Purpose: This study compared the scanned data obtained from four conventional silicone impressions using a laboratory scanner to investigate the effects of impression materials on accuracy and precision.

Methods: The master model was a gauge with four small height increments constructed from an assembly of ceramic gauge blocks. Impressions of the master model were made using four silicone impression materials (Imprinsis Regular: blue; Fusion II: pink; Fit Checker: white, Imprint3: yellow). The impressions were scanned under blue light using a laboratory scanner. The points of inquiry were 1) advisability of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, 2) reproducibility at the surface level, and 3) microstep detectability. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s multiple comparison test.

Results: 3D reconstruction was achieved for all impressions except Imprint3. The scanning performance of the impression material affected the spectral reflection factor. There was no significant difference in surface reproducibility among the three impression materials, and the detectability of small step height in Imprinsis Regular was significantly better than that in other impression materials (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The color of the impression material affected digitization when a blue-light scanner was used. The digitization accuracy of Imprinsis Regular was higher than that of the other impression materials. However, the digitization accuracy of the three impression materials that could be 3D-reconstructed was within clinical tolerance. These findings can broaden the clinical applications of digital dentistry and mitigate the errors associated with dental materials.

Purpose: To investigate the association of removable partial denture (RPD)/complete denture (CD) and fixed partial denture (FPD) use with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), evaluated using the EuroQol 5-dimension, 5-level instrument (EQ-5D-5L) among older adults with tooth loss.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2022 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. Participants were classified as RPD/CD users, FPD users, or nonusers. Generalized linear regression models stratified by the number of teeth were used to explore the association of RPD/CD and FPD use with the HRQoL evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L. The interactions among the number of teeth, RPD/CD, and FPD use were examined.

Results: After adjusting for all covariates, RPD/CD and FPD users with 5–19 teeth had higher predicted HRQoL utility scores than nonusers (RPD/CD [n=14,297]: 0.837 vs. 0.850; FPD [n=7,476]: 0.858 vs. 0.861 [nonusers vs. users]). The interaction between number of teeth and RPD/CD and FPD use revealed that differences in HRQoL between users and nonusers were greater among those with 1–14 teeth for RPD/CD use and among those with 10–14 teeth for FPD use (RPD/CD: β = −0.008, P < 0.01; FPD: β = −0.008, P = 0.183).

Conclusions: RPD/CD and FPD users with 5–19 teeth had a higher HRQoL than nonusers, with differences appearing to depend on the number of teeth. The World Health Organization has promoted the incorporation of oral health into universal health coverage (UHC). Given the minimal HRQoL difference between CD users and nonusers among edentulous individuals, unconventional dentures may merit inclusion in UHC.

Purpose: This review critically examined the impact of various whitening toothpaste formulations on color stability, surface roughness, gloss, and microhardness of dental restorative materials.

Study selection: A comprehensive literature search yielded 101 articles from PubMed, 159 from Embase, and 617 from SCOPUS, spanning 1983–2024, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria.

Results: Studies have shown that whitening toothpastes influence color change and surface characteristics. Hydrogen peroxide (HP) formulations are generally effective in achieving color alteration, although their impact on microhardness and roughness varies. Charcoal-based toothpastes tend to increase surface roughness because of their abrasive nature, whereas blue covarine toothpaste provide some brightening effects but are also associated with higher roughness. Results regarding nanohybrid and microhybrid composites were mixed; some studies found nanohybrids to be superior in color stability, whereas others favored microhybrids. However, nanohybrids are more susceptible to roughness changes due to whitening agents, whereas nanofilled composites consistently demonstrate better surface integrity under abrasive conditions.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of selecting toothpaste formulations that align with restorative material properties to optimize esthetic results without compromising durability. Although HP formulations show promise in balancing whitening efficacy with surface preservation, their long-term effects require further study. Additionally, continued research is needed to refine the formulations, particularly for charcoal and blue covarine, to reduce abrasiveness and extend restoration longevity.

Purpose: This systematic review evaluated the effect of different printing orientations on the physical-mechanical properties and accuracy of resin denture bases and related specimens.

Study selection: Utilizing PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus databases was conducted until June 2024. Included studies examined the accuracy, volumetric changes, and mechanical or physical properties of 3D-printed denture bases in various orientations. Studies without relevant data were excluded. Bias risk was assessed using a modified CONSORT checklist.

Results: This review included 24 studies on 3D-printed denture base resins, mainly based on stereolithography and digital light processing. Horizontal orientation (0°) generally enhanced flexural strength, while tilted and vertical orientations (90°) reduced it. Microhardness results varied due to differences in materials, layer thicknesses, and post-curing. Surface roughness was highest at 45°. Vertical orientation uses less material but is less time-efficient. Microbial adhesion, influenced by surface roughness, varied with printing orientation without a clear consensus on the optimal direction.

Conclusions: Printing orientation significantly impacts the physical and mechanical properties and accuracy of 3D-printed resin dentures. A horizontal orientation (0°) improved flexural strength, while accuracy and adaptability were better at 45° and 90°. Surface roughness, translucency, and chemical stability are also affected by orientation, post-curing, and material choice. Although a 90° orientation reduces material use, it increases printing time. Standardized study designs are recommended for drawing definitive conclusions in future research.

Patients: Three residents of a long-term care home volunteered to participate in a rehabilitation program involving a virtual reality blowgun game. The participants played the game 5 days a week as a new exercise routine. After 4 weeks of intervention, tongue pressure and forced expiratory volume in 1 s improved in all participants. In addition, the jaw-opening force and forced expiratory volume in 6 s improved in two participants. All three participants rated the virtual reality blowgun game as more enjoyable than their regular rehabilitation programs.

Discussion: Previous studies have shown that gamification can be useful in dysphagia rehabilitation. However, there are no previous reports describing the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation programs aimed at improving swallowing and respiratory functions in older adults while investigating participant motivation. The outcomes of the cases described herein suggest that such programs can be as effective as conventional expiratory training. Furthermore, gamification can enhance enjoyment, even in exercises designed to improve physical function.

Conclusions: These cases indicate that the virtual reality blowgun game may effectively improve swallowing and respiratory functions in older adults while being enjoyable.