Comparison of patient satisfaction and chewing efficiency between conventional and 3D printed complete dentures

Abstract

Purpose: This clinical study was conducted to evaluate and compare 3D printed complete dentures fabricated of dimethacrylate-based resins with Photo – initiator with conventional complete dentures regarding patient satisfaction and chewing efficiency. Materials and methods: Six completely edentulous patients were selected for this study from the prosthetic department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. For each patient 2 complete dentures were fabricated. The first dentures were conventionally fabricated while the other complete dentures were digitally fabricated through 3D printing of dimethacrylate-based resins with photo-initiator, identical to the scanned previously fabricated conventional dentures. Patient satisfaction and chewing efficiency for both dentures for each patient were evaluated using patient satisfaction questionnaire and two-colored chewing gum technique respectively at (T0) the time of complete denture insertion, (T3) after 3 months of denture use and (T6) after 6 months of denture use. Results: The results of the current study revealed insignificant difference of patient’s satisfaction between conventionally fabricated complete dentures and 3d printed complete dentures for all domains and the overall at T0, T3, and T6. (P> 0.05). Comparison of the OHIPEDENT scores for pre-treatment and T6 revealed significant improvement in all domains. For both dentures. Regarding chewing efficiency, the comparison between conventional and 3D-printed dentures revealed no significant differences for all chewing cycles. Conclusions: 3D printed complete dentures fabricated of dimethacrylate-based resins could be considered as satisfactory alternative to conventionally fabricated complete dentures regarding patient satisfaction and chewing efficiency.