Comparison Of Patient Satisfaction & Occlusal Force Distribution pattern In CAD/ CAM and conventional Complete Dentures Using The T-Scan III Computerized Occlusal Analysis System. (RCT)

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction & percentage of occlusal force distribution patterns in CAD/CAM and conventional dentures.
Materials & Methods: Twenty completely edentulous patients were selected from the out-patient clinic, Faculty of dentistry, Cairo University. Patients were selected with moderately developed residual ridges, sufficient inter-arch space, no muscular disorders & with previous denture experience. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (I) & (II). Group (I): Patients had received CAD/ CAM complete dentures. Group (II): Patient had received conventionally constructed complete dentures. Patient satisfaction was evaluated in the two studied groups following certain items with the aid of a questionnaire after one week, one month & three months. T-scan device was utilized to evaluate occlusal force distribution in the two studied groups one week after denture insertion. Occlusal adjustment was made after occlusal forces analysis to re equilibrate occlusal force distribution. Mean values were recorded, tabulated & statistically analyzed.
Results: The results of this study revealed that patients were more satisfied with CAD/ CAM complete dentures than conventional dentures. Occlusal force % was significantly decreased in anterior area of the dentures in both studied groups after occlusal equilibration made after occlusal adjustment. The % of occlusal force was better distributed on the posterior right & left areas in Group (I) & (II). However, CAD/CAM dentures had shown significantly less % force in the anterior area & better force distribution in the posterior areas than conventional ones especially after T scan analysis & occlusal re-equilibration.
Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study it may be concluded that:
Patients may be more satisfied with CAD/ CAM than conventional dentures.
CAD/CAM denture may provide better occlusal force distribution patterns than conventional ones.
T- Scan computerized occlusal analysis helps to obtain bilateral balanced occlusion in complete dentures.