Taking care and improving our teeth is one of the top self-improvement practices. There are various ways to improve ones smile. You can choose purely esthetic means; such as bleaching, veneers or implants. Sometimes a more severe option is necessary. There are cases where teeth just can’t be saved, built up or fixed due to damage. There are ways that can actually give you a better smile than your natural teeth and aren’t capable of decaying or breaking down over time. Dentures have been around since dentistry began. However they have come a long way since wooden dentures! Today they are so lifelike that you might not even be able to tell that people are wearing them unless you get up really close to inspect.
Digital Dentures are a new concept that has hit the market. The non-digital process is: first, your dentist will take a mold of your natural teeth and gums to make sure that your dentures will fit comfortably once you’re ready to wear them. Molds can be a little uncomfortable, but it’s better to know for certain that your dentures are going to fit well in your mouth.
Your teeth will be extracted once the mold is taken. You’ll talk to your dentist about the shade, size, and shape of teeth that you want so you can be comfortable with your new teeth for an extended period of time.
Finally, you’ll go through a fitting process. Chances are that when your initial set comes in, there will need to be a little bit of adjustment. Your dentist can shave certain parts down and make your set of dentures more comfortable for you, and you’ll likely need future adjustments as your mouth changes.
The new process for Digital Dentures is a much quicker process. For the first time in removable prosthetics history, Denturists are able to utilize CAE (computer aided engineering) to design and modify a denture setup virtually. The days of using a Bunsen burner and waxing instruments are a thing of the past. Today these changes are made with just the click of a mouse. For the patient, the first appointment consists of the Dentist taking impressions and bite registration. The dentist scans this information into the program. The lab will then digitally receive the data from the dentist who will then create a digital set up of the dentures for the patient. The dentist will then review a 3D image of the dentures, make any adjustments or changes, and give their final approval. The lab will then create the actual dentures. Once they are back in the Dental office, the patient will come in for their SECOND appointment to receive their new dentures! That’s right, only 2 appointments for the patient!
This new process makes it much easier on the patient, but also the dentist. They no longer have to store material or tools that they once needed for dentures. This means extra storage space at the office and a reduction in material costs for the office. This can also reduce chair time by 50%, which means other patients can be seen in the extra time that is now available. . The turnaround time is reduced from 30 days to 6 days, from start to finish. This is beneficial for both the patient and dentist. That sounds like a win/win situation for everyone involved.