Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.7
4.5
Journals
Prosthesis
Special Issues
Advances in Digital Design for Dental and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics
share announcement

Advances in Digital Design for Dental and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics

A special issue of Prosthesis (ISSN 2673-1592).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 5006

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Corina Marilena Cristache

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Dental Techniques, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: oral and maxillofacial surgery; implant dentistry; maxillofacial prosthodontics; dental materials; digital dentistry; artificial intelligence in dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luminita Oancea

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: vertical dimension; anthropometry; cephalometry; prosthodontics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of dental and maxillofacial prosthodontics has been revolutionized by advancements in digital technologies, including computer-aided design (CAD), additive and subtractive manufacturing, and artificial intelligence (AI). This Special Issue aims to showcase innovative applications of digital design in the diagnosis, planning, and fabrication of prosthetic restorations and maxillofacial prostheses. Contributions will cover topics such as virtual patient simulations, optimization of implant-supported restorations, custom prosthesis design for complex defects, and the integration of AI in treatment planning. Emphasis will be placed on workflow efficiency, clinical outcomes, and patient-centered care. Additionally, this Special Issue will address the drawbacks, challenges, and difficulties encountered in implementing these technologies, along with practical suggestions for overcoming them. By highlighting state-of-the-art techniques and multidisciplinary approaches, it seeks to provide practitioners and researchers with valuable insights into how digital innovations can enhance precision, aesthetics, and functionality in prosthodontics. Original research, case studies, and comprehensive reviews are encouraged, fostering a progressive dialogue on the future of digital advancements in this transformative field.

Prof. Dr. Corina Marilena Cristache
Dr. Luminita Oancea
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Prosthesis is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • digital dentistry
  • maxillofacial prosthodontics
  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • virtual articulators
  • digitally-driven workflows in prosthodontics
  • additive manufacturing
  • subtractive manufacturing
  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • virtual patient simulation
  • implant-supported restorations
  • custom prosthesis design
  • digital workflow optimization
  • prosthetic rehabilitation
  • 3D printing in dentistry
  • virtual treatment planning
  • aesthetic and functional restorations
  • challenges in digital integration
  • precision in prosthodontics

