Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants
Published on: May 23, 2020
3D printing vs traditional workflow for the fabrication of mandibular implant overdentures: study protocol for a
Dana Jafarpour1, Nesma El-Amier1,2, Jocelyne Feine1
1Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Room #M/65A, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B2, Canada.
Background:
Complete tooth loss is a significant global oral health issue, particularly impacting older individuals with lower socioeconomic status. Computer-assisted technologies enhance oral healthcare access by the elderly. Despite promising in vitro reports on digital denture materials, evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is lacking to verify their performance. This cross-over RCT will investigate whether 3D-printed implant-retained mandibular overdentures (IMO) are more satisfactory for edentulous seniors than those made through traditional methods.
Methods/Design:
We will recruit 26 completely edentulous participants (any sex/gender) based on the following eligibility criteria: age ≥ 60 years, no tooth extraction in the past 12 months, two implants in the lower jaw, and need for new dentures in both jaws. Each participant will receive two denture pairs, either manufactured by 3D printing or traditionally, to be worn in a random order. A timeline of 3 months with each denture pair will be considered for outcome assessment (total: 6 months). Patient satisfaction with dentures will be measured by the McGill Denture Satisfaction Questionnaire. We will evaluate other patient-reported outcomes (including oral health-related quality of life) as well as clinician-assessed quality and cost. At the end of the trial, participants will choose which denture pair they wish to keep and interviewed about their experiences with the 3D-printed IMO. The quantitative and qualitative data will be incorporated through an explanatory mixed-methods strategy. A final quantitative assessment will happen after 12 months with the preferred IMO to assess the long-term performance and maintenance needs.
Discussion:
This mixed-methods RCT will explore patient experiences with 3D-printed IMOs, aiming to assess the potential for altering clinical practice and dental public health policies. Our results will inform policies by showing whether 3D printing offers comparable outcomes at lower costs, facilitating greater access to oral care for the elderly.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06155630, Registered on 04 December 2023. https://classic.
Clinicaltrials:
gov/ct2/show/NCT06155630.
