Overview: Use this guide to select the optimal digital denture workflow based on patient dentition, existing appliances, and clinical goals to increase practice efficiency.
Decision Criteria for Denture Workflows
To determine the appropriate digital denture workflow and the required number of appointments, clinicians must identify three key pieces of patient information:
The type of denture required (e.g., immediate or implant-supported).
The presence of an existing appliance or natural dentition.
The patient’s ability to establish an accurate Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) or bite with current tools.
Appointment Requirements by Workflow
The table below illustrates which workflows require two or three patient appointments.
| Workflow Type | 2 Appointments | 3 Appointments |
|---|---|---|
| New dentures from existing appliance | ✔️ | |
| Immediate dentures | ✔️ | |
| New full or immediate dentures for edentulous patient | ✔️ | |
| Existing or New Implant-Supported Overdentures | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Two-Appointment Workflow Steps
This workflow applies to patients with an existing appliance that the clinician intends to replicate.
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Appointment 1: Scan and Order
Clinicians must extraorally scan the patient's existing appliance.
Clinicians must intraorally scan the patient's bite.
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Appointment 2: Seat
The clinician seats the new digital denture in the patient's mouth.
Three-Appointment Workflow Steps
This workflow is used for patients who do not have an existing appliance or when the clinician prefers to start the process from the beginning.
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Appointment 1: Scan and Order
Clinicians scan the upper and/or lower arches.
Clinicians request a wax rim through the portal.
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Appointment 2: Register Bite
Clinicians use the provided wax rim to establish the patient's bite.
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Appointment 3: Seat
The clinician seats the new digital denture in the patient's mouth.
Clinical Scenario Recommendations
The following scenarios help match clinical goals to specific workflows:
New Immediate Denture (Both Arches)
Patient Details: Patient has existing dentition on both arches and can establish a bite/VDO, but has no appliance to replicate.
Recommended Workflow: Immediate Denture Workflow.
New Complete Denture (Edentulous)
Patient Details: Patient has no dentition and cannot establish a bite or VDO without assistance.
Recommended Workflow: Complete Denture with Wax Rim Workflow.
New Complete Denture (Existing Appliance)
Patient Details: Patient has no dentition but has an existing appliance they wish to replicate and can establish a bite.
Recommended Workflow: Complete Denture from Existing Workflow.
New Implant-Supported Overdenture
Patient Details: Patient has existing dentition and can establish a bite/VDO.
Recommended Workflow: Implant-Supported Overdenture with Extractions & Surgery Workflow.
Related Information
- Immediate Denture Workflow
- Complete Denture with Wax Rim Workflow
- Complete Denture from Existing Workflow
- Implant-Supported Overdenture with Extractions & Surgery Workflow