CAD/CAM Digital Denture Lab
Technology has been one of the driving forces advancing dentistry for more than 30 years. The digital age in dentistry started with the digitization of physical records and x-rays, allowing for access to information at your fingertips. Further advancements in digital technology now allow clinicians to accurately record crown prep margins and have precise-fitting fixed restorations fabricated by CAD/CAM technology without ever taking physical impressions that patients hate.
Within the past five years, similar technological advances have made it possible for digital denture framework to be produced, transforming a manual, error-prone process into one with distinct advantages that benefit both the patient and dentist alike.
What are Digital Dentures?
Digital dentures, or digital denture framework, utilize computer software to capture impressions, design dentures, create a mockup and a final denture without relying upon traditional impression materials, lab plaster, or stone. The process begins in the dental office with scanned impressions, which are used to produce a set of 3D digital models. The digital denture laboratory then applies computer-aided design (CAD) to these models in order to develop the look and fit of the final dentures without relying on analog technology.
What Are the Steps in the Workflow for Digital CAD/CAM Dentures?
1. Data acquisition
Chairside scanning technology is used to capture patient anatomy and spatial relationships. The dentist also records a physical bite registration for completely edentulous patients to accompany the case.
2. Computer-aided design (CAD)
The scanned images are used to create virtual mounted models which allow a mockup of the final dentures to be perfected.
3. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
Used to create either a preliminary printed try in or a final restoration.
4. Manual post-production
This phase includes removal of manufacturing supports, manual assembly of separate CAD/CAM-produced components (such as baseplates and denture teeth), final polishing, and quality control.
How Are Impressions Captured for a CAD/CAM Dental Lab?
Impressions are captured using an intraoral scanner. Thousands of points of data are collected and used to construct virtual three-dimensional images and models of the mouth that may be rotated and viewed from any angle or any plane in space.
In the absence of a chairside scanner, it is possible for the clinician to take traditional impressions and have the dental laboratory use a 3D model scanner to incorporate the case into the digital denture lab workflow. Using this method does allow impression-related errors to be introduced into the process.
This video demonstrates how Stomadent utilizes CAD to create a metal framework and a Zirlux Acetal framework made to your unique patient specifications:
How Is CAD Software Used To Design Removable Prosthodontic Appliances?
Design software virtually constructs the finished appliance on the virtual model in three dimensions according to the technician’s specifications. The design proceeds using the same familiar steps previously performed on physical stone models, except without using manual equipment like surveyors, wax, or cards of denture teeth.
Benefits of Digital Denture Design
Using digital technology offers numerous advantages compared to the traditional manufacturing process of making removable dental restorations. Some of these advantages include:
Removable Prosthetic Applications for CAD/CAM Technology
In addition to digital dentures, the steps involved in the basic process and workflow may be applied to the design and manufacture of other types of removable dental appliances and restorations, making these fit more precisely than similar prostheses prepared using physical models and reverse-image techniques.
Bleaching Trays
Digital Denture Cost
Like their conventional counterparts, the cost of digital dentures, denture framework, and the other removable digital restorations can vary depending upon the patient’s individual needs. But the cost of digital dentures is not necessarily higher because of the use of advanced dental technology.
In fact, the price quoted by most digital denture labs is often very similar to the price point of similar traditionally-made dentures. Because conventional dentures require more time and labor to produce, more appointments with your patient, and more inherent post-production issues, digital dentures offer a better overall value for the money invested.
Why Choose Stomadent As Your Digital Denture Lab for CAD/CAM Dentures?
The digital denture workflow used by Stomadent Dental Laboratory brings a level of precision and efficiency to metal frameworks, flexible partial dentures, complete dentures, and other removable appliances. Stomadent has invested time, talent, and resources in developing a state-of-the-art dental laboratory with a completely digital workflow.
The staff at Stomadent understands how to utilize digital processing to your best advantage, yielding the best-fitting removable appliances at competitive prices. When quality is of utmost importance, choose Stomadent to be your digital denture laboratory. Contact us today!
Compare Partial Denture Options
 Acrylic |
 Valplast |
 Acetal Tooth Shade Framework |
 Clear Framework |
 CR/CO Cast Framework |
 Titanium Framework |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
Excellent Best Choice |
Great | Great |
| Aesthetics | Moderate | Excellent | Great | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Stability/Fit | Good | Good | Excellent |
Excellent Best Choice |
Great | Great |
| Weight | Heavy | Moderate | Light | Light | Heavy |
Moderate Best Choice |
| Durability | Moderate | Great | Great | Great | Excellent | Excellent |
| Relinability / Repairability | Easy | Difficult | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Dentition Friendly | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Clasp Type | Wire Metal | Valplast Gingival | Tooth Shade A1 - D2 | Clear | Metal | Titanium |
| Manufacturing Method |
Analog/Digital |
Analog |
Milled |
Milled |
Cast |
Milled |
