Patient Satisfaction and Retention in Cast Metal Versus 3D Printed Metal Copings in Implant Supported Mandibular Telescopic Overdenture

Implant retained overdentures provided more satisfaction with regard to conventional denture related problems such as esthetics, speech, chewing, fit and retention, function and quality of life. Evaluation of patient satisfaction allows direct quantification of patients' opinions on different aspects of a given treatment.

Studies have indicated that conventional complete denture wearers rehabilitated with mandibular implant supported overdenture experience better retention and stability, improved overall function and satisfaction.

Patient satisfaction is one factor that influences the success of overdenture treatment(Naert, Alsaadi et al. 2004). Previous studies have shown a difference between patients' satisfaction with their dental prostheses and clinicians' assessments of patients' oral condition.(Emami, Heydecke et al. 2009).This indicates that clinical assessments of dentures are not valid predictors of patient satisfaction.

The two primary methods used to fabricate these restorations may be subtractive (milling and grinding) or additive manufacturing (Rapid Prototype, RP or 3D printing), The 3D printing technology has been incorporated into dentistry, but does not include ceramics and is limited to polymers.

3D printing by rapid prototyping has many advantages which are the availability of high production rate where the technician can easily produce over 150 units per hour. Also the quality control of wax copings which results in high precision fit and constant wall thickness. This will result in better stability and retention and consequently patient satisfaction. Finally is the reduced finishing work needed on cast copings. The irregularities in wax coping thickness can be avoided.