Clinical and research-based applications of digital dentistry in removable partial dentures

Abstract

In December 2025, three-dimensionally printed removable dentures were included in the Japanese national health insurance system, and CAD/CAM technology has been increasingly adopted in the field of removable prosthodontics. In addition, it has become possible to fabricate all components of removable partial dentures using CAD/CAM technology. However, the clinical application of intraoral scanners in partially edentulous cases remains limited because functional impressions of the residual ridge mucosa are required.

This article reviews the research and clinical efforts conducted in our department on removable partial dentures fabricated using CAD/CAM technology and discusses the current status and future challenges in applying digital dentistry to removable partial dentures.