J. Ehrlich

Intercuspal contacts of the natural dentition in centric occlusion

The location of occlusal contacts in the intercuspal position was recorded in 29 young adults, 18 to 20 years of age. All participants had Class I essentially normal occlusion. Dental impressions and wax registration were made in all participants. Occlusal registrations were made of the posterior teeth only on a U-shaped prosthetic frame. Three types of indentation were recorded. Perforation of the wax represented supracontact; a translucent area represented contact; and slight thinning of the wax represented near contact. All three types of indentation were considered as contacts. The most striking finding was the high frequency of contacts on the mandibular first molar, which occurred in more than 20.9% of all contacts recorded. Most of the contacts were on cusps; only a few were in central fossae and marginal ridge areas. A surprising finding was the predominance of supracontacts on the second molars when compared to the remains of the dentition. No logical explanation for this finding can be offered. Morphologically good occlusion did not imply maximum contacts since an ideal occlusal contact was not found in any of the participants. Only serial studies will show whether occlusal relationships are stable throughout life or constantly changing.

The functional range of tooth contact in lateral gliding movements

The dynamic contact pattern of teeth in lateral glide movement was recorded in 72 individuals, 19 to 35 years of age, with normal tooth alignment and Angle class I molar and canine relationship. The lateral glide movement was divided into three stages to simulate the total range of events in lateral glide movement naturally demonstrated by the patient. This study has shown that lateral glide movement is a complex movement in which the nature of tooth contact is altering in location, direction, and number of teeth participating. Consequently the restoration of an occlusion in accordance with a given concept does not always apply to all patients.

Alterations on crown contour—Effect on gingival health in man

The effect of different supragingival crown contour on the surrounding marginal gingiva was studied on four patients. All the subjects had caries, esthetic problems, and minimal periodontal problems. Each patient received two splints; one side was overcontoured, and the other side undercontoured. The splints were observed at regular intervals within a 4-month period. The result of this study suggested that factors other than variation in supragingival crown contour in the range of +/- 1 mm determined gingival response within the first 4 months in patients with a predominately healthy periodontal structure.

Splinting: A retrospective 17-year follow-up study

A retrospective 17-year, longitudinal study monitoring 66 patients with fixed partial denture and removable partial denture restorations revealed that perceptive splinting was beneficial and enhanced the longevity of the restoration. The study discussed the advantages and disadvantages of splinting, the survival rate of splints and splinted teeth, and the importance of oral hygiene and a periodic maintenance program.

The cantilever fixed partial denture: A 10-year follow-up

A 10-year study of patients with cantilever fixed partial dentures suggests that these prostheses can be used for both anterior and posterior replacements. Guidelines for cantilever prostheses are described. Fixed cantilever prostheses are favorable alternatives to certain types of unilateral removable partial dentures. Proper oral hygiene is essential.

Various methods in achieving anterior guidance

The anterior teeth are essential for esthetics, phoentics, and mastication and are equally involved in protecting posterior teeth. A 10-year longitudinal study of treatment modalities was conducted for overbite-overjet occlusal relationships. Comprehensive treatment combining orthodontics, occlusal adjustment, and selective restorations minimized the need for extensive restorative dentistry. The treatment of selected patients with a 10-year postoperative evaluation was discussed.

Deep external root resorption: treatment by combined endodontic and surgical approach A report of 2 cases

Abstract Two cases of deep external root resorption treated by a combined endodontic and surgical approach are described. Follow-up at 2 years revealed a decrease in mobility, normal function of the affected teeth, and no further signs of resorption.

The aluminium band provisional splint.

Abstract A refined technique for temporary aluminium band construction and acrylic resin restoration has been described. The aluminium caps are inexpensive, thin, available in all sizes, and have a good marginal stability. The temporary restoration can be prepared by a direct or indirect technique. The combined metal band/acrylic resin splint is accurate and usually longer lasting, so that the response to therapy can be evaluated and the finished result visualized.

Severe vertical overlap: a modified method of treatment.

Severe vertical overlap may predispose the patient to abnormal function, improper mastication, excessive stress, and functional problems such as bruxing, clenching, and craniomandibular disorders. This report describes the establishment of a new occlusal relationship by using the potential of posterior tooth eruption with the Hawley bite plane or the canine platform method. It was used in patients with a full complement of teeth or with some missing teeth. Patients treated by either the Hawley bite plane or the canine platform demonstrate a stable and long-lasting new occlusal relationship. The method described is efficient, inexpensive, and convenient to the patient.