Comparison of CAD Modeling Approaches in the Design of Custom Dental Abutments.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Comparison of CAD Modeling Approaches in the Design of Custom Dental Abutments.
Authors:	Huić, Iris¹ iris.huic@fsb.unizg.hr, Kosec, Petar^1,2, Martinec, Tomislav¹, Škec, Stanko¹
Source:	Computer-Aided Design & Applications. 2026, Vol. 23 Issue 4, p428-450. 23p.
Subjects:	Dental abutments, Computer-aided design, Computer-aided design software, Solid modeling (Engineering), Three-dimensional modeling, Dentistry, Parametric modeling
Abstract:	This study compares three different approaches to CAD modeling custom dental abutments. Custom abutments serve as the critical link between dental implants and prosthetic restorations, requiring both functional accuracy and aesthetic refinement. The increasing integration of digital tools in dental design has led to the adoption of diverse modeling methodologies, each offering distinct advantages in workflow design, customization potential, and manufacturing compatibility. To examine these variations, this study evaluates three distinct approaches: dental CAD modeling, engineering-based modeling, and NURBS-based modeling. These approaches are analyzed through the application of ExoCAD Rijeka 3.1, SolidWorks 2020, and Grasshopper within Rhinoceros 8, respectively. The evaluation criteria for these tools were established through literature review and expert consultations, then categorized into four key criteria: parameter management, abutment geometry modifications, manufacturing readiness, and workflow adaptability. The dental approach utilizes ExoCAD features, structured workflows that streamline standardized designs, but offer limited adaptability for highly customized cases. In contrast, engineering and NURBS-based approaches, utilized by SolidWorks and Rhinoceros, provide advanced customization abilities through parametric and surface modeling but require greater expertise and time investment. The findings underscore the need to select CAD approaches based on specific design requirements, highlighting the role of automation techniques such as parametric modeling in optimizing dental CAD workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Engineering Source

Description
Abstract:	This study compares three different approaches to CAD modeling custom dental abutments. Custom abutments serve as the critical link between dental implants and prosthetic restorations, requiring both functional accuracy and aesthetic refinement. The increasing integration of digital tools in dental design has led to the adoption of diverse modeling methodologies, each offering distinct advantages in workflow design, customization potential, and manufacturing compatibility. To examine these variations, this study evaluates three distinct approaches: dental CAD modeling, engineering-based modeling, and NURBS-based modeling. These approaches are analyzed through the application of ExoCAD Rijeka 3.1, SolidWorks 2020, and Grasshopper within Rhinoceros 8, respectively. The evaluation criteria for these tools were established through literature review and expert consultations, then categorized into four key criteria: parameter management, abutment geometry modifications, manufacturing readiness, and workflow adaptability. The dental approach utilizes ExoCAD features, structured workflows that streamline standardized designs, but offer limited adaptability for highly customized cases. In contrast, engineering and NURBS-based approaches, utilized by SolidWorks and Rhinoceros, provide advanced customization abilities through parametric and surface modeling but require greater expertise and time investment. The findings underscore the need to select CAD approaches based on specific design requirements, highlighting the role of automation techniques such as parametric modeling in optimizing dental CAD workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	16864360
DOI:	10.14733/cadaps.2026.428-450