New generation children’s denture obtained with 3D technology – a case report

Introduction
In children, loss of deciduous teeth due to caries is still a clinical problem. In order to restore the continuity of dental arches and to restore occlusion various types of children’s dentures or orthodontic appliances have been made because they determine further correct development of the masticatory organ. Thanks to intensive development of digital technology it is possible to manufacture precise prosthetic restorations and orthodontic appliances using new generation materials. Traditional impressions used tocreate gypsum models are replaced with digital equivalents /scans/ and virtual models. Using appropriate software it is possible to prepare a precise spatial design and to manufacture devices using modern digital technologies.

Aim
The aim of the paper was to present a children’s denture acting as a space maintainer using modern digital technology and new material: polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

Material and methods
The material used in the work included virtual models obtained based on intraoral scans and a children’s denture manufactured using digital milling technology. Modern material PEEK was used in laboratory processing

Results
Using digital technology and modern material precise, functional and aesthetic prosthetic restoration was obtained.

Conclusions
Digital technology and PEEK may be alternatives to traditional solutions in orthodontics and they can replace commonly used impression materials, dental gypsum and metal. The development of scanners, and in particular shortening the scanning time, reducing the size of scanning heads and lowering the price of scanners will certainly make this technology more and more popular among doctors.