title: Use of CAD/CAM technology to fabricate a removable partial denture framework.
abstract: This article reports on the first patient-fitted chromium cobalt removable partial denture framework produced by computer-assisted design, computer-assisted manufacture and rapid prototype technologies. Once the dental cast was scanned, virtual surveying and design of the framework on a 3-dimensional computer model was accomplished. A rapid prototype machine was used for direct fabrication of the alloy framework. Traditional finishing techniques were applied, the framework was assessed by a clinician in a conventional manner, fitted to the patient, and judged to be satisfactory by both the patient and clinician.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Sciences, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, UK. rjwilliams@uwic.ac.uk
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bibb
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Eggbeer
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Collis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002858:Chromium Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D016734:Dental Clasps; D003775:Dental Polishing; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000473:pathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003765:Models, Dental; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013674:Technology, Dental
chemical_list: D002858:Chromium Alloys