For some time dentists have successfully promoted the benefits of sugar-free medications. There are now over 180 sugar-free medicines manufactured and prescribed. Methadone, used in the rehabilitation of drug-users, is available as a sugar-free preparation; however, the sugar-based version is most often used. This article examines the content of methadone, explains some of the reasons for prescribing patterns and explores how a multi-disciplinary approach can be used to help methadone users with their rehabilitation and minimize risks to oral health. The wider public health and health policy implications of methadone use are discussed and the available literature reviewed.

The most commonly used denture base material, polymethyl methacrylate, lacks ideal mechanical properties, which are reflected in its relatively high failure rate. Several methods have been explored to reinforce the material and reduce the cost of denture repair and replacement. In this study, various surface modified filler particles at different concentrations were dispersed in conventional and high-impact denture base materials and tested for their improvement in mechanical properties. Inorganic filler particles were coated with different silane coupling agents using an ultrasonic device. The particulates were dispersed in the resin and the composites polymerised through an innovative dual-cure technique. Charpy impact test, single-edge notch three-point bend fracture toughness test and Biaxial Flexural Strength (BFS) were performed on the specimens. The results showed that mechanical properties of the denture base resin can be improved by incorporating filler particles; however, the surface characteristics, quantity and level of dispersion of the particles play critical role in the mechanical behaviour of the composites. The results of this study are a promising step towards developing more fracture-resistant denture base materials.

Amelogenesis imperfecta has a prevalence of 1:700 to 1:14,000, according to the populations studied and hypodontia has around 4.6−6.3% prevalence within the permanent dentitions of Caucasian European populations. Traditional treatment methods for these conditions include veneers and conventional bridges, which are invasive and unnecessarily destructive of remaining tooth tissue. The authors describe how, with the non-destructive use of bleaching, bonding and adhesive bridges, it is possible to achieve a reasonable aesthetic result in a practical way.

Objective: To assess and compare the accuracy of the marginal and internal fit of lithium disilicate crowns and onlays fabricated by conventional and digital methods. Sources: An electronic search was carried out on MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library between 2010 and 2021. Study selection: Seventeen studies published between 2014 & 2021 were included, of which thirteen were in vitro laboratory-based studies; three were in vivo clinical studies and one randomised controlled trial. Data: Twelve studies focused on the marginal fit, five focused on the marginal and internal fit. Five studies found that the marginal and internal fit of crowns were more accurate using digital techniques. Five studies noted that there was no difference using either technique and two noted that conventional methods had a more accurate marginal fit. Conclusion: Digital techniques were comparable to conventional methods in terms of accuracy although there was insufficient evidence to indicate that one technique was more accurate than the other with respect to Lithium Disilicate restorations. Clinical significance: Digital impressions are reliable and viable alternatives for clinicians compared to conventional impression techniques when restoring teeth with lithium disilicate restorations.

(1) Objective: This scoping review evaluates composite restorations as a treatment modality for anterior tooth surface loss and investigates the longevity of the direct and indirect composites used herein. (2) Method: The search encompassed Medline, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and hand search utilizing the PICO framework. (3) Results: Eight studies were included in this review, comprising one randomized controlled trial, one retrospective, and six prospective studies. Some studies reported favorable outcomes for composite restorations in anterior teeth. Although not statistically significant, evidence supported the anterior composite as a viable short- to medium-term solution for managing tooth wear. Direct resin composites were deemed clinically and cost-effective when managing localized anterior tooth wear. However, limitations and inconsistencies in this scoping review limited definitive clinical recommendations. (4) Conclusions: Further research, including well-managed randomized controlled trials using standardized protocols and longer follow-up periods, is essential to reconfirm the long-term efficacies of anterior composite restorations when managing tooth wear. A robust research design and exacting protocols could facilitate more meaningful clinical conclusions.

Awareness of the interface between restorative and orthodontic treatments is essential for dentists to facilitate a meaningful interdisciplinary approach by integrating the knowledge and skills of different dental disciplines into patients' treatment to enhance outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate General Dental Practitioners' (GDPs) awareness of the orthodontic-restorative interface. This was a mixed-method study involving the collection of a) quantitative data via a bespoke online questionnaire and b) qualitative data through open questions. A weblink was created to the questionnaire using Opinio®. The questionnaire was distributed to GDPs practising in the UK. Clinical vignette-based questions assessed GDPs awareness and the results were categorised into two groups: aware and unaware. Two months after the primary survey, respondents were sent an email with follow-up (reliability) survey. Reliability responses were compared against the primary responses to assess the repeatability using intraclass correlation coefficient. Data were analysed using independent t-test and X² test. 118 complete responses were received. 63 GDPs (53.4 % [95 % CI 44 %-63 %]) demonstrated a good understanding of the orthodontic-restorative interface. These GDPs were characterised by greater age (t = 2.75, p = 0.007) and experience (t = 3.54, p < 0.001). Qualitative data showed that respondents perceived orthodontic-restorative treatments as minimally invasive and aesthetics enhancing. Orthodontic-restorative treatment aids in minimal invasive dentistry. GDPs lack adequate awareness of the orthodontic-restorative interface in relation to patient care and communication with patients. More quality and structured undergraduate and postgraduate training are imperative to facilitate GDPs to understand and utilise aspects of orthodontic-restorative treatments to raise the standard of patient care. Additionally, to support these patients, the educational pathway between GDPs and specialist orthodontists is crucial. GDPs ability to assess and carry out orthodontic-restorative treatments would conserve natural teeth. Dependable access to orthodontic services would encourage GDPs to refer challenging cases to specialists or dentists with enhanced skills. When the circumstances call for it, patients should be given orthodontic-restorative alternatives, regardless of the potential consequences of their acceptance of the procedures.