16 Nov 2021
We live in a time where the advancements in technology are ever-changing and evolving, these technological advancements combine convenience with science to better everything around our growing and changing world every day.
When we combine technology with dental restoration – we have individualized art!
Olds Denture and Implant Clinic isn’t behind the times when it comes to our patient’s comfort and confidence. We know that the process of getting dentures can be painful and time-consuming, which is why we are constantly looking for new technology to make it as easy as possible for our patients.
How Has Dental Technology
Changed Over Time?
There are many aspects of Dentistry that evolve with new technology, whether it comes in the form of a new tool rendering older ones obsolete or improving a current technique. Changing the way we make personalized things for patients can change the overall care provided to the patient in terms of comfortability and satisfaction.
Many patients find that the process of getting dentures can be stressful and time consuming. With technology changing all of the time, most digital denture procedures can be done in as few as two appointments! This means, less stress for the patient with more communication, faster procedures and less recovery time for procedures that are usually uncomfortable for the patient, and among many other benefits.
What Does Dental Technology Deal With?
- Improving Dental Restoration
- Reducing invasive procedures
- Reducing recovery times
- Making sedation more comfortable for the patient
- Removing the need for older, less effective tools/technology
- Improving imaging quality and reduced radiation exposure (by up to 90% when compared to standard film)
- Increased customization options for cosmetic dentistry
- Quicker and potentially less expensive manufacturing of dental prosthesis, including digital dentures.
There are many benefits to Digital Dentures – and Olds Denture and Implant Centre is dedicated to helping you make an informed decision when stepping forward into new dental technology.
1. What are Digital Dentures?
Digital Dentures are dentures that are created digitally from start to finish.
Using a simple scan of the patients’ mouths, the dentures are made using 3D printing technology.
You can learn more about Digital Dentures here.
2. How are Digital Dentures Made?
At Olds Denture and Implant Centre, making digital dentures is a simple process! First a digital scan is taken of the patients’ whole mouth. Photographs and dental records are useful at this time to make your dentures look and feel natural to the patient’s mouth. This scan is saved to the patient’s dental file for future use.
Then, a solid block of cured, hard resin is used to make the denture, by way of carving. This resin does not bend, shift, or move around – allowing for strong, dependable dentures that are sure to provide you with the bite you need for comfortable living.
When the denture is aligned properly and the denture is fit perfectly to the individual patient’s mouth, you will have a perfectly suitable set of teeth for your everyday life.
3. How Do Digital Dentures Look?
The hope for the appearance of digital dentures, is that you will look like you! Digital dentures are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth!
Olds Denture and Implant Centre will have your digital dentures file saved, so if a patient needs to make some changes to the ones they have, the process will be much easier and much quicker than with conventional dentures!
The cosmetic benefits have been proven to provide great confidence to denture wearers!
4. What If I Break or Lose My Dentures?
Life happens! Something as important as your dentures shouldn’t be so hard to replace.
With digital dentures being made of very strong resin material, the chances of them being broken or needing repair is minimal. The dentures are made of a resin that is 8 times stronger than acrylic, which is what conventional dentures are made out of.
If your digital dentures get lost or broken, Olds Denture and Implant Centre will already have your digital scans on file and (depending on the patient’s situation) can start to work on your replacement dentures right away.
5. How Long Does The Digital Denture Process Take?
Digital dentures are usually delivered within two appointments!
At the patient’s first appointment, a digital scan of the patient’s mouth is taken. The digital dentures are then perfected by the dentist or denturist, there is no need for the patient to be present during this.
At the patients’ second appointment, the denture is worn by the patient! During this time, the dentist will be sure that they are a good fit and size for the patient. As with conventional dentures, it will take some time to get used to wearing them. The dentist or denturists will explain how to take care of the dentures, how to clean and store them when not in use and be sure that you are confident with using them by yourself.
6. How Long Do Digital Dentures Last?
Most conventional dentures will need to be replaced every 5-10 years, digital dentures last longer!
Olds Denture and Implant Centre will make their recommendation to you at your check up appointments, but digital dentures are made out of much stronger and longer lasting materials, in most cases.
As with anything you own, taking proper care of your dentures will help to preserve them for a long time. Be sure to ask your dentist or denturist how to properly care for them, and how to spot the signs of aging/wearing or needing replacement.
7. How Much Do Digital Dentures Cost?
The cost of dentures is different for every individual patient, everyone’s circumstances are different.
The cost of digital dentures does not necessarily increase as opposed to conventional dentures. The cost of having them replaced, however, is much less than the initial cost because the saved digital scan of your mouth will already be on file.
Conventional dentures have more issues from the very beginning of the process that needs to be sorted out before they are to be presented to the patient. This can be costly and time-consuming.
Overall, digital dentures are much more cost-effective and worth every cent!
8. Are Digital Dentures Better than Conventional Dentures?
The short answer is, yes, but for many reasons!
Conventional dentures are expensive, uncomfortable, can break or chip easily, are harder to take care of and the time it takes for the patient to have their full denture set can be drawn out – whereas the patient will receive their digital denture set in in about 2 appointments.
Digital dentures provide the patient with increased comfort, a better bite and more confidence! Digital dentures can be made and ready for the patient in fewer appointments, they are more cost effective and durable. Meaning they will not be broken or need to be replaced as often.
Olds Denture and Implant Centre would love to give you the confidence and quality of life you deserve. Call and make an appointment today!