Digital Dentures
Dentures have changed from the ones of the past to become a better option than ever. While even traditional versions have improved over time, the dentistry field now also has the ability to make digital dentures, which have improvements over their traditional counterparts.
Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of the digital kind and compare them to traditional ones, so you have a better idea of what to expect and whether they’re right for your needs and goals.
Who Is the Best Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures offer one of the ways a patient can improve their smile. If you can keep your natural teeth in place, some ways you might create a brighter, more even smile include professional whitening or veneers. On the other hand, your teeth might have severe damage, necessitating tooth removal, or you may have already lost numerous teeth. Did you know that 120 million Americans have one or more teeth missing, and that more than 36 million are missing all of their teeth?
In cases like this, you need a tooth replacement option, such as a denture, to restore a smile. You have different options in this area. If you’re only missing one or a few teeth, your dentist may be able to use a bridge that connects a false tooth or teeth to your surrounding natural teeth. Otherwise, dental implants offer a permanent replacement option that provides a metal tooth root replacement with a prosthesis attached to it to look and function like a natural tooth.
Implants can be used to replace one missing tooth, several teeth or a full set of teeth, depending on the situation. However, implants require surgery and extensive recovery time. In addition, this is a more costly procedure compared to other options.
Which solution is the best?
So, when is a denture the right solution? When you’re missing numerous teeth, most teeth or a full set of teeth, dentures can come into play. Different types can help fit the solution you need, such as partial or full dentures. Regular removable ones offer an easy and cost-effective way to fill in missing teeth to create a beautiful smile and offer full function again. They’re easy to clean and care for.
You might be surprised to know that of the Americans who are missing their natural teeth, which is known as edentulism, 90 percent use dentures. If we look worldwide, 19 percent of the population on average wore dentures in a study of 19 countries. You can see that you would be in good company by choosing this type of prosthesis as a tooth replacement option
Types of Dentures
When you are a candidate for a denture, there are different types available to fit different situations. These include:
Denture classification based on support system:
- Removable: This is the traditional denture that you remove to clean. The partial type attaches to the surrounding teeth, while the full removable version holds the gums through suction when properly fitted, although dental adhesive may be used if needed or preferred.
- Implant Supported: The prosthesis is attached to implants, which are metal pieces that are surgically placed into the gums and fused to the jaw to act as permanent tooth roots.
Denture production techniques:
- Traditional: This denture uses trays and putty to create an impression mold, and it tends to be crafted of an acrylic base.
- Digital: This modern denture uses digital impressions and is made of resin that tends to create a version that is stronger, better fitted and more comfortable than acrylic ones.
Digital Denture – How It Works
The digital type of denture has a simpler process than the dentures of the past. It takes away the uncomfortable wax or putty impression process, and your prosthesis is completed in fewer visits over a faster time span compared to traditional versions. Also, the digital process creates dentures made to the specifications of the mouth, whereas traditional ones usually require adjustments after the prosthesis is created.
This method tends to be a better one for both patients and dental offices alike. These benefits of the process are in addition to the stronger and more comfortable, improved fit of digital dentures compared to regular ones.
Digital dentures are at the forefront of the dental industry as a cutting-edge technology that can be taken advantage of. As of early 2020, the digital denture process had only been adopted by one percent of the dental industry. Nonetheless, the adoption rate is expected to grow as people realize the benefits of this new technology.
Here is the process of getting digital dentures:
1: Your dentist takes digital impressions and bite registration using state-of-the-art dental technology.
2: Your dentist scans the impressions and registration into a computer program.
3: A dental lab receives the digital information from the dentist. People at the lab create a 3D digital
denture design that is customized to each patient’s information.
4: Your dentist receives this design and reviews it. At this point, they can modify the design as needed and give final approval to the lab to move forward.
5: The lab makes the denture according to the specifications of the digital design.
6: You visit your dentist again, where you receive the custom denture and make sure it fits and works properly.
Cost of Denture Services
You’re probably wondering about the cost of digital dentures compared to traditional ones. The cost can vary by your needs, goals, dentist, area where you live and so on. It’s best to get a custom quote from your own dentist to help with your decision.
Overall, dentures provide a cost-effective tooth replacement option compared to costly dental implants, which require surgery. Digital ones do not necessarily need to cost more than regular ones, as they help dentists save in numerous ways. They can cut down on costs of materials and prevent adjustment visits or the need for replacements. They tend to be stronger and longer-lasting to provide better value.
Options for Covering the Cost
There are numerous options for managing the cost of digital dentures. Dental insurance tends to cover a significant amount of the cost of dentures. In addition, you can generally find denture financing options , membership or discount plans that can help you cover any out-of-pocket costs over time.
How to Maintain Dentures
Once you have your acrylic dentures made through a digital process, it’s essential to care for them as you would with natural teeth. This is the way to keep them in good shape and lasting as long as possible. Generally, you’ll want to remove your dentures while you sleep at night. Putting them in during the day restores full function of the mouth for talking and eating. Also, clean your dentures regularly.
Here is the denture cleaning process:
1: At least once per day, clean a denture by removing it and brushing the entire surface with a specialty non-abrasive denture cleaner rather than using toothpaste. You should brush gently with a toothbrush, aiming to get rid of food particles and residues.
2: Each day, soak the denture in a specialty solution designed for dentures. This process helps to take away stains and plaque from the surface, as well as to disinfect.
3: If needed, your dental office offers a denture cleaning service to provide a more thorough job and take care of problems.
A digital dental prosthesis offers many benefits while restoring your smile and full mouth function!
Schedule Your Next Digital Denture Consultation
To learn more about your options on digital denture treatment and cost, schedule a consultation. And one of our experienced prosthodontics staff will review your case with you and confirm your next visit with us for your digital dentures.