Last updated: 23rd September, 2025 - This article has been updated with the latest research and current pricing information.
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Digital dentures versus conventional dentures
Perhaps you've heard the term 'digital dentures' and wondered what they are. Perhaps you've even contemplated whether they might be an option for you. The relative newness of digital dentistry means there is limited objective information for you to base your choices on and let's be honest, you probably wouldn't choose to spend time trawling through academic articles trying to decipher the research results. To save you the trouble, the following article explores some of the research into the new technology of 3D printing and the advent of digital dentures as an option for those needing removable false teeth.
It is important to be mindful of the imbalance between bodies of research. Conventional, removeable dentures, have been around for much longer than computer-assisted design/computer manufactured or digital dentures which are relative newcomers to dental technology. At this stage the body of research for digital dentures is considerably smaller than for conventional dentures. Even less research comparing the two types of removeable denture exists.i
In this review, we examine how digital technology advances the manufacturing process of dentures and whether it results in a better product for the patient. We also consider the patient's perspective and look at some measures of oral health-related quality of life for denture wearers. But firstly, what are digital dentures?
What are digital dentures?
Digital dentures are a recent innovation. In contrast to conventional dentures which are handmade, digital dentures are manufactured from resin using computer assisted design and manufacture (CAD/CM) and either additive 3D printing technology, or subtractive 3D milling.
This simply means that instead of your dental prosthetist taking impressions of your mouth with trays and a malleable impression material to get the exact fit before final manufacture, a laser scanning process is used to record the geography of your gums and any existing natural teeth. This information is transferred to denture design software which guides either a 3D printer or milling machine to construct the denture automatically.
How does digital denture technology benefit me as a denture wearer?
Much has been made of the benefits to both the denture wearer and the denture laboratory.
For the patient
- Fewer appointments in ideal circumstances, therefore potentially less time in the chair
- No metal trays inserted into your mouth to take impressions – an issue for some with sensitive gagging reflexes
- Potentially faster manufacturing process in some cases
- A digital record of your oral scan is kept on file for future reference although given the dynamic nature of the oral landscape it’s questionable how long this would be useful.
For the dental technician
- Less time spent making the denture - automated manufacture
- Quicker turn around
- Different workflow that may suit some laboratories.
Are digital dentures worth the cost?
This is where digital dentures face their biggest challenge. Current digital denture technology comes with significantly higher costs:
Conventional dentures: $3,500-$4,500 for a quality set Digital dentures: $5,000-8,500+ depending on the technique and provider.
The substantially higher costs stem from expensive equipment, specialised materials, and the current limited availability of the technology. While some suggest digital manufacturing may eventually become more cost-effective, this remains largely theoretical for most dental practices.
It seems the jury is still out on this question given the relatively recent appearance of digital denture technology. More research is needed.ii For example, given the relative newness of the technology, longevity of the product has not yet been tested. Some doubts have also been expressed regarding the digital denture aesthetic – that is, how the dentures look.iii Some frustration was also expressed by researchers with the inability of the digital system to allow individualised placement of front teeth. This can be a problem when some patients request their denture to resemble the natural teeth they are replacing, with small natural anomalies included.iv Therefore, it appears at this stage that the individual nature of a patient’s prosthetic needs is not as easily satisfied with the digital option although developments to overcome this issue are underway.v
Current limitations of digital dentures
Recent research has highlighted several ongoing challenges:
- Difficulty capturing accurate impressions of soft tissues and mobile oral structures
- Challenges in recording proper jaw relationships
- Limited ability for traditional "try-in" phases to evaluate aesthetics and function
- Inconsistent results across different techniques and providers
- Questions about long-term durability and maintenance requirements
- Potential issues with retention, particularly for 3D printed dentures made from intraoral scans alone
Are digital dentures for me?
A brief review of the literature on digital dentures indicates more research on the efficacy of this new technology needs to be done. As with many new technological developments, outcomes improve with time and experience. As the scanning becomes more sophisticated and able to more accurately record soft tissue, and as software is further refined, nuances in individual oral geographies may be better catered for.
One research study concluded that while no significant impact on oral-health-related quality of life was found, there were time advantages for the patient who needed only two visits to the prosthetist and one hour less than the conventional method spent in the chair. In addition, five fewer hours were spent by the dental technician in the manufacturing process.vii However, these time savings don't necessarily translate to cost savings for patients given the higher material and equipment costs.
Pain and functionality of digital dentures versus conventional dentures
According to one study, new digital denture recipients reported more pain two weeks after fitting, than those receiving conventional dentures. In the same study, conventional denture wearers reported better functionality in two weeks and were feeling less handicapped after three months.viii But one study doesn’t equal definitive results and we reiterate, more research into digital denture technology is needed.
Summary case for and against digital dentures
In summary, the literature review revealed the lack of research into the new technology and the need for continuing investigation into how it compares with the existing technology. However, even in this brief overview of what we currently know about this recent technology, there are clear advantages and disadvantages to both the patient and the dental industry.
