Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Prosthodontics

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the predictability of teeth positions during complete dentures fabrication through rapid prototyping technology and conventional fabrication method. Methodology : 12 dentures (6 upper and 6 lower) were fabricated using Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) rapid prototyping technology. The same models were used to fabricate another 12 dentures (6 upper and 6 lower) by the conventional compression flask technique. A structured light scanner was used to digitize the trial denture base of the compression dentures group just before processing, as well as the fabricated dentures by LCD technique.The pre-processing and post-processing scan files of each denture were superimposed using 3D-surface matching software. Measurements were made at 30 locations, allowing evaluation of denture tooth movement in occlusal direction.The use of mean and standard error values was used to assess occlusal accuracy. Data were explored for normality using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests, data showed parametric (normal) distribution. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the results between two groups in related samples. (a=.05). Results: The results showed higher mean value for occlusal teeth movement in the conventional group compared to the rapid prototyping counterpart. There was a statistically significant difference between two groups where (P<0.001)

Issued also as CD