Fabricating Complete Dentures with CAD/CAM and RP Technologies

Area of Science:

• Dental Technology
• Prosthodontics
• Digital Dentistry

Background:

• Conventional denture fabrication relies on manual techniques, which can be time-consuming and limit patient involvement in esthetic design.
• Advancements in digital technologies like CAD/CAM and RP offer potential improvements in precision and efficiency for prosthodontic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and applicability of integrating CAD/CAM and RP with conventional denture fabrication methods.
• To assess the impact of these combined techniques on practitioner workflow, patient participation, and final prosthesis quality.

Main Methods:

• Maxillary and mandibular edentulous models were created using silicone molds and gypsum.
• Acrylic bases and occlusal rims were fabricated, with jaw relationships recorded digitally.
• Teeth were fabricated as single units using CAM or RP, followed by conventional waxing and flasking.

Main Results:

• The integration of CAD/CAM and RP with conventional techniques was found to be feasible.
• These digital approaches reduce the need for dental technicians during the design phase.
• Patient participation in esthetic design and reduced chair time were noted benefits.

Conclusions:

• CAD/CAM and RP techniques, when combined with traditional methods, offer a promising approach to denture fabrication.
• These technologies enhance patient engagement in esthetic decisions and potentially increase the durability of the final prosthesis.
• Further improvements in materials and techniques are recommended for optimal clinical outcomes.