Evaluation of the Adaptation of Complete Dentures Fabricated Using Intraoral Scanning and Conventional Techniques

This study aimed to digitally analyze the 3-dimensional variations existing between conventional impressions and intraoral scans made in edentulous maxillae.

Ten (n = 10) edentulous maxillae of patients seeking a maxillary complete denture were scanned using an intraoral scanner. The same participants were subject to the conventional impression procedure for the fabrication of maxillary complete dentures. The dentures' intaglio surfaces were scanned and superimposed over their corresponding IOS files with a 2-base best-fit alignment. Deviation analyses were calculated using the digital subtraction technique. Four anatomical regions were preselected to evaluate the deviations at these sites (posterior palatal seal, anterior border seal, the crest of the ridge and palate).

Based on the results and color maps of all selected regions, the overall difference between the two scans [IOS and denture intaglio surface scanning (DISS)] was not significant. The IOS technique allowed for predictable outcomes of treatment compared to those observed with conventional impression. The palatal area seems to be the region with the least deviation, while the highest incidence of discrepancy was reported in the anterior border seal.

Within the limitations of this study, the IOS technique allowed the capturing of intraoral tissues and their immediate interpretation and transfer to a designing software making the impression procedure faster and easier.

The computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies can help overcome many limitations related to conventional impressions and therefore should be well investigated to improve the edentulous patient's quality of life.