Alvin Wee

University of Washington | UW · Restorative Dentistry

The primary aim of this study was to determine the characteristics that current chairpersons in restorative dentistry, general dentistry, prosthodontics, and operative dentistry departments in U.S. dental schools feel are most relevant in contributing to their success. The secondary aim was to determine these individuals' rankings of the importance...

Patients at risk of developing oral and/or oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) are more likely to see primary care providers (PCPs) than a dentist. Many PCPs do not regularly perform oral cancer examination (OCE). The purpose of this study was to design a web-based educational program based on a behavioral framework to encourage PCPs to conduct OCE. PCPs we...

Objectives: To compare the percentage of patients who had an oral cancer examination (OCE) by their primary care provider (PCP) in medical clinics participating in a web-based education with poster reminder intervention to that of patients in control clinics. To also determine the effects for PCPs in medical clinics participating in the web-based...

Purpose: To assess the influence of interdental spaces and scanning the palate on the accuracy of maxillary scans acquired using 3 intraoral scanners (IOSs). Materials and methods: A virtual completely dentate maxillary cast without interdental spaces was obtained and modified to create 1, 2, and 3 mm of interdental spacing between the anterior...

Purpose To develop a current profile of prosthodontics program directors (PPDs) in United States dental schools and describe the current challenges and responsibilities of those serving in the position and assess the professional needs of the program directors (PDs) to better support them in their roles. Materials and methods A survey was sent to...

Prosthesis discomfort and a lack of skin-like quality is a source of patient dissatisfaction with facial prostheses. To engineer skin-like replacements, knowledge of the differences between facial skin properties and those for prosthetic materials is essential. This project measured six viscoelastic properties (percent laxity, stiffness, elastic de...

The effect of a novel nano-ceramic coating (TiO2) using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique on the surface of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material was investigated. The patients’ and clinicians’ perception and acceptance of the PMMA color with TiO2 coating were also examined. In vitro color measurement was performed on thirty specimens (l...

This study aimed to investigate and compare the color stability and stainability of computer aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) restorative materials in their glazed (G) and polished (P) state when exposed to cigarette smoke, as well as after brushing. Three CAD/CAM restorative materials were investigated: lithium disilicate CAD (L...

Objective There are several shade matching instruments developed for clinical use, but the validity of their use in dental research has not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of using two clinical color measuring instruments, VitaEasyshade and Spectroshade, against a referent laboratory color measu...

We aimed to evaluate the trueness of digital and conventional impression techniques based on different angles and distances between implants and the deviation caused by the angle and distance parameters varying between implants. Eight implants were placed in a polyurethane edentulous mandibular model at different angles and distances. After obtaini...

Statement of problem Limited data, especially in vivo data, exist regarding translucency parameter (TP) values for vital anterior nonrestored dentition. Additionally, published information on the CIELab values of vital enamel at a theoretical infinite thickness is lacking. Obtaining TP and CIELab values in a population that varies in terms of ethni...

The objective was to compare the repeatability between dental faculty, whose clinical practice was primarily restorative dentistry, and final year dental students in categorizing the inherent translucency of images selected at random using either a 3- or 7-point scale (translucent to opaque). Digital images of anterior dentition were randomly selec...

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare three commonly used proportions that include the golden proportion, golden percentage, and Recurring Esthetic Dental (RED) proportion to identify which of the mathematical formulas, if any, can be used to provide predictable and repeatable esthetic clinical outcomes. Methods:...

Radiotherapy is being performed in many situations as a curative approach for head and neck cancer instead of surgery due to the current novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. A recent publication reported that even hypofractionation was being conducted in order to reduce the daily exposure of both patients and the medical staff involved in...

Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess participants’ and presenters’ perceptions of a live web‐based lecture series in comparison to traditional in‐person lectures. Materials and Methods A virtual lecture series was organized by the ——‐ from March 25th until June 3rd of 2020. Twenty‐five postgraduate prosthodontics programs and 81 presente...

Aim: This technique aim to present a calculation-free method using Adobe Photoshop to apply the principles of facially driven smiles and to generate a wax-up based on measurements obtained from the final smile design. Background: The lack of quantifiable measurements and the subsequent unrealistic expectations that develop can limit the use of vir...

