The demand for quicker, more accurate restorative solutions continues: Patients want to spend less time in the chair and more time enjoying their new smile, while doctors want to spend less time per treatment so they can help more patients and increase practice profitability. Digital dentures offer a quicker turnaround time than traditionally prepared dentures while retaining or exceeding accuracy and predictability, giving both you and your patient what you want!

By utilizing the latest in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Simply Natural™ CAD/CAM Dentures are a streamlined solution for clinicians and patients alike. Applying CAD/CAM technology to denture fabrication means that fine adjustments to the prosthesis design are captured digitally, ensuring a more accurate fit for the definitive restoration.

The benefits of digital dentures extend to both the dentist and the patient, making them the perfect addition to your practice. Not only do they improve the workflow for the dentist, but patients respond significantly better to them since they retain a more accurate fit with less chair time. By adopting them into your workflow, you get palpable results without having to add any new equipment or software. But the benefits don’t stop there. Here are the three leading advantages when using digital dentures:

1. Less chair time
2. Easier try-in and review stages
3. Archived digital workflow

1. Less Chair Time

The biggest advantage to adopting digital dentures is quite simply that it will save you time. You cut down clinical chair time and the number of visits when using digital dentures. Edentulous patients will appreciate the time savings, and doctors value the increased productivity.

Glidewell’s Simply Natural CAD/CAM Dentures can be delivered to your patients in as few as three clinical appointments: initial impression, try-in and delivery. You can deliver complete dentures in less time while still retaining a precise fit and exceptional esthetics — and without needing to add expensive equipment. Working with a lab that makes digital dentures makes it simple to submit your impressions. Physical impressions are converted to a digital file and fabrication of the records base is done using 3D printing technology for a precise fit.

2. Easier Try-In and Review Stages

After the initial impressions, Glidewell sends a 3D-printed try-in with anterior denture teeth on the upper arch along with a traditional bite block for the lower teeth. This try-in allows both the doctor and patient to preview the future denture. Shade, tooth position and anterior esthetics can be confirmed by the patient, and alterations can be made directly on the try-in. The lower wax rim is then shaped to the upper, and the patient’s jaw relationship is captured. Afterward, the upper try-in and lower wax rim are returned to the lab for processing and delivery. If extensive alterations are made, a second try-in can be provided.

3. Archived Digital Information

Traditional dentures require you to start from scratch if the patient should require an additional prosthesis. With the analog method, your patient would have to repeat several appointments to redo impressions, try-ins, adjustments and delivery. However, Glidewell keeps a digital archive of every patient’s case for five years. If your patient damages or loses their dentures, an exact copy will be delivered without the need for additional impressions or try-ins. If they need a new prosthesis, the only time they’ll need to come to your office is to pick up their new dentures!

Having the impressions saved as digital files also allows for quicker communication with the lab. If adjustments need to be made, the possibility of a collaborative discussion between the lab, doctor and patient is easier and can solve any issues without having to reintroduce the shipping phase.

The use of digital dentures benefits both the patient and the doctor. Reduced chair time, a simplified try-in stage, and archived cases all create a more simplified and streamlined denture process. Glidewell is continuously advancing the incorporation of technology in dentistry to make it more affordable and effective for everyone.