Lithiumsilikatkeramiken bieten für Einzelzahnrestaurationen bis hin zu dreigliedrigen Frontzahnbrücken eine harmonische Balance zwischen Festigkeit und Ästhetik. Sie schließen die Lücke zwischen den ästhetisch ansprechenden, jedoch weniger belastbaren Leuzit- und Feldspatkeramiken und den hochfesten, aber oft opakeren Zirkonoxidkeramiken. Die Verarbeitung dieser Keramiken erfolgt effizient durch CAD/CAM-Technologie mit modernen Speedöfen zur Kristallisation, was die Anwendung in der modernen Zahnmedizin erheblich vereinfacht. Keywords: Lithiumsilikatkeramik, CAD/CAM, mechanische Eigenschaften, chairside, Kristallisation

Purpose: To investigate, via questionnaire, how protocols for adhesive luting workflows of dental restorations are applied in three German-speaking countries. Material and Methods: A 47-item questionnaire gathered data on airborne particle abrasion (APA) unit characteristics, parameters, operating procedures, pretreatments in adhesive luting workflows for restorations, and participant demographics. The survey was distributed via trade journals, expert associations, universities, technical schools, and social media. Marginal absolute and relative frequencies were analyzed (95% confidence intervals), with Chi-squared tests comparing observed and expected frequencies (P0.05). Twenty-three experts voted on 23 recommendations regarding APA parameters and other pretreatments for bonding restorations. Results: A total of 267 participants completed the survey. Access to an APA unit was linked to a higher likelihood of performing APA before placement. Approximately half of the participants used APA in their practice. For zirconia restorations, 47.2% applied alumina APA at 50 µm/0.1 MPa, while 36.7% used the same settings for polymer-based restorations. For alloys, 37.5% employed 110 µm/0.2 MPa. These preferences correlated with age (≥30 years), experience (≥10 years), profession (dental technician/dentist), prior instruction/training, and daily APA use. Adhesives with MDP were used for zirconia (63.8%) and those with silane for silicate-based ceramics (55.9%). Agreement on recommendations ranged between 52% and 100%, with 21/23 reaching an average of 93%. Conclusion: Access to APA influenced clinical decisions and the feasibility of adhesive luting workflows. Adequate APA equipment in dental facilities is essential for quality care. Standardized protocols, training, and education across dental professions are necessary to enhance understanding and proper use of APA. Keywords: adhesive dentistry, airborne particle abrasion, parameter, surface conditioning, bonding, dental restoration

Stabilization appliances (Michigan splints) are well studied and widely adopted for managing bruxism and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Traditionally, these appliances have been fabricated by wax modeling and pressing resin onto casts made from irreversible hydrocolloid or silicone impressions. This article provides a detailed description of an all-digital workflow that uses intraoral scanning and computer-aided design (CAD) software to design a stabilization splint on a digital cast that can be manufactured autonomously by a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) grinding machine in a subtractive procedure. The workflow is applicable to both dental practitioners and technicians. Special attention is given to aspects and procedures that are important for the successful fabrication of the splint. Working without a cast can save time and money, and the use of CAD/CAM technology provides a homogenous splint material quality. Keywords: bruxism, CAD/CAM, digital, occlusal device, stabilization splint, temporomandibular disorders

Purpose: To investigate the effect of a universal adhesive on the bond strength of composite cements to a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network. Materials and Methods: Shear bond strength to a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Vita Enamic) and to its polymer and ceramic components was assessed on polished surfaces using either a conventional dual-curing resin (RelyX Ultimate) or self-adhesive composite cement (RelyX Unicem 2 Automix). Substrate surfaces were either not pretreated or a silane coupling agent (Vitasil), a universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal Adhesive), or both were applied. Further, the shear bond strength to polymer-infiltrated ceramic network was evaluated after etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid (Vita Ceramics Etch) of 0, 15, 30, 60 or 120 s without or with application of silane, universal adhesive, or both (n = 10). Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p 0.05) followed by post-hoc comparisons with Bonferroni correction. Results: No bond (0 MPa) was formed to the polished polymer-infiltrated ceramic network or to its components for either cement. Application of silane resulted in low mean bond strengths (4 to 5 MPa) to the ceramic. The universal adhesive bonded mainly to the polymer part of the polymer-infiltrated ceramic network. The best bonding performance for both cements was achieved when silane and universal adhesive were applied on the polymer-infiltrated ceramic network. Etching for 30 s or 60 s resulted in the highest mean shear bond strengths for all pretreatment groups (p 0.05). Conclusion: The best bonding performance of the self-adhesive dual-curing composite cement RelyX Unicem 2 Automix was found on the HF-etched polymer-infiltrated ceramic network. The conventional dual-curing composite cement RelyX Ultimate with Scotchbond Universal Adhesive may bond chemically to the polymer part of the polymer-infiltrated ceramic network. To achieve the highest bond strengths for both cements, the polymer-infiltrated ceramic network should be etched for 30 to 60 s, followed by the application of silane and universal adhesive. Keywords: shear bond strength, polymer-infiltrated ceramic, universal adhesive, silane, hydrofluoric acid etching