Rapid prototyping (RP) is a technology that produces physical models by selectively solidifying ultra violet (UV) sensitive liquid resin using a laser beam. These models can be formed using various techniques. A study was undertaken to compare the dimensional accuracy and surface details of three prototype models with a 3D STL (standard template library) image. In this study the STL file was used to produce three different rapid prototype models namely; model 1-fused deposition model (FDM) using ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), model 2-Polyjet using a clear resin and model 3-a 3 dimensional printing using a composite material. Measurements were made at various anatomical points. For surface detail reproductions the models were subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis. The dimensions of the model created by Polyjet were closest to the 3D STL virtual image followed by the 3DP model and FDM. SEM analysis showed uniform smooth surface on Polyjet model with adequate surface details.

The conventional modality of treatment of partial edentulousness with reduced number of teeth was to render them complete edentulous and provide them complete denture or an overdenture with support of few remaining teeth. The goal of maintenance of roots are to prevent alveolar bone resorption, provide better load transmission, maintain sensory feedback and achieve better stability of denture with emphasis on psychological aspect of not being completely edentulous. Over the recent past titanium dental implants have been successfully used as tooth replacement with predictable results. A combination of tooth and implant support is well documented for fixed partial dentures but rarely for overdentures. This clinical report aims at evaluation of tooth root and implant supported mandibular overdenture treatment with telescopic coping.

Recasting of the casting alloys affects the composition and elemental release which may have cytotoxic effect different from the pure alloy in the surrounding tissues. An Invitro study was conducted to investigate the elemental release and their cytotoxic effects from commercially available Ni-Cr dental casting alloys, commonly used for fabricating fixed partial dentures. Three Ni-Cr alloys [Wiron 99(A), Ceramet (B), and Hi Nickel CB (C)] were tested. Alloy specimens (disks 3 × 5 mm) were casted and grouped as follows: Group I (A(1)/B(1)/C(1)): 100% pure alloy; Group II (A(2)/B(2)/C(2)): 50% new with 50% recast; and Group III (A(3)/B(3)/C(3)): 100% recast. Disks of each alloy type from each group were transferred to Dulbecco's modified eagle medium and left for 3 days at 37°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO(2). Ni, Cr, Co, Cu and Mo elemental release from metal alloys into culture medium was investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Cytotoxicity was tested using mouse fibroblast cells and MTT Assay. Controls consisted of 6 wells containing cells with no alloy specimens. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance followed by t-test. The total amount of elements released in parts per billion for various casting groups were Group I, A(1)-6.572, B(1)-6.732, C(1)-8.407; Group II, A(2)-22.046, B(2)-26.450, C(2)-29.189; Group III, A(3)-84.554, B(3)-88.359, C(3)-92.264. More amounts of elements were released in Hi Nickel CB than Ceramet and Wiron 99 in all the three test groups. Percentage of viable cells from MTT analysis were Group I, A(1)-62.342, B(1)-61.322 C(1)-60.593, Group II, A(2)-58.699, B(2)-56.494, C(2)-52.688, Group III, A(3)-53.101, B(3)-52.195, C(3)-47.586. The viable cells present in the culture media were more in Wiron 99 than Ceramet and Hi Nickel CB. Elemental release increased with amount of recast alloy. Amongst the three alloys tested Hi Nickel CB had significantly higher elements released compared to Ceramet and Wiron 99 in 100% pure alloys, 50% recast and 100% recast alloys. Wiron 99 showed least element release in 100% pure alloy, 50% recast and 100% recast specimens. 100% pure alloys of all three alloys are less cytotoxic, but their cytotoxicity is more on 50% and 100% re-casted alloys. Out of all three variations of casting Wiron 99 was least cytotoxic, followed by Ceramet and Hi Nickel CB. Recasting of alloys significantly increased the elements released and their cytotoxicity.

Centric relation (CR) has been considered mainly as a position posterior to habitual occlusion or maximum intercuspation (MI). Awareness of the tooth contacts relationship in centric relation position of the mandible and diagnosing the case from this position is essential to consistently select treatment plans that will allow to treat to or very near to centric relation occlusion. Centric slide and other occlusal relationships are conceived of as positions, which can be studied in three dimensions. Clinically, the difference between the two occlusal positions namely CR and MI (centric slide) can easily be determined, but for a more precise evaluation of its length and directions, an occlusal analysis on articulator mounted casts is necessary. Study was under taken on the mounted casts of ten subjects on a semi adjustable articulator to which a stylus and recording table was devised and attached for measurement of CR-MI slide in the three planes namely anterior-posterior, medio-lateral and superior-inferior. It was found that there was a displacement from CR to MI (centric slide) in all the three planes and numerically the mean slide was 0.688 ± 0.623, 0.261 ± 0.627 and 0.127 ± 0.541 mm in the antero-posterior, medio- lateral and superior-inferior directions respectively. The stylus and table attachment may be an accurate indirect method to measure positional changes of the condyle in 3D.