It’s very common to see people such as your grandparents have dentures, or artificial teeth that can replace and even look like real ones. Many people need dentures due to a number of reasons, but the most important one is to be able to eat, speak, and smile like any other human being.
No matter the reason for dentures, many opt for traditional dentures that are made out of ceramic, porcelain, or even acrylic. While these may be the more traditional practices of making dentures, technological advancements have also been able to use 3D printers to create a perfect mold of teeth, and they can be a much more affordable option for those who are in a pinch.
Since many people have not heard of 3D printed dentures, it’s important to go over them including how they are made, where to get them, and their typical cost!
What Are 3D Printed Dentures?
3D printed dentures can be a popular option for many people because of their accessibility and how affordable they are!
For many people that are looking to get dentures, it’s important to go over all of your options. While many dentists recommend more traditional acrylic, porcelain, or ceramic dentures, many are starting to recommend 3D printed ones that can still work, fit, and feel like real teeth. How they are made is a unique process that is important to discuss with your patients that are considering 3D printed dentures.
How Are 3D Dentures Made?
Technology can be tricky and includes more than just cell phones and scrolling through social media. Plenty of it can be made for good uses too, such as 3D printers. From creating little figurines to dentures, 3D printers are a useful tool being used in dentistry with the proper training and CAD software.
3D dentures are made by dental professionals in laboratories, but before that, you need to take a 3D scan of your patient’s mouth. Once this step is completed, then it is transferred to CAD software to create the denture itself to fit the form of your patient’s mouth.
When the digital design of the denture is completed, it is then sent to the 3D printer to begin printing it into thin layers using liquid resin that will make the design as precise as possible. While it is being printed, it is exposed to a curing light to solidify the dentures to make them strong for the patient.
Where Can You Get 3D Printed Dentures?
There are many places where you can get 3D printed dentures from, but the first place to look is your local dentist office. If they offer many digital dentistry services or procedures, then they may be able to provide this option for you on site. The second best option if your local dentistry does not provide 3D printed dentures is to look at a dental lab that can make them. Some major chains that have 3D printed dentures are Affordable Dentures & Implants and Aspen Dental that provide these special services.
How Much Do 3D Printed Dentures Cost?
We’ve stated before that 3D printed dentures can be a more affordable option for those who need them, but aren’t looking into spending an over-the-top amount for them. When it comes to 3D printed dentures, it all comes down to what your needs are specifically. Depending on the quality and complexity of the dentures, they can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000. There are also different levels of 3D printing and the more expensive option can use higher-quality resin, which creates a longer lifespan, better durability, and the best overall comfort when using them to smile, talk, or eat.
Pros and Cons of 3D Printed Dentures
3D printed dentures–just like traditional ones–have their pros and cons!
For someone looking for the proper dentures that provide both comfort and durability, there are a number of pros and cons to look out for. While most dentists recommend traditional dentures, 3D printed ones can be more affordable and still provide the same result–so figuring out which option is best for you is crucial when deciding on what to use for everyday functionality.
Pro: Offer High Precision Custom Fits
Many people who are getting dentures struggle with finding the pair that is a right fit for them. Since someone would be using them everyday, it is essential to find a pair that is comfortable, fits correctly in the mouth, and something that feels natural. Many people are now opting for 3D printed dentures because they are made with high precision, starting out with an intraoral scan of your mouth to provide accurate measurements, and ending with customized digital designs to really make each pair unique to the person who needs them.
Con: Limited Availability
A reason why more people don’t have 3D printed dentures is because of their limited availability. Most dentist offices don’t offer this service, and depending on your location, it may be something that you need to seek out elsewhere. Start by asking your local dentist if they offer 3D printed dentures, and if not, ask around the area, especially at chains such as Aspen Dental and Affordable Dentures & Implants.
Pro: Less Appointments to Receive Your Dentures
One of the many main issues when it comes to traditional methods of creating dentures is the time and work that goes into them. From the fine-tuning and countless appointments, 3D printed dentures can take up less time thanks to the technology used to make them, which provides you with them in a much quicker manner! Traditional dentures require multiple appointments and can take weeks to get all of the nooks and crannies of the creation and fitting process perfected for someone’s mouth. On the other hand, 3D printed dentures can be created, printed, and scanned within several hours after an intraoral scan for a faster delivery time.
Con: Technology Can Fail
Just like any form of technology, there is always a risk of it failing. Even with 3D printed dentures, there can be issues with the 3D printer during the printing process that can potentially lead to inaccuracies, which can take time to fix. It is also a process that is specifically dependent on technology where you have to ensure that it is working properly or it could be more susceptible to technical issues that can cause a misprint.
Pro: A More Affordable Option
Everybody loves a more affordable option when it comes to taking care of your oral health–and this goes for dentures too. Besides the upfront costs of an intraoral scan that 3D printed dentures require, they are a more affordable option than traditional ones. This is due to lower production costs, less waste, and more precise in measurements, meaning less appointments to go to.
Con: Learning Curve For Many Dentists
Since 3D printed dentures are becoming more popular, they may not be available yet in your area. Adapting to new digital dentistry practices and the technology that comes with it can require a longer time before you see them become more available in certain areas.
Are 3D Printed Dentures Right For You?
3D printed dentures can be a more affordable option with a customized fit perfect for your smile!
When it comes to choosing the best kind of dentures for you, it may be worth it to look into 3D printed ones. The reason behind why they’re becoming so much more popular and widely sought after is due to their affordability, the turnaround to receive them, and because of their high-precision. This can make them more comfortable and durable for patients.
If you are interested in 3D printed dentures, consider looking more into the process behind them and talk to your local dentist to see what they recommend!
If you’re in the Washington, PA area and are interested in 3D printed or traditional dentures––consider contacting Elizabeth L. Wakim—exceptional smiles start here!
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS, is the founder of Enhanced Wellness. She’s a compassionate and highly-regarded dentist with her own practice in Washington, Pennsylvania, known for providing modern, comprehensive dental care, botox and facial aesthetics with a focus on patient comfort and anxiety reduction, serving general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry needs.
