Digital workflow in complete dentures: a narrative review

Aim The aim of the present study is to review the literature evaluating the main steps required in complete denture rehabilitation in case of edentulous jaws in the digital workflow. Methods This review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. It focuses on the following clinical and laboratory steps: the impression, the registration of the centric relation, the try-in and the finalization. Results According to the reported data in literature, impression, try-in and finalization are feasible with a complete digital approach. Registration of the centric is possible only combining the digital with the traditional one. Digital impression is accurate, but shows some limitations in the peripheral areas. The printing process, because of accuracy and its cost, can be used for the try-in of the prototype. Milling machine  is more accurate than  3D printing and offers a good level of retention and of satisfaction for the patient. Conclusions In relation to optical scanning, there are still some limitations because of the impossibility to perform selective pressure in the areas of the peripheral seal. Fully digital methods to register the centric are not described. More evidence based evidence on qualitative and quantitative results is required to validate digital denture protocols.