Masticatory efficiency, quality of life, comfort, retention and satisfaction on digital denture: case report

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to describe a clinical protocol for fabrication of maxillary and mandibular dentures using CAD/CAM technology. Further, digital and conventional dentures fabricated for the same patient were compared. The comparison was based on patient’s satisfaction, comfort, retention, number of follow-up sessions, masticatory performance and quality of life. No laboratorial step was needed for CAD/CAM fabrication and less sessions were required up to denture insertion. Compared to the conventional dentures, digital dentures provided better satisfaction, comfort and retention and required less follow-up sessions. Both dentures presented similar results about masticatory performance and quality of life. As a conclusion, digital denture is a viable treatment alternative for edentulous patients. However, controlled and randomized clinical trials are required to reveal the real benefits of this treatment alternative compared to the conventional denture.

Keywords

• Computer-aided design
• Denture, complete
• Dentistry