Abstract
One of the key arguments in favor of digitally produced complete dentures (CDs) is the requirement for less patient visits in comparison to the conventional workflow. However, it is not yet clear if this argument is accurate; nor, if indeed the insertion of the complete dentures is achieved in fewer appointments, how many are required. The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the reported number of required patient visits for the production of digitally fabricated CDs. An electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE using three groups of keywords: “complete dentures”, “CAD/CAM”, and “Appointments” with their alternative forms. Out of the initial 157 results, 36 articles were automatically selected utilizing exclusion keywords. After consensus between the two examiners, eight articles were finally analyzed and presented in a table. The majority (75%) of the reports came from institutions, and the average number of appointments up to complete denture insertion was 4.1, not always including try-in dentures. In this study, it can be concluded that, with a digital workflow, the insertion appointment is reached in fewer visits than the conventional five-visit procedure which is commonly taught in dental schools.
Highlights
Older patients are usually accompanied by general health issues commonly affecting their treatment plans [1,2]
10 articles were eligible for full text analysis, of which one was excluded because of insufficient classification between Complete Dentures (CDs) and overdentures [56], and one because it was a technique presentation accompanied with clinical pictures without any presentation of the cases [57])
Even if a try-in denture was always evaluated, the mean required number of appointments for the insertion of CDs seems to be shorter with the digital workflow than with the traditional five-visit one, which is taught in dental schools [59]
Summary
Older patients are usually accompanied by general health issues commonly affecting their treatment plans [1,2]. The conventional production technique with heat and pressure polymerization of PMMA is associated with dimensional changes, which affects the intaglio surface of the denture and might lead to patient discomfort and additional patient visits for adjustments [6–8]. These changes might affect the artificial teeth positions, deteriorating the quality of the prosthesis [9–11]. The implementation of a digital workflow for CD manufacturing is reported to be associated with advantages such as better mechanical properties of the base, improved fit with the supporting tissues, better accuracy in teeth position, reduced chair time, shortened delivery period and archiving [17–26] These advantages come over time after a certain learning and improvement period. The leap into the new technology requires an entrepreneurial mindset and careful analysis of the investment risks, which are not always obvious [27–30]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
