by Sponsored Content: National Dentex Labs
By Kelly Bevington, Director of Intraoral Technology, NDX
At NDX Labs, we are proud to be one of the first dental laboratory networks with a team dedicated to DSOs, Universities, Government and Institutions. This specialized team collaborates closely with our internal IOS Clinical Training Specialists to provide comprehensive education and support to our dentists.
Our IOS Clinical Training Specialists work with dental professionals to ensure they have the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to optimize the use of IOS technology. We deliver education tailored to each dental practice’s unique needs through webinars, lunch & learns and in-office training sessions. Our support extends beyond remote learning—we offer active patient chairside assistance and real-time coaching to ensure seamless integration of IOS technology into clinical workflows.
Our expertise enables us to assist dentists in identifying the most suitable intraoral scanners based on their practice’s goals and objectives. From introductory scanning techniques to utilizing IOS technology for patient education and treatment planning, we help enhance patient compliance and treatment acceptance. Additionally, our chairside education supports dentists through complex procedures, including implant cases, usage of scan bodies and All-on-X treatments.
Digital Denture scanning has several workflow possibilities based on what the patient presents. It’s important to recognize that the acquisition of anatomical landmarks, precise measurements and the verification of vertical dimensions remain essential in the digital workflow, just as they are in the analog process.
Four Types of Digital Denture Workflows
COPY DENTURE
- Definition: An exact copy of an existing denture. The tooth shade may be altered.
- Scenario: For patients requesting a spare denture.
- Method: Scan the denture’s cameo (tooth side) and intaglio (tissue side).
REFERENCE DENTURE
- Definition: An existing denture worn by the patient and can be used as the template for constructing a new prosthesis.
- Scenario: Used for most denture patients, especially those who have dentition on one arch and ensures they are never without teeth.
- Method: Use the existing denture as a custom tray.
- Take a border mold and a wash impression inside the existing denture.
- Scan the denture’s intaglio (including wash impression) and cameo sides.
- Then, scan the opposing arch & scan for the patient’s bite
- What you get back from lab is a printed functional try-in. You may also ask for teeth set-up in wax.
IMMEDIATE DENTURE
- Definition: A new prosthesis fabricated to insert the day the patient’s teeth are extracted.
- Scenario: Used as a temporary, healing denture immediately after extractions.
- Method: Scan the existing dentition before teeth are extracted, capture all anatomical landmarks, take a bite registration and provide the correct shade.
FULLY EDENTULOUS PATIENT
- Definition: A patient who does not have existing dentition.
- Scenario: Used for the edentulous patients who do not have an existing denture.
- Method:
- Ensure that the gingival tissue is dry when scanning.
- Maintain a steady scan path to enable seamless stitching of data.
- Capture anatomical landmarks.
With NDX Labs, dentists don’t just receive a product, they have the benefit of a partnership —ensuring they are able to leverage cutting-edge digital dentistry solutions to deliver superior patient care. Click here to learn more about NDX Digital Denture’s Benefits, How to Send a Case and Complimentary Training.
*For more details on our digital workflows, please visit https://nationaldentex.com/digital-dentures
Resources:
- 3Shape Academy. Training Resources for Intraoral Scanning and CAD/CAM Design. Available at: 3shape.com.
- Learn iTero Element. Digital Scanning Best Practices. Available at: learniteroelement.com.
- Valmont Research. 2023 NADL Survey Report: Intraoral Scanning Trends. National Association of Dental Laboratories, 2023.
- National Dentex. The Digital Denture Workflow: From Scan to Finish. Available at: nationaldentex.com/education.
- Dentsply Sirona. “Primescan and Efficient Digital Integration.” Available at: dentsplysirona.com.
Kelly Bevington, Director of Intraoral Technology | National Trainer
Kelly began her career more than 20 years ago as an RDA EFDA, graduating from Bryman College. She has a comprehensive knowledge of dentistry and the dental laboratory industry. Kelly has been professionally trained on most major devices and is able to provide expert chairside coaching. She manages the NDX Clinical IOS Training Team and has clinically trained more than 1,000 dentists and their teams. Kelly enjoys sharing her knowledge by presenting webinars and is a regular contributor to dental publications.
