Advances and Challenges in the Integration of Digital Technologies in Complete Dentures: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Background: The fully edentulous population in Brazil comprises approximately 22 million individuals, highlighting the importance of their functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial rehabilitation. Complete dentures (CD) remain the most accessible treatment option for these patients, supported by well-established scientific techniques. The introduction of the digital workflow in Dental Prosthetics has streamlined production, reducing clinical time and material consumption. While the digital workflow is well-established in fixed prosthetics, its application in CD still lacks equivalent validation. Given the challenges of achieving retention, stability, comfort, and aesthetics, it remains uncertain whether the digital workflow can deliver outcomes comparable to those of the conventional analog method.

Material and methods: A qualitative literature review was conducted through searches in the PUBMED database using the terms 'digital complete denture,' 'complete denture,' 'scanning,' 'intraoral scanning,' and 'CAD-CAM,' covering the period from 1994 to 2024. Initially, articles were screened based on their titles. Subsequently, the abstracts of the selected studies were analyzed, and those deemed relevant were read in full.

Results: Intraoral scanning of edentulous ridges exhibits accuracy comparable to conventional impressions in static áreas, however, reproducing dynamic regions remains a challenge. The adaptation of digital complete dentures (DCDs) obtained through intraoral scanning is considered clinically acceptable, although retention outcomes remain controversial. Milled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) demonstrates mechanical properties equal to or superior to those of thermopolymerizable PMMA. In contrast, 3D-printed resins exhibit mechanical properties and longevity similar to or inferior to both milled and thermopolymerizable PMMA. Overall, patient acceptance of DCDs appears to be positive.

Conclusions: DCDs can be manufactured more efficiently and rapidly, with clinical outcomes and patient acceptance comparable to conventional CDs. However, further scientific evidence and long-term validation are still required. Key words:Complete dentures, CAD/CAM, digital complete dentures, digital workflow, intraoral scanning.

Figure 1

Pendleton Zones. A. Maxilla: primary support zone (green), secondary support zone (dark blue), peripheral seal zone (light blue), posterior locking zone (yellow), relief zone (pink); B. Mandible: primary support zone (dark pink), secondary support zone (green), peripheral seal zone (blue).