Digital Dentures

Digital dentures, also known as CAD/CAM dentures, are a modern and innovative approach to denture fabrication that utilises advanced technology for greater precision, accuracy, and natural-looking results. This technology involves using digital scanning and computer software to design and manufacture dentures. 3D printing is often employed in the fabrication process, enabling the creation of highly accurate and customised dentures.

Digital dentures differ significantly from traditional dentures in terms of the process, materials used, and overall fit. Digital dentures utilise a completely digital process, eliminating the need for traditional impression materials and plaster models. A 3D scanner captures a precise digital model of your mouth, and the denture is then designed and fabricated using computer software and 3D printing. This advanced approach offers greater precision and accuracy, resulting in a more comfortable and natural-looking denture. Digital dentures can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, porcelain, and even biocompatible resins, offering wider options for strength, durability, and appearance.

The digital process ensures a more accurate and comfortable fit, often requiring fewer adjustments compared to traditional dentures. Furthermore, digital dentures can be designed to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth, resulting in a more natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Digital dentures represent a more efficient and advanced approach to denture fabrication, resulting in a more comfortable, natural-looking, and durable solution for replacing missing teeth.

Digital denture fabrication utilises advanced technology to create precise and natural-looking dentures. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

1. Digital Impression: A 3D scanner captures a detailed digital impression of your teeth and gums. This non-invasive and quick process replaces traditional impression methods.
2. Computer-Aided Design: The digital impression is used to create a 3D model of your mouth. Using specialised software, your dentist designs a customized denture that perfectly fits your mouth and meets your specific needs.
3. 3D Printing (or Milling): The denture design is sent to a 3D printer or milling machine. The printer or milling machine uses the digital design to fabricate the denture base from a chosen material (acrylic, porcelain, or other biocompatible resins).
4. Tooth Creation: The denture base is then fitted with individual artificial teeth. These teeth are precisely shaped and colored to match your natural teeth.
5. Final Fitting: You will return to your dentist for a final fitting of your digital denture. The dentist will check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure you are comfortable with your new denture.

Digital dentures are a great option for individuals who:

• Have Missing Teeth: Whether you’re missing a few teeth or need a full set of dentures, digital dentures can provide a comfortable and natural-looking solution.
• Have Good Oral Health: It’s important to have healthy gums and a stable jawbone for the successful placement and function of dentures. Your dentist will assess your overall oral health to determine if you are a good candidate.
• Preference for Precision: If you value accuracy and a perfect fit, digital dentures can be a great choice. The digital technology ensures a more precise and comfortable fit, reducing the need for adjustments.
• Interest in Aesthetics: If you want a natural-looking smile, digital dentures can be designed to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. The precise design and fabrication process allows for a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
• Open to Technology: If you are comfortable with the use of technology in your dental care, digital dentures are a great option. The digital process eliminates the need for traditional impression materials and allows for more advanced design and fabrication techniques.

Digital dentures offer a range of benefits that make them a compelling choice for replacing missing teeth:

• Accurate Impression: The use of 3D scanning technology ensures a highly precise digital impression of your mouth, capturing every detail and eliminating the inaccuracies that can sometimes occur with traditional impression methods.
• Customised Design: The digital model allows your dentist to design a denture that perfectly fits your mouth, minimising the need for adjustments and ensuring a more comfortable fit.

• Reduced Appointments: The digital process often requires fewer appointments compared to traditional dentures, saving you time and effort.
• Faster Turnaround: The streamlined digital process allows for a faster turnaround time, meaning you can enjoy your new dentures sooner.

• Natural-Looking Smile: Digital dentures can be designed to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth, ensuring a more natural and aesthetically pleasing smile.
• Customised Colour and Shape: The digital design process allows for greater customisation in terms of tooth shape, size, and colour, ensuring a more natural-looking result.

• Enhanced Chewing: The precise fit and stability of digital dentures provide for more comfortable and effective chewing, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of foods.
• Clearer Speech: The improved fit and stability of digital dentures help improve speech clarity, reducing lisping or slurring that can occur with traditional dentures.

The cost of digital dentures in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the materials used, the complexity of the procedure, and the prosthetist’s experience. The average cost of digital dentures in Australia ranges from $1,500 per arch. Full-mouth digital dentures can cost anywhere from $3,000.