Combining scanning technology and CAD/CAM procedures makes it possible to reduce clinical and dental laboratory working time significantly. In comparison to conventional complete denture fabrication, the AvaDent® system provides the trays and registration plates to complete all the required patient recordings and steps in the first appointment. Virtual modeling (CAD) and milling of the denture (CAM) out of a solid acrylic puck make time-consuming flasking and packing procedures unnecessary. Due to the absence of any polymerization shrinkage of the dentures, the fit remains accurate. This system makes it possible to deliver high quality and cost-effective complete dentures for the edentulous patient in only two appointments. The clinical procedure is presented step by step and critically evaluated from the clinician’s point of view.
CAD/CAM has become an indispensable part of prosthodontics. However, in the past interest was mainly in fixed restorations and the idea of including conventional removable superstructures was considered improbable (Bidra et al. 2013; Goodacre et al. 2012). A commercial system (AvaDent®, Global Dental Science, Scottsdale) has recently become available that makes it possible to fabricate complete dentures digitally in only two appointments (Fig. 1). Impression-taking, interocclusal recording and prosthetic tooth selection are effected in the first appointment, then the complete denture is fabricated using CAD/CAM technology and is incorporated during the second appointment.
Although the mean age-related prevalence and incidence of edentulous individuals has dropped worldwide, the absolute number of edentulous individuals – especially over 65 years of age – has increased for demographic, medical, social and economic reasons (Petersen & Yamamoto 2015; Kassebaum et al. 2014). The inclusion of conventional removable prosthodontics in the new technology is therefore justified.
The aim of this short clinical report is to describe the step-by-step clinical procedure of the Avadent® System and to highlight the advantages and the future potential of the system.