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Which digital denture workflow should you start with as a Digital Denture beginner?

Recommended starting point with digital dentures - the Reference Denture

 

Why Reference Denture is Ideal for new Digital Denture Dcotors:

  • Lowest technical complexity compared to other digital workflows
  • An existing denture provides a comprehensive reference for vertical dimension, jaw relations, and tooth positions
  • Many challenging aspects of denture fabrication are already established
  • Reduced learning curve with a higher likelihood of successful outcomes
  • Immediate, tangible demonstration of technology's value to both clinician and patient

 

Clinical Advantages of Starting Here:

  • Patient already has something they wear (reduced pressure for perfection)
  • You can improve upon an existing prosthesis while preserving successful aspects
  • An existing denture can serve as a custom impression tray (familiar technique)
  • Mistakes or adjustments needed are less critical than with a completely new denture

 

Learning Benefits:

  • Develops familiarity with digital impression capture or the digitization process
  • Introduces denture design software interfaces and capabilities gradually
  • Establishes communication protocols with laboratories for digital cases
  • Builds troubleshooting skills in a lower-stakes environment
  • Creates a foundation for more complex cases (new dentures, immediate dentures)

 

Patient Selection for First Cases:

  • Choose patients with existing dentures who have some positive aspects
  • Avoid complete disasters (better for the second or third digital case)
  • Select cooperative patients with realistic expectations
  • Prefer patients with stable tissues and good existing retention
  • Look for straightforward modifications rather than complete redesigns

 

Alternative starting point: Copy Denture Workflow

  • Even simpler than a reference denture if the patient just wants a duplicate denture
  • No modifications required, just scan and reproduce
  • Can be completed in a single appointment for records
  • Builds confidence before tackling modification cases

 

Digital denture workflows to avoid for your first cases:

  • New dentures (all parameters must be established from baseline, more complex)
  • Immediate dentures (added complexity of extractions and healing management)
  • Implant overdentures (combination of surgical and prosthetic considerations)

 

Progression Path:

  • Start with 2-3 reference denture cases to build confidence
  • Progress to new denture workflows once comfortable with digital previews
  • Add immediate denture workflows after mastering monolithic trials
  • Incorporate implant cases once foundational digital skills are solid

 

How do you know if you are successful with digital dentures:

  • When you feel comfortable evaluating digital previews independently
  • When laboratory communication through digital means becomes natural
  • When you can anticipate needed modifications before seeing a physical trial
  • When patients report satisfaction equal to or better than conventional cases

 

Additional Resources

For more information concerning the digital dentures:

 

Contact Information

For help with a digital denture solution for your next case, contact ROE Dental Laboratory: