Laboratory Evaluation of Production Efficiency for Removable Partial Denture Frameworks Using In-House Casting vs Outsourced Additive Manufacturing Techniques

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the production efficiency of selective laser sintering (SLS) to traditional casting for the fabrication of metal prosthodontic frameworks in a prospective pilot evaluation in a hospital prosthodontic laboratory setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The time taken to complete each of the identified stages in the production of 50 removable partial denture frameworks made using either SLS (n = 25) or casting (n = 25) workflows was measured. The mean time for production was calculated for each workflow, and the difference was tested for statistical significance. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The results indicate that an SLS workflow may be more time-efficient, and further cost-effectiveness research is indicated.