Search Results (2)

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of digital waxing expertise on patient satisfaction with anterior interim computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) prosthetic rehabilitations designed either by a CAD and dental technician or by a dental clinician with basic CAD-CAM training. This in vivo preliminary study was conducted on a total of 18 patients receiving anterior CAD-CAM rehabilitations (at least from canine to canine) with fixed bridges and/or single crowns. Only patients that had conventional chairside temporary restorations were enrolled. Three within-patient groups were defined at different time points: group CONTROL refers to all 18 patients at their first appointment, when they were using their initial temporary conventional prostheses; group DENT refers to all patients immediately after trying in a set of CAD-CAM prostheses designed by a dental clinician (with basic one-week CAD-CAM training); and group CAD refers to all patients after trying in a set of CAD-CAM prostheses for the same tooth elements but designed by an experienced CAD technician (who was also an experienced dental prosthetic technician). All CAD-CAM restorations were milled in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with high translucency and strength properties (Prime, Zirkonzahn). Satisfaction with comfort and esthetics was assessed for all patients for the three different time points (groups CONTROL, DENT and CAD). Statistically significant differences among groups were assessed with the Friedmann’s test. Group CAD significantly outperformed the other groups in both assessed variables (p = 0.001). The group DENT, in turn, outperformed group CONTROL for satisfaction with esthetics (p = 0.006) but not for comfort (p > 0.05). In conclusion, CAD operator background and expertise level significantly affect patient self-reported outcomes for anterior CAD-CAM rehabilitations. Single crowns and fixed bridges digitally designed by an experienced professional trained in both CAD-CAM and dental technology will likely offer high satisfaction and comfort to patients receiving anterior prosthetic rehabilitations. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the wear volume of interim crowns fabricated using digital light processing 3D printing according to the printing angle. A total of five patients undergoing the placement of a single crown on the mandibular molar were included. Interim crowns were fabricated directly in the oral cavity using the conventional method. A digital light processing 3D printer was then used to fabricate crowns with build angles of 0, 45, and 90 degrees. Therefore, four fabricated interim crowns were randomly delivered to the patients, and each was used for one week. Before and after use, the intaglio surfaces of the interim crowns were scanned using a 3D scanner. The volume changes before and after use were measured, and changes in the height of the occlusal surface were evaluated using the root mean square value. Data normality was verified by statistical analysis, and the wear volume in each group was evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honestly significant difference test (α = 0.05). Compared with the RMS values of the conventional method (11.88 ± 2.69 µm) and the 3D-printing method at 0 degrees (12.14 ± 2.38 µm), the RMS values were significantly high at 90 degrees (16.46 ± 2.39 µm) (p < 0.05). Likewise, there was a significant difference in the change in volume between the groups (p = 0.002), with a significantly higher volume change value at 90 degrees (1.74 ± 0.41 mm³) than in the conventional method (0.70 ± 0.15 mm³) (p < 0.05). A printing angle of 90 degrees is not recommended when interim crowns are fabricated using digital light processing 3D printing. Full article