title: A critically appraised topic review of computer-aided design/computer-aided machining of removable partial denture frameworks.
abstract: A critically appraised topic (CAT) review is presented about the use of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided machining (CAM) removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks. A systematic search of the literature supporting CAD/CAM RPD systems revealed no randomized clinical trials, hence the CAT review was performed. A PubMed search yielded 9 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Each article was characterized by study design and level of evidence. No clinical outcomes research has been published on the use of CAD/CAM RPDs. Low levels of evidence were found in the available literature. Clinical research studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this treatment modality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Comprehensive Care, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 2124 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Electronic address: lisa.lang@case.edu.
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tulunoglu
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D006801:Humans
keywords: CAD/CAM; Computer-aided design; Computer-aided machining; Critically appraised topic (CAT); Removable partial denture