Removable Dental Prosthesis 2.0: Digital from A to Z?

Area of Science:

• Dental Technology
• Prosthodontics
• Digital Dentistry

Background:

• Removable dental prostheses (RDPs) are crucial for restoring function and aesthetics in partially edentulous patients.
• Traditional fabrication methods for RDPs involve multiple manual steps and can be time-consuming.
• Integrating digital technologies offers potential improvements in precision and efficiency.

Observation:

• A case report compared digital and conventional workflows for fabricating a clasp-retained RDP.
• Key differences were noted in impression taking, model fabrication, and framework design/production.
• The digital workflow utilized 3D-printed frameworks, while final finishing steps remained manual.

Findings:

• Digitally produced RDP frameworks demonstrated a precise fit, leading to higher patient and dentist preference.
• Intraoral scanners proved more patient-friendly than traditional elastomeric impressions.
• Digital technologies reduced manual steps, shortening overall treatment time and enhancing prosthetic precision.

Implications:

• Digital workflows show significant promise for improving the fabrication of removable dental prostheses.
• Further technological advancements are needed to achieve a completely digital workflow from start to finish.
• The adoption of digital tools can lead to more efficient, precise, and patient-centered RDP treatments.