10452) teeth were examined (5149 teeth to the group "prosthesis" and 5303 for the teeth "without prosthesis" group. On hundred and twenty-nine (129) teeth that presented caries, 110 (82.96 per cent) are decayed teeth in the "prosthesis" group and 19 (17.04 per cent) are in the group "without prosthesis" (p = 0.00). The index Tooth Decayed, Missing, Filled (CAD) to start of the study for each group was 0.2. Two years after the index rose to 0.3 for the group "prosthesis" and remained steady (0.2) for the group "without prosthesis". The "prosthesis" group showed plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) above 0.99 (SD: ± 0.28) and 1.27 (SD: ± 0.43) than normal compared to those of the "no aid" group (0.46 ± 0.15 and 0.32 ± 0.12). The differences were statistically significant for both indices between the two groups (p = 0.00). Overall satisfaction rate for the "prosthesis" group was 26.4% while for the group "without prosthesis" satisfaction rate is 80.9%.This study shows that improved oral hygiene and regular check of the RPD acrylic resin carriers become a concern for establishing a true oral health policy.

To assess the quality of proximal coronary restorations and bring out the factors influencing this quality.A transversal study on 160 radiographs of proximal coronary restorations was conducted at the University Center of Dental Consultation and Treatment of Rabat. Restorations were evaluated according to the modified USPHS criteria. Four variables were studied: restoration material, treated tooth, cavity type and location of treatment in order to identify the influencing factors.Forty five per cent of the evaluated proximal coronary restorations required replacement. The main cause of failure was recurrent caries in 36% of cases, followed by the absence of the contact point (24.4%), unacceptable proximal coronary outline (13.8%), and finally dentin exposure (6.9%). Thus, it turned out that there is a difficulty to restore correctly posterior proximal cavities especially using amalgam and a high rate of recurrent caries at both the anterior and posterior teeth.Both a clinical and a radiographic evaluation after each proximal restoration would be recommended to reduce failure.

Today manufacturing process of dental implant parts allows for a precision of fit between implant and abutment of several microns. This microgap opens and closes under occlusal forces, leading to a pumping effect and to a contamination of the implant from bacteria and oral fluids. This kind of contamination is seen in all systems even if less often with internal connections that offers a better fit. Apart from this junction area, the screw well is another contamination pathway if the filling materials do not guarantee a hermetic sealing. The nature of contamination depends on the surrounding oral flora. When present, contamination leads to a persistent inflammatory reaction nearby the seal. The use of antiseptics or other materials for sealing the microgap decreases the risk of contamination and improves the gingival reaction. However, these solutions are time-limited.

Summary Introduction In daily orthodontic clinical practice retention is very important, and lingual retainers are part of this challenge. The failure of lingual retainers may be due to many factors. The aim of this study was to assess the retention forces and mechanical behavior of different types of wires matched with different kinds of composites in lingual retainers. Methods A tensile test was performed on cylindrical composite test specimens bonded to orthodontic wires. The specimens were constructed using four different wires: a straight wire (Remanium .016×.022″ Dentaurum), two round twisted wires (Penta One .0215″ Masel, Gold Penta Twisted .0215″ Gold N’braces) and a rectangular braided wire (D-Rect .016×.022″ Ormco); and three composites: two micro-hybrids (Micro-Hybrid Enamel Plus HFO Micerium, and Micro-Hybrid SDR U Dentsply) and a micro-nano-filled composite (Micro-Nano-Filled Transbond LR 3M). The test was performed at a speed of 10 mm/min on an Instrom device. The wire was fixed with a clamp. Results The results showed that the bonding between wires and composites in lingual fixed retainers seemed to be lowest for rectangular smooth wires and increased in round twisted and rectangular twisted wires where the bonding was so strong that the maximum tension/bond strength was greater than the ultimate tensile strength of the wire. The highest values were in rectangular twisted wires. Concerning the composites, hybrid composites had the lowest interface bonding values and broke very quickly, while the nano- and micro-composites tolerated stronger forces and displayed higher bonding values. The best results were observed with the golden twisted wire and reached 21.46 MPa with the Transbond composite. With the rectangular braided wire the retention forces were so high that the Enamel Plus composite fractured when the load exceeded 154.6 N/MPa. When the same wire was combined with the Transbond LR either the wire or the composite broke when the force exceeded 240 N. Conclusions The results of this study show that, when selecting a lingual retainer in daily clinical practice, not only must the patient's compliance and dependability be considered but also the mechanical properties and composition of different combinations of composites and wires.

