Evaluation of Biting Force between Conventional and 3D Printed Dentures ( A Crossover study)

Abstract

Aim of study : To evaluate and compare biting force (BF) and biting force changes between conventional complete (CD) dentures and 3D printed dentures. Materials & Methods : 14 completely edentulous patients were selected from the out-patient clinic, Removable Prosthodontic Department, Beni-Suef University with age range 45–55 years with a good general and oral health. Each patient received two set of dentures, CDs and 3D printed dentures. They were asked to wear and use each denture set for 3 months but with a 2-week wash out period between them. The sequence of the dentures was randomly assigned for each patient. BF was measured with an occlusal force meter three times (at baseline, after 1 month, and after 3 months) at the 1st molar area bilaterally. The mean of the records were considered to be the patient’s maximum biting force. Results : There was a statistically significant increase in the mean values of BF in the two studied groups with insignificant difference between mean values of BF between the right & left sides and BF mean values were significantly higher with the 3D printed dentures than with the conventional complete dentures. Conclusion : Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that biting force increases by time in complete denture wearers. 3D printed dentures may provide better biting force than conventionally constructed dentures.