Read this post to learn about exciting digital dentures technology in the fabrication of removable dentures!
The digital revolution is having a huge impact on the dental laboratory and dentistry. CAD-CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) processes are universally used for the fabrication of crowns, bridges and implant restorations.
However digital dentures technology was minimally present in denture fabrication up until recently.
Avadent Digital Dentures
I would like to discuss a new approach in the fabrication of removable dentures. It is under development of Global Dental Sciences and the process is called Avadent Digital Dentures. It is a completely different approach in comparison to the traditional steps dental laboratory takes in the denture fabrication. In terms of the clinical procedures there are a number of differences as well.
Fabrication Process of Digital Dentures
Here is brief description of the process. Dentist makes molds and bite records and sends them to Avadent facility. All records are laser scanned into the patient’s digital file. Dental/computer technician than works with the record and creates virtual dentures. Dentist also takes part in the denture fabrication by analyzing and working with the virtual model.
Once CAD model is approved the CAM portion of the process takes place. The milling unit makes a denture base. In the final step artificial denture teeth are secured with a special adhesive into the denture base. In terms of what we do in the clinic there are some differences as well.
The company developed a special device which helps us take patient’s bite and determine position of the teeth on the same appointment we make molds of the jaws. In a traditional technique dentist has to bring patient for additional appointments.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Avadent Digital Dentures
The main advantages of the Avadent Digital Dentures are reduced number of treatment steps and number of appointments. Another important advantage relates to the virtual model which is permanently stored in the cloud. If your denture is lost or broken beyond repair, new denture can be easily made without additional records and in a short amount of time.
In terms of disadvantages I find that Avadent Digital Dentures are not yet completely customizable as dentures fabricated by a traditional approach. The data on the long-term performance of these dentures are still minimal. Despite these limitations possibilities of this technology are very promising.
Treatment Example of Digital Denture
Our patient Jann presented to us without any teeth. She lost them as a result of severe autoimmune disease. We have discussed several options with her. She decided to go ahead with full dentures.
After completion of all clinical records a digital model of her dentures was created on the computer.
Completed upper and lower full dentures which are made using CAD-CAM process.
Jann’s smile of the patient with her new dentures.
Below is Jann’s testimonial about her treatment with Avadent Digital Dentures at Shor Dental.
Thank you for reading!
Dr. Alex Shor
At Shor Dental we specialize in Full, Partial, Immediate and Implant Dentures and provide all denture services. Drs. Alexander and Kavita Shor are certified specialists in Prosthodontics. Please contact us with questions or schedule an appointment for your denture needs!
