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Seating accuracy of removable partial denture frameworks fabricated by different digital workflows in comparison to
Andrea Korkes1, Janine Jomaa1, Anastasios Kavouris1
1Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Summary
Digital fabrication of removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks using selective laser melting (SLM) shows promising seating accuracy compared to conventional methods. Digital workflows, whether partial or complete, offer superior fit without compromising accuracy based on impression type.
Area of Science:
- Dental prosthetics
- Digital dentistry
- Materials science
Background:
- Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are crucial for restoring function and aesthetics in partially edentulous patients.
- Traditional RPD framework fabrication involves multiple manual steps, potentially leading to inaccuracies.
- Advancements in digital workflows, including selective laser melting (SLM), offer potential for improved RPD fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the seating accuracy of RPD frameworks fabricated using two digital workflows (partial and complete digital) with SLM against a conventional workflow.
- To evaluate the influence of impression technique (conventional vs. digital) on the accuracy of SLM-fabricated RPD frameworks.
Main Methods:
- Three groups of RPD frameworks (n=10 per group) were fabricated: conventional casting (CC), partial digital (conventional impression, digital fabrication - CD), and complete digital (digital impression, digital fabrication - DD).
- Frameworks were fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) for digital groups.
- Marginal gaps at critical components (occlusal rests, retention arms, reciprocating arms) were measured using a traveling microscope.
Main Results:
- The partial digital (CD) group exhibited the best fit (79.5 µm), followed by the complete digital (DD) group (85.3 µm), and the conventional casting (CC) group (114.2 µm).
- Both digital workflows (CD and DD) demonstrated significantly superior fit compared to the conventional workflow (p < 0.001).
- Fit accuracy was consistent across retention and reciprocating arms, while occlusal rest fit was comparable among all groups.
Conclusions:
- RPD frameworks fabricated with selective laser melting (SLM) demonstrate promising seating accuracy, outperforming conventional methods.
- The choice between conventional or digital impressions does not significantly impact the accuracy of SLM-fabricated RPD frameworks.
- Observed differences in fit are likely of minimal clinical significance, suggesting digital workflows are a viable alternative.
