Long-term stability following orthodontic treatment required long-term retention. Compliance with removable retention regimens is variable so some practitioners favour fixed retainers. The aim of this study was to compare the survival of mandibular lingual retainers placed using either chemical or photo polymerization after orthodontic treatment. Patients who had completed orthodontic treatment with no active caries, [read the full story…]
Composite resin restorations are becoming a regular element of restorative dental care. Usually they are photo-polymerised, and polymerization protocols are considered to be one potential factor in the marginal quality of these restorations. The aim of this study was to compare the marginal quality of composite restorations employing two polymerisation protocols, namely regular versus high [read the full story…]
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an approach used to help people manage problems by changing the way they think and behave. It is a talking therapy designed to help examine they way in which their actions can affect they way they think and feel. It looks for practical ways to improve states of mind on [read the full story…]
Patients who suffer from depression after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may benefit from stepped treatment, which takes patient preference into account, a recent study suggests. Furthermore this course of action does not appear to result in a significant increase in healthcare costs. Crucially post-ACS depression has been associated with both an increased risk of ACS [read the full story…]
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different interventions (non-desensitising toothpaste, desensitising toothpaste and professionally applied dentine bonding agent) in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity over a 2-week, 3-month and 6-month- period in a dental practice setting. In this practice based study patients adults (18-75yrs of age) with at least one sensitive [read the full story…]
This study explores the cost effectiveness of two weight loss programmes evaluated as part of a randomised controlled trial: (1) referral to a commercial provider (2) weight loss advice delivered through primary care channels, via GP or nurse. Participants (who were over 18 years old and had a BMI of 27-35 with at least one [read the full story…]
Although there have been huge advances in the treatment of heart disease, it is still the UK’s biggest killer (more information on heart disease can be found at the British Heart Foundation’s website). Depression after a heart attack is common (roughly 20% prevalence) and can worsen heart disease and increase the risk of death. A [read the full story…]
In adults there is a growing body of evidence for psychotherapeutic interventions such as Transference Focussed Psychotherapy, Mentalization-Based Treatment and Dialectic Behavioural Therapy for patients who self harm. In the teenage population, there has been limited evidence to show that interventions are better than the treatment already provided. MBT has developed from psychodynamic psychotherapy and [read the full story…]
Here at the Mental Elf we are always on the look out for research that extends trials into new areas, and offers practical benefits to people recovering from mental illness. Within psychiatric wards violence and challenging behaviour can be extremely distressing, with a 2007 Healthcare Commission report finding that over half of staff and almost half of [read the full story…]
Depression is a common problem in older adults with some data suggesting significant symptoms are present in over 40% of nursing home residents (Teresi, 2001). Clearly physical exercise has a number of benefits particularly with regards to cardiovascular health. Some of you may remember the Mental Elf blog back in September 2012 with positive results from [read the full story…]
