Digital Workflow in Complete Dentures: From Conventional to Fully Digital Protocols

Abstract The purpose of this narrative review was to examine the evolution of complete denture fabrication from conventional techniques to fully digital workflows. It compares each step of the denture process in traditional versus digital protocols – including impression making, jaw relation registration, prosthesis design, trial fitting, and final fabrication – and evaluates the outcomes, advantages, limitations, and future directions of digital denture techniques. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather current evidence on digital complete denture workflows. Peer-reviewed articles and clinical reports on conventional, hybrid, and fully digital denture protocols were analyzed. The key clinical and laboratory stages (impression procedures, maxillomandibular relation records, computer-aided design, try-in methods, and manufacturing techniques) were compared between traditional and digital approaches, with attention to reported clinical outcomes, efficiency, patient satisfaction, and technical considerations. The reviewed literature indicates that most stages of complete denture fabrication can be accomplished digitally with results comparable to conventional methods.