Cohesive fracture of the veneering ceramic (chipping) is the first cause of failure of zirconia-based prostheses on natural teeth and implants. Besides risk factors related to the material (thermal stresses generated during the manufacturing process, framework inappropriate design), there are some clinical risk factors, which can influence the restoration prognosis. Indeed, unfavorable occlusal relationships and/or the presence of parafunctions such as bruxism and clenching, which are frequent pathologies, engender significant overloading. A retrospective study was performed at the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Liege on 147 dental and implants prostheses, placed between May 2003 and January 2012. This study highlighted a significant correlation between chipping and the absence of an occlusal nightguard (p = 0.0048), the presence of a ceramic restoration as an antagonist (p = 0.013), the presence of occlusal parafunctions (p = 0.018), and the presence of implants as support of the restorations (p = 0.026). These results underline the importance of external stress and occlusal risk factors diagnosis, as the need to perform an occlusal nightguard to patients with parafunctions.

Orthodontic mini-screws are developing more and more because they make orthodontics easier and broaden its applications. This exponential development has arrived at a well defined mini-screw and a codified installation procedure. The aim of this article is to provide the conceptual elements of mini-screws in order to allow their safe use in orthodontic offices.

Patient demand for invisible esthetic orthodontic appliances is steadily increasing. Two types of orthodontic appliances have a high rate of patient acceptance. The lingual technique has continually evolved by offering both prefabricated brackets or custom-made brackets. The various techniques have been improved over time, and the results are better than ever. Thermoplastic aligners are an alternative to lingual devices and their use is rapidly growing. Their specific properties make it easier to assess their indications and limitations. A review of the literature, the development of these systems and a presentation of some clinical examples of treated cases will help us to provide some of the basics for understanding each of these two types of appliances and to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

The presence of enamel cracks is not only due to the removal process. It is all the stages before that we need to consider. 1. The presence of risks factors before the treatment (cracks, trauma...) have to be explained to the patient and recorded. 2. The choice of bracket placement: the buccal side is responsible for less cracks than the lingual one. 3. Ceramic brackets need higher debonding forces than metal ones; metal reinforced orthodontic ceramic brackets could be an interesting approach. 4. CVIMR could be better than classic bonds. 5. In case of multiple rebondings, it is better not to etch enamel again but only to level the resin left on tooth surface. 6. Alternatives to removing brackets by pliers are studied, especially for the removal of ceramic brackets to thwart the high debonding force problem : heat, laser...

Orthodontic tooth movement with aligners poses challenges peculiar to removable appliances. The mechanical limitations of aligners can be overcome, to some extent, by increasing the aligner grip on teeth as well as by choosing elastic materials in their fabrication. Sound planning together with the use of auxiliaries can result in obtaining satisfactory results for the patients who seek an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable alternative to fixed appliance systems. The salient features of the Orthocaps System are the use of elastic thermoplastics, precision scanning, high pressure thermoforming, 3D interactive set-ups for treatment planning and approval, treatment evaluation at regular intervals during treatment and a unique attachment design (friction pads).

This article describes the protocol for creation of a fiber-reinforced composite bridge for temporary treatment of traumatic tooth loss affecting young adult dentition. This non-invasive solution is justified by the time lapse between the end of orthodontic treatment and the moment when the state of maturity of the various tissues makes it possible to install a conventional or implant-based prosthesis.