The objective of this study was to assess if the setting expansion, compressive strength, compressive modulus and Knoop hardness is reduced in Type III, IV and V gypsum products when excess water is added to recommended water/powder (W/P) ratios for full-arch implant master casts. Four properties were measured: linear setting expansion, compressive...

Purpose: The accuracy of the digital impressions is still controversial for complete arch implant cases. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of different intraoral scanners with the conventional technique in terms of trueness and precision in a complete arch implant model. Material and methods: Eight implants were inserted asymmetri...

Purpose To assess the management of sleep apnea and snoring disorders in Advanced Education Programs in Prosthodontics (AEPP) in the United States. Materials and Methods A 51 item, online survey was sent to program directors at 48 AEPPs in the United States in 2015. Data results were analyzed descriptively. Results Thirty‐five program directors r...

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the resident selection and match process that occurred for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited Advanced Education in Prosthodontics program in North America from the program directors' perspective, after the first year of implementation. Materials and methods:...

Objective: To evaluate the long-term color stainability, translucency, and contrast ratio (CR) of different resins used to fabricate interim prostheses after immersion in acidic/staining solutions. Materials and methods: A total of 160 specimens were divided into 16 groups (n = 10) according to the material (heat-polymerized acrylic resin [HPAR]...

The aim of this study was to determine the educational methods and tools used to teach tooth prognosis and treatment complexity determination in U.S. predoctoral dental programs. In 2018, an online survey was emailed to the academic deans of all 66 accredited U.S. dental schools. Of these, 42 schools responded (63.6%), and 36 schools completed the...

The aim of this study was to analyze information about advanced education programs in prosthodontics (AEPPs) collected in American Dental Association (ADA) surveys on advanced dental education from 2006-07 to 2016-17. Data recorded included number of AEPPs and information on program directors, applicants, and enrollees in AEPPs. The results showed...

Statement of problem: Which impression material, impression tray type, and implant impression technique combination produces the most accurate complete-arch impression is unclear. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the implant impression accuracy of a completely edentulous arch made with addition silicone occlusal registr...

A nylon partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP) is aesthetically superior to a traditional PRDP. However, the nylon surface becomes rough after long-term use. There have been few clinical follow-up reports concerning the re-polished surface after long-term insertion of the nylon PRDP. We observed the re-polished surface of the nylon denture base...

The aim of this study was to determine whether deans of North American dental schools perceived that one category of department chairperson skills (leadership or management) was more important than the other for their chairpersons to be successful. A secondary purpose was to determine the professional qualifications and personal characteristics the...

The aims of this study were to measure the research productivity of directors of U.S. advanced education in prosthodontics programs (AEPP) and to identify associations between the directors' publication metrics and professional characteristics. A list of AEPP directors was obtained from the American College of Prosthodontists website in December 20...

Maxillofacial prosthetics (MFP) programs in the U.S. select only a limited number of applicants for fellowship positions. The aims of this study were to survey MFP fellows about which factors influenced their choice of programs and to survey MFP directors about what they considered critical factors in the selection process. Surveys were sent to all...

Statement of problem: Maxillofacial prostheses made of silicone elastomers undergo undesirable color degradation over time. How this color change can be prevented is unclear. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the ability of an oxide nanocoating to prevent color degradation of maxillofacial silicone elastomers after arti...

Purpose: In the field of prosthodontics, patients often require complex and extensive restorative care. This can involve the use of dental restorations to restore teeth on both the maxillary and mandibular arch. Current literature has evaluated the wear properties of different dental ceramics against enamel, but studies regarding dental ceramics o...

Background This study surveyed non-United States maxillofacial prosthodontists (MFP) to determine their practice profile and rationale for pursuing an MFP career. Methods Email addresses for the MFP were obtained from the International Society for Maxillofacial Rehabilitation, American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, and International Academy...

Statement of problem: The effects of toothbrushing (B) and thermocycling (TC) on the surface texture of different materials with various fabrication processes have been investigated. However, studies of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) ceramic restorations are limited. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study w...

