Evaluation of functional suitable digital complete denture system based on 3D printing technology

PURPOSE: To improve the clinical effects of complete denture use and simplify its clinical application, a digital complete denture restoration workflow (Functional Suitable Digital Complete Denture System, FSD) was proposed and preliminary clinical evaluation was done. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty edentulous patients were enrolled, of which half were treated by a prosthodontic chief physician, and the others were treated by a postgraduate student. Based on the primary impression and jaw relation obtained at the first visit, diagnostic denture was designed and printed to create a definitive impression, jaw relation, and esthetic confirmation at the second visit. A redesigned complete denture was printed as a mold to fabricate final denture that was delivered at the third visit. To evaluate accuracy of impression made by diagnostic denture, the final denture was used as a tray to make impression, and 3D comparison was used to analyze their difference. To evaluate the clinical effect of FSD, visual analogue scores (VAS) were determined by both dentists and patients. RESULTS: Two visits were reduced before denture delivery. The RMS values of 3D comparison between the impression made via diagnostic dentures and the final dentures were 0.165 ± 0.033 mm in the upper jaw and 0.139 ± 0.031 mm in the lower jaw. VAS ratings were between 8.5 and 9.6 in the chief physician group, while 7.7 and 9.5 in the student group; there was no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: FSD can simplify the complete denture restoration process and reduce the number of visits. The accuracy of impressions made by diagnostic dentures was acceptable in clinic. The VASs of both dentists and patients were satisfied.