Development of complete dentures based on digital intraoral impressions—Case report

PATIENT: A 60-year-old man presented for refabrication of his maxillary complete denture. In this case, a digital process was chosen to replace the ill-fitted complete maxillary denture. A specialized scan retractor was used to retract the mobile tissues of the lips, cheeks and vestibule while taking a digital impression. The interocclusal record obtained in the patient's mouth was scanned in order to digitally register the occlusal vertical dimension. The denture base and teeth were designed on virtual models that were mounted at the occlusal vertical dimension, and were made using CAD/CAM technology. DISCUSSION: Unlike conventional impression techniques, intraoral scanning is not able to be performed while the tissue is moving. This case report used a scan retractor that facilitated stretching and fixation of the vestibular area. It also helped to retract the lips and cheeks. This report also demonstrates that virtual models at OVD can be obtained without the use of conventional stone models, flasking or processing techniques. One of the main shortcomings in the existing CAD/CAM denture fabrication technology is that it is not able to produce customized denture teeth. The present article demonstrates that the digital denture fabrication workflow can provide customized denture teeth to optimize occlusion. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrated how digital complete dentures can be made without requiring conventional stone models or mounting the models in an articulator.