Research status, technical challenges, and clinical application of digitally fabricated complete dentures: A systematic review

Rui Liu; Li Zhao; Ling Xu

doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2025.06.008

Research status, technical challenges, and clinical application of digitally fabricated complete dentures: A systematic review

J Prosthet Dent. 2025 Jun 26:S0022-3913(25)00515-3. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2025.06.008. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Rui Liu¹, Li Zhao², Ling Xu³

Affiliations

¹ Resident, Department of Prosthodontics, Stomatological Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China.
² Professor, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China. Electronic address: lizhao2010@hospital.cqmu.edu.cn.
³ Professor, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China.

PMID: 40579308
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2025.06.008

Abstract

Statement of problem: Although digitally fabricated complete dentures have developed rapidly and have demonstrated significant application potential, systematic reviews on their current research status, technical challenges, and clinical applications are lacking.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate current research advancements and identify critical technical bottlenecks in digitally fabricated complete dentures while providing evidence-based guidance for clinical implementation.

Material and methods: An electronic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies published between January 2000 and December 2024. Following a dual independent screening process with conflict resolution, data extraction was systematically conducted on digital workflow protocols, material specifications, clinical efficacy metrics, and procedure-related complications.

Results: An analysis of the 21 included studies revealed that 3 studies explored the clinical workflows and laboratory technical details of digitally fabricated complete dentures, 4 studies focused on current technological or application challenges faced by them, 1 study systematically evaluated advancements in materials research for digitally fabricated complete dentures, and 2 studies provided in-depth analyses of the technical features of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) software programs and scanning devices. In terms of performance comparisons, 6 studies experimentally compared morphological differences in the tissue surface of denture bases between digital and conventional methods, and 2 studies quantitatively analyzed their retention and stability. Seven studies conducted empirical comparisons of clinical outcomes (such as patient comfort and functional recovery) between digitally fabricated and conventionally fabricated complete dentures.

Conclusions: While digitally fabricated complete dentures show great potential, further research and improvement are needed to overcome existing obstacles.

Publication types

Review