Background:
Mock-ups play a crucial role in aesthetic dentistry by allowing patients to preview potential treatment outcomes. Traditional chairside techniques and computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling are two common fabrication methods. However, limited clinical data compare patient satisfaction and clinical performance between these approaches.

Aim of the study:
This clinical study evaluates patient satisfaction and clinical performance with conventional and CAD/CAM-milled mock-ups in anterior aesthetic cases.

Material and methods:
Eighteen patients seeking anterior aesthetic rehabilitation were included in the study. A digital smile design (DSD) program was used for case planning. All the patients underwent both techniques sequentially, starting with the conventional mock-up, followed by the CAD/CAM-milled mock-up after 2 to 3 weeks. The study began in September 2022 and concluded in June 2024. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a structured questionnaire covering aesthetics, comfort, and fit, while clinical performance was evaluated based on criteria such as aesthetics, retention, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, and fracture of restorations.

Results:
CAD/CAM-milled mock-ups resulted in higher patient satisfaction, particularly in terms of comfort and the time required for completion. In terms of clinical performance, CAD/CAMmilled mock-ups demonstrated slightly better retention and marginal adaptation, although both techniques performed well. No significant differences were found in aesthetics or marginal discoloration between the two techniques.

Conclusions:
Both conventional and CAD/ CAM-milled mock-ups offer comparable clinical performance, with CAD/CAM mock-ups providing slightly superior patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Clinicians can select the appropriate technique based on patient preferences and clinical conditions.