Teledentistry is an online dental care service that allows patients and dentists to meet in real time, safely, without being at the same location. During the COVID-19 pandemic, real-time videoconferencing has gained popularity in the field of teledentistry, with numerous benefits for both patients and dentists. Online consultations can minimize costs, maximize time, and provide more convenient care options for both patients and dentists. When practicing teledentistry, a dentist must establish a good doctor–patient relationship. Dentists must ensure that the telecommunication solution that they choose meets their clinical requirements and complies with privacy laws. Dentists should provide adequate information to patients about the limitations, advantages, and disadvantages that may occur during online consultation. Dentists must follow guidelines and procedures regarding informed consent, patient details, personal communications, and consultancies’ privacy and confidentiality. The patient should be aware of the limitations of teledentistry, and dentists will provide the best advice possible in the absence of a face-to-face consultation. This article discusses how teledentistry could be an effective tool for dentists and patients.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the color matching, light transmittance, and reflectance characteristics of the novel flowable resin composite OCF-001 (OCF). Methods: Fifty-four resin composite molds were made with simulated class I cavities of A2, A3, and A4 shades by filling the rubber mold interspace with Estelite Sigma Quick (ESQ), Gracefil Putty (GP) and Filtek Supremme Ultra (FSU). After applying the adhesive, three different flowable resin composites (n = 6), OCF, Gracefil LoFlo (GLF), and Supreme Ultra Flowable (SUF), were used to fill the cavities. A colorimeter was used to measure the color parameters (CIEDE2000). The color measurements were taken immediately and after 28 days. Data were analyzed using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis (α = 0.05) and Wilcoxon tests. The light transmittance and reflection characteristics were measured with a black background using a spectrophotometer under D65 illumination. Results: The ΔE00, and ΔC of OCF was lower than other tested materials in A2 and A3 shades both immediately and after 28 days. OCF showed the highest transmittance characteristic, and a relatively stable reflectance curve in all the wavelengths. Conclusions: OCF showed better shade matching with the surrounding shades of A2 and A3, a relative uniform reflectance and higher light transmission properties.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the color-matching and light transmission properties of a newly developed aesthetic flowable resin composite, OCFB-001. Methods: Rubber molds containing cylindrical cavities were filled with Estelite Sigma Quick, and 40 resin composite (CR) molds with simulated Class I cavities were prepared in shades A1, A2, A3, and A4, resulting in a total of 160 samples. Following bonding procedures, four different flowable resin composites (n = 10) were introduced into the cavities. The color difference (ΔE00) was calculated using two methods. A two-way analysis of variance was performed, and the interaction was significant, so a post hoc analysis was performed for each shade using Bonferroni’s correction. The morphology of the filler in each material was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: In the A1 shade, OCFB-001 demonstrated color differences comparable to those of other materials. However, in the A2, A3, and A4 shades, OCFB-001 exhibited significantly lower color differences (ΔE00) than the other materials, with a more consistent distribution. SEM analysis revealed that the OCFB-001 structure resembled that of Estelite Bulk Fill Flowable. Conclusions: OCFB-001 showed excellent shade matching in the A2, A3, and A4 ranges and good matching in the A1 shade, on par with existing universal-shade flowable bulk-fill resin composites.
Tooth bleaching is a widely used esthetic treatment; however, bleaching agents can temporarily alter the surface morphology of enamel, increasing surface roughness and porosity, which may lead to increased susceptibility to discoloration. This in vitro study investigated the effectiveness of fluoride varnish in preventing immediate discoloration of bovine incisors after bleaching. Specimens were bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide and treated with either Clinpro White Varnish (CW) or Enamelast Fluoride Varnish (EN), whereas control specimens received no treatment after bleaching. The samples were immersed in coffee for 24 h, and the color difference (ΔE00) was calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula. The surface morphology of enamel was examined using SEM. The fluoride varnish groups showed significantly lower color difference values than the control group (p < 0.05), with ΔE00 reduced by approximately two-thirds in both the CW and EN groups. SEM observations showed that the enamel surfaces in the varnish-treated groups exhibited reduced surface irregularities compared to the untreated group, suggesting remineralization. These results suggest that the immediate application of fluoride varnish after bleaching can effectively reduce short-term discoloration by providing physical protection and promoting remineralization. Fluoride varnish may serve as a simple and effective strategy to maintain whitening outcomes and minimize early discoloration.
Anterior midline diastema is a common esthetic concern that can adversely affect smile appearance. Direct composite resin restoration has emerged as a conservative treatment option for diastemas associated with tooth size discrepancies, as it allows intraoperative adjustment of tooth morphology and shade. Digital dentistry has improved clinical outcomes by increasing workflow efficiency, enabling integration with other healthcare technologies, and supporting more accurate and predictable treatments. The objective of this case report was to describe the management of anterior midline diastema and spacing in the maxillary anterior region using a 3D‐printed matrix to achieve the intended esthetic outcome. An optical impression was acquired using an intraoral scanner. Because the occlusal relationship of the remaining dentition was stable, the maxillomandibular relationship was recorded using the same device. A maxillary incisal matrix was digitally designed using dental CAD software and fabricated with a 3D printer in a transparent photopolymerizable resin. After the matrix was positioned on the maxillary arch, a flowable composite resin was injected into the mold and subsequently light‐cured. Occlusal interferences were eliminated, and all restorations were finished and polished using polishing strips and a silicone point. Postoperative instructions were provided. The teeth were successfully reshaped in accordance with the digital design, achieving the planned esthetic and functional improvements. Direct composite restoration using a 3D‐printed matrix provides a rapid, convenient, and predictable approach for managing anterior midline diastema. This technique enables precise transfer of the digital design to the clinical setting, allowing improved control of morphology and symmetry. A 3D‐printed matrix can therefore be considered a reliable alternative to conventional freehand composite restoration for maxillary anterior esthetic rehabilitation, particularly in cases involving midline diastema and spacing.
This in vitro study aimed to investigate whether color differences in the stained cavity floor simulating recurrent caries can be detected using various restored resin composites. Artificial teeth were made with conventional resin composite (Estellite Sigma Quick A3; ET), and class V cavities were prepared. To simulate the color of caries, a dot was marked in the center of the cavity floor using four different magic pens. The cavities were filled with ET and two universal shade resin composites (UC, Omnichroma; OMI, Essentia Universal; ESS). For photographic analysis, a standard correction color chart was used. The color difference (ΔE00) between (i) the lab value at the center of the cavity and (ii) the average lab value at 1 mm mesial and distal to the center of the cavity was calculated. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). For visual analysis, 25 dentists were asked to complete a questionnaire to determine whether the color differences were noticeable. In the photographic analysis, UC showed larger ΔE00 values than ET in all colors. Visual analysis revealed higher detection rates for UC than ET. Universal shade resin composite tends to reflect the color of the cavity more effectively than conventional resin composite.