ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The introduction and evolution of CAD/CAM technology into complete dentures fabrication brought high expectations in improving disadvantages associated with conventional methods. AIM: The purpose of this review was to analyse the existing literature on computer-engineered complete dentures and to determine their advantages over the conventional dentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search of the English literature from January 1994 to March 2018 was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, using the following keywords: CAD/CAM complete dentures, computer-engineered complete dentures, complete digital dentures, complete milled dentures, and rapid prototyping dentures. RESULTS: A total of 179 English language titles were obtained from the database, and 14 were relevant to fulfil the purpose of this review. A review of 7 articles is summarized in 2 tables for presenting a comparison between CAD/CAM and conventional dentures in clinical and laboratory studies. CONCLUSION: Following the review of articles that discussed the comparison between CAD/CAM and conventional complete dentures in clinical studies, it can be concluded that the main advantages of CAD/CAM dentures are the reduced clinical chair time and the number of visits, digital archiving, significantly higher retention, and more favorable clinical and patient-centered outcomes. As a result of the review of laboratory studies, superior mechanical and physical properties in CAD/CAM dentures were revealed, concerning enhanced accuracy of fit of milled denture bases, less denture tooth movement and increased toughness, ultimate flexural strength, and higher elastic modulus.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: After tooth loss, however, severely atrophic residual alveolar ridges are fairly common, especially in patients who have been edentulous for a long period. Anterior area of the mandible is areas where clinicians have greater anatomical limitations. Reduced alveolar bone height very often represents a contraindication to implant therapy, unless a procedure such as a ridge augmentation is performed. CASE REPORT: This study aims to present two separate cases in highly selected edentulous anterior mandibular sites, where one stage, mini implants were used to support total prostheses. Small diameter implants have been used for retention of complete removable mandibular overdentures. This is an excellent option for those who suffer from the inconvenience and embarrassment of loose lower dentures and are tired of having to use sticky pastes and creams to make their dentures stay in place. CONCLUSION: Small diameter implants, when used multiples may offer adequate support for a removable prosthesis and overcome this problem.
ABSTRACT
The introduction of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology into complete denture (CD) fabrication ushered in a new era in removable prosthodontics. Commercially available CAD/CAM denture systems are expected to improve upon the disadvantages associated with conventional fabrication. The purpose of this report is to present the workflow involved in fabricating a CD with a traditional clinical recording method and CAD/CAM technology and to summarize the advantages to the dental practitioner and the patient.
