Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare patients’ acceptability, comfort and stress with conventional and digital impressions. Materials and Methods: Thirty young orthodontic patients (15 males and 15 females) who had no previous experience of impressions were enrolled in this study. Conventional impressions for orthodontic study models of the dental arches were taken using an alginate impression material (Hydrogum^®, Zhermack Spa, Badia Polesine, Rovigo, Italy). Fifteen days later, digital impressions of both arches were acquired using an intraoral scanner (CS3600^®, Carestream Dental, Rochester, NY, USA). Immediately after impression taking, patients’ acceptability, comfort and stress were measured using two questionnaires and the State anxiety scale. Results: Data showed no difference in terms of anxiety and stress; however, patients preferred the use of digital impressions systems instead of conventional impression techniques. Alginate impressions resulted as fast as digital impressions. Conclusions: Digital impressions resulted the most accepted and comfortable impression technique in young orthodontic patients, when compared to conventional techniques.

Direct Laser Metal Sintering (DLMS) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technique that is capable of manufacturing metal parts according to a three-dimensional (3D) design made using computer-assisted-design (CAD) software, thanks to a powerful laser beam that melts selectively micro-powder layers, one on top of the other, until the desired object is generated. With DMLS, it is now possible to fabricate custom-made titanium implants for oral and maxillofacial applications. We present the case of a 67-year-old woman diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible. The patient underwent subtotal mandibular resection; conventional reconstruction procedures failed to rehabilitate the function of the mandible. A prosthesis replacing the resected mandible was designed and fabricated using a digital workflow. The extensive bone defect was rehabilitated with a prosthesis replacing the mandibular bone and supporting a morse-taper dental prosthesis. The masticatory function was reestablished.

J Indian Soc Periodontol, Official publication of the Indian Society of Periodontology