Les soins pulpaires en denture lactéale sont les soins fréquemment réalisés en odontologie pédiatrique et la réaction pulpaire ainsi que les mécanismes de réparation tissulaire lors d’un traumatisme ne sont pas très bien connus ou investigués. En se référant à la littérature dentaire, on constate que les recherches sont souvent focalisées sur la denture définitive.Objectifs1) Etudier l’influence du traitement avec divers matériaux sur la formation dentinaire, la structure tissulaire et le degré d’inflammation.2) Acquérir des connaissances sur l’interaction à l’interface matériau/tissu.3) Etudier le rôle de la voie de signalisation Notch (1 et 2) dans le processus de remaniement et réparation du tissu pulpaire en cas de traumatisme.Matériels et méthodesDeux types de soins pulpaires, la pulpotomie et le coiffage direct, sont réalisés sur les dents lactéales porcines et les résultats sont étudiés après 3 périodes :7 jours, 21-28 jours et 90 jours.La pulpotomie :8 matériaux, 10 dents par matériau, 2 matériaux par cochon et par période pour un total de 240 dents.Le coiffage direct :10 matériaux, 10 dents par matériau, 2 matériaux par cochon et par période pour un total de 300 dents.Par la suite, différentes techniques ont été utilisées :1. La microscopie optique :étude des coupes histologiques après coloration.2. La microscopie électronique à transmission :observer les caractéristiques morphologiques du tissu pulpaire et analyser les structures cellulaires en détail. L’objectif principal de cette recherche était centré sur les biomatériaux pour la période de 21-28 jours afin d’examiner l’interaction entre le biomatériau et le complexe dentino-pulpaire après leur placement.123. La voie de signalisation Notch (1 et 2): investiguer l’intervention éventuelle de cette voie dans le processus de régénération tissulaire par différenciation des cellules pour les deux périodes de 7 et 21-28 jours pour tous les matériaux utilisés.RésultatsA. Microscopie optique :1. La pulpotomie :les biomatériaux provoquent moins d’infiltrat de cellules inflammatoires au niveau du tissu pulpaire et favorisent la déposition dentinaire.2. Le coiffage direct :on obtient les mêmes résultats que dans le cadre de la pulpotomie.B. Microscopie électronique en transmission :1. L’induction du tissu calcifié ou la formation de néo-dentine s’est seulement produite au niveau du site de l’exposition après le placement des biomatériaux dans les 2 types du traitement (pulpotomie & coiffage direct). En revanche aucune formation du tissu calcifié n’a été observée dans le parenchyme pulpaire à distance du site de l’exposition.2. Cet examen montre que les cellules en contact des biomatériaux ou même à proximité de ces derniers présentent un réticulum endoplasmique élargi parallèle à la longueur de la cellule. Des mitochondries, plusieurs appareils de Golgi et des éléments denses sont observés dans le cytoplasme cellulaire.3. Cet examen a également montré que le MTA et le WPC, considérés par la littérature dentaire comme non-résorbables, sont phagocytés par les cellules histiocytaires.C. Voie de signalisation de Notch :Nos recherches n’ont pas montré de marquage concluant pour aucun de matériaux sauf dans le cadre de coiffage direct pour les dents traitées au MTA et Ca(OH)2 pour la période de 7 jours. Par contre, aucun marquage n’est observé après 21-28 jours., Doctorat en Sciences dentaires, info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

The aim of temporary retention is not to eliminate every causes of relapse and to ensure the stability of treatment, but to eliminate one cause of relapse: the periodontal reactions consecutive to the orthodontic displacement of teeth. The other causes of relapse must be eliminated by the treatment itself, and not by retention. To be effective the retention must be immediate, complete and prolonged. The most used temporary retainers are: the Hawley retainer, the vacuum-retainers and the bonded retainers. None of which is perfect. Only the permanent retention can ensure the stability whatever the cause of relapse. The risks of permanent retainers are not yet well known.

Thirty-six inlays, equally divided between a vitro ceramic and a composite resin, were bonded in pair, on the same type of teeth in fifteen patients. They were followed for a mean period of 75 months. The results showed that both materials were clinically acceptable for restoring posterior teeth, even though ceramic yielded significantly better results concerning colour match and surface roughness.

Many lasers (i.e., different wavelengths) are available today for clinical applications. Not all lasers are to be used for cavity preparation and removal of carious tissues. Erbiumlasers (Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG) are suitable for these purposes (the wavelengths coincide with the highest absorption peaks of water and hydroxyapatite). The advantages during cavity preparation and caries removal are smear layer free cavity walls, selective and localised removal of tooth substance, a restricted need or the absence of anaesthesia, and cavity walls with a higher acid resistance resulting in a better protection against secondary decay. Possible side effects of erbium lasers with water cooling and used with respect for correct power setting are minimal and can be compared with those of rotary instruments. Erbium laser tooth preparation is now one of the options in the minimal invasive approach. The needs for acid etching has been debated for long. At present it has become clear that acid etching is mandatory to obtain a good adhesion and retention with resin composites.

