الفهرس 
REVIEW OF LITERATUREOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Conventional technique of complete denture fabrication has always been viewed as a predictable, reliable and cost-effective manufacturing option. However, since the introduction of CAD/CAM technology into the removable prosthodontic practice, this presumption has been put into question. The CAD/CAM technology has presented positive outcomes in variable aspects of the complete denture treatment. Rapid prototyping technology has shown a promising potential in different aspects of the complete denture treatment. It allows manufacturing of dentures with a simpler production process, less human intervention, and less patients’ visits.
However, research is lacking regarding predictability of teeth positions mainly occlusal position in complete dentures fabricated using rapid prototyping technology. The ability of the fabrication technique to reliably produce accurate and predictable teeth positions will maintain the planned vertical dimension of occlusion and help avoid the time-consuming, post-insertion adjustments and teeth grinding, and even remaking the dentures in cases of gross changes. The aim of this study was to compare the predictability of teeth positions during complete dentures fabrication through rapid prototyping technology and conventional fabrication method.
In this study, 12 dentures (6 upper and 6 lower) were fabricated using Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) rapid prototyping technology. The same models were used to fabricate another 12 dentures (6 upper and 6 lower) by the conventional compression flask technique. A structured light scanner was used to digitize the trial denture base of the conventional dentures group just before processing, as well as the dentures fabricated by digital technique. The preprocessing and post-processing 3D-scan files of each denture were superimposed using 3D-surface matching software. Measurements were made at 30 locations, allowing evaluation of denture tooth movement in occlusal direction. Mean and standard error values was used to assess occlusal accuracy.
The results showed that the rapid prototyping manufacturing technology of complete dentures yielded more predictable teeth positions than conventional manufacturing technique and the difference was statistically significant. Hence the use of rapid prototyping technology for manufacturing of complete dentures is recommended.