Evaluation of Monolithic Milled Complete Removable Dentures

The use of complete removable dental prostheses (CRDP) is a reliable and effective treatment option for the rehabilitation of edentulous persons. In recent years, the use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods has become more popular for the fabrication of CRDPs, including subtractive methods (milling) from a prefabricated resin puck. They present various advantages compared to conventional fabrication methods, namely improved mechanical properties, superior surface characteristics, shortened manufacturing time and lower cost for the patient. However, one of the shortcomings in the manufacturing of CRDPs from a single block of resin is obtaining an adequate esthetic outcome, as the transition between the gingiva-colored (pink) and tooth-colored (white) resin is not as precise as with prefabricated prosthetic teeth which are incorporated into a denture base. A novel technology has recently been launched on the market and includes a new design of distribution of pink and white resin inside a prefabricated resin puck, which would allow a superior esthetic outcome than previous techniques. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the end result of one of the available systems used for fabricating digital dentures (Ivoclar® Digital Denture®), while using the corresponding monolithic resin puck (Ivoclar® Ivotion Denture System®), and therefore determining whether this new technique is an adequate option for treating edentulous patients.