Introduction: Complete dentures have been used for many years and are the foundation for treating toothlessness. Traditional techniques for denture fabrication requires a high level of knowledge and skill in handling materials, which can lead to numerous mistakes during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the introduction of computer-aided design and computer- aided manufacturing for the fabrication of complete dentures has ushered in a new era in removable prosthetics. Thanks to computer-aided design and manufacturing, dentures can be produced in a matter of hours, which is faster than traditional techniques that can take several days. Therefore, the development of new technologies in dentistry allows for quicker, easier and more accurate fabrication of dental prosthetics. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to present the timeline of work involved in producing a complete denture using both the traditional method and the digitally supported method, as well as to show comparisons between the processes of both approaches. We want to illustrate the workflow for traditionally designed and digitally designed dentures so that dentists and laboratory technicians can decide whether to transition their work to a digital approach or to incorporate some of these new digital design tools into their current practice. We want to identify the challenges and barriers to use of new digital techniques that ensure faster production times, reduced room for errors, greater accuracy, improved aesthetics and functionality. Methods: In writing the thesis, we focused on reviewing and analyzing professional literature, which includes professional articles, scientific journals, and specialized books. We employed a descriptive method in writing the professional work and a comparative method in describing classical and digital techniques. Additionally, we fabricated five pairs of complete dentures in the dental laboratory, using both classical and digital methods. We measured the production time and presented the results. In analyzing the time, we applied an experimental method, while we used a comparative method for comparing the techniques. Results: In the context of this thesis, we presented the process of manufacturing five pairs of complete dentures using both conventional and digital methods, compared their production times and illustrated the differences. Discussion and conclusion: Digital technologies bring significant improvements in the production of complete dentures; however, it is crucial to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of digital techniques. The optimal solution for patients often lies in a combination of traditional and digital manufacturing, which allows for customization to individual needs and preferences. Developments in this field will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of prosthetics.
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