**4. Conclusions**

The methodology presented in this paper consist in 3D scanning of a real object, processing of the scanned results by reverse engineering and obtaining a digital geometric model and conducting numerical analysis. This methodology can by successfully applied in design optimization, especially in objects with complex geometry.

An important role in fracture strength evaluation of the dentures plays the material's defects and their localization towards the most loaded areas of the denture.

The structural defects located inside the model have a smaller influence on the state of stress than those located on the exterior surface. Also, very relevant for the fracture of the denture is the stress field around the crack, which can either close or open the crack.

The defects in the material's structure may have a negative impact on denture's mechanical resistance. Complete dentures' defects can initiate cracks that are responsible for their failure before the expected lifetime.
