Comparison of treatment outcomes and time efficiency between a digital complete denture and conventional complete denture A pilot study

Background. The authors of this study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes and time efficiency between digital and conventional complete denture restorations and propose suggestions for clinical use. Methods. The authors used digital (functionally suitable digital complete denture [FSD]) and conventional complete denture restorations to make 2 dentures each for 10 edentulous patients. All the operations of both techniques before denture delivery were completed in the first 4 visits, and then 2 dentures were delivered successively for the patients. The clinical and laboratory times were recorded to evaluate the time efficiency; treatment outcomes were evaluated via scoring the denture satisfaction of the dentist and patients in a double-blind manner. Results. The satisfaction scores of FSDs (7.6-9.6 [dentist's scores], 8.4-10 [patients' scores]) were higher than those of conventional dentures (7.2-9.7 [dentist's score], 7.4-9.8 [patients' scores]), but there were no significant differences. The clinical and laboratory operation times of the FSD group were less than those of the conventional group, saving an average of 28.0 minutes and 64.3 minutes in the clinic and laboratory, respectively. Conclusions. FSD technology can improve the efficiency of clinical and laboratory operations and shorten the manufacturing cycle of dentures. The occlusion stability of FSDs was statistically better than that of traditional dentures, but there was no statistical difference in other clinical indicators. Practical Implications. FSD technology is low cost and easy to operate and has several applications. Compared with conventional complete denture restoration technology, FSDs can save time and have a comparable clinical effect. This clinical trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The registration number is ChiCTR1900021722.