Is there a price difference between analog and digital full dentures, and if so, how big is it?
When we started producing CAD/CAM-supported full dentures around six years ago, the material components were still a little too expensive compared to analog production. However, we have observed that the material prices for digital full dentures have become lower and lower over time, making it more and more economically attractive. The classic wax set-up is probably a little cheaper in terms of materials, but the time required is significantly higher in most cases. The bottom line is that digital full dentures are now comparable in price to analog full dentures.
What experience have you had with the VIONIC DENT DISC multiColor so far? For which removable restorations do you mill your teeth yourself?
The VITA VIONIC DENT DISC multiColor has closed a gap in our portfolio. The composite disc is a real advantage, especially when space is limited. With a very low vertical bite height, the material gives us the functional leeway we need. We will also use it for immediate dentures. It offers high-end quality in the subtractive fabrication of dental material, as the composite formulation is the same as with all other VITA premium teeth. It can therefore be assumed that the quality is better than that of conventional, unfilled PMMA blanks. I am very pleased that VITA VIONIC DENT DISC multiColor is available.
How do you assess the development of additive manufacturing in removable full denture prosthetics? Are you planning to work with this technology?
3D printing is certainly the future of full denture prosthetics. Even as a milling center, we cannot close our eyes to it. It is cheaper and will probably also be faster. A single-colored denture base can already be printed easily today. This does not yet apply to robust teeth with a color gradient and translucency in the right places. Sustainability is now also a major issue in dentistry and dental technology. Only the material that is really needed is used as an additive. This is much better for the environment than milling from a blank and throwing away the leftovers.
In your opinion, how will the technology and the job profile of dental technicians and denturists change in the future?
I think digitalization will become mainstream in the future. Materials will continue to improve and processes will become faster and more consistent. Digitalization will definitely prevail in the technical fabrication of dental restorations. VITA VIONIC VIGO and the VITA VIONIC DENT DISC multiColor are already helping us to produce functional and esthetic complete dentures in a digital workflow to give patients their teeth back and make them happy. As a dentist, however, you should always bear in mind that the option for analog treatment of patients will continue fort he forseeable future.