Abstract:

The application of additive manufacturing in complete denture fabrication has expanded significantly in recent years. Despite the growing interest in this technology, evidence regarding the long-term clinical and microbiological performance of 3D-printed complete dentures remains limited. This case report presents the one-year follow-up of a healthy 75-year-old female patient rehabilitated with 3D-printed complete dentures.
The dentures were digitally designed using Exocad software and fabricated from Formlabs Denture Base Resin and Formlabs Denture Teeth Resin using a stereolithography (SLA)-printer. Microbiological samples from saliva, oral mucosa, and denture surfaces were collected before treatment and after one year of clinical service and analyzed for the presence of Candida spp.
After one year of clinical use, no fractures, repairs, or tooth debonding were observed. No Candida spp. colonization was detected at baseline or at the one-year follow-up. However, mild discoloration of the anterior denture teeth and localized plaque accumulation were evident despite adherence to a strict hygiene protocol.
The findings suggest that 3D-printed complete dentures can provide favorable short-term clinical and microbiological outcomes. Nevertheless, the observed discoloration and plaque accumulation indicate that the long-term esthetic behavior of currently available 3D-printed denture materials remains a concern and warrants further clinical investigation.

Keywords: complete dentures, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, Candida spp.