Direct retainers are the essential components of cast removable partial dentures. However, their presence and acute visibility, when the patient smiles, can be a sore to the eye. The unaesthetic appearance of the direct retainer is a vexing problem that dentists in general and the patient in particular have to contend with. Presented herein is a literature review of the various means to either eliminate or minimize their display when the patient bears a smile.

Success in implant placement largely depends on presurgical evaluation and treatment planning. One can use a number of tools for this purpose. Imaging is an irreplaceable part of this armentarium. Today both film and filmless imaging techniques are used. This article highlights the evolution of various implant-imaging modalities from plain film radiography to the present 3D imaging.

The human characteristics of curiosity, wonder and ingenuity are as old as mankind. For many years people around the world have been harnessing their curiosity into inquiry and the process of scientific methodology. Science is the fuel for the engine of technology! And hence the fuel for progress, this article intends to highlight the success of the science and technology of miniaturization, i.e. nanotechnology in dental care applications such as composites, bonding agents, and impression materials.

Biomechanics comprises all kinds of interactions between tissues and organs of the body and the forces acting on them. Biomechanics comprises the response of the biologic tissues to the applied loads. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Attempt has been made to understand the basics of biomechanics with a view on finite-element stress distribution analysis in three situations namely: 1. To compare the stress distribution in a single implant with the narrow ceramic occlusal table and wide ceramic occlusal table. 2. To compare the stress distribution in two implants supporting a three-unit bridge, one model with implants placed parallel to each other and the other with one implant placed in angular position to the other. 3. To compare the difference in the stress distribution in six implants and four implants supporting mandibular over-denture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The three-dimensional (3-D) finite-element mesh model was modeled with the standard dimension of the implant with 11-mm long and 4-mm wide using the software package 'NISA'. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The design, number and placement of implants play an important role. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The basic principles of biomechanics must be respected.

Dentistry is going through a series of radical and important changes. So, has the field of Prosthodontics seen an introduction of numerous techniques being offered for the processing of dentures with acrylic resin according to their investing method. The investing could be done by Compression Molding Technique or Fluid Resin Technique. Compression Molding Technique normally requires gypsum mould which is rigid. The newer investing material silicone, when used for investing waxed up dentures reproduces finer details and better polish surface of acrylic resin dentures. Silicone being resilient movement of teeth during processing could be expected. The purpose of this study was to compare silicone and gypsum as a coring material for flasking. Also the movement of teeth in 3 directions i.e. medio-lateral, anterior - posterior and vertical directions were investigated and evaluated.

PURPOSE: Centric and eccentric relations of mandible can be recorded through check bites, graphic recordings, functional recordings and cephalometrics. These records are then transferred to a semi-adjustable articulator so that it can be set to simulate the human system. This study is an attempt to compare the relative accuracy of the checkbite and graphic recordings using cephalometrics as a standard. AIMS: • To compare the efficiency of hight tracer, Chandra tracer, Conventional intraoral tracer, Functiograph and Checkbite in determining centric relation. • To compare the efficiency of hight tracer, Chandra tracer, Conventional intraoral tracer, Functiograph and Checkbite in determining horizontal condylar guidance angle on Hanau H2 articulator with the aid of both centric and eccentric records. • To compare the horizontal angle values thus obtained on the Hanau H2 articulator with horizontal angle values in cephalometric tracings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hight tracer, Chandra tracer, Conventional intraoral tracer, Functiograph and Checkbite were used on 10 edentulous subjects to obtain centric and protrusive records. Lateral cephalograms were made at both centric and protrusive positions with each method and the horizontal condylar values thus obtained were compared with those obtained on Hanau H2 articulator. RESULTS: • There was no statistical difference between the cephalometric and articulator values in all the five experimental methods. • There was no significant difference between Hight tracer, Chandra tracer, Intraoral tracer, Functiograph and Checkbite methods. • Ranking the experimental methods in the order of efficiency: the first was the Intraoral tracer, second being Functiograph followed by Chandra tracer, Checkbite and Hight tracer. • Checkbite alone can be used to set the horizontal angles on the articulator in edentulous subjects, clinically. • Tracings can be used as a verificatory method. • Centric relation position was found to be the same in a subject with all the experimental methods. • Each experimental method can influence the condylar path differently in the eccentric position. CONCLUSIONS: The articulator value of horizontal condylar angle was higher than cephalometric value in majority of the subjects in all the five experimental methods.

Flaws developed during the polymerization of composites cause weakness in the final product with a decrease in the value of its mechanical properties [dimetral tensile strength (DTS)]. Therefore, reducing the flaws within the material may improve its mechanical performance. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of polymerization under pressure on the indirect tensile mechanical properties (stiffness and DTS) of light polymerized composite. As composite is a brittle material and failure occurs because of low resistance to tensile stresses, comparison between materials and their failure probability should be based on tensile properties. A special mold is prepared that enables polymerization under pressure. Stiffness (N/mm) and DTS (MPa) are analysed while loading the specimen to failure with an Instron testing machine. Thus, the effect of polymerization under pressure on properties is studied.

The eye is a vital organ not only in terms of vision but also being an important component of facial expression. Loss of eye has a crippling effect on the psychology of the patient. Treatment of such cases includes implants and acrylic eye prosthesis. Although implant eye prosthesis has superior outcome, due to economic factors it may not be advisable in all patients. So a custom-made ocular prosthesis is a good alternative. A case of a custom-made ocular acrylic prosthesis is presented here, which had acceptable fit, retention and esthetics.

This clinical report describes an interdisciplinary (oral surgery, orthodontics, and prosthodontics) approach for the coordinated treatment of a patient diagnosed with operated cleft palate and lip. On intra oral examination - gingival cleft, missing maxillary left central and lateral incisors and maxillary right premolars and orthodontic malocclusion were present. The patients' specific esthetic expectations for the anterior maxilla were successfully met through phased treatment, which included orthodontic tooth movement, distraction osteogenesis, surgical closure of the cleft, full upper arch rehabilitation with porcelain fused to metal and pink porcelain in the cleft region. Such coordinated interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment are necessary for improved esthetics, functional results in maxillary anterior areas for esthetically compromised patients in several aspects.