Digital denture advantages
- Potentially fewer appointments for some patients
- No impression trays for those with severe gag reflexes
- Digital records for future referenceix
- More automated manufacturing process.
Digital denture disadvantages
- Significantly higher costs (often double conventional dentures)
- Limited customisation compared to conventional dentures
- Technology still struggles with complex oral anatomies
- Cannot accommodate individual aesthetic preferences as easily
- Questionable long-term durability
- Limited opportunity for try-in phases
- Some studies suggest initial comfort and functionality may be inferiorx
In conclusion
Your choice of dentures is critical to your health, your appearance, your overall quality of life and of course, your pocket. Making a choice between conventional and digital dentures is not an easy one for the denture wearer given much of the available information from online reviews is industry based. Manufacturers have equipment to sell. Denture clinics, having purchased the expensive equipment, must pay for it. However, they all have a vested interest in making the technology successful.
Digitalised dentures may be part of the future of denture prostheticsxi, but the technology is still evolving. Like all new developing technology, there are significant wrinkles yet to be ironed out. The substantially higher costs, combined with current limitations in customisation and unproven long-term outcomes, make conventional dentures the practical choice for most patients, particularly in regional communities.
For most patients seeking reliable, affordable, and proven tooth replacement, conventional dentures crafted by experienced prosthetists continue to offer excellent value. The decades of refinement in conventional techniques, combined with the expertise of skilled technicians, often deliver superior outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
If your jaw alignment does not conform to normal, you require individualised aesthetic solutions, or you're seeking the best value for your investment, conventional dentures remain the gold standard. If you're still considering digital options, it's essential to seek multiple professional opinions and carefully weigh whether the significantly higher costs provide genuine benefits for your specific situation.
i Peroz S, Peroz I, Beuer F, Sterzenbach G, von Stein-Lausnitz M. Digital versus conventional complete dentures: A randomized, controlled, blinded study. J Prosthet Dent. 2021 Apr 8:S0022-3913(21)00073-1. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.02.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33838918. ii Anadioti E, Musharbash L, Blatz MB, Papavasiliou G, Kamposiora P. 3D printed complete removable dental prostheses: a narrative review. BMC Oral Health. 2020 Nov 27;20(1):343. doi: 10.1186/s12903-020-01328-8. PMID: 33246466; PMCID: PMC7694312. iii Alhallak KR, Nankali A. 3D Printing Technologies for Removable Dentures Manufacturing: A Review of Potentials and Challenges. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2022 Feb 28;30(1):14-19. doi: 10.1922/EJPRD_2208Alhallak06. PMID: 34029014 iv Dai, Ning & yu, Xiaoling & Fan, Qilei & Yuan, Fulai & Liu, Lele & Sun, Yuchun. (2018). Complete denture tooth arrangement technology driven by a reconfigurable rule. PLOS ONE. 13. e0198252. 10.1371/journal.pone.0198252. v Dai, Ning & yu, Xiaoling & Fan, Qilei & Yuan, Fulai & Liu, Lele & Sun, Yuchun. (2018). Complete denture tooth arrangement technology driven by a reconfigurable rule. PLOS ONE. 13. e0198252. 10.1371/journal.pone.0198252. vi Alhallak KR, Nankali A. 3D Printing Technologies for Removable Dentures Manufacturing: A Review of Potentials and Challenges. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2022 Feb 28;30(1):14-19. doi: 10.1922/EJPRD_2208Alhallak06. PMID: 34029014. vii Peroz S, Peroz I, Beuer F, Sterzenbach G, von Stein-Lausnitz M. Digital versus conventional complete dentures: A randomized, controlled, blinded study. J Prosthet Dent. 2021 Apr 8:S0022-3913(21)00073-1. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.02.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33838918. viii Peroz S, Peroz I, Beuer F, Sterzenbach G, von Stein-Lausnitz M. Digital versus conventional complete dentures: A randomized, controlled, blinded study. J Prosthet Dent. 2021 Apr 8:S0022-3913(21)00073-1. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.02.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33838918. ix Alhallak KR, Nankali A. 3D Printing Technologies for Removable Dentures Manufacturing: A Review of Potentials and Challenges. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2022 Feb 28;30(1):14-19. doi: 10.1922/EJPRD_2208Alhallak06. PMID: 34029014. x Alhallak KR, Nankali A. 3D Printing Technologies for Removable Dentures Manufacturing: A Review of Potentials and Challenges. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2022 Feb 28;30(1):14-19. doi: 10.1922/EJPRD_2208Alhallak06. PMID: 34029014. xi https://www.foydentures.com/trial-reveals-limitations-of-digital-dentures
Disclaimer – Always consult your oral health professional for expert advice about your unique personal situation. The information given here is of a general nature and for the purpose of education only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your oral health specialist