Statement of problem: Although craniofacial implants have been used for retention of facial prostheses, failures are common. Titanium undergoes corrosion in the oral cavity, but the corrosion of craniofacial implants requires evaluation. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the corrosion stability of commercially pure t...

Statement of problem: The motivation of maxillofacial prosthodontists to go into fellowship training and specific procedures in maxillofacial prosthetics practice once they have completed training has not been previously evaluated. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to survey maxillofacial prosthodontists in the United States to investigate...

Statement of problem: The longevity of silicone facial prostheses is short, and published data concerning this type of rehabilitation are limited. Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify predictive variables for prosthetic failure and to highlight the results that can be expected after treatment with silicone facial pros...

Statement of the problem. Surface roughness and color stability play important role in success of different dental restorations, however there are concerns about long-term survival in the oral environments. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of artificial accelerated aging on surface roughness and color stability of three...

The aim of this study was to determine the difference between the intended education by advanced education in prosth-odontics (AEP) program directors and the perceived education received by AEP residents with respect to concepts of esthetic dentistry. Residents' confidence levels and current practices were also determined based on program level, wi...

Statement of problem: To our knowledge, no data are available on the actual lighting that is used for visual shade matching in private dental offices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the shade matching practices and interest in continuing education in dental practices and to determine the quantity and quality of the ambient l...

Statement of problem: Partial fixed dental prostheses with a small connector size are required for optimal esthetics and limited interarch space; however, final strength is endangered. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different connector designs on the flexural strength of simulated 3-unit partial fixed d...

Oral and/or oral pharyngeal cancer (OPC) has an approximately 53% five-year survival rate in the United States. It is postulated that the rationale for this low survival rate is due to delayed diagnosis and treatment of OPC at its later stages. Recently the United States Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend for or...

Objectives Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish and evaluate an automatic shade selection system using a dental spectrophotometer. Methods Methods: The Commision Internationale de l'Eclairage Lab color space (CIELAB) values of each shade tab for two selected gingival shade guide systems, the Acron (GC) and the IPS (Ivoclar Vivaden...

Background: This investigation examines practices with the 2012 recommendations by the American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with orthopaedic implants. Quantifying practices allow enforcement efforts to be focused, so the medical community can gain credibility by...

The color stability and staining of acrylic resin denture teeth remains an esthetic problem for complete denture wearers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical color stability and stainability of acrylic resin denture teeth in complete denture wearers over a period of 5 years. Fifty participants rehabilitated with complet...

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of race, age, and gender on Commision Internationale de l’Eclairage Lab color space (CIELAB) values of attached gingival colors. The color coordinates of an optimal proposed attached gingival shade guide were also determined.Material and Methods Participants (n = 120) were recruited to ful...

Objective: Facial elastomers are intended to replace missing skin, yet little is known about facial skin properties. This study's purpose was to assess viscoelastic(VE) properties of facial skin in order to propose standards for engineering new facial materials. Methods: 132 human subjects were selected for age(19-70), race(Asian,Black,Hispanic,Whi...

Currently, no commercially available facial shade guide exists in the United States for the fabrication of facial prostheses. The purpose of this study was to measure facial skin and lip color in a human population sample stratified by age, gender, and race. Clustering analysis was used to determine optimal color coordinates for a proposed facial s...

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the inter-rater reliability of categorizing inherent translucency of anterior dentition by practicing final-year dental students. Methods: Twenty-five digital images of intact anterior dentition were selected based on a range of inherent visual translucency. The images were cropped to show hal...

Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to evaluate the validity and repeatability of a PR650 spectroradiometer using a 45/0 measurement geometry on opaque color patches. Methods: The measurement set up was with the PR650 spectroradiometer (PhotoResearch) at normal to the color patch with two sets of illumination (A illuminatio...

A benefit of a nylon partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP) is the absence of a metal framework, providing improved esthetics. Unfortunately, the lack of a traditional framework reduces rigidity and the support of occlusal rests. This clinical report describes a combination of a nylon PRDP (polyamide denture base resin) and a traditional PRDP (...

