Revolutionizing Prosthetic Dentistry: The Benefits of Digital Denture Workflows

mm Written by Andrew Sedler

The Benefits of Digital Denture Workflows

With the dental industry embracing modern technology, it is crucial to adopt a digital denture workflow to provide patients with efficient, accurate, and high-quality care. This method utilizes digital scanning, computer-aided design, and 3D printing or milling, replacing the traditional labor-intensive process with a more streamlined, precise, and predictable one.

By adopting a digital workflow, dentists can offer enhanced patient comfort and satisfaction, improved turnaround times, and a higher level of precision and customization. With this evolution, dental professionals are not only meeting the growing demands of the modern patient but also significantly augmenting their practice’s capabilities and competitive edge.

The following case study illustrates the practical implementation and impact of a digital denture workflow in a contemporary dental practice. We were excited to work with Dr. Katherine Diep on it.

Patient Situation

In 2010, a patient who was grappling with edentulism in both the maxilla and mandible required comprehensive prosthodontic intervention. A full denture was made and installed for the patient’s maxilla, while her mandible was treated with an overdenture retained by locators, aided by implants at the sites of teeth #22 and #27.

Fast forward to her recent visit this year, her denture teeth exhibited apparent signs of wear, and she had unfortunately experienced implant failure at tooth site #27, prompting the need for a new prosthesis. The silver lining, however, was her satisfaction with her existing denture. This presented the case with an invaluable guide for the design of her new prosthesis.

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The Benefits of Digital Denture Workflows - Burbank Dental Lab - Burbank, CA

Recognizing the patient’s comfort and familiarity with the tooth positioning of her existing dentures, Dr. Diep made the decision to employ a digital denture workflow. This innovative approach not only ensured that the new set would meticulously echo the contours of the old prosthesis, aligning with the patient’s preferences, but it also provided the capacity to readily re-mill the prosthesis if a replacement should ever become necessary in the future.

The comprehensive steps engaged to actualize the final prosthesis through this digital denture workflow served to enhance precision, ensure patient satisfaction, and streamline overall process efficiency. These steps, detailed in the subsequent sections, demonstrate the substantial benefits of integrating digital methods into a modern dental practice.

CTCT Scan - The Benefits of Digital Denture Workflows - Burbank Dental Lab - Burbank, CA
  1. Dr. Diep began this case by taking a CBCT scan of the patient’s existing dentures.
  2. Exocad was used to convert the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) file into an STL (stereolithography) file.
  3. This data was used to print a duplicate of the denture using a clear resin.
  4. This was then used to create a custom tray to make a wash impression of the patient’s residual ridges.
  5. A centric relation record was then taken at an increased VDO to restore the ~2mm that had been lost over time.
  6. The above data was sent to the lab to print a try-in based on the existing prosthesis.
  7. The prosthesis was then tried in and evaluated by both Dr. Diep and the patient.
  8. Since the try-in was successful, Burbank Dental Lab proceeded with milling the final prosthesis.
CTCT Scan - The Benefits of Digital Denture Workflows - Burbank Dental Lab - Burbank, CA
CTCT Scan - The Benefits of Digital Denture Workflows - Burbank Dental Lab - Burbank, CA
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The Benefits of a Digital Denture Workflow

Efficiency: The traditional method of creating dentures requires a considerable amount of time and effort due to its multistep process. Nonetheless, by implementing a digital workflow, this process can be simplified substantially. The scanning process can be completed expeditiously, and digital models can be produced and modified promptly. Finally, the finished dentures can be milled or printed, worth noting that this entire process can be completed within a few hours.

Accuracy and Precision: Advanced software is utilized to create digital dentures, guaranteeing an elevated level of accuracy and enabling minor modifications that may be arduous to accomplish manually. As a consequence, patients can enjoy a more precise and pleasant fit.

Predictability: Digital dentures provide the advantage of visualizing the final product upfront, prior to the fabrication process. This allows for the opportunity to review and make any necessary alterations to the design before proceeding with the creation of the dentures. With this, one can accurately anticipate the end result, thereby saving time and resources.

Consistency: The process for digital workflow adheres to a standardized approach, thus resulting in an output of consistently high quality. This is in contrast to manual methods, which can vary depending on the expertise and skill level of the individual performing the work. The use of digital methods ensures that every denture is produced to the same exceptional standard.

Data Storage and Reproduction: A digital model of a patient’s mouth can be created and saved indefinitely. This feature allows for the convenient reproduction of the denture in case of loss or damage, without requiring the patient to return for a new set of impressions. Furthermore, it can aid in monitoring any changes in the patient’s oral condition over time.

Patient Satisfaction: Patients often appreciate the speed and convenience of digital dentures. The ability to visualize the final result before it is created can also lead to higher patient satisfaction. The precise fit of digital dentures can also contribute to increased comfort and functionality, improving the overall patient experience.

Competitive Advantage: Embracing digital dentistry can offer a competitive edge over practices that only offer traditional methods. By providing faster, more precise, and predictable results, you can attract more patients and enhance your practice’s reputation for innovative care.

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The integration of digital technology in dentistry is a learning process, and mastering it requires time, patience, and training. However, with the multitude of benefits it offers, it is indeed a worthy investment for the future of any dental practice.

The advent of digital denture workflows presents a transformative shift in dental prosthetics, promising enhanced precision, efficiency, and patient satisfaction. In addition to capturing and reproducing individual dental profiles accurately, digital workflows offer long-term benefits as well. Contact Burbank Dental Lab for help on your next removable case.

We extend our appreciation to Dr. Katherine Diep for her valuable insights and contributions to this article.

Dr. Katherine Diep

Dr. Katherine Diep

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