Objectives: The aim of this retrospective pilot study was to analyze the clinical performance of computer-engineered complete dentures (CECDs) in edentulous patients regarding survival and maintenance.
Method and materials: For this retrospective analysis, data from 10 patients who received CECD treatment in each arch (Digital Denture, Ivoclar Vivadent) between 2015 and 2016 were analyzed. The following aspects were assessed: number of appointments required for treatment, number of interventions during the initial (≤ 4 weeks after insertion) and functional periods (> 4 weeks after insertion), and survival. Additionally, whether these aspects were influenced by function or esthetics, the arch, or recall participation was assessed. Poisson regression models were used for the statistical analysis (P < .05).
Results: All CECDs survived the observation period of 2.54 ± 0.48 years. More than four appointments were required for treatment (mean ± standard deviation, 4.6 ± 0.7), mainly for esthetic concerns. An average of 1.7 ± 0.05 appointments during the initial period and 2.07 ± 0.32 during the functional period were noted as a consequence of functional concerns. During both periods, the major reason for intervention was removal of pressure spots. Relining was required in 40% of the CECDs, and fracture of the denture base occurred in two CECDs.
Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective pilot study, the CECDs showed acceptable clinical performance in terms of survival and maintenance. Nevertheless, transferring more information about the patient from the dental practice to the dental laboratory might reduce the number of appointments for treatment and avoid technical complications such as fractures of the denture base.
Keywords: CAD/CAM complete denture; computer-engineered complete dentures; maintenance; survival.