Comparação entre estruturas metálicas obtidas pelo método de escaneamento intraoral e convencional: uma revisão narrativa

Abstract

This work consists of a narrative literature review investigating the impact of CAD/CAM technologies, intraoral scanning (IOS), and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) on the fabrication of metallic frameworks for Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs) compared to the conventional method. The central objective was to evaluate how digital innovations influence dimensional accuracy, clinical efficiency, and patient perception of comfort. The methodology involved a search in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, selecting studies that compared direct digital, hybrid, and analog workflows. Data analysis revealed that the direct digital workflow, associating intraoral scanning with Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology, presents superior internal adaptation of rests and clasps compared to hybrid methods, equaling or surpassing the conventional technique in terms of accuracy. Additionally, patients reported higher satisfaction with the lightness and precision of fit of frameworks obtained through the digital workflow. However, it was observed that digital scanning has limitations in recording functional compression of the mucosa in distal extension cases, a situation in which the conventional technique still offers better biomechanical support. It is concluded that, although the workflow associating intraoral scanning with selective laser melting is technically promising due to its micrometric fidelity and operational efficiency, the conventional lost-wax casting technique remains the most viable and safe alternative for the Brazilian reality. This conclusion is based on the high cost of implementing SLM technology in the country and the established effectiveness of the analog method in the clinical management of soft tissues.