Fabricating Dentures with a Digital Denture System

Conventional denture-fabrication techniques have changed little for decades, despite having the disadvantages of being complicated, time-consuming, and susceptible to errors. Recently, however, CAD/CAM and rapid-prototyping tools have been introduced that enable the digital design of dentures. This article reviews the workflow involved in fabricating dentures with one of the new digital denture systems and summarizes the advantages of this approach.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Review the evolution of CAD/CAM technology as applied to dentistry.

• Understand the process of taking the impression and bite registration using a digital denture system.

• Summarize the advantages of designing dentures with digital tools.

About the Author

Dr. Little is a national and international speaker, professor, and author. A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, he has a multidisciplinary, state-of-the-art dental practice in San Antonio, and he is also a clinical researcher focusing on implants, laser surgery, and dental materials.