INTRODUCTION: Computer-assisted design, computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) can be successfully applied to the fabrication of removable partial denture (RPD) alloy frameworks and replace laboratory crafting techniques. The CAD/CAM techniques have been widely used for a long time to manufacture dental prostheses. Computer-aided technologies allow more precise and systematic modeling, and could therefore reduce the burdensome steps of both chair-side and laboratory work, saving vital time.
OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to compare between the accuracy of chrome-cobalt removable partial denture frameworks designed and fabricated using CAD/CAM technique with that fabricated using conventional technique
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven maxillary bilateral partially edentulous patients having Class III modification 1 Kennedy classification were selected from those attended to the prosthodontic department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University. For each patient, two different cobalt chromium removable partial frameworks were constructed; the first one was fabricated using CAD CAM technique (group A)and the other framework was fabricated using conventional manufacturing technique(group B) and were compared through evaluation of: (1) Guiding plane/plate relation. (2) Accuracy of fit of occlusal rests and major connector.
RESULTS: all removable partial dentures fabricated by CAD/CAM technology showed increased improvement of accurate adaptation of the palatal strap major connector, guiding plane\plate relation and fit of occlusal rest, also it was less time consuming and economic need compared to conventional technique.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of CAD/CAM technology for fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks should be widely applied because of its favorable clinical accuracy.