Overview: This guide provides clinical steps for using an existing reference denture to establish Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) and scan data for new denture fabrication.
Clinical Scenarios for Existing Dentures
Use this workflow when performing the following clinical tasks:
Fabricating a new denture using a current full or partial denture as a reference.
Relining an existing denture.
Creating an exact copy of a current denture.
Extraoral Scan Preparation
Evaluate the fit of the existing denture before scanning:
Fit Issues Identified: If the existing denture shows intaglio fit issues, remove the denture and apply a light body wash to the intaglio surface. Use only a minimal amount of light body wash to avoid excess material.
No Fit Issues: If the denture fits correctly, skip the light body wash and proceed to scan the denture.
Impression Capture Procedure
Follow these steps to capture the impression:
Apply light body wash to the denture if indicated by fit issues.
Place the existing denture back into the mouth of the patient.
Instruct the patient to move their lips and tongue side-to-side while applying downward pressure on the denture.
Wait for the impression material to set completely before removal.
Post-Impression Processing and VDO Adjustment
Remove the denture from the patient.
Trim any excess impression material from the occlusal surface of the denture.
Adjust the denture to ensure the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) is correct.
Bite Registration Guidelines
If the teeth on the existing denture are significantly worn:
Apply blue mousse or a preferred bite registration material to the occlusal surface.
Confirm that the VDO is correct with the bite registration material in place.
Required Clinical Photographs
Capture the following images of the patient wearing the dentures to assist the lab:
Natural Smile: One head-on photo of the patient smiling naturally.
Profile Pictures: Two profile pictures (one from each side) of the patient smiling naturally.
Cheek Retractors: One head-on photo of the patient with cheek retractors in place.
Required Scans for Single and Dual Arches
The required scan data depends on the number of arches being fabricated:
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Single-Arch Denture Scans:
One 360° extraoral scan of the existing reference denture.
One intraoral scan of the opposing arch.
One intraoral bite scan from molar to midline using bite registration material.
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Dual-Arch Denture Scans:
Two 360° extraoral scans (one for each existing reference denture).
One intraoral bite scan from molar to midline using bite registration material.
Extraoral Scanning Steps for Lower Arches
Scan order: Intaglio → Border → Occlusal → Cameo → Bite
Select Denture for the lower jaw on the scanning software page.
Start scanning by capturing the entire interior of the denture.
Scan the intaglio surface of the denture to establish a reference point.
Scan the buccal border while looking straight down, rocking the scanner to capture the exterior and interior of the appliance.
Roll the scanner over the incisal edges of the anterior teeth.
Scan across the lingual surface to the other side and allow the software to process.
Scan from the retromolar area and proceed along the buccal surface to the other side.
Complete the scan by capturing the entire outside of the denture
Extraoral Scanning Steps for Upper Arches
Scan order: Intaglio → Border → Occlusal → Cameo → Bite
Select Denture for the upper jaw on the scanning software page.
Start at the intaglio surface to establish a reference point, then scan the remaining intaglio surface and ridges.
Scan the buccal border by rocking the scanner to capture the exterior and interior.
Transition to the occlusal surface on one side and move to the other side, rolling over the incisal edges.
Scan the lingual surface completely and allow the software to process.
Capture the entire palate using a side-to-side motion starting at the midline.
Move from the last molar over the occlusal to the buccal surface.
Bite Scan Procedure
Place the dentures back into the mouth of the patient.
Scan the bite from the molar to the midline.
If using blue mousse for worn teeth, perform the bite scan with the registration material in place.