Introduction: Understanding the distribution of incisal translucency will provide clinicians a guide to use this knowledge to improve the esthetic replication of anterior restorations. The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of incisal translucency of unrestored vital natural maxillary central, lateral, and canine vital teeth from...

Residents of Appalachia may benefit from oral cancer screening given the region's higher oral and pharyngeal cancer mortality rates. The current study examined the oral cancer screening behaviors and recent dental care (since dentists perform most screening examinations) of women from Ohio Appalachia. Women from Ohio Appalachia were surveyed for th...

Objectives: To determine the short-term effectiveness of a web-based educational intervention for primary care physicians (PCPs) in Ohio to improve knowledge of diagnostic procedures for oral cancer (DiagOC) and knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer (RiskOC). Methods: Integrated Behavioral Model was used to frame and design the 60-minute cont...

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of race, age and sex on CIELAB values of attached gingival colors. The color coordinates of an optimal proposed attached gingival shade guide will also be determined. Methods: A spectroradiometer and an external light source were configured in a noncontacting 45/0-degree (45-degree i...

Objective: Facial prosthetic elastomers with wide ranges in hardness are now available, yet material weatherability is unknown. This study assessed color, durometer and tensile property changes after 3000 hours of outdoor weathering in Lincoln, NE, USA. Methods: Unpigmented elastomers with durometer values 5, 30, 50, 70 and controls (A2186) were po...

Functional rehabilitation of fully edentulous maxillary defects is always regarded as a prosthodontic challenge. Surgical augmentation does not always offer value addition in the functional treatment outcome. This article describes the maxillofacial prosthodontic treatment of an edentulous patient who received an abdominus microvascular free flap s...

Although the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices is the recommended treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), compliance may be a concern for some patients. Patients' compliance with the CP AP device is regarded as their willingness to use the CP AP device at home for at least 1 week.' Compliance for pa...

Even though metal ceramic restorations (MCRs) are widely used by clinicians, the influence of the metal on the color of overlaying porcelain is unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the color alterations of different types of metal ceramic alloys during several stages of metal surface preparation and to determine the effect of those cha...

Oral health has a significant effect on health, and for women, poor oral health can lead to poor birth outcomes and can affect their child's health. Nursing interventions to improve the oral health of at-risk women have the potential to increase maternal and child systemic and oral health. The identification of women at a high risk for poor oral he...

Objectives: Little is known about the impact of smokeless tobacco (ST) cessation intervention on periodontal health. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess the effects ST cessation on the periodontal health status of rural male ST users. Methods: Adult males, daily ST-users, with unilateral mandibular ST keratosis lesion, and reside...

Objective: To compare groups of healthcare professionals in Ohio with respect to: (1) Index of knowledge of diagnostic procedures for oral cancer (OCDiag), and (2) Index of knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer (OCRisk). Methods: This survey was sent to 2,000 members in: Ohio Dental Association (DDSs), Ohio American Academy of Family Physicians...

Objectives: The goal is to improve the properties of maxillofacial polymers using polyhedral silsesquioxane POSS nanofillers. Methods: The control sample was made by mixing Part A and Part B (1:1, wt/wt) Factor II A-2000 with Factor II Thixo followed by heat curing. POSS modified samples of 0.5, 1, 2 and 5% were formulated as per the following exam...

Although a large body of scientific literature shows that background color and luminance affect color perception, previous measurements of tooth color difference thresholds have not taken the effects of viewing context into account. The present study tested the hypothesis that differences in skin/gingival color influence individuals' judgments of t...

This study evaluates two mechanical properties, tensile strength and tear strength, of maxillofacial materials reinforced with functional polyhedral silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0% (mass/mass) loading. Adding POSS was found to significantly affect the overall tensile strength and extensibility of the maxillofacia...

Objectives: To analyze the color alterations of different types of metalceramic alloys during several stages of metal surface preparation. Methods: Seven different types of alloys were used to prepare specimens (thickness=0.5mm, diameter=10mm, n=3) utilizing routine laboratory procedures followed by opaque porcelain OP application (0.1mm). L*, a*,...