Evaluation of Non-dental open source software in comparison to dental software in construction of digitally designed partial dentures frameworks

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to compare removable partial denture frameworks digitally designed using a non-dental software and two dental software programs. Frameworks were designed using Blender (Group A), Exocad (Group B), 3Shape (Group C), and a conventional fabrication method (Group D) on maxillary casts (n = 12 each ). Adaptation, retention, and surface roughness of manufactured frameworks were evaluated using Geomagic Control X software, a universal testing machine, and optical profilometry, respectively. Regarding adaptation results, 3Shape group had the lowest RMS value (1.79 mm ± 0.13), whereas Blender group showed the highest RMS value (1.95 mm ± 0.17). For retention, 3Shape group had the highest values (11.21 N ± 0.07) while, Blender had the lowest retention (6.61 N ± 1.13). Retention and adaptation tests showed statistically significant difference using ANOVA test (P ≤ 0.05). Surface roughness evaluation revealed no statistically significant differences among the four groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, RPD frameworks designed using dental software demonstrated superior adaptation and retention compared to those designed with non-dental software. Dental software also outperformed the conventional technique in retention. Conventional frameworks showed better retention than those produced using non-dental software. No differences in surface roughness were found among the four groups.