Everything You Need to Know About Digital Dentures and Probably More Besides

We live in an age where technology impacts pretty much every occupation and dentistry is no exception.  

Even age-old treatments like dentures have now been given a digital makeover. As such, digital dentures are light years away from the clunky appliances that your grandad or grandma used to wear and may even be viewed as an improvement to modern-day conventional dentures. As a result, they’re considered by many as a game-changer.  

In this post, we’ll explain what they are and how they differ from conventional denture appliances. 

Conventional Dentures  – A Mixed Blessing!  

Traditional dentures, a long-standing answer to tooth loss have been integral to dental care for multiple generations. Even today, data suggests that approximately 11 people in every 100 of the UK population wears either full or partial dentures. Yet even the most modern manual fixtures are often seen as a “mixed blessing”. 

While conventional dentures restore the ability to eat, smile and chew, they aren’t without their issues. The fitting process can, in some cases, be time-consuming and intricate, while multiple visits coupled with various adjustments are often the norm rather than the exception.  

On the flip side, dentures that are digitally designed, and by this we mean precision dentures crafted using 3D or CAD/CAM technology, allow for a more natural appearance, a better, all-around fit and, in most cases, a quicker production.  

In other words, customised dentures that are designed and made with the latest digital technology are incredibly robust, extremely well-fitting and are typically made and fitted in just three appointments!  

That’s right, three appointments! 

Let’s take a closer look at the process… 

Getting Digital Dentures – The First Visit 

The first appointment is where most of the groundwork takes place.  Firstly, our dentist will take impressions of your mouth and jaw. This can be done either manually using impression pastes, or preferably, digitally, using the latest intraoral scanning technology.  

When intraoral scanning is used, it removes the issues of a messy, time-consuming and, in some cases, uncomfortable experience. But more importantly, by computerising the process, it removes the possibility of human error.  

One study found that as many as 64% of manual impressions sent to laboratories are deemed unacceptable. Of course, studies don’t always represent the bigger picture and you can read into them as you will, but the fact remains that manual impression-taking isn’t always a straightforward and accurate procedure. 

Watch our dentist John scanning his patient and his patient’s dentures to ensure an accurately fitting new denture.

Anyway, getting back to the process…   

While conventional dentures involve wax impressions that are sent to a laboratory, digital impressions are simply uploaded to a centralised digital laboratory or to an in-house milling machine where a replica set will be printed or made. These replicas are known as “digitally-made try-ins”. Once your try-ins are ready, you’ll be called back for a subsequent visit. 

The Second Visit 

During the next visit, you’ll be fitted with your printed set allowing you to test-drive them for a few weeks. This gives you time to see what they look and feel like before your final digital denture is made. Any adjustments can quickly be digitally enhanced and merged with your original scans at this point.    

The Third Visit 

Once you’re happy and any new changes have been implemented, your permanent denture is milled from either a single solid block of chosen material or, in the case of 3D printing, across multiple layers to ensure greater uniformity and a better, more precise, fit. When ready, your new denture is given one final check for fit, aesthetics and comfort and when everything is okay, you’re good to go!    

It really is that simple! 

Compare this set of old conventional dentures with our patient’s new set of digital dentures!

So, How Long Do Digitally-Designed Dentures Last? 

All dentures need to be replaced at some point but where conventional dentures are likely to be swapped out every 5-10 years, digital dentures are typically fabricated using a long-lasting acrylic resin – one that can withstand more pressure as well as general wear and tear. As a result, digitally designed dentures are more durable and therefore, a longer-lasting product for most people.   

But here’s the thing… 

You might assume that the cost of digital dentures is going to be considerably higher given the technical processes and equipment involved but in truth, introducing technology into the mix won’t always necessitate an increase. 

Why? 

When replacement dentures are required, digital versions can quickly be replicated at a cheaper price because your existing patient file can easily be re-accessed. This negates the need for further costly impression-taking. 

Pound for pound, digitally-designed dentures are less hassle, more convenient and longer lasting in most cases. So, even with a slight increase in cost, they may well be worth it to you.   

But Are Digital Dentures Simply A Flash In The Pan?  

Research suggests not. The global digital dentures market currently stands at $1.32 billion and is set to double by 2029 but while stats are great, what does this actually mean for you, the patient? 

While the decision to go conventional vs digital is so often a personal choice –  the benefits of getting digitally designed dentures stack up and include: 

• Increased comfort 

• Greater convenience 

• Better/more precise fit – Less chance of unpredictable slippage when eating or laughing

• Fewer appointments vs conventional denture fitting 

• Speedier replacement process, and…  

• Total individualisation vs limited prefabricated design options with conventional dentures 

As you can see, digital dentures certainly have their advantages but perhaps, most important of all, is patient satisfaction. Studies suggest that patient satisfaction increases with digital dentures vs their conventional counterparts with many people citing a more convenient process and a better, more lifelike end product. 

So, there you have it. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of digital dentures and how they differ from conventional appliances.  

Want The Best Option For Tooth Replacement? 

At Coatbridge Family Dental Care, we aim to be transparent on every aspect of your dental journey by giving you non-biased, factual information that allows you to make an informed decision. So, if you come to us asking about tooth replacement, we’ll discuss all available options including conventional and digital dentures and together, we’ll help you make the right choice.  

Call us on 01236 421103 or hit the “book now” button on our website to schedule a FREE consultation.  Your newly improved smile journey begins here!