Biting Force and chewing efficiency of Conventional and CAD/CAM complete dentures. A Cross-over Study

Background: Many studies reported using CAD/CAM technology in implant-supported prostheses. However, few studies reported its use in complete dentures. The aim of this study is to compare the Maximum Biting Force (MBF) and chewing efficiency of complete dentures fabricated by conventional, rapid prototyping and milling techniques. Materials and Methods: This is a clinical study with a cross-over design where 27 completely edentulous participants were divided in a random order into 3 equal groups as 1. received conventional complete denture 2. received 3D printed complete dentures 3. received milled complete dentures. Assessment of MBF was performed after denture insertion at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months, using Flexiforce A 301® force sensor. Mixing ability test was used to assess chewing efficiency 3 months after denture insertion. Repeated measure ANOVA test and Paired sample t-test were used with P ≤ 0.05 level of significance. Results: Regarding the MBF, there was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in the MBF at 1w, 1m and 3m follow-up periods in all three groups. There was a statistically significant difference in chewing efficiency between 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 strokes and between the three groups (p < 0.001). MBF and chewing efficiency increased significantly (p < 0.001) in Printed CAD/CAM and Milled CAD/CAM groups when compared to conventional complete dentures. Milled group showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in MBF and chewing efficiency when compared to Printed group. Conclusion: The CAD/CAM fabricated dentures showed better results in terms of MBF and chewing efficiency compared to conventional complete denture.