Conventional resin-bonded bridges are designed with adhesive surfaces on both sides of the dummy. As a consequence both abutment teeth are rigidly connected to each other. Loading of the abutment teeth or dummy will lead to wringing forces in the cement. Adhesive bridges with one adhesive surface are actually cantilever bridges. Theoretically this type of bridges will be less prone to wringing forces due to loading. However, long term research into the performance of cantilever resin-bonded bridges (RBBs) is hardly available. The results of research into the longevity of conventional RBBs differ remarkably between Europe, and the United States and Japan. These differences are discussed in this article. This article compares the fixed-fixed design RBBs with the cantilever RBBs. The differences are discussed based on eight articles, the earliest being published in 1991, which are dedicated, completely or partially, to the subject of cantilever adhesive bridges. One can conclude that in The Netherlands RBBs are wrongly considered to be unreliable. On the contrary, they appear to be reliable and predictable restorations provided their preparations meet the right standards. Although a number of authors conclude that cantilever RBBs are performing better than their fixed-fixed design counterparts in similar situations, further research is needed concerning the longevity of this type of adhesive brigdes.

This article describes the development of a three-dimensional finite element model of a premolar, based on a micro-scale computed tomographic data-acquisition technique. Using the model shrinkage stresses were analysed during and after the polymerisation process of resin composite. The stress patterns generated were three-dimensional. The results of this study indicate that failure of the interface is more probable than failure of the composite material. The described procedure is a relatively easy method to produce a highly detailed 3-D finite element model of a premolar with an adhesive cups-replacing restoration.

From a technical point of view the possibilities of aesthetics in medicine and dentistry are unlimited. This makes the call for moral boundaries a number one topic. It is especially this ‘question of boundaries’ with regard to the realisation of embellishments, which is considered problematic: who determines the moral boundaries of dental intervention for embellishment purposes and where do those moral boundaries of embellishment lie? Considering the increasing possibilities it is not advisable to just leave this to the individual dentist, let alone to the patient. Te vision of the profession is needed, so that the individual dentist feels supported.

A 12-year old boy was referred to an orthodontist. During examination of his dental status a swelling was seen at the right side of his palate. Further examination demonstrated a central giant cell granuloma. This is a rare benign tumor that often causes local destruction of the bone and displacement of teeth. Surgical curettage of these large central giant cell granulomas gives mulilations of the jaws and loss of teeth and tooth germs. Furthermore, it has a high recurrence rate. Therefore, calcitonin was chosen as an alternative therapy.

The Cochrane Collaboration is a global network which aims to prepare, maintain and promote high-quality systematic reviews of the effects of healthcare interventions. Publishing the reviews on cd-rom and internet promotes evidence-based healthcare in order to enable researchers and doctors to make informed decisions about patient treatment and care. The dental practitioner will find some evidence-based dentistry in the reviews of the Cochrane Oral Health Group.