Abstract:

Aim The aim of this study is to review the available literature on digital workflows used for fabrication of complete dentures and to compare them with the conventional workflow.
Materials and methods The research relied on Google Scholar and PubMed publications in English.
Resuls The introduction of CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technologies in the rehabilitation of patients with removable dentures are expected to overcome some of the drawbacks associated with conventional methods and to simplify the entire process of their fabrication by modifying the clinical and laboratory stages. Digital work protocols are becoming increasingly preferred in daily dental practice mainly because they save time. However, the analog protocol is still present alongside the digital and has not been completely replaced. Intraoral scanning is increasingly preferred for fixed prosthetic treatments, but for complete dentures, there are still some disadvantages and most of the authors think they are not good alternative to conventional impressions. Scanning is complicated by the movable non-keratinized mucosa and smooth surfaces covered with saliva.
Conclusions Despite the growing interest in digital technologies for fabricating removable dentures, some challenges remain. Opinions are still conflict on whether intraoral scanning of edentulous arches can serve as an alternative to conventional impressions. This could lead to the replacement of conventional analog protocols with semi- or fully digital ones. The time-saving and cost-effectiveness of CAD/CAM technologies, however, are undeniable.

Keywords: CAD/CAM dentures, 3D printed dentures, Milled dentures, Digital workflow