Digital denture scanning and 3D printing for residents in care homes: A feasibility study for pre‐empting denture loss

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of digitally scanning dentures and 3D printing replica dentures for care home residents. The study also investigated whether the process and replacement denture was acceptable to the resident.BackgroundDenture loss is a significant issue for people living in care homes and impacts on nutrition, quality of life and dignity. Denture loss is underreported, and care home residents have barriers to accessing dental care. The conventional process for remaking a denture can often take approximately 2 months with multiple clinical stages, often not feasible in adults with frailty and cognitive impairment. Scanning and 3D (3 dimensional) printing are increasingly used in dentistry, this rapidly evolving technology may provide an innovative solution to denture loss.Materials and MethodsA digital workflow was established using a handheld scanner and 3D printing technology. Care home residents wearing functional acrylic dentures were recruited. Dentures were scanned within the care home, and the scan was sent to a dental laboratory for 3D printing. The dentures were fitted at a subsequent visit, and semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with the resident. Using thematic analysis, the feasibility of this pathway was assessed, and the use of digital scanning technology was explored.ResultsEight residents successfully had dentures scanned and replicated to a satisfactory standard. It took, on average, 10 minutes to scan a denture and 20 minutes to print the denture. All replica dentures were satisfactory to the resident. Qualitative data from semi‐structured interviews showed that study participants were satisfied with denture replacements and the process. The 3 main themes that emerged were: the significance of dentures to the individual, satisfaction with the scanning process and general low self‐esteem and fatigue.ConclusionsThis study has established a workflow for digitally storing dentures and replicating them satisfactorily. In the context of a care home setting, a scan of a denture can be used to provide a replacement denture if lost or broken. A large‐scale study could follow now that the feasibility of this pathway has been demonstrated.