How Are Digital Dentures Made? A Simple Guide
If you’re dealing with missing teeth, you may have heard about digital dentures as a modern solution. At Springvale Dental Clinic, we’re excited to offer this innovative technology to our patients. But what exactly are digital dentures, and how are they made? Let’s dive into this simple guide to understand the process.
What Are Digital Dentures?
Digital dentures are prosthetic teeth created using advanced computer technology. Unlike traditional dentures, which rely heavily on manual labor and multiple patient visits, digital dentures streamline the process through computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
The Digital Denture Process
- Digital Impressions – The journey begins with capturing a digital impression of your mouth. Using an intraoral scanner, your Springvale dentist can create a precise 3D model of your oral cavity in minutes. This process is much more comfortable than traditional molding materials and reduces the risk of gagging.
- Bite Registration – Next, we record how your jaws align. This step ensures your new dentures will fit comfortably and function properly when you speak or eat.
- Digital Design – A dental technician uses specialized software to design your dentures virtually. This digital approach allows for incredible precision and customization.
- Virtual Try-On – Before manufacturing, you can preview your future dentures digitally. This step allows for any adjustments in tooth shade, position, or overall aesthetics.
- Manufacturing – Once the design is finalized, the dentures are created using either 3D printing or milling techniques. 3D printing builds the denture layer by layer using a special resin, while milling carves the denture from a solid block of material.
- Finishing Touches – After manufacturing, the dentures are polished and characterized to ensure they look natural and blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Final Fitting – Your new digital dentures are fitted in your mouth, and any necessary minor adjustments are made for optimal comfort and function.
Benefits of Digital Dentures
Digital dentures offer several advantages over traditional methods:
- Faster Process: Digital workflows significantly reduce the number of appointments needed.
- Improved Fit: Advanced 3D imaging and manufacturing result in dentures that fit more precisely.
- Easy Replacements: Since your dental impressions are stored digitally, creating replacement dentures is quick and easy.
- Consistent Quality: Digital processes ensure reproducible, high-quality results every time.
Digital Dentures in Dental Emergencies
While not typically associated with emergencies, digital dentures can be a lifesaver in certain situations. If you’ve lost your dentures or they’ve been damaged, the digital process allows for quick replacements. At Springvale Dental Clinic, we understand that a dental emergency can be stressful, which is why we strive to provide efficient solutions like digital dentures to keep you smiling again as soon as possible.
Conclusion
At Springvale Dental Clinic, we’re proud to offer cutting-edge digital denture technology to our patients. Our experienced Springvale dentists are skilled in using this innovative approach to create comfortable, natural-looking dentures in less time than ever before. Whether you’re new to dentures or looking to upgrade from traditional ones, we’re here to guide you through the process. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back – contact Springvale Dental Clinic today to discover how digital dentures can restore your smile and confidence.