Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of tooth positions in printed complete dentures with different designs and teeth positioning techniques.
Materials and methods: Five different designs of complete dentures and teeth positioning techniques were evaluated in this in vitro study. In Group I, the denture bases and teeth were designed as a single piece. In groups II and III, the denture bases were designed separately, and the denture teeth were designed as separate teeth. In groups IV and V, the denture bases were designed separately, and the denture teeth were designed as a single piece. Teeth positioning keys were designed for groups III and V. The dentures of all groups were scanned, and the data were imported to the surface matching software to evaluate the accuracy of the teeth positions. Statistical analysis was done using One -way ANOVA of Variance. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: The results showed that the highest deviations of the positions of the canines (0.0781 ± 0.0154 mm) and the first molars (0.0611 ± 0.0055 mm) were found in Group II. On the other hand, Group I showed the least deviations of the positions of the canines (0.0287 ± 0.0054 mm) and molars (0.0354 ± 0.005 mm).
Conclusions: The most accurate tooth positions are obtained in monolithic printed complete dentures. Fewer deviations in tooth positions occur when denture teeth are designed as a single piece.
Keywords: accuracy; positioning key; printed dentures; tooth deviations.
© 2023 by the American College of Prosthodontists.