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A digital denture refers to a denture that is created using digital technology, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Instead of traditional methods that involve physical impressions and manual fabrication, digital dentures are designed and produced using digital scans of the patient's mouth.

Here's how the process typically works:

1. Digital Scanning: A digital scan of the patient's oral cavity is taken using intraoral scanners. This scan creates a highly accurate digital model of the patient's teeth, gums, and surrounding structures.
2. Design Phase: The digital scan is used as a basis for designing the denture using specialized software. Dentists can customize the shape, size, and position of the teeth to create a denture that fits the patient's mouth perfectly.
3. Manufacturing: Once the design is finalized, the digital data is sent to a milling machine or a 3D printer, depending on the technology used. The milling machine or printer then creates the denture from materials like acrylic resin or other biocompatible materials.
4. Finishing: After the denture is manufactured, it undergoes finishing processes such as polishing to ensure a smooth and comfortable fit for the patient.

Digital dentures offer several advantages over traditional dentures, including:

• Precision: Digital technology allows for highly accurate and customized dentures that fit better and are more comfortable for the patient.
• Efficiency: The digital workflow reduces the time required for fabrication compared to traditional methods.
• Customization: Dentists can easily customize the design of digital dentures to meet the specific needs and preferences of each patient.
• Less Mess: Since digital scanning replaces traditional impression materials, patients experience less discomfort and mess during the process.

Overall, digital dentures represent a modern and advanced approach to creating removable dental prosthetics, offering improved accuracy, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

WHAT KIND OF DIGITAL DENTURE WILL PATIENT HAVE?

Patients can have various types of digital dentures based on their specific dental needs and preferences. Here are the common types of digital dentures that patients may opt for:

1. CAD/CAM Complete Dentures: These are complete dentures created using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology. Digital scans of the patient's oral cavity are used to design and fabricate precise and customized complete dentures.
2. CAD/CAM Partial Dentures: Similar to complete dentures, CAD/CAM technology can also be used to design and manufacture partial dentures. These partial dentures are customized to fit the patient's mouth accurately and blend seamlessly with the remaining natural teeth.
3. Implant-Supported Digital Dentures: Digital technology is often used in conjunction with dental implants to create implant-supported dentures. Digital scans and CAD/CAM software are used to design dentures that attach securely to dental implants, providing superior stability and function compared to removable dentures.
4. Digital Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures can also be created using digital workflows. Digital scans allow for the fabrication of immediate dentures that can be placed immediately after tooth extraction, helping patients maintain their appearance and function during the healing period.
5. Digital Partial Dentures with Precision Attachments: For patients requiring partial dentures with precision attachments (such as clasps or connectors), digital technology enables precise design and fabrication of these components for optimal fit and functionality.
6. Digital Snap-On Dentures: Snap-on dentures, which attach to dental implants using snaps or attachments, can be digitally designed and fabricated for improved fit, comfort, and aesthetics.
7. Digital Flexible Dentures: Using digital technology, flexible dentures made of materials like nylon can be custom-designed and manufactured to provide a comfortable and natural-looking tooth replacement option.

The specific type of digital denture a patient will have depends on factors such as the extent of tooth loss, the condition of the remaining teeth and oral tissues, the need for implant support, and the patient's preferences. Dentists and dental technicians use advanced digital tools and workflows to create digital dentures that meet each patient's unique needs with precision and accuracy.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE DIGITAL DENTURE FROM TRADITIONAL ONE?

The difference between a digital denture and a traditional (normal) denture lies primarily in the way they are designed and fabricated. Here are the key distinctions:

1. Design Process:
   • Traditional Denture: In traditional dentures, the design process typically involves taking physical impressions of the patient's mouth using impression materials. These impressions are then used to create a mold from which the denture is fabricated.
   • Digital Denture: Digital dentures are designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Digital scans of the patient's oral cavity are taken using intraoral scanners, creating highly accurate digital models. The dentist or dental technician uses these digital models to design the denture on a computer screen.
2. Precision and Customization:
   • Traditional Denture: Traditional dentures rely on manual techniques for fabrication, which may result in variations and limitations in precision. Customization is achieved through adjustments made during the manual fabrication process.
   • Digital Denture: Digital dentures offer a higher level of precision and customization. The digital design process allows for precise adjustments to the shape, size, and position of the teeth, ensuring an optimal fit and function. Dentists can also simulate the final appearance of the denture digitally, allowing patients to see and approve the design before fabrication.
3. Fabrication Method:
   • Traditional Denture: Once the physical impressions are taken, traditional dentures are fabricated using materials such as acrylic resin. The process involves pouring the impressions with stone or plaster to create a mold, which is used to form the denture base and teeth.
   • Digital Denture: After the digital design is finalized, digital dentures are manufactured using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology. This may involve milling the denture from a block of material (e.g., acrylic) using a milling machine or 3D printing the denture using a 3D printer.
4. Efficiency and Timeframe:
   • Traditional Denture: The traditional denture fabrication process can take several appointments and may require adjustments during and after the fitting.
   • Digital Denture: Digital dentures are often faster to fabricate, as the digital workflow streamlines the design and manufacturing processes. Patients may experience fewer appointments and quicker turnaround times.
5. Comfort and Fit:
   • Traditional Denture: The fit of traditional dentures relies on the accuracy of the impressions and manual adjustments made during fabrication and fitting.
   • Digital Denture: Digital dentures tend to offer a more precise fit due to the accuracy of digital scans and the ability to customize the design digitally. This can lead to increased comfort and improved functionality for the patient.

DO YOU NEED GET INFORMATION FOR DIGITAL DENTURE?

Digital dentures represent a more advanced and precise approach to denture fabrication, offering benefits such as enhanced customization, improved fit, and streamlined production processes.

Dr. Taner and his professional team would be happy to help you with your digital denture needs. Please call us 613-519-1400.

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Dentist Kanata