Functional Rehabilitation of Mandibular Defect Using CAD/CAM System

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Microstomia and trismus pose significant challenges for conventional denture fabrication.
• Maxillofacial reconstruction patients often require specialized prosthetic solutions.
• Polycarbonate resin offers unique properties for denture applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the CAD/CAM fabrication of a polycarbonate denture for a patient with severe microstomia and trismus.
• To evaluate the functional and esthetic outcomes of the CAD/CAM denture.
• To assess the impact of the digital workflow on patient-reported outcomes and oral hygiene.

Main Methods:

• A removable partial mandibular denture was designed and milled using a CAD/CAM system from a polycarbonate disk.
• Specialized impression techniques were employed due to the patient's limited oral aperture.
• The patient's oral health, masticatory efficiency, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-insertion.

Main Results:

• The CAD/CAM polycarbonate denture was successfully fabricated and inserted.
• Significant improvements were observed in Oral Health Impact Profile-54 scores, masticatory efficiency, and facial scale scores.
• The smooth surface of the polycarbonate denture minimized plaque adhesion, facilitating oral hygiene.

Conclusions:

• CAD/CAM technology enables the fabrication of complex dentures for patients with microstomia and trismus.
• Polycarbonate resin dentures offer benefits including improved oral hygiene and reduced risk of denture stomatitis.
• Digital workflows provide a viable solution for challenging prosthodontic cases, enhancing patient outcomes.