: A Comparative Evaluation of Retention of Record Bases fabricated with Conventional Compression Molding, CAD- CAM Milling, and 3D-printing– An In vivo Pilot Study.

Most patients receiving complete denture treatment are elderly, and multiple visits to the dental clinic make it very strenuous. There is a need for a newer technique that will produce similar results as the conventional technique with reduced duration and effort. In recent years, digital impressions have been used for the fabrication of complete dentures. Digital impressions eliminate patient discomfort related to conventional impression-making, reduce distortion of impressions, limit the risk of infection, simplify workflow for the involved personnel, and also reduce the time spent on impression processing and transportation.Recent advancements in digital impressions claim to reproduce images like the conventional method. This can be verified by a comparative evaluation of the retention of the prosthesis fabricated using these methods. This study is done to  evaluate and compare the retention and adaptation of denture bases fabricated using conventional methods, 3D printing, and CAD/CAM-milled denture bases.

A total of ten patients visiting the Department of Prosthodontics, MCODS  Manipal, for complete dentures fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be included in the study. On each participant conventional impression and digital scanning will be performed and record bases will be fabricated using above mentioned techniques. A platform will be designed with a 45-degree inclination. A dislodging force will be applied via a dynamometer connected to a hook. This will simulate the dislodging force thus, clinically testing record base retention. The retention offered by the conventional record base, CAD-CAM milled record, and 3D printed bases from the modified intraoral scan will be compared by two evaluators. Retention values obtained from the denture bases from all three groups will be analyzed. Retention values of three groups will be compared to see which group exhibits greater retention values. If retentive values of the fabricated denture bases are similar to the conventional denture bases, then the digital method of fabrication can be used as a routine treatment option, thereby reducing patient appointment numbers and chair side time and increasing efficiency.