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

22 pages, 6790 KB  
Article
A Hybrid Workflow for Auricular Epithesis: Proof of Concept Integrating Mold Design and the Virtual Patient
by Cristian Ioan Tarba, Ioana Dragomir, Ioana Medeea Baciu, Oana Elena Burlacu Vatamanu, Ionut Gabriel Ghionea and Corina Marilena Cristache
Prosthesis 2025, 7(5), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7050114 - 9 Sep 2025
Viewed by 585
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Auricular epitheses play a vital role in restoring facial symmetry and patient confidence following congenital or acquired defects. Traditional wax-based fabrication is labor-intensive and lacks reproducibility. This study proposes and evaluates a simplified, digitally driven workflow for auricular prosthesis manufacturing, integrating virtual [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Auricular epitheses play a vital role in restoring facial symmetry and patient confidence following congenital or acquired defects. Traditional wax-based fabrication is labor-intensive and lacks reproducibility. This study proposes and evaluates a simplified, digitally driven workflow for auricular prosthesis manufacturing, integrating virtual patient creation, mirrored ear design, and three-part mold fabrication using two design platforms—CATIA V5R21 (industrial CAD) and Blender (open-source graphics software). Key outcomes include mold reusability, patient-centered evaluation, and workflow feasibility. Methods: A 28-year-old female patient with right-sided microtia was selected. A light-based 3D facial scan was performed, and the intact contralateral ear was mirrored and adapted virtually to the defect site. Molds were designed in both CATIA and Blender using a standardized three-parallelepiped approach and printed using FDM technology (Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus). Five silicone epitheses were carefully fabricated with each mold. Surface trueness was evaluated with Geomagic Control X, while subjective assessments were conducted by an independent prosthetic team and the patient using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). Results: Both design workflows resulted in clinically usable prostheses. No statistically significant difference in RMS deviation was observed (p = 0.53), although CATIA-derived epitheses achieved higher subjective scores (mean 9.22/10) compared to Blender (mean 7.67/10). The preferred prosthesis (CATIA #4) was selected for final pigmentation and delivery to the patient. All molds were reused five times without any structural damage or significant signs of wear. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both CATIA and Blender can support an effective, patient-centered digital workflow for auricular prosthesis fabrication. The methodology enables reproducibility, mold reusability, and improved clinical accessibility of custom prosthetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Digital Design for Dental and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 9122 KB  
Article
Computational Mechanics of Polymeric Materials PEEK and PEKK Compared to Ti Implants for Marginal Bone Loss Around Oral Implants
by Mohammad Afazal, Saba Afreen, Vaibhav Anand and Arnab Chanda
Prosthesis 2025, 7(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7040093 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 629
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dental practitioners widely use dental implants to treat traumatic cases. Titanium implants are currently the most popular choice among dental practitioners and surgeons. The discovery of newer polymeric materials is also influencing the interest of dental professionals in alternative options. A comparative [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dental practitioners widely use dental implants to treat traumatic cases. Titanium implants are currently the most popular choice among dental practitioners and surgeons. The discovery of newer polymeric materials is also influencing the interest of dental professionals in alternative options. A comparative study between existing titanium implants and newer polymeric materials can enhance professionals’ ability to select the most suitable implant for a patient’s treatment. This study aimed to investigate material property advantages of high-performance thermoplastic biopolymers such as PEEK and PEKK, as compared to the time-tested titanium implants, and to find the most suitable and economically fit implant material. Methods: Three distinct implant material properties were assigned—PEEK, PEKK, and commercially pure titanium (CP Ti-55)—to dental implants measuring 5.5 mm by 9 mm, along with two distinct titanium (TI6AL4V) abutments. Twelve three-dimensional (3D) models of bone blocks, representing the mandibular right molar area with Osseo-integrated implants were created. The implant, abutment, and screw were assumed to be linear; elastic, isotropic, and orthotropic properties were attributed to the cancellous and cortical bone. Twelve model sets underwent a three-dimensional finite element analysis to evaluate von Mises stress and total deformation under 250 N vertical and oblique (30 degree) loads on the top surface of each abutment. Results: The study revealed that the time-tested titanium implant outperforms PEEK and PEKK in terms of marginal bone preservation, while PEEK outperforms PEKK. Conclusions: This study will assist dental practitioners in selecting implants from a variety of available materials and will aid researchers in their future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Digital Design for Dental and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2582 KB  
Article
Optimization of Scanning Distance for Three Intraoral Scanners from Different Manufacturers: An In Vitro Accuracy Analysis
by Perla Hokayem, Rim Bourgi, Carlos Enrique Cuevas-Suárez, Miguel Ángel Fernández-Barrera, Juan Eliezer Zamarripa-Calderón, Hani Tohme, Adam Saleh, Nicolas Nassar, Monika Lukomska-Szymanska and Louis Hardan
Prosthesis 2025, 7(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7040088 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 708
Abstract
Background: Accuracy of optical impressions—defined by the intraoral scanner (IOS)’s trueness and precision per International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards—is influenced by both operator- and patient-related factors. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to (1) evaluate how scanning distance affects the accuracy of [...] Read more.
