Earticle

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the flexural strength and surface microstructure of the zirconia crown according to the number of glazing zirconia prostheses. Methods: The specimens were made as follows. A specimen without glazing: 1ea, first glazed specimens (group B): 10ea, second glazed specimens (group C): 10ea, third glazed specimens (group D): 10ea. Three-point measuring strength equipment and electron microscopes were used for strength measurement and microstructure observation. As for statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and t-test (level of significance level=5%) were used to determine the difference in the change in flexural strength according to the number of glazing zirconia prostheses. Results: ANOVA analysis of groups B (1st glazing), C (2nd glazing), and D (3rd glazing) revealed that the change in strength between the groups is statistically significant (p=0.023). The Mann–Whitney test for each group revealed that the difference in flexural strength between groups B and C was not statistically significant (z=–0.302, p=0.762) while that between groups C and D was statistically significant (z=–0.257, p=0.01). Microstructure observation revealed 3 changes in the microstructure of the surface of the glaze powder were observed. Conclusion: According to the number of glazing zirconia prostheses, it was found that the difference in strength between groups was statistically significant, and changes in the microstructure were observed.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of abutment screws used with the zirconia fixture-based implant system and compare them with those used with the existing titanium fixture system via the finite element method. Methods: A single implant-supported restoration was designed for the finite element analysis. A universal analysis program was used to set 8 occlusal points along the direction to the long axis of the implant, and an occlusal load of 700 N was applied. Results: In all models (Zir and Ti-fixture model), the screw threads presented with the highest von Mises stress (VMS) values, whereas the head and end presented with the lowest VMS values. The VMS of the screw used in the zirconia-fixture model was 5.97% lower than that used in the titanium-fixture model (261.258 vs. 276.911 MPa, respectively) despite statistical significance. Furthermore, the zirconia fixture (352.912 MPa) had a higher stress value (8.42%) than the titanium fixture (332.331 MPa). In a completely tightened titanium fixture implant system, the stress was concentrated in the implant-abutment connection interface, the zirconia fixture presented with a stable stress distribution. Conclusion: Although the zirconia fixture demonstrated a high VMS value, owing to the stiffness and elasticity coefficients of the material, the stress generated in the abutment screws was similar in all models. In conclusion, the zirconia fixture-based implant system presented with a more stable stress distribution in the abutment screws than the titanium fixture-based implant system.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze deformation according to post-curing of complete arch artificial teeth for temporary dentures printed with a digital light processing (DLP) printer. Methods: An edentulous model was prepared and an occlusal rim was produced. The edentulous model and occlusal rim were scanned using a model scanner. A complete denture was designed using a dental computer-aided design, and the denture base and artificial tooth were separated. Ten complete arch artificial teeth were printed using a 3D printer (DLP). Complete arch artificial teeth was classified into the following three groups: a group no post-curing (NC), a group with 10 minutes post-curing (10M), and a group with 20 minutes post-curing (20M). Specimens were scanned using a model scanner. The scanned data were overlapped with the reference data. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Mann–Whitney U test (α=0.05). Results: Regarding the overall deviation of complete arch artificial teeth, the NC group showed the lowest mean deviation of 111.13 μm and the 20M group showed the highest mean deviation of 131.03 μm. There were statistically significant differences among the three groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The complete arch artificial tooth showed deformation due to post-curing. In addition, the largest shrinkage deformation was observed at 10 minutes of post-curing, whereas the least deformation was observed at 20 minutes.

Purpose: This study aimed to produce resin prosthetics using a dental automatic barrel finishing. Surface roughness and surface topography of resins were observed according to the grinding time of the dental automatic barrel finishing. Methods: This study was performed with thermopolymer, autopolymer, and photopolymer resins. The dimensions of the specimen were 10×10×2 mm. Each specimen was polymerized according to the manufacturer's instructions. The polymerized resin was honed for 30 minutes at 5-min intervals in a dental automatic barrel finishing. The specimen was observed using a three-dimensional (3D) optical microscope, and the surface roughness was measured. Results: After the polishing with the dental automatic barrel finishing, the heat-cured (HC) specimen showed the highest and lowest values of Ra after 10 and 15 minutes, respectively. The self-cured (SC) specimen showed the highest and lowest values of Ra after 10 and 25 minutes, respectively. Finally, the 3D specimen showed the highest and lowest values of Ra after 5 and 20 minutes, respectively. Conclusion: After measuring the surface roughness of the three types of resins according to the grinding time of the dental automatic barrel finishing, the lowest Ra values for the HC, SC, and 3D specimens were measured after 15, 25, and 20 minutes, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that a limit on the grinding time of the resin using a dental automatic barrel finishing is needed.

Purpose: This study examined the correlations between the satisfaction and effectiveness of practical training and theory lectures under two conditions: face-to-face lectures and non-face-to-face online lectures. Methods: A survey of 436 public health student, whereafter SPSS 20.0 (IBM) was used on the data to conduct frequency, descriptive statistics, and exploratory factor analyses. The Cronbach's α value was estimated in a reliability analysis, and a simple regression analysis was conducted to verify the study hypothesis. Results: It was found that the students preferred pre-recorded lectures online for both practical training and theory, claiming that when compared with face-to-face lectures, these non-face-to-face lectures meant a shorter commute and the ability to repeat the content. However, it was admitted that technical issues such as facilities or access difficulties and lower concentration could be a problem. The hypothesis that course satisfaction affects lecture effectiveness was verified, with both the practical training and theory lectures found to have a statistically significant positive (+) effect. The explanatory power of student satisfaction on the effectiveness of the theory component was slightly higher than that of the practical training component, with the students having more positive perceptions on the necessity of face-to-face lectures in practical training than they did for those in theoretical instruction. Conclusion: Providing non-face-to-face online theory courses and face-to-face practical training courses could increase student satisfaction and lecture effectiveness.