Evaluation of Currently Available CAD/CAM Denture Systems

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthodontics
• Biomaterials science
• Digital dentistry

Background:

• Computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology is increasingly adopted in removable denture prosthodontics.
• This technology offers the potential for reduced patient visits and improved efficiency in denture fabrication.
• Various manufacturers employ distinct protocols for CAD/CAM complete denture fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and evaluate the clinical fabrication protocols of available CAD/CAM denture systems.
• To provide decision support for dental practitioners regarding CAD/CAM denture technology.
• To compare the efficiency and adaptability of different digital denture systems.

Main Methods:

• Information gathered through questionnaires from key manufacturers: Global Dental Science, Merz Dental, Wieland Dental + Technik, Ivoclar Vivadent, VITA Zahnfabrik, and Whole You.
• Clinical experience of the authors complemented the questionnaire data.
• Evaluation focused on the number of patient visits required for complete denture fabrication.

Main Results:

• Wieland Digital Denture requires four patient visits.
• AvaDent digital dentures and Whole You Nexteeth can be fabricated in two or three visits (including try-in).
• Baltic Denture System allows fabrication in two visits; VITA VIONIC material system offers an open platform for customizable protocols.

Conclusions:

• Available CAD/CAM denture systems present diverse advantages.
• System selection should align with the dentist's prosthodontic expertise.
• Patient throughput rate and individualization requirements are key factors in choosing a CAD/CAM system.