In this blog post, I’ll discuss the different types of digital denture workflows and how they can fast track your practice by boosting efficiency that results in fewer appointments, faster turnaround times and a better overall patient experience. Digital dentures are better for your patients and better for your practice. Here’s how.

There’s a reason digital dentistry has become more and more popular over the years. With faster turnaround times, fewer adjustments, and a seamless communication with the lab, a digital workflow can completely transform your practice for the better.

Some of the most notable benefits affect the day-to-day functions of your practice: 

• Digital workflows reduce the number of patient visits and shorten denture fabrication time.
• Digital accuracy minimizes errors, reducing chairside adjustments and remakes.
• Digital files allow seamless collaboration between the dentist, lab and technician.

There are three distinct pathways you can utilize that are based on your comfort level with digital workflows.

1. Digitize analog impressions: If you still prefer to take an analog impression, you can simply scan that impression with your intraoral scanner. Then, you can send that digital impression file to the lab, enabling you to benefit from the lab’s digital workflow.
2. Directly scan intraorally: For dentists who are proficient in using a digital scanner, they can directly scan the ridges of the edentulous mouth.
3. Patient with existing denture: If the patient already has an existing denture, you can simply take a wash impression and bite registration. Then, you can scan the denture itself intraorally.

Adopting digital dentures in your practice isn’t just a benefit for you. It’s also a huge benefit for your staff and your patients. With a digital workflow, your staff can easily participate in the process, freeing you up to spend more time with your patients. With continuing education courses, your staff can quickly learn how to contribute to a digital workflow in your practice, including scanning, milling, and 3D printing. Similarly, a digital workflow will translate into other dental solutions in your practice, like implants, bite splints, clear aligners and other removables products.  

It’s no secret that the world is going digital. Dentistry is no exception. A high-tech approach enhances your practice’s reputation and attracts more patients. Patients want to know that you’re using the most up-to-date processes that will make their visits faster, more affordable and more comfortable. Staying up to date with the technology now means you won’t fall behind later. The long-term success of a practice in an evolving industry is the ability to constantly evolve with it. Investing in digital workflows is an investment in the long-term health of your practice. 

Lost or damaged dentures can be quickly remade without requiring new impressions. With these digital files on hand, the lab can easily print a new denture, saving you and your patients a significant amount of time. This also means patients can receive their dentures sooner or feel reassured knowing they have a backup in case of emergencies. That level of patient care improves their overall experience at your practice. 

The digital denture workflow still involves communication with your lab. This communication is vital for addressing concerns or asking questions about a challenging case. Ultimately, you want the people on the other line to have a lot of experience — people who can handle complex cases. 

It’s also important to choose a lab that can handle your case with personal care and the backing of industry-shaping equipment. A lab with the capacity to handle your case means little risk of rescheduling patients due to late cases or remakes. It also means the backing of research & development teams that can continually offer new services catered to your needs. 

Embracing digital denture workflows can revolutionize your dental practice by enhancing efficiency, reducing patient visits, and improving overall patient satisfaction. By integrating digital solutions, you not only stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of dentistry but also provide your patients with the best possible care. The seamless collaboration with experienced labs ensures high-quality results and minimizes the risk of delays or remakes. Ultimately, adopting digital dentures positions your practice as a modern, patient-centric provider, ready to meet the demands of today's tech-savvy patients.

To learn more about removables at Glidewell or to start your case, visit glidewell.com/solutions/removable-prosthesis.