Abstract:

The protocol of temporomandibular joint therapy (Latin: articulatio temporomandibularis) should include the cooperation between an orthodontist, dental practitioner and osteopath in a holistic approach to the patient. Dysfunctions of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) affect the function of the joint, which over time may change the structure of the joint and have an impact on the function of distant and seemingly unrelated joints.

From the osteopathic point of view, the structure of tissues and organs determines their function. Thanks to osteopathic medicine, which is a medical specialisation, and the medical care system where diagnostics and manual treatment are applied based on the mechanisms of an integral connection between the structure and functions of the body, it is possible to treat all tissues, organs and systems.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the level of dental hygienists’ exposure to occupational hazards caused by torso tilting and twisting. The study involved 210 dental hygienists. The research was carried out with the aid of a questionnaire prepared in accordance with the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) method. The survey showed that only 3.8% of dental hygienists perform procedures at an allowed tilting degree of up to 10° angle. 62.9% of the respondents indicated that they incline at an angle of ≤ 20°, 31.4% in the range of 20° to 60°, and 1.9% > 60°.

Moreover, 79% of the respondents admitted to twisting their torsos during work. The studied group of dental hygienists has been found to be at a very high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, since over 96% of the respondents admitted to inclining their torsos during work at an angle greater than acceptable 10°.

The results show urgent need for implementing educational and preventive programs in this professional group.

Abstract: The process of sintering zirconium, ceramic or powder metal occurs naturally under the impact of heat, the direction of which is determined by a decrease of Gibbs free energy, accompanying the reduction in the development of the system’s free surface. This process causes fine grains that are in contact with one another to bond after reaching an appropriate temperature, however lower than their melting point. During grain bonding, there is a contraction of the entire system and loose or poorly bonded grains turn into solid polycrystals characterised by high strength, which can be used in dental prosthetics.

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate occlusion stability of complete dentures made with the use of occlusal rims on a hard base plate and occlusal rims on baseplate wax.

Material and methods: The research was conducted on a group of 20 edentulous patients, both males and females, aged 65 to 72 years. The patients were divided into two groups (A and B). A complete denture was made for each patient. Occlusal rims on modelling baseplate wax were used to register centric occlusion in group A, whereas occlusal rims on a hard plate were used in group B. The further execution procedure was carried out in a conventional way. After the dentures had been handed over, the patients reported for check-up visits after 24 hours, 48 hours and after a week. Following three months of use of the new restorations, a clinical evaluation of the complete dentures was performed and the stability of occlusion in the new dentures was examined using the Woelfel and Willis gauges.

Results: The height of the freeway space in all patients in both groups was within 1–4 mm, which indicates the correct vertical relation between the mandible and the maxilla. Differences occur in the horizontal relation. Thirty percent of the patients in group A were classified to Class I based on the Woelfel gauge and 70% to Class II. Fifty percent of the patients in group B were classified into Class III and Class IV.

Summary: Improved occlusion stability was achieved with dentures made with the use of occlusal rims on a hard plate.

Abstract: Contemporary dental treatment is based on a holistic approach to problems of the oral cavity and cooperation of specialists from various disciplines of dentistry. It is particularly well-observed among adult patients requiring the correction of malocclusion. Previous conservative and prosthetic treatment should be taken into consideration during such therapy. Dental braces are gaining in popularity and are increasingly more often bonded not only to enamel, but also to the surfaces of prosthetic crowns. Thus, certain special procedures are necessary to achieve the required adhesive connection.

The aim of this paper, based on available literature, is to present the methods of conditioning composite, metal and ceramic restorations aimed at achieving the greatest bond strength with the base of orthodontic brackets.

Abstract: This paper describes procedures for making bonded porcelain restorations in the CEREC® system, as well as presents the advantages of using this CAD/CAM system at every stage of work. The included case report of the aesthetic reconstruction of the maxillary anterior region provides detailed information about the preparation and cementation of the restoration. The article includes also a presentation of the laboratory planning phase in the Cerec inLab software.