Conventionally Versus Digitally Fabricated Denture

A Comparison of Conventionally Versus Digitally Fabricated Denture Outcomes in a University Dental Clinic:

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study is to evaluate if there is a difference in number of visits (including fabrication and post‐operative) and remake rate when comparing conventionally fabricated and digitally fabricated complete dentures by dental students in a pre‐doctoral student dental clinic.

Materials and Methods

This two‐year retrospective cross‐sectional study consisted of a chart review for patients receiving maxillary and/or mandibular complete dentures between 2017 and 2019 (n = 314) at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry pre‐doctoral student clinic. No control group was determined for this study. Data were extracted for 242 conventional dentures and 39 digital dentures. Objective treatment outcomes were obtained for each included denture: the number of patient appointments from preliminary impressions to denture placement, the number of post‐operative visits, any complications noted, and any need for remakes. Fisher's Exact Test and Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel analysis were completed with statistical significance set at p<.05.

Results

For the number of visits from preliminary impression to placement, 50% of conventionally fabricated dentures had 6 or more visits, while only 5% of digitally fabricated dentures had 6 or more visits. This difference for the number of patient visits was statistically significant (p<.05). Additionally, conventionally fabricated dentures required an average of 2–3 post‐operative visits, whereas digitally fabricated dentures required 1–2 post‐operative visits. This difference was also statistically significant (p<.05). For the number of dentures requiring remake, there was no statistical difference (p = .1904).

Conclusions

When comparing conventionally fabricated and digitally fabricated dentures in the pre‐doctoral clinic, the digitally fabricated dentures required fewer patient appointments from start to finish, and fewer post‐operative appointments than conventionally fabricated dentures. Fewer visits may be an important consideration for patients, especially those with limited access to care.

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