Background: This study aimed to demonstrate that the material of the occlusal splint can be chosen according to the needs of individual patients and contribute to the knowledge of the wear rate of these materials. Methods: In this study, four occlusal splint materials (Sr Ivocap Heat Cured, Valplast, SR Ivocap Elastomer and Eclipse) and three antagonists (natural tooth enamel, inCoris TZI and IPS e.max Press ceramic materials) were used. Each wear test was performed using a chewing simulator (n = 16; test load: 50 N; number of cycles: 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000; continuous rinsing with water at 30 °C for the wet condition). The Shapiro Wilk test was used for normal distribution suitability. Antagonist on average wear quantities both main effects and interactions of material, cycle and condition factors were investigated by Univariate variance analysis. Multiple comparisons were examined using the Games-Howell test. Results: There was a statistically significant effect of the difference in materials on the amount of wear (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference among the mean values of all materials (p > 0.001). The highest mean value was obtained with Eclipse (0,318 μm³), and the lowest mean value was obtained with Valplast (0,134 μm³). Conclusion: Our study found differences in the in vitro wear rate among various occlusal splint materials.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, such as ChatGPT (GPT-4) and Gemini, offer potential benefits in educational settings, including dental education. These tools have shown promise in enhancing learning and assessment processes, particularly in dental prosthetic technology (DPT) and oral health (OH) programs. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of GPT-4 and Gemini AI models in answering examination questions in dental education. The study focused on multiple-choice questions (MCQs), true/false (T/F) questions, and short-answer questions (SAQs). An exploratory study design was used with 30 questions (10 MCQs, 10 T/F, and 10 SAQs) covering key topics in DPT and OH education. ChatGPT and Gemini were tested with the same set of questions on two separate occasions to assess consistency. Responses were evaluated by two independent researchers using a predefined answer key. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kappa coefficient for agreement, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. ChatGPT demonstrated high accuracy in MCQs (90%) and T/F questions (85%) but showed reduced performance in SAQs (60%). Gemini’s accuracy ranged between 60% and 70%, with the highest accuracy in SAQs (70%). ChatGPT showed significant consistency across testing dates (Kappa = 0.754; p = 0.001), whereas Gemini’s responses were less consistent (Kappa = 0.634; p = 0.001). While both AI models offer valuable support in dental education, ChatGPT exhibited greater accuracy and consistency in structured assessments. The findings suggest that AI tools can enhance teaching and assessment methods if integrated thoughtfully, supporting personalized learning while maintaining academic integrity.

Methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based materials are widely used in temporary and permanent prosthetic dentistry; the prolonged presence of these materials in the oral cavity and potential residual monomer release can affect local biological responses. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and toxicity profiles of MMA, the monomeric unit of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a key component of dental materials used in temporary prosthetic restorations. Molecular docking simulations were performed using CB-Dock2 and Autodock vina, while protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed using STRING and Cytoscape. In addition, Swiss ADME Target Prediction, toxicity prediction, and enrichment analyses were used to characterize the biological significance of selected targets in more detail. Molecular docking studies revealed promising interactions of MMA with valuable biomolecular targets relevant to biocompatibility. The toxicity profile revealed aspects of MMA that could be improved. Pharmacophore modeling, highlighting the importance of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups as pharmacophoric properties, revealed compounds with suitable biocompatibility profiles. Consequently, it emphasizes the interactions of MMA with biomolecules and safety considerations. It can guide the design and optimization of biocompatible materials as an exploratory avenue for future developments in dental biomaterials.

Objectives: To evaluate the survival rate, failure, and clinical quality of all ceramic Onlay restorations retrospectively. Methods: Restorations placed during the period September 2010 - April 2021 at Marmara University Dentistry Faculty Department of Prosthodontics were included. Patients with parafunctional habits were excluded from the study. In 62 patients, 115 onlay restorations were examined. The number of restoration failures and reasons for failure was recorded. The remaining onlay restorations were evaluated by CDA criteria (color match, anatomical form, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, and surface texture) by two clinicians after 1–12 years. Patients also evaluated their restorations in five categories (color, surface, fonation, hygiene, and bite efficiency) on a scale of 1–10. Results: A survival rate of 87.9 % was recorded. 14 (12.1%) of the 115 restorations had to be replaced. The main reasons for failure were 7 ceramic fractures (6.0%), 6 decementation (5.2%), four endodontic treatment needs (4.3%) and 2 extensive restoration needs (1.7%), 1 tooth fracture (0.8%). Conversely, patient satisfaction score was founded mostly over 8 and none of the patients rated under 3. Conclusions: All ceramic Onlay restorations are an acceptable and predictable treatment alternative in general dental practice. In addition, the location of teeth in the dental arch and marginal integrities of teeth influenced restoration failures directly. Clinical Significance: All ceramic Onlay restorations show a good clinical performance for up to 11 years.

Objective: To compare the marginal and internal adaptation and to evaluate the clinical performance and patient satisfaction of CAD/CAM‐fabricated all‐ceramic crowns produced from lithium disilicate (LDS) and lithium disilicate–reinforced lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) over a 24‐month follow‐up period. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled, single‐blinded clinical trial included 59 posterior single crowns placed in 37 patients. Twenty‐nine crowns were fabricated from LDS (IPS e.max CAD; Ivoclar Vivadent), and 30 crowns were fabricated from LAS (n!ce Blocks; Institut Straumann AG). Marginal and internal adaptation were assessed before cementation using an in vivo silicone replica technique. Clinical performance was evaluated at baseline and after 6, 12, and 24 months using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria together with the Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and patient satisfaction assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the LDS and LAS groups regarding marginal, rounded shoulder, or occlusal gap measurements ( p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed at the axial measurement site ( p = 0.014), with the LDS group exhibiting significantly greater axial internal gap values than the LAS group. During the 24‐month follow‐up period, six restorations failed because of fracture or debonding, including three LDS and three LAS crowns, resulting in survival rates of 89.7% for LDS, 90.0% for LAS, and 89.8% overall. Gingival and plaque index scores remained low and stable throughout the observation period, and patient satisfaction remained high in both groups, with no statistically significant differences between materials ( p > 0.05). All clinically surviving restorations received Alpha or Bravo scores according to the modified USPHS criteria. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, CAD/CAM‐fabricated LDS and LAS crowns demonstrated comparable marginal adaptation, favorable clinical performance, and high patient satisfaction after 24 months of clinical service. The fully crystallized LAS ceramic appears to be a clinically acceptable and time‐efficient alternative for posterior single‐crown restorations. Nevertheless, long‐term randomized clinical studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.