Effect of Computer-Aided Designing on the Adaptation and Thickness of Major Connector in Cast Partial Dentures - An In Vitro Study
Divyansh Sinha, Suresh Venugopalan, Nadhirah FaizAbstract
Background:
With the recent development of technological aids, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has enabled clinicians to produce a cast partial denture with lesser time and effort, with reduced laboratory steps. The aim of the study was to evaluate overall fit and thickness of major connectors of conventional versus CAD/CAM removable cast partial denture frameworks.
Materials and Methods:
A maxillary metal framework was designed for a Kennedy class III Modification I arch. The master cast was scanned and used to compare the fit and accuracy of cast partial denture (CPD) frameworks. There are two groups in the study: Group I used conventional wax up and casting, whereas Group II used digital designing and digital metal laser sintering (DMLS). Framework adaptation and thickness were measured using stereomicroscopy.
Results:
Stereomicroscopy revealed discrepancies in the adaptation of the frameworks. Upon comparison, the manually cast frameworks demonstrated significantly better fit than DMLS-fabricated frameworks (
Conclusion:
Adaptation of the cast partial denture framework is paramount in the clinical success of the prosthesis, which showed that manual casting performed better than DMLS. The frameworks demonstrated reduced thickness; however, their inferior fit may presently limit their predictable clinical use.