Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the predictability of a digital workflow for manufacturing provisional maxillary removable dentures and immediately loaded implant-supported mandibular prostheses. Materials and Methods: Eighteen completely edentulous patients were enrolled. Complete dentures, when present, were adapted; when they were absent, records with a denture base and wax rim were fabricated. The adjusted prostheses were scanned, generating STL files; photographs with the prostheses in occlusion were used to generate a virtual patient; and lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained. Virtual tooth arrangement was performed, and, after approval, a maxillary denture and a mandibular prosthesis in multifunctional guide format were printed and evaluated intraorally. Four implants (Nuvo, Brazil) were installed using a guide (which was also used as a tray and for registration). In the laboratory, the guide was converted into an interim fixed prosthesis. After installation, the prostheses were evaluated independently by three examiners. A new lateral cephalometric radiograph was obtained in occlusion. Descriptive analysis of the data obtained from the professional evaluation was carried out, and the Shapiro–Wilk test was used to test the adherence of the data to a normal distribution for quantitative variables. Results: The professional satisfaction rate for the clinical evaluation and installation of the prostheses was >9. The different factors were always favorably appraised, with strong agreement between examiners. The cephalometric analysis of OVD showed reproducibility with respect to the initial clinical determination. Conclusions: Although the study included a small number of patients, based on the results obtained, it seems reasonable to conclude that this digital workflow exhibits predictability for rehabilitation with 3D-printed provisional maxillary dentures and immediately loaded implant-supported provisional prostheses.

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