no abstract available

The methods and materials for fabricating restorations have greatly developed in the past decades. The exponential increase in the performance of computer systems has resulted in the digital fabrication of occlusal surfaces using the computer becoming widespread in practices and laboratories. CAD programmes for contouring the morphology of restorations have been considerably improved and provide various possibilities for threedimensional visualisation. Systems that operate mainly by reducing material will in future be complemented by additive systems, which will greatly extend the possibilities of CAD/CAM systems. Depending on the type of material used, e.g. porcelain restorations, deep fissures on the occlusal surface lead to an unnecessary weakening of the structure. Current systems and occlusal surfaces fabricated with the aid of these systems can be assessed as suitable for practical application.

Keywords: methods and materials for fabricating restorations, CAD programmes, morphology of restorations, CAD/CAM systems

The launch of the new AFFINIS SYS360 putty from Coltène/Whaledent AG has made it even easier for the dental professional to ensure the successful treatment of patients. The author has come to appreciate the precise flow of AFFINIS SYS360 putty onto the impression site as well as the rigidity of the cured impression material. The dental technician found the model fabrication very easy, as the precision dental stone covered the impression surfaces effectively and the model was easily removed from the tray.

Keywords: AFFINIS SYS360, Coltène/Whaledent AG

When someone smiles, there are positive and negative aspects of the presentation of the teeth. Positive aspects are e.g. natural brightness, natural translucency, symmetry and a harmonious relationship of teeth and lips. Negative aspects are e.g. discoloured teeth, broken symmetry and spaces. The latter are quite common, and the dentist plays an important role in the removal of these disturbances which impair a natural and aesthetic smile. The case shown describes a clinical problem which can be solved quickly and easily with the help of direct composites and a good finishing technique

Keywords: direct composites

no abstract available

no abstract available

Orthodontic pre-restorative treatments can sometimes put a patient's patience to the test. Lingual brackets in conjunction with a labial impression technique can shorten the treatment time. A patient came to the authors' clinic to have her discoloured teeth in the upper and lower anterior dentition treated. She wanted laminate veneers, as the discolourations had not improved even after several tooth whitening procedures. Another problem was related to severe crowding and malocclusion of the teeth. These conditions had to be treated orthodontically prior to the prosthetic restorations. The patient was therefore referred to an orthodontist for preliminary treatment. Although the orthodontic treatment had not been concluded yet, the patient came to the clinic again after six months and strongly urged the authors to provide her with laminate veneers to improve her esthetic appearance. The long-term outcome is of particular interest to any treatment team for obvious reasons. After completion of the orthodontic treatment, therefore, fixed lingual wire retainers were applied in order to stabilize the new position of the mandibular and maxillary anterior teeth.

The introduction of translucent zirconium dioxide ceramic now makes it possible to fabricate fully anatomical restorations using copy milling and staining. There are, however, limitations in the case of implant-borne, screw-retained restorations with regard to the accuracy of fit that can be achieved at the interface to the implant shoulder. A patient case will be used to present a simplified working procedure for fabricating a zirconium dioxide ceramic crown on the basis of a temporary implant abutment.

The veneer for a zirconium oxide substructure can be fabricated today using the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), press ceramic or manual layering technique. It is well worth making an informed choice with regard to these possibilities: both laboratory and patient will benefit from this. As shown in the following patient case, the author decided in favour of the layering technique. Aesthetic considerations were what finally tipped the scales in this direction: the goal is an anterior restoration with lifelike characteristics. Only with manual craftsmanship can the corresponding characteristics be incorporated accurately into specifically defined areas of the buildup. It was decided to use the fine-structure ceramic VITA VM9.

no abstract available

no abstract available