Differences Between Conventionally and CAD/CAM Complete Removable Dental Prosthesis - Subjective Analysis

The longer life span of human beings has resulted in a high percentage of the population that is in need for maxillary and mandibular prosthetic restorations due to edentulism. Methods of denture fabrication have not progressed substantially for the past 70 years. The digital age has brought about the introduction of Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) fabricated dentures to overcome the disadvantages of conventional dentures. With CAD/CAM dentures, a digital fabricated denture can be milled for a precision fit and maintain a digital record. Currently, there is limited clinical research looking at the outcomes of CAD/CAM fabricated dentures and how they compare to conventional denture fabrication techniques in regards to patient perspective. The purpose of this study was to examine any differences in conventionally fabricated and CAD/CAM fabricated dentures based on patient perceptions. The areas assessed between conventional and CAD/CAM dentures are: denture fabrication process, extra-oral esthetics, intra-oral esthetics, patient phonetic satisfaction, patient functional satisfaction, and overall patient satisfaction. Ten fully edentulous patients participated in the study. One set of conventional complete dentures and one set of CAD-CAM dentures were fabricated. At the completion of each prosthesis type, the subjects were asked to complete a survey regarding their denture fabrication experiences. The subjects were then randomly assigned to two different groups (A and B). Group A received the conventional dentures and after follow-ups, wore the prostheses for 3 months. After the three-month time period, the patients completed a second survey regarding their comfort, fit, and esthetics of the dentures. The clinician then retained the conventional complete dentures and the CAD/CAM dentures were inserted and delivered to the patient. The same post-insertion follow-ups and 3 months evaluation procedures were performed and a second survey completed. Group B followed the same protocol, but the CAD/CAM fabricated dentures were inserted first, followed by the conventional denture. This is one of the first studies comparing patient perspectives with regards to CAD/CAM and conventionally fabricated dentures and the results obtained are expected to serve as a basis for clinical guidelines and as a foundation for future researchers in the fields of prosthodontics.