Functional occlusion is a basic assumption for effective mastication related to its primary function of food intake and body nutrition. Mastication is necessary not only for food ingestion but also for promoting and maintaining the memory function. How is this possible?

Earlier studies emphasized importance of increased cerebral blood flow and activation of the brain cortex during activities of masticatory muscles. Increased oxygen supply thus positively supports the brain centers that are essential for cognitive processing, for memory and learning. Read more >>

Botulinum toxin (BTX), a neurotoxin, is widely used to treat muscle spasms, facial twitching, salivation, and myofascial pain because of its muscle-relaxing and antinociceptive effect. BTX reduces pain through inhibition of activation of the synaptic nerve by blocking the release of acetylcholine from the presynaptic membrane and preventing release of substance P by targeting SNAP-25 to block the release of calcium ions. Researchers hoped that BTX would reduce occlusal force in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. Different studies evaluated how BTX injections in masticatory muscles influenced occlusion in TMD patients. Unfortunately, there are only animal studies which consider how the masticatory system modifies after BTX injection. Read more >>

From a dental point of view, a restoration can be aesthetically pleasing and very well-finished. However, whether it fulfils its true function and purpose and achieves the desired aesthetics, is solely verified in the one place it’s used – the patient’s mouth. 

Non-prep veneers are the newest solution when it comes to minimally invasive dental surgery. Read more >>

Prosthetic treatment of bruxers is a challenge for the prosthodontist, both in terms of the additional knowledge that must be possessed and the additional diagnostics that must be implemented in the therapy. The long-term success of treatment in this group of patients is influenced by knowledge of the problem, the ability to assess indications for prosthetic reconstruction and the ability to meet the patient's expectations regarding the effectiveness of therapy, aesthetics, function and the relation to bruxism. Read more >>

In modern dentistry diagnostic imaging is an indispensable part of diagnostic workout. Imaging methods based on X-rays and those not applying potentially harmful ionizing radiation are applied in different specialties, including occlusion disorders. Diagnostic imaging belongs to one of the fastest developing branches of medicine, and tremendous progress in imaging techniques is observed. Therefore it is mandatory for a dental practitioner to keep track on the changes in diagnostic algorithms. Read more >>

Until a few years ago, CAD/CAM technology was the most recent breakthrough in dentistry. Although CAD/CAM is still widely utilized as an important tool in dentistry today, 3D printing has become a digital revolution that the dental industry has quickly embraced, both chair-side and in dental laboratories. Read more >>