Digital Dentures vs Conventional Dentures: Making the Right Choice for Your Smile

Are you considering dentures to restore your beautiful smile? With advancements in digital dentistry, you now have two main options: the modern digital denture and the time-tested conventional denture.

While a traditional denture has been used for decades, digital complete dentures are a more recent innovation offering improved fit and faster turnaround thanks to advancements in the digital denture process.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two types of dentures, their benefits and drawbacks, and help you make an informed decision on which option is right for you, with insights from experienced dental professionals.

Traditional Dentures: A Tried and Tested Solution

Traditional dentures have been a popular choice for people needing removable dentures for over a century, especially for those experiencing missing teeth.

These dentures are typically made from acrylic dentures, porcelain, or composite resin. The upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue and support natural tooth shape.

Traditional dentures come in partial dentures and full sets, offering flexibility depending on the number of artificial tooth replacements you require.

Digital Dentures: The Future of Denture Prosthetics

Digital dentures are the latest advancement in digital denture technology, offering a more precise and customised solution in the field of dental prostethics.

These dentures are made using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The process often results in a milled denture, carved from a solid block of perfectly cured hard resin for enhanced durability and comfort.

Instead of relying on manual impressions, denture fabrication is guided digitally, ensuring a better fit, more natural denture tooth alignment, and a smoother finish for your final denture.

In some cases, 3D printed dentures are also used as part of the digital design workflow, offering another efficient manufacturing alternative.

Advantages of Digital Dentures

Digital dentures offer several advantages over their traditional counterparts. Let's explore some of the key benefits:

1. Customisation and Individualisation

One of the standout features of digital dentures is the ability to fully customise and individualise the tooth design.

With the help of advanced software, dentists can design dentures that perfectly match your unique oral landscape. This means better aesthetics and a more natural-looking smile.

2. Exceptional Fit and Comfort

Digital dentures provide an exceptional fit, thanks to the precise measurements obtained through CAD/CAM technology and the use of digital impression techniques.

This ensures that the dentures stay securely in place, minimising the risk of discomfort, looseness, or falling out. A stable denture base also enhances bite functionality.

3. Time Efficiency

If you value your time and want to minimise the number of visits to your dental practice, digital dentures offer a significant advantage.

The digital workflow allows for a faster manufacturing process, reducing the number of appointments required.

On average, digital dentures can be completed in just 2–3 appointments, compared to 5–7 for traditional dentures.

4. Cost Savings in the Long Run

While digital dentures may require a higher initial investment due to the advanced technology involved, they can be cost-effective in the long run.

With fewer adjustments and reduced maintenance, they result in fewer dental care visits. As a result, digital dentures cost less over time than you might expect.

This streamlined workflow reduces the need for repeated visits and remakes, especially when a reliable dental laboratory is involved in the process.

5. Accessibility and Convenience

Digital dentures offer the advantage of accessible records and dental restoration capabilities.
In the event of denture loss or breakage, your digital files can be retrieved immediately, allowing quick reproduction without new impressions.

This saves time and ensures a smoother replacement process.

Making the Right Choice: Digital or Conventional Dentures?

Choosing between digital dentures and conventional dentures depends on various factors, including your budget, specific needs, and personal preferences.

Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision:

1. Budget

If budget is a significant concern, traditional dentures may be a more affordable option initially.

However, it's important to factor in the potential long-term costs of adjustments and maintenance, especially when comparing other solutions like dental implants.

2. Customisation and Aesthetics

If you prioritise customisation and a natural-looking smile, digital dentures offer superior options.

Modern technologies such as printed denture design enable precise shaping, while a skilled dental technician can ensure the best aesthetic outcome.

3. Time and Convenience

Digital dentures offer the advantage of fewer appointments and a faster manufacturing process.

If you value time efficiency and convenience, especially in cases of sudden tooth loss—digital dentures may be the right choice for you.

4. Long-Term Research

As digital dentures are a relatively new technology, ongoing research is needed to fully understand their long-term performance.

If you prefer a more established and extensively researched option, traditional dentures may be a safer choice.

Choosing the Right Dentures: A Personal Decision

Deciding between digital and conventional dentures is an important choice that depends on your individual needs and lifestyle.

Digital dentures are synonymous with modern dental technology, offering a bespoke fit through precise digital processes, while conventional dentures are crafted using time-honoured techniques that have provided reliable results for decades.

Each type of denture has its unique set of features: digital dentures are quickly becoming known for their efficiency and precise fit, while conventional options, including complete dentures, are recognised for their accessibility and established track record.

At Denture Haus, we're committed to helping you understand the differences between these options so you can make the best decision for your oral health and comfort. As part of our comprehensive restorative dentistry services, we use advanced dental prostethics and work closely with a state-of-the-art dental lab to ensure high-quality results.

Our experienced dental prostethist will guide you through the process—from initial consultation to the final fitting. For added confidence, some patients may choose to use denture adhesive, especially during the initial adjustment period.

Mitch Hills21 November 2023