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Surface etching before cementation is a vital step that determines the clinical performance of ceramic restorations. Etching alters surface topography that contributes effective bonding between ceramic restoration and resin cement. This study aimed to compare etching techniques to determine the most effective etching method contributing the highest bond strength that helps in improving dental implants. Materials and methods: sixty discs of feldspathic ceramic measuring 10 mm diameter and 4 mm thickness were prepared. The 60 samples were divided into four equal groups based on the surface treatment technique used: group A: 9.6% hydrofluoric acid; group B: coarse diamond burs; group C: CO2 laser; and group D: no treatment. Ceramic disc specimens were examined under a Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) after surface treatment to characterize their surface morphology. Further, the specimens were luted with a resin luting agent and incubated for 24 h at a temperature of 37 °C simulating the oral environment. After 24 h, shear bond strength (SBS) and the nature of bond failure was determined for each specimen using a universal Instron testing machine. Results: significant change in surface morphology was noticed on hydrofluoric acid treatment forming larger irregular roughness (4.83 ± 1.78 µm) with multiple patterns of grooves and pores compared to other groups. Further, the highest SBS value was measured on hydrofluoric acid etching that display the highest bond strength due to the high surface roughness. In conclusion, our findings report a strong association between the surface roughness and bond strength upon hydrofluoric acid compared to other methods. Further work in this direction will enhance the utility of the etching technique on the improvement of dental implants.

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Maxillofacial defects can result from several reasons, including neoplasia, congenital malformations, trauma, oral infections, etc. This kind of defects can be severely debilitating to the patients. To improve the quality of life of these patients, the options include surgical reconstruction and maxillofacial prosthesis. However, surgical approaches have many inherent disadvantages and limitations. This case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a female patient who underwent partial rhinectomy secondary to basal cell carcinoma. The case was planned with a silicone prosthesis with anatomic and spectacle retention. A non-surgical method of rehabilitation was followed owing to the patient’s choice and financial constraints. The final prosthesis was aimed at enhancing the esthetics and function of the patient, thereby improving her quality of life.

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