Background: Accuracy of optical impressions—defined by the intraoral scanner (IOS)’s trueness and precision per International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards—is influenced by both operator- and patient-related factors. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to (1) evaluate how scanning distance affects the accuracy of three different intraoral scanners (IOSs), and (2) identify the optimal scanning distance for each scanner. Methods: A maxillary arch model was obtained using polyvinyl siloxane impression material and poured with Type IV stone (Octa-rock royal®, Kulzer, Germany). Using three different types of IOSs—the trios 3 shape (TRIOS ® cart, 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark); the Helios 500 (Eighteeth ®, Changzhou, China); and the Heron (3Disc ®, Herndon, VA 20170, USA)—ten scans were performed with each of the IOSs with five predetermined distances: 0 mm, 2.5 mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, and 10 mm. Spacers of varying heights were designed using Meshmixer version 3.5 (Autodesk, Inc., Mill Valley, CA, USA) and three-dimensional printed with the Form 2 printer (Formlabs, Somerville, MA, USA). The scanned data was processed using Geomagic Control X (Version 16.0.2.16496, 3D Systems, Wilsonville, OR, USA). Statistical analyses were performed using R Statistical Software (version 4.2.2), with significance set at α = 0.05. Results: Scanning distance significantly influenced scan accuracy for all three scanners. The 3Disc scanner (3Disc, Herndon, VA, USA) demonstrated the highest accuracy at a 7.5 mm distance, while both the Helios 500 (Eighteeth, Changzhou, China) and Trios 3 (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) scanners achieved their best accuracy at a 5 mm distance, as indicated by the lowest root mean square (RMS) values (p < 0.05). Conclusions: To conclude, each IOS has an optimal scanning distance for best accuracy. Trios 3 (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) outperformed the others in both trueness and precision. Future studies should examine these effects under full-arch and clinical conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Digital Design for Dental and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1021 KB  
Article
Digital Dentistry and Imaging: Comparing the Performance of Smartphone and Professional Cameras for Clinical Use
by Omar Hasbini, Rim Bourgi, Naji Kharouf, Carlos Enrique Cuevas-Suárez, Khalil Kharma, Carol Moussa, Nicolas Nassar, Aly Osman, Monika Lukomska-Szymanska, Youssef Haikel and Louis Hardan
Prosthesis 2025, 7(4), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7040077 - 2 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1042 | Correction
Abstract
Background: Digital dental photography is increasingly essential for documentation and smile design. This study aimed to compare the linear measurement accuracy of various smartphones and a Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera against digital models obtained by intraoral and desktop scanners. Methods: Tooth height [...] Read more.
Background: Digital dental photography is increasingly essential for documentation and smile design. This study aimed to compare the linear measurement accuracy of various smartphones and a Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera against digital models obtained by intraoral and desktop scanners. Methods: Tooth height and width from six different casts were measured and compared using images acquired with a Canon EOS 250D DSLR, six smartphone models (iPhone 13, iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24, and Vivo T2), and digital scans obtained from the Helios 500 intraoral scanner and the Ceramill Map 600 desktop scanner. All image measurements were performed using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA), and statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: The results showed no significant differences in measurements across most imaging methods (p > 0.05), except for the Vivo T2, which showed a significant deviation (p < 0.05). The other smartphones produced measurements comparable to those of the DSLR, even at distances as close as 16 cm. Conclusions: These findings preliminary support the clinical use of smartphones for accurate dental documentation and two-dimensional smile design, including the posterior areas, and challenge the previously recommended 24 cm minimum distance for mobile dental photography (MDP). This provides clinicians with a simplified and accessible alternative for high-accuracy dental imaging, advancing the everyday use of MDP in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Digital Design for Dental and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 7965 KB  
Article
Optimizing Digital Impressions in Edentulous Patients Through Reference Point-Enhanced Scanning: A Quantitative Assessment of Accuracy and Time Efficiency
by Biagio Rapone, Maurizio De Francesco, Francesco Inchingolo, Grazieli Dalmaschio, Alberto Pispero, Filippo Tomarelli, Giuseppe Gariffo, Tiziano Testori, Gianluca Martino Tartaglia, Gianna Dipalma and Elisabetta Ferrara
Prosthesis 2025, 7(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7020037 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1475
Abstract
Background: Digital impression techniques for edentulous patients present unique challenges due to the absence of stable anatomical landmarks and variable soft tissue morphology. While intraoral scanners have shown promising results in dentate patients, their application in edentulous cases remains problematic, with reported accuracy [...] Read more.
Background: Digital impression techniques for edentulous patients present unique challenges due to the absence of stable anatomical landmarks and variable soft tissue morphology. While intraoral scanners have shown promising results in dentate patients, their application in edentulous cases remains problematic, with reported accuracy deviations ranging from 60.6 ± 11.9 μm to 67.2 ± 6.9 μm compared to conventional methods. Material and Methods: This pilot study employed a within-subject, repeated-measures design comparing four scanning protocols in a fully edentulous patient (age: 42, BMI: 24.3 kg/m2, Cawood and Howell Class III). Digital scans were performed using iTero Element 5D and Trios 5 scanners (n = 10 scans per group), with and without a modified technique incorporating standardized reference points (1 mm diameter, 5 mm intervals) and systematic soft tissue management. A conventional impression-derived digital model served as the reference standard. Accuracy assessment utilized best-fit alignment and root mean square (RMS) calculations through Geomagic Control X software (version 2020.1.1). Results: The modified technique demonstrated significantly improved accuracy (Groups C/D: 57.8–59.7 μm) compared to standard protocols (Groups A/B: 66.9–68.2 μm) (p < 0.001). Mean scanning times were reduced by 37% with the modified technique (2:10 ± 0:09 min vs. 3:24 ± 0:15 min). Inter-operator reliability showed excellent agreement (ICC = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88–0.95). Soft tissue management significantly improved vestibular area accuracy (48.7 ± 6.3 μm vs. 72.4 ± 8.9 μm, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The proposed scanning strategy incorporating reference points and systematic soft tissue management significantly improved both accuracy and efficiency in digital impressions of edentulous arches. The technique showed excellent reproducibility and potential clinical applicability across different scanner systems. These findings warrant validation through larger-scale clinical trials to establish definitive protocols for digital impression-taking in edentulous patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Digital Design for Dental and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop