Modern dentures are possibly one of the most important dental prostheses in the last century. It is a prosthetic device made of artificial materials, such as plastic and acrylic, to replace missing teeth. It increases one’s quality of life without the significant risks typically found in its predecessors. Earlier forms involved using porcelain and ivory. They were meticulously handmade and hand painted in an attempt to look like real teeth. For a time, human teeth harvested from the deceased were also popular as they were easier to produce. Eventually, porcelain teeth were set using vulcanite—a form of hard rubber—which made production easier. Then, acrylic resin and other plastics replaced porcelain in the 20th century. Then, in the 1980s, digital technology started coming into the picture. The decade marked the beginning of computer-aided designs (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for dentistry. Since then, CAD/CAM technology has advanced at a rapid pace and, as a consequence, so has denture technology.

The evolution in denture technology gave rise to today’s digital dentures. These next-generation dentures take advantage of various innovations, such as 3D printing and milling, to produce better results while minimizing issues. As such, they are being introduced in many dental clinics across the country.

Let’s take a look at what this technology is all about.

What Is the Latest Technology in Digital Dentures?

Digital dentures take advantage of technologies and workflows made for fabrication such as CAD/CAM software and 3D printing. First, information from the mouth including final impressions and interocclusal records are digitized either by scanning physical records or using an intraoral scanner to scan the anatomy directly.

The computerized data is transferred into a digital denture design software package that creates the blueprint. Next, the setup is finalized by making necessary functional and esthetic adjustments. Finally, the manufacturing process begins where the digital denture design is prepared for digital fabrication—either through milling or 3D printing.

But are these digital dentures, developed using modern denture technology, better than those made using a conventional process?

Are Digital Dentures Better?

The short answer to this is—yes, digital dentures are better than conventionally made dentures. One of the most significant advantages of digital dentures is improved accuracy and fit. Going digital allows you to create a 1:1 adaptation of what is in the records, something that conventional dentures have not been able to completely achieve due to manufacturing errors, shrinkage and distortion.

Additionally, digital dentures are generally made from premium quality materials which allow for better strength and wearability. A significant improvement over conventional materials is the fact that the final denture is denser due to the milling process. The lack of microporosity allows for a greater bio hygienic material that will not stain and naturally has less residual monomer present than conventional materials. The result is a superior and premium denture material which is ultimately better for the patient.

digital denture technology
Milled digital denture ready for the next step in the digital workflow.

But these aren’t the only advantages that digital dentures have over conventional dentures. Let’s take a look at a few more of the major benefits that digital dentures have to offer.

Benefits of Digital Denture Technology

There are numerous benefits of opting for digital dentures over conventional forms of dentures. Some of the most prominent ones are:

1. Fewer Appointments

One of the biggest benefits of choosing digital dentures is the time saved on dental appointments. Conventional dentures require about five to seven visits to the dentist due to preliminary appointments, try-ins, corrections and adjustments. This is a lot for the patient.

With digital dentures, the patient can finish the entire process in as little as two appointments. The first visit involves collecting the digital data from the patient. Behind the scenes, after the initial visit, the digital denture is designed and manufactured. Once available, the patient asked to come for the second visit for fitting and incorporation.

2. Quick Turnarounds

Conventional dentures not only require more appointments but also take more time to be prepared. Typically it can take several weeks for the dentures to be finally completed and delivered. In contrast, modern processes in creating digital dentures ensure that the final prosthesis will be complete in much less time, usually within five to 10 days.

3. Natural Appearance

One of the best advantages of digital dentures is the natural look they provide the wearer. Due to the more accurate design technology and the materials used, digital dentures are crafted to ensure the patient enjoys functionally esthetic teeth.

4. Permanent Digital Files

Another benefit to digital dentures is that once designed, if misplaced or needing repair, the digital denture can be reproduced with a phone call to the dental office. All of the data saved on the patient’s measurements, bite, etc. can expedite the replacement workflow.

What to Know About Digital Dentures

1. How Many Years Do Digital Dentures Last?

The life of conventional dentures lasts anywhere between 4-6 years, depending on the maintenance. They either need to be relined or replaced entirely as they wear out. Over the years, the teeth may become worn and the fit may change. This can cause the patient great discomfort and inconvenience.

Digital dentures can last longer due to the material that they are made from. New processes use perfectly cured resin which is very hard and does not distort. The resin-made dentures retain their form longer than those created using traditional acrylic material.

2. How Much Do Digital Dentures Cost?

One important consideration is the inconvenience and soreness that are typically present with conventional dentures. Due to the imperfect fit and less flexible material, they can irritate the mouth and cause chafing, lesions or even gingival hyperplasia. Not only are these issues inconvenient and painful, but can necessitate more appointments with the dentist, which ultimately add on to increased cost. This is why having the more accurate fit that digital dentures provide is key.

Conclusion

Modern denture technology and workflows are revolutionizing the way digital dentures are made. It’s not only shortening the process, but it’s also making modern dentures more widely accessible due to cost-effectiveness and provides a more esthetic result.

Additionally, digital dentures last longer than conventional dentures and are stronger. As the entire approach is digital, there are fewer appointments, and the dentures have a more accurate fit and look better.

Do you have any questions about digital dentures? Check out our digital denture page.