A provisionalization sequence is essential for obtaining a predictable final prosthetic outcome. An assessment of the mechanical behavior of interim prosthetic materials could orient clinicians towards selecting an appropriate material for each clinical case. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the mechanical behavior—with compressive and three-point flexural tests—of certain 3D-printed and conventional resins used to obtain interim fixed dental prostheses. Four interim resin materials were investigated: two 3D-printed resins and two conventional resins (an auto-polymerized resin and a pressure/heat-cured acrylic resin). Cylindrically shaped samples (25 × 25 mm/diameter × height) were obtained for the compression tests and bar-shaped samples (80 × 20 × 5 mm/length × width × thickness) were produced for the flexural tests, observing the producers’ recommendations. The resulting 40 resin samples were subjected to mechanical tests using a universal testing machine. Additionally, a fractographic analysis of failed samples in bending was performed. The results showed that the additive manufactured samples exhibited higher elastic moduli (2.4 ± 0.02 GPa and 2.6 ± 0.18 GPa) than the conventional samples (1.3 ± 0.19 GPa and 1.3 ± 0.38 GPa), as well as a higher average bending strength (141 ± 17 MPa and 143 ± 15 MPa) when compared to the conventional samples (88 ± 10 MPa and 76 ± 7 MPa); the results also suggested that the materials were more homogenous when produced via additive manufacturing.

This review explores the recent advancements and ongoing challenges in regenerating alveolar bone, which is essential for dental implants and periodontal health. It examines traditional techniques like guided bone regeneration and bone grafting, alongside newer methods such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and 3D bioprinting. Each approach is considered for its strengths in supporting bone growth and integration, especially in cases where complex bone defects make regeneration difficult. This review also looks at different biomaterials, from bioactive scaffolds to nanomaterials, assessing how well they encourage cell growth and healing. Personalized treatments, like customized 3D-printed scaffolds, show promise in enhancing bone formation and tissue compatibility. Additionally, signaling molecules, like bone morphogenetic proteins, play a crucial role in guiding the process of bone formation and remodeling. Despite these advances, challenges remain—particularly with severe bone loss and with refining biomaterials for more reliable, long-term outcomes. This review proposes combining advanced materials, regenerative technologies, and personalized approaches to achieve more effective and consistent outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Background and Objectives: The ever more complex modern dental education requires permanent adaptation to expanding medical knowledge and new advancements in digital technologies as well as intensification of interdisciplinary collaboration. Our study presents a newly developed computerized method allowing virtual case simulation on modular digital dental models and 3D-printing of the obtained digital models; additionally, undergraduate dental students’ opinion on the advanced method is investigated in this paper. Materials and Methods: Based on the digitalization of didactic dental models, the proposed method generates modular digital dental models that can be easily converted into different types of partial edentulism scenarios, thus allowing the development of a digital library. Three-dimensionally printed simulated dental models can subsequently be manufactured based on the previously obtained digital models. The opinion of a group of undergraduate dental students (n = 205) on the proposed method was assessed via a questionnaire, administered as a Google form, sent via email. Results: The modular digital models allow students to perform repeated virtual simulations of any possible partial edentulism cases, to project 3D virtual treatment plans and to observe the subtle differences between diverse teeth preparations; the resulting 3D-printed models could be used in students’ practical training. The proposed method received positive feedback from the undergraduate students. Conclusions: The advanced method is adequate for dental students’ training, enabling the gradual design of modular digital dental models with partial edentulism, from simple to complex cases, and the hands-on training on corresponding 3D-printed dental models.

(1) Background: Occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in the optimal maxillo–mandibular relationship is an important parameter to establish when complex dental rehabilitation has to be done. The optimal method to measure OVD is still a challenge in everyday practice. The aim of the present study was to test the reliability of the correlation between OVD and some anthropometric and cephalometric methods described in the literature. The validity of OVD registration using a facial scanner was also assessed. (2) Materials and Methods: 150 dentate participants, aged 20–25 years, were randomly selected using sealed envelopes. Anthropometric measurements between specific standard points were performed: Subnasion–Prementon (Sn–PM) and Subnasion–Gnation (Sn–Gn) in maximum intercuspation and in the rest mandibular position, right and left pupil to the corresponding chelion. The cephalometric measurements registered were the lower facial angle and the angle between mandibular and Frankfurt planes. The distance Sn–Gn in maximum intercuspation was compared to all other parameters. Facial scanning, with a mobile phone and installed dedicated application, was performed on ten subjects, randomly selected using the same method among the participants, and the obtained 3D files were analyzed. The digital measurements were compared, for validity, to the clinical measurements. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used, for comparing clinical Sn–Gn in maximum intercuspation position to the other parameters. (3) Results: A strong agreement between all measured anthropometric parameters of the facial scan and clinical contact measurement method was registered. None of the measured parameters could predict the exact OVD. (4) Conclusions: In the limits of our study, the facial scanning could be used for predictable registration of OVD and the stored digital information could be preserved through life and use for oral rehabilitation. However, if OVD needs to be determined, several measurement methods, including cephalometric measurements, need to be used simultaneously to reach a final decision.

Background: The mechanisms of periimplantitis are mostly based on biofilm-induced inflammatory lesions around dental implants. However, the host reaction, reflected by the intensity of the inflammatory response to bacterial products, is crucial for peri-implant bone destruction. The aim of this pilot study was to measure total antioxidant status (TAS), the amount of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and the correlation with one-year peri-implant bone loss. Methods: Seven consecutive patients (Group 1), with the presence of at least one prior inserted dental implant, and three healthy individuals, fully dentate (Group 0), were enrolled. IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TAS and LDH were determined in saliva of both groups. Peri-implant marginal bone loss (MBL) at one year compared to baseline was evaluated for Group 1. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found in Group 1 between MBL and the IL-8 (p = 0.033) and a strong negative correlation between MBL and TAS (p = 0.002), but no statistically significant differences of the assessed parameters were found between the two groups. Conclusions: In the limits of the present preliminary study, salivary TAS and proinflammatory cytokines could be associated with the risk of peri-implant bone loss over time.

Background/Objectives: Digital Smile Design software tools facilitates aesthetic planning and improves communication between clinicians, patients, and dental laboratories. These software tools have been developed to support facial and dental analysis and to assist users in creating an ideal smile integrated with the patient’s appearance. This study aimed to compare the usability of three DSD software tools—Preteeth AI Pro (version 6.0.0), SmileCloud, and Medit Link (version 3.4.3)—using the System Usability Scale. Methods: Twenty-three prosthodontists and prosthodontics residents evaluated each tool following a standardized usage protocol. After completing Digital Smile Designs in each application, participants filled out a 10-item System Usability Scale questionnaire (score 0–100). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and intergroup comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Mean System Usability Scale scores were 74.24 (Preteeth AI Pro), 80.33 (SmileCloud), and 73.15 (Medit Link). SmileCloud obtained the highest score (A−grade, Curved Grading Scale), indicating “good to very good” usability. No statistical significances were found between the three software tools (F = 1.04, p = 0.36). Conclusions: All three Digital Smile Design software tools achieved System Usability Scale scores above the usability benchmark of 68, with SmileCloud demonstrating the most favorable user experience. These findings may assist clinicians in selecting intuitive and efficient Digital Smile Design platforms to optimize aesthetic treatment workflows.