Three-dimensional printed surgical guides increase the precision of orthodontic mini-implant placement. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of disinfection and of two types of autoclave sterilization on the mechanical properties of 3D printed surgical guides obtained via the SLA (stereolithography) and DLP (digital light processing) printing methods. A total of 96 standard specimens (48 SLA and 48 DLP) were printed to analyze the tensile and flexural properties of the materials. A total of 80 surgical guide (40 SLA and 40 DLP) specimens from each printing method were classified into four groups: CG (control group); G1, disinfected with 4% Gigasept (Gigasept Instru AF; Schülke & Mayer Gmbh, Norderstedt, Germany); G2, autoclave-sterilized (121 °C); and G3, autoclave-sterilized (134 °C). Significant differences in the maximum compressive load were determined between the groups comprising the DLP-(p < 0.001) and the SLA- (p < 0.001) printed surgical guides. Groups G2 (p = 0.001) and G3 (p = 0.029) showed significant parameter modifications compared with the CG. Disinfection with 4% Gigasept (Gigasept Instru AF; Schülke & Mayer Gmbh, Norderstedt, Germany) is suitable both for SLA- and DLP-printed surgical guides. Heat sterilization at both 121 °C and 134 °C modified the mechanical properties of the surgical guides.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of feldspathic ceramic laminate veneers over a 7-year period using minimally invasive techniques, such as vertical preparation (without prosthetic finish line), or no preparation (no-prep). A total of 170 feldspathic ceramic veneers were cemented in the anterior region, including 70 maxillary and 100 mandibular veneers, after special conditioning of the teeth and restorations. The veneers were evaluated using the FDI World Dental Federation criteria evaluation kit after recalling all the patients between February and June 2021. In total, 14 feldspathic veneers failed and were replaced with lithium disilicate because of core fracture, and 10 cases of chipping occurred on the ceramic surface and were polished. The overall survival rate was 91.77% for up to 7 years of function, with a failure rate of 8.23%. In this retrospective survival analysis, the failures, including the fracture of veneers and dental hard tissue, occurred both in prep and no-prep teeth. No failures were observed in veneers with a maximum thickness of 0.5 mm compared to those with a maximum thickness of 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 2.5 mm.

Ceramic materials have gained outstanding popularity in restorative and prosthetic dentistry due to their combination of high biocompatibility, mechanical durability, and natural esthetics. Among the most important developments in this field are the use of zirconia- and glass-based ceramics for various applications. Zirconia ceramics, especially yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP), are famous for their high mechanical strength, transformation toughening, chemical stability, and great biocompatibility. Newer generations like 4Y/5Y-PSZ zirconia have addressed the demand for higher translucency, meeting esthetic requirements. Glass–ceramics, including lithium disilicate and leucite-reinforced systems, are preferred for their optical properties, etchability, and strong adhesive bonding. Their microstructure provides a balance between strength and esthetics, supporting minimally invasive restorations with long-term clinical success. Both zirconia and glass–ceramics exhibit favorable biological responses, including low plaque accumulation and soft tissue compatibility. The goal of ongoing research is to overcome limitations, such as low-temperature degradation, bonding limitations, and surface durability. Also, to improve mechanical performance and functional integration, new approaches include 3D printing, graded materials, nanostructuring, and bioactive coatings. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the composition, properties, clinical applications, current limitations, and future perspectives of zirconia- and glass-based ceramics in restorative dentistry.

Background and Objectives: This five-year retrospective study evaluated the survival and clinical performance of 1143 zirconium oxide restorations, including both monolithic (144) and layered (999) restorations. Materials and Methods: The analysis included clinical records and follow-up data of patients treated with zirconium oxide restorations. Failures in layered restorations were examined, particularly focusing on chipping caused by unsupported feldspathic ceramic exceeding 1.5 mm. Monolithic restorations were used as a benchmark for durability. Results: The results demonstrated a high overall survival rate of 96.3%, with monolithic restorations achieving a perfect survival rate of 100%, while layered restorations had a survival rate of 95.8%. Failures in the layered restorations were primarily associated with chipping, especially when the unsupported feldspathic ceramic exceeded 1.5 mm. Conclusions: This finding highlights the importance of maintaining adequate support for the ceramic layer to prevent such complications. Monolithic restorations, in contrast, showed superior durability, with no failures reported, making them a more reliable option for long-term success. These findings emphasize the need for the careful selection of zirconium oxide restoration types based on the clinical context, particularly in cases where durability is critical.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate patients’ satisfaction with the esthetic outcomes of combined endodontic and prosthetic treatments for devitalized or dyschromic teeth, a condition influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that present a growing concern in modern dentistry. Methods: A total of 104 patients, including 43 men and 61 women, underwent treatment using lithium disilicate restorations for esthetic zones and zirconium oxide restorations for regions with higher occlusal demands. Patient satisfaction was evaluated through a post-treatment questionnaire, classifying responses as either “satisfied” or “dissatisfied”. Dissatisfied participants were further asked to specify their concerns. Results: The study revealed a high satisfaction rate of 93%. Dissatisfaction was slightly more prevalent among women than men, but this difference was statistically insignificant. The primary reasons for dissatisfaction included darker restoration color, chipping, and gingival recessions. Conclusions: Combined endodontic and prosthetic treatments, utilizing lithium disilicate and zirconium oxide restorations, achieved high levels of patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, addressing specific issues, such as color matching and gingival health, could enhance outcomes further.

Purpose: To establish a protocol for reducing the drilling sequence during implant site preparation based on temperature and insertion torque. The traditional conventional drilling sequence (used several drills with 0.6-mm increment each time) was compared with the proposed short drilling protocol (only used 2 drills: initial and final drill). Materials and Methods: One hundred drilling osteotomies were performed in bovine and porcine bones. Sets of 2 osteotomy sites were created in 5 bone densities using 2 types of drilling protocols. Thermographic pictures were captured throughout all drilling procedures and analyzed using ThermaCAM Researcher Professional 2.10. Torque values were determined during drilling by measuring electrical input and drill speed. Results: There were statistically significant differences in bone temperature between the conventional and short drilling protocols during implant site preparation (analysis of variance P = 0.0008). However, there were no significant differences between the 2 types of drilling protocols for both implant diameters. Implant site preparation time was significantly reduced when using the short drilling protocol compared with the conventional drilling protocol (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, the short drilling protocol proposed herein may represent a safe approach for implant site preparation.