Fabricating Complete Dentures with CAD/CAM and RP Technologies

Abstract

Two techological approaches for fabricating dentures; computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and rapid prototyping (RP), are combined with the conventional techniques of impression and jaw relation recording to determine their feasibility and applicability. Maxillary and mandibular edentulous jaw models were produced using silicone molds. After obtaining a gypsum working model, acrylic bases were crafted, and occlusal rims for each model were fabricated with previously determined standard vertical and centric relationships. The maxillary and mandibular relationships were recorded with guides. The occlusal rims were then scanned with a digital scanner. The alignment of the maxillary and mandibular teeth was verified. The teeth in each arch were fabricated in one piece, or set, either by CAM or RP. Conventional waxing and flasking was then performed for both methods. These techniques obviate a practitioner's need for technicians during design and provide the patient with an opportunity to participate in esthetic design with the dentist. In addition, CAD/CAM and RP reduce chair time; however, the materials and techniques need further improvements. Both CAD/CAM and RP techniques seem promising for reducing chair time and allowing the patient to participate in esthetics design. Furthermore, the one-set aligned artificial tooth design may increase the acrylic's durability.

Additive Manufacturing Technologies Used for Processing Polymers: Current Status and Potential Application in Prosthetic Dentistry

“…In 2015, Bilgin et al described a combination of conventional and digital procedures where the DLP AM technology was used to fabricate the denture teeth in one piece with a micro‐hybrid nano‐filled resin. Similar to previous authors, the digitalization of the working edentulous plaster casts mounted on the articulator and the wax rims was obtained using a laboratory dental scanner.…”

Effect of denture cleaning on abrasion resistance and surface topography of polymerized CAD CAM acrylic resin denture base

“…Such technology offers numerous advantages, most importantly is the reduced chair time required for treatment as it replaces the clinical step of impression taking and all steps required for the setting of the artificial teeth with the advantage of patients’ participation in denture design. Additionally, it has been suggested that the one-set alignment of the artificial teeth could increase the denture durability (24). Others have reported that CAD CAM technology can improve the accuracy of denture fit since the utilization of pre-polymerized acrylic resin eradicates the shrinkage issues related to the use of the heat cured acrylic resin base.…”

Comparison of Fit of Dentures Fabricated by Traditional Techniques Versus CAD/CAM Technology

“…Fernandez et al found that over half of all prosthodontic program directors who responded to a survey have incorporated CAD/CAM dentures into their curriculum. In addition, other companies have developed their own CAD/CAM denture technology . Two prospective studies have evaluated patient outcomes in vivo, including fit (retention) .…”