Revolutionizing Dentistry with Digital Dentures
One area that has seen remarkable improvement in recent years in dentistry is the creation of dentures. Traditional denture fabrication, a process often marked by multiple appointments and manual record-taking, is gradually giving way to a more streamlined and precise alternative – digital dentures. In this blog, we will explore the transition from traditional to digital denture creation, the pivotal role of InstaRisa technology, and the immense benefits of the streamlined two appointment process.
The Traditional Denture Process: A Lengthy Odyssey
Traditionally, crafting dentures involved a series of appointments and steps, which could be time-consuming and occasionally uncomfortable for both patients and dentists. The process typically unfolded as follows:
First Appointment: During this initial visit, a preliminary impression was made using a custom tray.
Second Appointment: The second visit involved creating a final, detailed impression of the mouth, again using a custom tray.
Third Appointment: At this stage, a wax rim was fashioned, and the relationship between the jaws was recorded.
Fourth Appointment: Patients would try on teeth set in wax to assess fit and appearance.
Fifth Appointment: The final denture was fitted during the last appointment, with any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and functionality.
This traditional approach posed several challenges, including discomfort during impressions, inaccuracies in manual record-taking, and the need for multiple adjustments throughout the process.
The Digital Denture Revolution: Efficiency and Precision
Digital dentures represent a revolutionary departure from the traditional methods. This innovative approach offers a more efficient process, greater precision in fit and aesthetics, and an enhanced overall patient experience. The digital process allows for the creation of better-adapted prostheses with superior material properties.
Recent studies have highlighted the potential of 3D printing in denture fabrication, showcasing its ability to modernize and streamline techniques, materials, and workflows. The use of 3D printing processes has been shown to produce dental bridges with high dimensional accuracy and surface quality, further enhancing the quality of the final product.
InstaRisa 3D Facial Scanner: The Digital Denture Enabler
At the heart of the digital denture creation process lies the InstaRisa 3D facial scanner. This cutting-edge scanner plays a pivotal role by providing detailed facial scans and accurate bite scans. It seamlessly integrates with design software, making the entire workflow smoother and more efficient.
The utilization of 3D scanning technology in dentistry extends beyond dentures; it aids in designing custom teeth, crowns, braces, veneers, and aligners. Moreover, it holds the potential for optimizing denture positioning and retention. The ability to capture precise facial data enhances the customization and accuracy of digital denture design.
The Digital Workflow System: Simplifying the Denture Journey
InstaRisa’s digital workflow system has redefined the denture creation process. Patients can now preview their smiles before treatment, enhancing the overall restorative experience. This streamlined approach reduces the number of necessary appointments, making it more convenient for both patients and practitioners.
What sets this digital workflow apart is its accessibility. All it requires is an IOS device and the InstaRisa 3D scanner, making it a practical solution for a wide range of dental practices. Research has demonstrated that complete dentures can be successfully designed and fabricated using CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology, further enhancing the efficiency of the digital workflow system.
The Digital Denture Creation Process: From Records to Final Insertion:
Appointment 1 – Records:
The first appointment in the digital denture process is focused on gathering comprehensive records. This is a crucial stage that ensures that dentures are perfectly tailored to the patient’s needs. For patients without existing dentures, three key records are needed: a face scan, an oral scan, and the “mooshbite” technique.
The face scan captures detailed facial features, allowing for dentures that complement the patient’s appearance. The oral scan provides a detailed map of the patient’s mouth, essential for creating well-fitted dentures. The “mooshbite” technique is a unique method that helps control lip support without the need for a wax rim, further enhancing the accuracy of the denture design.
For patients with worn-down dentures, additional steps are involved, including a border mold to capture the detailed shape of the patient’s mouth, relining the denture occlusion for comfort and fit, performing a 360-degree IOS scan of the denture, capturing the correct bite at the ideal vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) with a conmetior, and taking a face scan.
For overdentures, the methods are similar, but certain complexities may require traditional analog methods. If the dentist wishes the lab to pick up housings, the traditional analog method is employed. However, InstaRisa is working on developing scan bodies designed specifically for overdentures, with the aim of extending the benefits of digital methods to more cases.
Appointment 2 – Final Insertion:
During the second appointment, the final insertion of the dentures takes place. In the case of overdentures, it’s even possible to polish them chairside. Thanks to the comprehensive data gathered in the first appointment, this process runs efficiently and effectively. It exemplifies the advantages of the two-appointment denture process, reducing patient visits and streamlining procedures.
Overdentures: Traditional or Digital Method?
The choice between digital and traditional methods for overdentures hinges on the specifics of the dental case. Digital workflows, including InstaRisa’s innovative technologies, excel when housing pickups are performed chairside. This approach enhances precision, streamlines processes, and saves valuable time.
However, scenarios involving lab-processed housings or designs with metal frameworks or mesh may still necessitate traditional methods of denture fabrication. Despite technological advances, certain complexities still call for these time-tested procedures.
The Digital Future of Dentistry
At the core of our approach to digital dentures is the InstaRisa 3D facial scanner. This advanced technology enables patient digitization, optimizes treatment planning, and significantly reduces the number of necessary appointments. Embracing these digital solutions, we are forging a path towards the future of dentistry. The transition from traditional to digital denture creation marks a remarkable step forward, benefiting both patients and dental professionals alike.
Sources:
[1] Integrating 3D facial scanning in a digital workflow to CAD/CAM design and fabricate complete dentures for immediate total mouth rehabilitation by Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan et al., 2017. This paper discusses the integration of 3D facial scanning information with CAD/CAM complete dentures to accelerate the rehabilitation procedure.
[2] Design and fabrication of complete dentures using CAD/CAM technology by Weili Han et al., 2017. This study demonstrates that complete dentures can be successfully designed and fabricated using CAD/CAM technology.