The removable prosthesis, odontological speciality which has as a role the replacement of the absent teeth, generally uses removable metal prostheses. These prostheses are made of alloys in which cobalt occupies a significant proportion. Being placed in an electrolytic (saliva) and biological (bacteria) medium, they are prone to degradation by phenomena of corrosion. In order to study in vitro the electrochemical behavior of the alloy cobalt-chromium, we subjected this metal part to anodic polarization in a synthetic salivary solution.The electrochemical study was carried out at the biophysics laboratory of Casablanca medicine faculty. The equipment used for the voltamperometric study being voltalab PGZ 100 version 4.05 with the voltamaster 4 software.The results were collected in the form of potentiometric curves and of polarization curves, witch enabled us to determine the corrosion resistance of the alloy cobalt-chromium in salivary medium.Our work highlighted that the acidity of the salivary solution has a negative effect on the alloy cobalt-chromium and that the surface quality gotten by a good polishing takes part to reinforce the corrosion resistance.

Bonding is a major component of our therapeutic arsenal. We routinely bond attachments to enamel as well as to other surfaces including dentin, ceramic, acrylic, steel, amalgam, and gold, especially for adult patients. This procedure poses certain technical problems for which adapted and specific technical protocols can provide solutions.

The bonding procedures used in the Incognito system are now well known. Practitioners can work with either a protocol for Maximum-cure which utilizes a hydrophobic and chemo-polymerizable adhesive or an adhesive that is dual and hydrophilic, the association Nexus 3/Excite. Clinically the two protocols provide equivalent results in the quality of the bonding seal for attachments. They are simple to use, but in applying them practitioners must scrupulously follow the manufacturer's recommended stages of procedure.

Retention constitutes a distinct stage of orthodontic therapy. It takes place after the conclusion of active treatment, which makes it a difficult procedure when an orthodontic appliance has been placed on the lingual surfaces of teeth. This article presents a method for fabricating and bonding a retainer during the appointment devoted to removal of the fixed appliance. This technique is a new approach that uses silicone not plaster for obtaining a working model. The step-by-step procedure is outlined in detail, from the taking of the impression to the bonding of the retainer.

Enamel conditioning (elimination of dental plaque and creation of an irregular surface) is an essential step before bonding of orthodontic brackets. The most popular procedure in our practice is bonding with resin which requires enamel etching in order to get enough shear bond strength. Many studies have tried to evaluate the effects of enamel bonding using the acid-etching procedure as well as the changes caused by detachment of brackets. Thanks to the development of other adhesives such as glass ionomer cements which chemically bind to the enamel, new enamel conditioning methods appeared, in particular sandblasting with aluminium oxide particles. This technique is a mechanical preparation of the tooth that avoids the harmful effects of acid products. By suitably choosing the parameters of sandblasting (pressure, time and quantity of powder), enamel loss is lower than with the acid-etch procedure and the surface of the enamel seems less affected. However the bond strength remains superior to the values required for treatment. The presented results indicate that enamel sandblasting can be considered as an alternative for the acid-etching technique currently used in orthodontic practice because it creates sufficient strength and respects enamel thickness better.

Dental amalgam containing mercury has been condemned because of its toxicity and hence to be damaging of harmful to the general health. It must be clear that many sensational, confusing and misleading reports have been published. Today there is evidence that dental amalgam in the oral cavity does not harm anyone's health. For those who are condemning amalgam there an abundant number of alarming reports taking into consideration the biologic effects of resin composites: methacrylate allergy for dentists and dental technicians, the three-finger-syndrome due to contact with liquid resin, allergic reactions at the level of the airways and breathing problems caused by dust particles (esp. composite particles after polishing procedures) have been described. It can be concluded that dental amalgam is not more toxic than resin composite in light of both patients' and dental care providers' health. Recent investigations demonstrated higher than expected health risks with resin composites.

