Conventional Versus Digital Mock-Ups: Patient Experience And Clinical Performance

This clinical study aims to evaluate patient experience and clinical outcomes of conventional and CAD/CAM-milled mock-ups in anterior aesthetic restorations. Eighteen patients seeking anterior aesthetic rehabilitation participated in the study, which was conducted from January 2022 to January 2024. Case planning was performed using a digital smile design (DSD) program. Each patient first received a conventional mock-up, followed by a CAD/CAM-milled mock-up two weeks later. Patient satisfaction was evaluated through a structured questionnaire assessing aesthetics, comfort, and function, while clinical performance was measured based on aesthetics, retention, marginal adaptation, and restoration fractures. CAD/CAM-milled mock-ups led to greater patient satisfaction, especially regarding comfort and treatment duration. Clinically, they exhibited slightly superior retention and marginal adaptation, while both techniques achieved satisfactory overall performance. No significant differences were observed in aesthetics or marginal discoloration between the two approaches. Both conventional and CAD/CAM-milled mock-ups demonstrate similar clinical performance, with CAD/CAM mock-ups offering slightly higher patient satisfaction and improved clinical outcomes. The choice of technique can be guided by patient preferences and specific clinical requirements.