Objective: The virtual cone beam computed tomography–derived 3-dimensional model was compared with the scanned conventional model used in the fabrication of a palatal obturator for a patient with a large palatal defect. Design: A digitally derived 3-dimensional maxillary model incorporating the palatal defect was generated from the patient’s existing cone beam computerized tomography data and compared with the scanned cast from the conventional impression for linear dimensions, area, and volume. The digitally derived cast was 3-dimensionally printed and the obturator fabricated using traditional techniques. Similarly, an obturator was fabricated from the conventional cast and the fit of both final obturator bulbs were compared in vivo. Results: The digitally derived model produced more accurate volumes and surface areas within the defect. The defect margins and peripheries were overestimated which was reflected clinically. Conclusion: The digitally derived model provided advantages in the fabrication of the palatal obturator; however, further clinical research is required to refine consistency.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the load capacity of maxillary central incisors with simulated flared root canal restored with different fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post cemented with either self-adhesive or self-etch resin cement and its mode of fracture. Methods: Sixty-five extracted maxillary incisors were decoronated, its canal was artificially flared and randomly categorized into group tFRC (tapered FRC post) (n = 22), mFRC (multi-FRC post) (n = 21), and DIS-FRC (direct individually shaped-FRC (DIS-FRC) post) (n = 22), which were further subdivided based on cementation resin. The posts were cemented and a standardized resin core was constructed. After thermocycling, the samples were loaded statically and the maximum load was recorded. Results: The load capacity of the maxillary central incisor was influenced by the different FRC post system and not the resin cement (p = 0.289), and no significant interaction was found between them. Group mFRC (522.9N) yielded a significantly higher load capacity compared to DIS-FRC (421.1N). Overall, a 55% favorable fracture pattern was observed, and this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the study, it can be concluded that prefabricated FRC posts outperform DIS-FRC posts in terms of the load capacity of a maxillary central incisor with a simulated flared root canal. The cementation methods whether a self-adhesive or self-etch resin cement, was not demonstrated to influence the load capacity of a maxillary central incisor with a flared root canal. There were no significant differences between the favorable and non-favorable fracture when FRC post systems were used to restored a maxillary central incisor with a flared root canal.

Computer-assisted preparation of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) using stereolithographic templates has been developed to enhance the accuracy of tooth preparation. However, the digital workflows involved in guided PLV preparation remain inconsistently defined across various practices. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to examine publications on computer-assisted PLV preparation to identify the key stage of digital workflows involved in designing and fabricating stereolithographic templates, as well as to highlight the limitations of various template designs. This scoping review aimed to identify publications on digital workflows for designing and fabricating stereolithographic templates in computer-assisted porcelain laminate veneer preparation. A systematic search on MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus identified English-language articles published from 2014 to March 2024. Eligible articles focused on digitally designed and fabricated tooth reduction templates for porcelain laminate veneers, excluding conventional tooth preparation procedures for tooth reduction assessment. Seven clinical reports were included, demonstrating various 3D data acquisition techniques for virtual patient generation. All articles described virtual diagnostic wax-ups on digital casts, with two using a virtual articulator. Only five articles documented chair-side mock-ups with resin trial restorations to evaluate planned dental esthetics. Additionally, virtual tooth preparation prior to templates design was included in only four articles. The templates were designed using different software and ranged from simple designs with access windows to complex stacked templates with rotary instrument sleeved windows. Each template design had limitations affecting tooth reduction accuracy. All articles reported printing templates in clear acrylic resin using different technologies. In conclusion, the review highlights a lack of standardization in the digital workflow for designing stereolithographic templates for PLVs. Establishing a sound protocol for designing the tooth reduction templates is essential to ensure the accuracy and consistency of veneer preparation.

Achieving precise veneer preparation is essential for optimal esthetic outcome and bonding strength. Advancements in digital technology enable the design and fabrication of stereolithographic templates to guide veneer preparation, significantly improving precision compared to conventional free-hand and silicone guide techniques. Therefore, this study outlines a digital workflow for designing and fabricating a series of Multijet-printed templates following the four essential steps of veneer preparation. The proposed workflow integrates virtual tooth preparation, virtual template design, and fabrication using an additive manufacturing approach and veneer preparation guided by the stackable Multijet-printed template. The result showed that the tooth reduction depth closely matched the required tooth reduction volume in three-dimensional accuracy analysis when using this innovative approach. This marks a transformative development in CAD/CAM dentistry, offering a more predictable and precise approach for veneer preparation, ultimately leading to improved clinical outcomes.

Sharmila R, et al. J Adv Prosthodont. 2025 Apr;17(2):83-91. https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2025.17.2.83