Background
The authors of this study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes and time efficiency
between digital and conventional complete denture restorations and propose suggestions
for clinical use.
Methods
The authors used digital (functionally suitable digital complete denture [FSD]) and
conventional complete denture restorations to make 2 dentures each for 10 edentulous
patients. All the operations of both techniques before denture delivery were completed
in the first 4 visits, and then 2 dentures were delivered successively for the patients.
The clinical and laboratory times were recorded to evaluate the time efficiency; treatment
outcomes were evaluated via scoring the denture satisfaction of the dentist and patients
in a double-blind manner.
Results
The satisfaction scores of FSDs (7.6-9.6 [dentist’s scores], 8.4-10 [patients’ scores])
were higher than those of conventional dentures (7.2-9.7 [dentist’s score], 7.4-9.8
[patients’ scores]), but there were no significant differences. The clinical and laboratory
operation times of the FSD group were less than those of the conventional group, saving
an average of 28.0 minutes and 64.3 minutes in the clinic and laboratory, respectively.
Conclusions
FSD technology can improve the efficiency of clinical and laboratory operations and
shorten the manufacturing cycle of dentures. The occlusion stability of FSDs was statistically
better than that of traditional dentures, but there was no statistical difference
in other clinical indicators.
Practical Implications
FSD technology is low cost and easy to operate and has several applications. Compared
with conventional complete denture restoration technology, FSDs can save time and
have a comparable clinical effect.
This clinical trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The registration
number is ChiCTR1900021722.
