[Soft tissue contour changes in restorative rehabilitation by complete dentures]

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthodontics

Context:

• Complete dentures are crucial for restoring oral function and aesthetics.
• Traditional methods for denture fabrication can be time-consuming and may lack precision.
• Advancements in digital technology offer potential improvements in prosthodontic workflows.

Purpose:

• To investigate the utility of virtual 3D models in the prosthodontic treatment of upper complete dentures.
• To assess the feasibility of using specific facial landmarks and soft tissue contours for digital denture design.
• To determine if the occlusion rim can serve as a basis for computer-aided design (CAD) of removable dentures.

Summary:

• Virtual 3D models were created during the stages of upper complete denture prosthodontic treatment.
• Anthropometric points on the lower face were identified, and changes in soft tissue contours were analyzed.
• The vestibular surface of the occlusion rim was identified as a viable component for the computer-aided design of removable complete dentures.

Impact:

• This research highlights a novel approach for enhancing the precision and efficiency of complete denture fabrication using digital technologies.
• The findings suggest a streamlined workflow for dentists and dental technicians in designing and producing custom-fit dentures.
• The study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of 3D modeling in clinical prosthodontics, potentially improving patient outcomes.