Part of the Process - Setting 3D Printed Denture Teeth

[@UticaDentalLab]

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[@jamesroback1220]

Very nice video! How do these dentures compare to typical, traditional dentures?

[@UticaDentalLab]

Thanks commenting! Check out this video comparing the 3d printed method compared to traditional that we use at Utica Dental Lab: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4vEqnqGbdVppMk Labs have different procedures for their dentures so an exact apples to apples comparison is difficult. However, there some general pros and cons to digital dentures. The biggest advantage to 3d printed dentures is on the manufacturing side. Designing and printing a try-in, then making CAD/CAM adjustments to go to final is much less laborious that making a wax try-in. More importantly, the time it takes to train a new lab technician to become proficient in digital design is far less than the time it takes a inexperienced lab tech to master traditional, analog denture making methods. The answer to what is "preferred" is that it depends. There are some truly gifted lab technicians that are capable of making a perfect fitting, highly aesthetic denture. Then, there are some dental labs that struggle to even supply the basics in functionality. Are there some dental labs capable of producing a superior product manually? Yes, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to replace a skilled lab technician. There are dentists who prefer traditional denture methods. If you are a dentist who has a competent lab that is proficient at removable prosthodontics, then hold on to and cherish them. But, the quality of an analog denture is highly dependent on the skill level of the lab tech making the denture. The most common reason new clients give our lab a try is "The quality of my old lab just isn't what it used to be." or "My lab closed and I can't find a good removable lab." Clients like this are usually happy to give digital dentures a try. Aesthetically speaking: we gave five of our clients a blind test for traditional/digital dentures and they couldn't tell the difference. As far as strength is concerned: Lucitone Digital Print resin has similar lab results in terms of flexural strength to Lucitone 199. They do break on occasion, but so do traditional dentures. The argument for who is at fault for an ill-fitting denture that ultimately breaks is as old as dentistry. We haven't seen a significant difference in remakes from digital dentures compared to traditional dentures. That's not to say that our lab protocols are perfect. It also doesn't take into account things like printer type, resin material or the methods used to cure digital dentures. Any deviation from the suggested methods will lead to different results. All dentists have varying degrees of standards as to what is acceptable work. They also have varying degrees of what they are willing to pay for and how long they are willing to wait. It's hard to compare because there are so many variables but I'd compare it to the argument between Porcelain vs Li-Di vs Zirconia crowns. Nothing beats the esthetics of a well made porcelain crown. But, if the lab isn't capable of delivering a high quality porcelain crown, they are better off milling zirconia.