Traditional dentures and digital dentures are two types of artificial teeth available in today’s market for people who intend to restore their dazzling, beautiful smiles. While traditional dentures have been around for a hundred years, digital dentures are a relatively new product of technology. 

What are traditional dentures?

Traditionally made dentures have an acrylic base that fits over the gumline. The base of the upper denture is designed to cover the roof of your mouth, while the lower denture (horseshoe-shaped) is designed to hold the tongue. They are generally made from acrylic resin, porcelain or composite resin. This type of denture is available in upper, lower, partial, and full sets.

What are digital dentures?

Digital dentures are made out of a solid block of perfectly cured hard resin, which doesn’t distort over time. They are created using computer-aided design and manufacturing technology and can look very natural and realistic. Digital dentures provide a better fit, ultimate comfort, and are more flexible than traditional dentures.

As technology advances, most people are choosing the latest innovation (digital dentures) for a variety of reasons.

• Teeth are fully customised
  

Teeth in digital dentures are designed on software, allowing for complete customisation and individualisation.

• Provides an exceptional fit

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies allow dentists to create dentures with accurate spacing, smile line, and patient bite. It also ensures a perfect-fitting denture that will not come loose, fall out, or cause discomfort in the mouth.

• Fewer appoinments

Having digital dentures only takes 2-3 dental appointments as compared to 5-7 with traditional dentures. On the first visit, the impression is scanned, and a 3D model can instantly be made. The next visit can be to pick up your final dentures.

• Cost-effective
  With digital dentures, you can save some cash, as they do not require frequent adjustments and frequent visits to the dentist.

• Accessible digital impressions

If you lose or break your dentures and need to replace them, the relevant computations are saved in the file.You will surely get your new set of dentures in a few days. Unlike traditional dentures, you will have to go through all the process all over again. 

Which is more popular: digital dentures or traditional dentures?

There are so many reasons why digital dentures are becoming more popular nowadays than traditional ones. The biggest advantage of digital dentures is the fact that they can be customised and personalised to fit the mouth perfectly. Aside from that, they look more realistic, more natural, slim and seamlessly perfect—making them less likely to cause facial distortions. Additionally, digital dentures don’t need to be removed for cleaning, requiring less maintenance than traditional dentures.

Differences: digital dentures vs. traditional dentures

Digital dentures are realistic looking and they also fit the mouth perfectly, whereas traditional dentures often require adjustments. Additionally, digital dentures require less maintenance than traditional ones. However, traditional dentures are often less expensive than digital dentures. While traditional dentures require multiple appointments for molds, extractions, fittings, and adjustments, digital dentures require an average of 2 to 3 appointments. In the event that a traditional denture gets broken or lost, you will need to repeat the process of impressions to get a new set of dentures made. With digital dentures, new dentures can be made immediately because the digital files are readily available to be used again if necessary. Traditional dentures are traditionally manufactured, while digital dentures use a more modern computerised manufacturing method.

Which type of denture is right for me?

The right denture often depends on a variety of factors, such as budget and specific needs. If you are looking for a realistic and low-maintenance option, then digital dentures are most likely the best choice for you. However, if you are on a tight budget, traditional dentures may be more affordable. Either of these two is actually a great option to replace missing dentition, prevent overeruption, keep the space, improve aesthetics, restore function, and complete your perfect smile. Whatever options you choose, we highly advise you to visit a dentist to see which one is right for you. 

Here at Esteem Dental Care, our skilled Dental Prosthetist can provide you with the best solutions that are well suited to your needs and budget. You may visit one of our two conveniently located dental offices (Ashmore-0755395009/Robina-0756397302). Our team would love to meet you! Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment.