Clinical evaluation of implant overdentures fabricated using 3D-printing technology versus conventional fabrication techniques: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients rehabilitated with conventional or 3D-printed implant overdentures.

Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was designed. Twenty-eight completely edentulous participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. All partici-pants received two implants with ball attachments. Partici-pants in the control group were rehabilitated with conven-tionally manufactured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) maxillary complete dentures (CDs) and mandibular implant overdentures, while those in the intervention group received digital light processing (DLP)-printed photopolymerizable PMMA maxillary CDs (NextDent) and mandibular implant overdentures. Follow-up appointments were scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months where Oral Health Impact Profile 19 (OHI-PEDENT19) data were used to assess the OHRQoL of the par-ticipants. Denture retention was measured using a digital force gauge device.

Results: The OHRQoL values were significantly higher (less improvement) in the conventional overdenture group at 6 months (P = 0.02) and 12 months (P = 0.04). A statistically significant difference was found between the mean retention values of the conventional and 3D-printed overdenture groups. For all the follow-up periods, the mean retention val-ues were higher for the 3D-printed overdenture group (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: 3D-printed overdentures may represent an alter-native to conventionally fabricated ones. This study repre-sents a stepping stone and proof of concept that support the potential future use of 3D-printed dentures.