AI-assisted digital tooth arrangement system for esthetic optimization in virtual dentures.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Health

Background:

• Complete denture fabrication is subjective and time-consuming, relying heavily on the dentist's expertise.
• Digital dentistry offers potential for improved efficiency and standardization in prosthodontics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted digital tooth arrangement system for complete dentures.
• To compare the efficiency and esthetic outcomes of AI-assisted versus conventional digital denture workflows.

Main Methods:

• A convolutional neural network was trained on 2,500 clinically validated complete denture cases.
• Forty edentulous patient datasets were arranged using both AI-assisted and conventional digital workflows.
• Prosthodontists and lay evaluators assessed the esthetic outcomes of the arranged dentures.

Main Results:

• The AI system significantly reduced the time required for artificial tooth arrangement.
• AI-assisted arrangement achieved esthetic scores equal to or superior to conventional methods in midline accuracy and proportional harmony.
• Lay attractiveness ratings for AI-assisted arrangements were comparable to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• AI-assisted artificial tooth arrangement provides an efficient and reliable method for digital complete denture design.
• This technology offers predictable esthetic outcomes, aiding in the standardization of digital denture workflows.
• The AI system demonstrates potential to enhance the practice of digital prosthodontics.