Advantages of the Digital Denture Process

Creating a durable, well-fitting denture using VITA VIONIC VIGO® Denture Teeth

Marc Wagenseil, CDT, DD

Digital denture technology is fast becoming the next generation for dentists and denturists. This new technology comes with a learning curve that requires patience and time, but the payoff and the benefits are well worth the investment. Some equipment is needed to get started with the digital workflow, but it's simpler than you might think. For example, you can get started with a good computer, reliable Wi-Fi, and a scanner.

I have started using VITA VIONIC VIGO^® denture teeth for my digital denture cases and have been incredibly pleased with the results. In one recent case, a male patient in his mid-50s presented with a maxillary denture over worn-down natural teeth that did not fit well. The patient had been wearing a maxillary horseshoe-type overdenture for upward of 20 years and was on his third set. The patient had extremely soft enamel that had been worn down on all of his maxillary teeth to little nubs. This type of overdenture fabrication is typically laborsome, tedious, and time consuming, as each denture tooth must be ground to fit. The end product usually must be "overwaxed" and thinned after processing, due to its thin nature. The decision was made to build a digital overdenture using VITA VIONIC VIGO to eliminate many of these issues. The anterior teeth offer good light dynamics with excellent translucency, opalescence, and fluorescence. Patient-specific design options with a variety of preferred digital denture setups are available for complex and challenging cases.

Utilizing VITA VIONIC VIGO denture teeth, we digitally fabricated an overdenture fitting over the top of the patient's worn-down natural teeth. The denture was built in the shape of a horseshoe without a palate. Impressions were taken, models were poured and scanned, and the case was designed and finished. Specifically, we were able to digitally stretch the posterior teeth to provide greater coverage, resulting in a better fit against the opposing natural teeth. This was a clear advantage of the digital process, while pushing the limits of the software (3Shape Dental System, 3Shape). The digital denture design scans were sent to Core3dcentres in Calgary to have a printed try-in and the final version finished. The patient's chewing surface was increased compared to conventional technique limitations, which improved the patient's chewing ability.

Getting started with the digital denture process does not need to be daunting. The benefits outweigh the learning curve and transition time. In this case, we were able to use VITA VIONIC VIGO denture teeth and the digital denture process to create a durable, well-fitting denture that fit over the patient's worn-down natural teeth. The result was a better fit with a greater chewing surface for the patient, with less laborious work for me. The patient was extremely satisfied with his new denture.

Key Takeaways

› The digital denture process can make challenging cases feel less daunting and stressful. There is less grinding and thinning compared with conventional technique dentures.

› The process can improve your knowledge and experience with current technology, and allows manipulation of the design to the patient's specific need.

› VITA VIONIC VIGO is a new generation of denture teeth designed specifically for the efficient, digital fabrication of full dentures.

About the Author

Marc Wagenseil, CDT, DD
Owner
Heritage Dental Lab/ Heritage Denture Centre
Edmonton, Alberta

Manufacturer Information
VITA North America
vitanorthamerica.com
800-828-3839

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions contained in the preceding material are not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.