Fully digital workflow for removable partial denture fabrication

Abstract

Over the last decade, digital dentistry, based on computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), has become increasingly popular. The introduction of digital impressions made by intraoral scanners (IOSs) has dramatically changed the entire prosthodontic treatment workflow.

Recently several studies have reported successful applications of a variety of digital techniques for impression making, jaw registration, the arrangement of artificial teeth, the design of denture bases, and the manufacturing of artificial teeth and denture bases to removable partial denture (RPD) fabrication; however, these studies have mainly focused on the digitization of certain parts of the laboratory procedures.

This study aimed to introduce a fully digitalized workflow for RPD fabrication with various digital technologies, including IOS, three-dimensional (3D) printers, and CAD/CAM systems.