Evaluation of the clinical performance of dentures manufactured by computer-aided technology and conventional techniques: A systematic review

Abstract

Statement of problem

The introduction of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology for complete denture fabrication may have improved clinical outcomes compared with conventional techniques. However, systematic reviews comparing these techniques are lacking.

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, compare, and synthesize the outcomes of published clinical studies related to complete denture fabrication, with respect to the differences between CAD-CAM technology and conventional techniques.

Material and methods

A comprehensive search of studies published up to March 16, 2020, was conducted by using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and Embase databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement criteria and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID 42020202614). The population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) question was: Do CAD-CAM complete dentures have a similar functional performance to those fabricated by conventional techniques? The quality of publications was appraised by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists.

Results

Of the 1232 titles, 6 articles were selected. The studies reported better retention of digitally manufactured complete dentures without denture adhesives than that of conventional complete dentures with or without denture adhesives. Other studies reported that dentures manufactured with digital systems were better adapted to tissue surfaces, required less clinical time, were lower in cost, and provided better experience and satisfaction to patients.

Conclusions

The assessment of CAD-CAM planning and manufacturing through clinical studies is ongoing. However, preliminary results indicate better clinical performance and lower overall costs of digital complete dentures than conventional dentures.