Prosthesis, Volume 6, Issue 3 (June 2024) – 4 articles

Considering the rapid evolution of lithium silicate-based glass ceramics (LSCs) in dentistry, this review paper aims to present an updated overview of the recently introduced commercial novel LSCs. The clinical and in vitro English-language literature relating to the microstructure, manufacturing, strengthening, properties, surface treatments and clinical performance of LSC materials was obtained through an electronic search. Findings from relevant articles were extracted and summarised for this manuscript. There is considerable evidence supporting the mechanical and aesthetic competency of LSC variants, namely zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates and lithium–aluminium disilicates. Nonetheless, the literature assessing the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of novel LSCs is scarce. An exploration of the chemical, mechanical and chemo-mechanical intaglio surface treatments—alternative to hydrofluoric acid etching—revealed promising adhesion performance for acid neutralisation and plasma treatment. The subtractive manufacturing methods of partially crystallised and fully crystallised LSC blocks and the additive manufacturing modalities pertaining to the fabrication of LSC dental restorations are addressed, wherein that challenges that could be encountered upon implementing novel additive manufacturing approaches using LSC print materials are highlighted. Furthermore, the short-term clinical performance of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates and lithium–aluminium disilicates is demonstrated to be comparable to that of lithium disilicate ceramics and reveals promising potential for their long-term clinical performance. Full article

The demand for affordable prostheses, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is significant. Currently, the majority of prosthetic sockets are manufactured using monolithic thermoplastic polymers such as PP (polypropylene), which lack durability, strength, and exhibit creep. Alternatively, they are reinforced with consumptive thermoset resin and expensive composite fillers such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar fibres. However, there are unmet needs that amputees face in obtaining affordable prosthetic sockets, demanding a solution. This study utilises self-reinforced PET (polyethylene terephthalate), an affordable and sustainable composite material, to produce custom-made sockets. Advancing the development of a unique socket manufacturing technique employing a reusable vacuum bag and a purpose-built curing oven, we tested fabricated sockets for maximum strength. Subsequently, a prosthetic device was created and assessed for its performance during ambulation. The mechanical and structural strength of PET materials for sockets reached a maximum strength of 132 MPa and 5686 N. Findings indicate that the material has the potential to serve as a viable substitute for manufacturing functional sockets. Additionally, TOPSIS analysis was conducted to compare the performance index of sockets, considering decision criteria such as material cost, socket weight, and strength. The results showed that PET sockets outperformed other materials in affordability, durability, and strength. The methodology successfully fabricated complex-shaped patient sockets in under two hours. Additionally, walking tests demonstrated that amputees could perform daily activities without interruptions. This research makes significant progress towards realising affordable prostheses for LMICs, aiming to provide patient-specific affordable prostheses tailored for LMICs. Full article

The study of the phenomena occurring in the plantar region is remarkably intriguing, especially when performing a normal gait cycle where the foot is under loading conditions. The effects presented in the foot while walking provide relevant indicators regarding clinical means for enhancing regular performance or rehabilitation therapies. Nevertheless, more than traditional methods are needed to biomechanically evaluate foot structural conditions, leading to an incomplete database for determining the patient’s needs so that advanced methodologies provide detailed medical assessment. Therefore, it is necessary to employ technological engineering tools to optimize biomechanical plantar pressure evaluations to reach suitable personalized treatments. This research initially evaluated numerically the pressure points in the foot sole region in each one of the five stance phases in a normal gait cycle. Medical imaging techniques were utilized to construct an anatomically accurate biomodel of the soft tissues of the right foot. The Finite Element Method was employed to predict peak plantar pressure in barefoot conditions for all stance phases; results from this case study presented a close alignment with gait experimental testing implemented to analyze the feasibility and validation of all mechanical considerations for the numerical analyses. Hence, having a solid foundation in the biomechanical behavior from the first case study close estimates, a 3D-printable patient-specific insole was designed and numerically analyzed to observe the mechanical response in the plantar critical zones utilizing a personalized orthotic device. Results from the second case study notably demonstrated a crucial decrement in excessive pressure values. Employing morphological customization orthopedics modeling combined with 3D-printable materials is revolutionizing assistive device design and fabrication techniques. The fundamental contribution of this research relies on deepening the knowledge of foot biomechanics from an interdisciplinary approach by numerically analyzing pressure distribution in critical regions for all five stances phases; thus, based on the methods employed, the results obtained contribute to the advances of patient-specific foot orthopedics. Full article

Implant-supported-screw-retained prostheses are highly popular. Some of the most frequent complications are connected with the mechanical properties of the fixing elements. These include abutment screw loosening or even screw fracture. Using an intermediate abutment can offer several advantages. However, few studies detail how this affects the mechanical behavior of dental restorations. This study focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of implant-supported restorations with a transepithelial component compared to direct implant-supported restoration. It was carried out using the finite element method (FEM) and was experimentally validated. The results showed that in the case of transepithelial-supported restoration, the prosthetic screw mounted over the transepithelial component suffered higher stress than the one screwed directly into the implant. After applying a cyclic fatigue load, it was experimentally proven that, in the transepithelial-supported restorations, the fuse changed from being the screw that went into the implant to being the upper one. In conclusion, we can state that the use of an intermediate abutment in dental restoration not only provides better protection for the rest of the dental restoration but also allows for easier repair in the event of a fracture. This can potentially lead to more efficient procedures and improved patient outcomes. Full article