The two direct dental restorative materials most commonly used today are silver-mercury amalgam and resin-based composite. The survival of dental amalgam restorations is twice as high than for composite fillings: polymerisation shrinkage, deficient marginal adaptation, higher wear rates, defective contact points leading to food impaction, insufficiently converted composite at the bottom of the cavity are problems that cannot be underestimated when using resin-composite. This does not imply that there is no weakness for amalgam: the need for retentive cavities at the cost of healthy tooth substance, weakening of the tooth's strength by cutting through the tooth crown's ridges, the risk of fracture of remaining tooth substance (mostly buccal and lingual surfaces) as the result of the cavity design, and the lack of adhesion between amalgam and tooth substance. Retaining a tooth's strength by the replacement of amalgam by resin-composites is not always the correct solution. In this respect, it can be questioned whether it is not appropriate to repair failing (extensive) amalgam restorations as to replace them with resin-composites. Research in this respect has demonstrated that dentists still are not convinced of this treatment option. Restoring a tooth in its original build-up or structure and function within the oral cavity is the basis of the biomimetic principle: the use of composite appears to be more obvious than restoring with amalgam. In the present survey pro's and con's of amalgams and resin-composites for the restoration of posterior teeth are weighted. The conclusion demonstrates that there is still a place for dental amalgam in modern restorative dentistry when plastic filling materials are used for the direct tooth repair or restoration.

The manufacturers of self-ligating brackets advertise a reduction of the friction engendered between the wire and the bracket, which is an essential parameter for treatment's speed and comfort. We have compared the friction obtained with four types of self-ligating brackets - In-Ovation R, Damon 3, Smart Clip and Quick - with that of a standard bracket Omniarch associated with an elastomeric ligature. All bracket were tested on a bench of traction with three types of wires: steel .019"x.025", TMA .019"x.025" and NEO sentalloy F300 .020"x.020". The results confirm a clear friction reduction for all tested wire.

Violation of the biologic width could induce different periodontal consequences depending on many factors such as the type of the restorative material used. In this study, the histological performance and the marginal adaptation of three filling materials (amalgam, composite resin and compomer) are evaluated after a period of three months. Class V cavities with apical margin located at the alveolar bone crest were prepared on Pointer dogs teeth and restored with these three materials. Histological analysis showed that lesions in epithelial attachment were mainly noticed with amalgam fillings and the scale of inflammatory cells was the highest when amalgam was used. Compomer showed the best marginal adaptation.

Occlusal splint are defined as intra-oral devices mostly indicated to modify the occlusal relationship between maxillar and mandibular dental arches. Among the different shapes of occlusal splint, an updating seemed necessary to the authors. The main indications for occlusal splint are represented by temporomandibular disorders and teeth protection. Occlusal splints are usually made of hard resin and are, generally, carried on the mandibular jaw. Total occlusal splint are preferable to partial occlusal splint, except in some emergent cases. The smooth occlusal splints are needed for musculo-articular disorders when the indentated splints are reserved for mandibular repositioning in articular temporomandibular joint disorders.

The use of a fixed transitional prosthesis in implantology remains quite seldom, although the concept of temporization and progressive loading of prosthetic restorations has become a main issue in modern dentistry. Fixed tansitional prostheses play an important role in the validation of full-arch implant-supported restorations, and in the success of implant treatments in general. This paper reviews the basic treatment principles, and discusses the different technical options available to the clinician. In simple cases, a hard resin bridge may be sufficient. However, for complex cases, we should better use fixed implant-supported temporary prosthesis, made in resin on a metallic infrastructure. Moreover, this one could be use as the framework of the permanent prosthesis. This technical solution offers the best guaranty for implant and oral rehabilitation validation before the permanent prosthesis installation.

In the presence of anterior unitary tooth loss, the therapeutical arsenal of the practitioner remains the implant solution. But, at the young patients who have not completed their growth, it's necessary to pass by a transitional stage. The bonded bridges reinforced by a polyethylene fibbers splint such as Ribbond THM constitute an alternative of choice to solve the aesthetic damage in the short and medium term while waiting for the prosthesis with implant. It's a similar case that is reported through this article.

In contrast with work-related allergies amongst dentists and dental prosthetictists, allergies in patients followed in orthodontics concerning the materials placed in the mouth were rare. It may be a question of limited manifestations in the buccal cavity (urticaria, angio-oedema, stomatitis, chellitis), or more generalised manifestations (Quincke's oedema, eczema). The number of materials used in orthodontics is limited. The observations concerning metals are less numerous whilst those that concern the resins are exceptional. On the other hand, the risk linked to latex is very real. Allergy investigations require skin tests, sometimes to mucous tests and in some cases to provocation tests. Use of eviction measures may be not only the only diagnostic method but also a therapeutic method. Systematic search for an allergy to metal or a resin posed by the prosthetic material does not seem to be necessary. In the case of suspicion of latex, confirmed ultimately by an allergic history, this imposes start of the eviction measures.