Purpose: This study examined the effect of assistive device use on the precision of digital impressions for multiple implants placed in a fully edentulous maxilla in vivo.

Methods: A total of eight participants with fully edentulous maxillae and four implants at position #15, #12, #22, and #25 were included in the study. The assistive device was made using CAD/CAM technology. Digital impressions were obtained using an intraoral scanner with (AD+) and without (AD-) the assistive device that attached to the scan bodies. Each participant underwent five digital and conventional impressions (verification casts (VC)). Dimensional deviations for each impression method were measured using the least-squares best-fit method to assess precision. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post-hoc adjustments for multiple comparisons.

Results: The dimensional deviations were as follows: AD- (37.56 ± 7.43 µm), AD+ (16.23 ± 2.56 µm), and VC (26.48 ± 5.13 µm). One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the groups (F = 31.04, P < 0.0001), which remained after Tukey adjustment (P < 0.01). The AD+ group exhibited the highest precision, while the AD- group had the lowest.

Conclusions: For implants placed in a fully edentulous maxilla in vivo, digital impressions with assistive devices demonstrated superior precision compared with those obtained without assistive devices or conventional impressions obtained with an implant indexing device.

Purpose: To determine the effects of K18 quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silane (QAS) on tissue conditioner materials and their antimicrobial properties.

Methods: 30% K18 QAS in methyl methacrylate (MMA; K18-MMA; 0%, 15%, and 20% w/w) was incorporated into a commercial tissue conditioner (Coe comfort). The degree of curing (Shore A hardness), hydrophilicity (contact angle), flow, liquid sorption, mass loss, and antimicrobial properties of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Candida albicans were determined. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance with Tukey HSD and Kruskal–Wallis with Bonferroni correction.

Results: Hardness increased significantly at higher K18-MMA concentrations. The contact angles did not differ between the groups. Although the control and K18-containing tissue conditioner flow decreased significantly at each successive time point and with increasing K18 QAS MMA concentration, the flow was still within the ISO 10139-1 specifications for class 2 (high-flow) soft lining materials until 2 min 30 s. The highest liquid sorption happened between 1 and 4 weeks. The controls absorbed more acid than water or base, and the K18 groups absorbed more water and acid than base. With increasing K18-MMA concentration, the mass loss increased at all times and in all three media, except in base, after 4 weeks. Both 15% and 20% K18-MMA showed significant antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and C. albicans.

Conclusions: K18-MMA imparted significant antimicrobial properties to tissue conditioners against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and C. albicans without compromising the flow, hardness, or hydrophilicity. However, K18-MMA addition led to increased water sorption and mass loss after 4 weeks.

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.