With increasing patient expectation for aesthetic dental restorations, there has been a drive towards developing ceramic materials to meet this expectation. Multiple ceramic systems have been introduced over the past four decades with considerable advances in material properties. Survival rates of all-ceramic crowns differ by type of ceramic used, fabrication method and clinical indication. Zirconia and lithium disilicate are the most commonly used contemporary ceramic materials in dentistry. Survival data for these types of restorations appears to be promising; however, there is a lack of high-quality long-term clinical data on the success of these restorations. In the absence of robust longitudinal clinical research, laboratory studies have provided some useful information on the performance of ceramic restorations. Further high quality long-term clinical studies are needed to inform us of modes of failure of these restorations and the range of clinical circumstances in which each type of ceramic restoration may be used.
Periodontal disease is the most common chronic inflammatory disease seen in humans. It is a major public health concern, and in its severe form affects approximately 10.8% or 743 million people aged 15−99 worldwide. Trends such as the rise of smoking in developing countries, the obesity and diabetes epidemic, coupled with an ageing population with greater tooth retention, are all likely to increase the burden of periodontitis still further in the UK and worldwide. Consequences of periodontitis include hypermobility of teeth, tooth migration, drifting and eventual tooth loss. Tooth loss can directly affect the quality of life of a person in terms of reduced functional capacity, self-esteem and social relationships. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article reports the prevalence of periodontal disease in the UK and worldwide, along with the consequences of periodontitis. The importance of timely diagnosis to avoid litigation is discussed, as is the importance of effective management of periodontitis in order to improve patients' oral health-related quality of life.
An accurate interocclusal record is essential for the successful delivery of fixed prosthodontic restorations. There are various materials and techniques used to obtain an interocclusal record in order to facilitate mounting of the dental casts on an articulator. The interocclusal record describes the vertical and horizontal relationship of the maxillary and mandibular teeth. In circumstances where the vertical relationship is not supported through a tripod of widely spaced opposing contacts, the interocclusal record will be needed to restore this vertical support to prevent inaccurate mounting. The clinician should understand when an interocclusal record is required and have an awareness of the different materials and techniques available to record an interocclusal registration.
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