SmartRPD

Overview

SmartRPD is an AI-powered design software for removable partial dentures (RPDs), developed through a collaboration between the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) and A*STAR's Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC). By streamlining the entire workflow from design to fabrication, SmartRPD significantly reduces the time required at each stage of the process, enhancing the experience for both clinicians and patients alike.

Instead of traditional impressions, intraoral scans are taken during the patient's initial clinical visit. These scans are analyzed and processed chairside in the clinic, and the information is transferred to the software for design. The designed framework is then 3D printed and fitted to the patient.

Analyze and Design with Automation

Usually, dentists examine the stone model and make decisions on the design, then sketch the design on a piece of paper. This paper, along with the stone model, will be sent to the dental lab for production.With the automatic design software, the 3D view of a patient's teeth anatomy can be displayed at the clinic immediately after being scanned. The analysis can be carried out at the chairside and decisions can be made right there with the patient. The RPD design can be created with a single click.

Accurate Transfer of Design to Production

It is crucial for the dentist and the dental lab to communicate their specific design preferences, dimensions, and patient preferences effectively. In the past, communication was done through written notes on a piece of paper, which sometimes led to misinterpretations and errors.

Now, with the help of software, clinicians and lab technicians can engage in collective conversations. When an intra-oral scan is taken at the clinic, the scans can be sent to the lab technician for refining the details. 3D perspective views are shared between the two parties, ensuring that specific comments such as survey angles, occlusion points, and undercut engagements are accurately communicated.

Precise Production through 3D Metal Printing

Once the customized file is confirmed and approved, it can be realized using 3D metal printing (selective laser melting). The generated geometry files are transferred to the 3D metal printer for production.

This process is done in batches, with 20–30 cases printed over a few hours without any manual intervention. 3D metal printing enables the mass production of many metal framework pieces overnight. Compared to the conventional casting method, it is more precise, has higher throughput, and is more economical.

Production Capacity: 20–30 frameworks per batch overnight, compared to 2 pieces per day per technician using conventional casting.

Conventional Workflow vs. SmartRPD Digital Workflow

Proven Outcomes from Clinical Trials

A randomized controlled clinical trial compared RPD frameworks fabricated through conventional, hybrid, and SmartRPD digital workflows across multiple clinical parameters.

Framework Precision: All workflows achieved mean internal gaps well below the 0.3mm clinical acceptability threshold. SmartRPD Digital demonstrated the smallest mean gap (0.271 ± 0.140mm), indicating the most consistent fits across cases.

SMILE Program — Digital Workflow Adoption

The SMILE program integrates intraoral scanners for digital impressions and chairside RPD design software for framework creation. Through virtual visualization and adjustment, practitioners can customize RPDs before fabrication using 3D printing.