In the past decade, the emphasis has been on conservative dentistry. This can be partly attributed to the wide acceptance of resin-bonded FPD with minimal preparation and the proficiency of the newer resin cements.

The removal of all occlusal anatomy of the abutment during preparation is unwarranted and the restoration of this morphology can be arduous.

This article describes a new sleeve designed (SD) cast retainer for posterior fixed partial denture to improve retention with minimal tooth reduction while sustaining the original occlusal relationships.

The SD retainer is a partial-coverage cast crown with an intact occlusal surface. Most conventional complete crowns rarely seat completely because of hydraulic pressures, but venting of the crowns has partly reduced this problem.

In the SD FPD retainer, this problem is completely resolved. This design establishes a natural retention by not shortening the axial walls of the abutments and provide the basic principle of retention (two opposing axial walls). Naturally, pulpal testing is facilitated and root canals are more accessible. In addition, the SD retainer is a flexible procedure because a traditional retainer can be constructed if desired. The SD retainer can also be used in combination with a conventional restoration retainer if one of the abutment teeth requires occlusal modifications or aesthetic appearance.

The main indication for an SD FPD retainer is in the posterior quadrants for abutments that have intact occlusal surfaces. The geometric configuration of prepared abutments with the positive gingival chamfer prevent gingival displacement of the SD retainer.

The bite jumping appliance (BJA) is a functional appliance developed by F.G. Sander for the treatment of selected Class II Div. 1 and Class II, Div. 2 malocclusion with deep overbite. This is particularly effective at ages between 8 and 14 years.

The BJA has many advantages compared to the activator. It allows quick midline adjustment and posterior crossbite and overbite correction. The speech impediment is absolutely tolerable contrary to the activator. The treatment time is much reduced and the same appliance can be used, after minor adjustment, as a retention appliance.

The majority of orthodontic treatment is directed towards the correction of Class II Div. 1 malocclusions. These can be either dental where the skeletal bases are correct and the teeth are out of alignment; or they can be skeletal in nature where either the mandible is retrusive, the maxilla protrusive, or a combination of maxillary and mandibular involvement. Three ways exist to correct a skeletal III malocclusion:

1.       is made to enhance and redirect growth.

2.              wherein extraction therapy usually plays a part so that the occlusion is corrected but the skeletal discrepancy remains.

3.              Surgical correction - when the malocclusion is severe or the patient is no longer growing. This group consists mostly of craniofacial anomalies or adult patients or post-pubertal patients.

This is a study of 1,200 Saudi children aged 2-14 years who presented for treatment at the emergency clinics of four of the main hospitals and three polyclinics in Riyadh during the year 1993G (1413-1414H).

Diagnosis showed 92% of the children had dental caries. Chronic dental abscess was found in 1 7.1 %, while acute periapical infections occurred in 8.0%. Non-specific gingivitis and trauma were found in 19.2% and 3.8%, respectively. Crowding occurred in 5.7% while ulcers, discoloured teeth, supernumeraries and hypodontia accounted for the rest.

The pattern of treatment required was: restorative (83.7%), extractions (39.1%), periodontal (18.2%); orthodontics (14.7%) and prosthetics (2.9%). Splinting due to trauma was needed in three of the children.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of proxabrush, end-tuft brush, dental floss, toothpicks and specially prepared meswak sticks in removal of proximal plaque and maintenance of gingival tissues following periodontal surgery.

Twenty five patients participated in the study. They had moderate to severe periodontitis in localized areas where periodontal surgery was recommended for at least 4 adjacent teeth in each patient and were considered as test sites for the study.

Patients were divided into five groups and they were carefully-instructed how to use the toothbrush by Modified Stillman's technique. After two weeks, clinical parameters were evaluated at the surgical sites; these parameters include soft tissue trauma index, plaque index and gingival index. Subjects in each group were then given the recommended interdental cleansing aid in addition to the standard toothbrush. After two weeks, they were recalled for re-enforcement of the oral hygiene instructions and, after another two weeks, they were recalled for recording the clinical parameters.

Results of this study showed remarkable reduction of the mean plaque and gingival index after the use of perio aids in addition to the standard toothbrush. Comparing and ranking the perio aids with respect to their plaque reduction ability and their mean gingival and trauma index showed that meswak sticks and toothpicks gave better results.

  Saudi Dental Journal 1994;6(SI)-Abstr.050:p55