“Increasing Shift from Traditional Denture Manufacturing Methods to Digital Techniques”
- The increasing shift from traditional denture manufacturing methods to digital techniques is a transformative trend in the dental industry. Traditional methods involved manual impressions, wax modeling, and handcrafting, leading to longer production times, potential inaccuracies, and discomfort for patients
- Digital techniques use 3D scanning to capture an accurate representation of the patient’s mouth. This allows for a more precise fit and reduces the likelihood of mistakes compared to manual methods
- For instance, Companies such as 3Shape offer 3D scanning technology that captures highly detailed images of the dental structure
- After scanning, computer-aided design software is used to design the dentures. This software, such as Exocad, allows dental professionals to create custom dentures quickly, with the ability to adjust the design to ensure the best fit and appearance
- The use of 3D printing or milling technologies in the production of dentures significantly speeds up the process
- For instance, Stratasys and Formlabs provide 3D printers that create dental prosthetics with high precision and minimal need for human intervention
- Digital dentures are typically lighter, more durable, and better fitting than those made with traditional methods. Ivoclar Vivadent has developed digital denture systems that provide enhanced aesthetic qualities and a superior fit for patients
- The efficiency of digital techniques leads to faster turnaround times
- For instance, Dental labs that utilize CAD/CAM technology, such as those using Sirona’s CEREC, can reduce production times from weeks to just a few days, improving the overall patient experience
- The shift to digital methods is also improving the workflow in dental clinics and labs. With less time spent on manual steps, practitioners can serve more patients and deliver results faster, leading to increased patient satisfaction and operational efficiency
- As more dental professionals invest in digital tools, traditional methods are becoming less common. Dental practices are increasingly relying on these technologies to meet patient demands for higher-quality, customized dentures with better fit and comfort
