Digital Dentures vs Conventional Dentures: What's the Difference?

If you’ve lost some or all of your teeth, getting dentures is one popular option. But what most people don’t know is that there’s more than one way to create dentures these days. You can opt for the traditional type, or you can go for the new approach called digital dentures.

Each of the methods has its pros and cons, and one of them may not work for everybody. Let’s look at the comparison in simple English so that you know what questions to ask when you get to your appointment.

What Are Conventional Dentures?

Conventional dentures have been made the same way for decades. Your dentist takes impressions of your mouth using trays filled with a soft putty-like material. Those impressions go to a dental lab, where a technician makes models and builds your dentures by hand.

Along the way, you'll usually have a "try-in" appointment, where you test a wax version of your dentures. This lets your dentist check the fit, bite and appearance and make changes before the final set is made. It's a well-established process with a long track record.

What Are Digital Dentures?

Just like traditional dentures, digital dentures aim to do the same thing but use technology to do the process. In place of regular putty impressions, the dentist uses a scanner that scans your mouth to get a digital picture. Your dentures are designed using special software on the computer, followed by milling or 3D printing.

The major difference with digital dentures is that the design of the dentures is saved on the computer. If the dentures get lost or damaged in the future, the design can be used to make new ones, although in some cases there might be changes in the mouth that need a new scan.

How Do They Work?

The procedure

Regular denture making requires making molds and manual work, which may mean several visits for impressions, fitting, and try-ons. Digital dentures will eliminate some of that process, which can mean fewer visits for the patient. What is more, some patients may spend less time in the dentist's office than others depending on how fast the dentist works.

Comfort during impressions

Some people find putty impression trays uncomfortable, especially if they have a strong gag reflex. Digital scanning avoids the putty, which many patients find easier.

Fit and adjustments

Both types are designed to fit your mouth closely, and both may need small adjustments after you start wearing them. Conventional dentures offer a hands-on try-in stage, which some complex cases benefit from. Digital dentures rely on accurate scans and design, and not every case suits a fully digital workflow.

Replacements

With digital dentures, a saved design file can help when a replacement is needed. Conventional dentures usually need new impressions to be remade.

Which Type Is Right for You?

The best option depends on things like:

• how many teeth you're replacing

• the condition of your gums and jawbone

• your bite and how your jaw moves

• whether you need full or partial dentures

• your budget and personal preferences

Your dentist will look at all of these before recommending an approach. For some people, dentures are also combined with dental implants for extra stability, which is something worth asking about at your assessment.

Risks and Getting Used to New Dentures

Whichever type you choose, there's an adjustment period. Things to be aware of include:

• sore spots on your gums in the first few weeks, which may need adjustments

• changes to your speech while your mouth gets used to the dentures

• eating taking some practice, especially with harder or stickier foods

• your gums and jawbone changing shape over time, which can affect fit and mean your dentures need relining or replacing

Most people settle into their dentures over a few weeks. Regular check-ups help us keep an eye on the fit and the health of your mouth.

Caring for Your Dentures

Clean your dentures every day with a soft brush and a denture cleaner rather than regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive. Take them out overnight unless your dentist advises otherwise, and keep them moist when they're not in your mouth. Brush your gums and any remaining natural teeth too.

If you're weighing up your options, a good starting point is an assessment with a dentist in Greenvale who can explain both approaches in the context of your own mouth. At Greenvale Dental House, we'll talk you through what's involved, what each option costs and what to expect.