Level of Evidence and Research Directions in Digital Complete Dentures: A Metrics-Based Perspective

PURPOSE: To analyze the scientific level and publication trends on digital complete dentures through a bibliometric and altmetric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted in December 2024 in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC). From the selected articles, data related to publication profiles were extracted. Collaboration networks were generated using VOSviewer. Altmetric performance was assessed through the Dimensions platform. The risk of bias in clinical studies was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 Tool. Spearman's correlation was applied for citation data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 306 studies were included. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry was the journal with the highest number of publications (n = 93). Most studies were laboratory (n = 121), focusing on protocol descriptions (n = 128). Mucosa-supported dentures were predominant (n = 207). Printed dentures stood out (n = 105). The United States led in the number of publications (n = 69). Mentions in Mendeley were identified in Dimensions. Collaboration between authors was identified in VOSviewer. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the growth of scientific production on digital complete dentures, which are associated with reduced costs and fewer appointments. There was an increase in studies on printed dentures. Despite the presence of clinical trials, studies with higher methodologic rigor are still lacking.