Step 1: Your Initial Consultation
Before any scanning happens, your prosthetist checks your gums, jaw and any remaining teeth to confirm dentures are the right option and to talk through full vs partial, and what to expect from the process.
Step 2: The Digital Scan
A handheld 3D scanner is passed over your gums, jaw and any remaining teeth to capture their exact shape. There’s no tray, no putty, and nothing to hold still against while material sets — the scan typically takes a few minutes per arch and is done as part of your consultation appointment.
Step 3: Designing Your Denture
Using the scan, your denture is designed digitally — tooth shape, shade and bite are set up on screen, where they can be checked and adjusted before anything is manufactured.
Step 4: Manufacturing
Once the design is finalised, your denture is milled or 3D printed from that digital file in Smilogy’s lab.
Step 5: Fitting
You’ll come in for a fit appointment, where your prosthetist checks the fit and bite and makes any final adjustments.
How Is This Different From a Traditional Impression?
A traditional impression uses a tray of putty-like material held in your mouth for several minutes while it sets. A digital scan replaces that step entirely — see our full digital vs traditional dentures comparison for more detail.
FAQ
Does the digital denture scan hurt?
No — it’s a light, handheld scanner passed over your gums and teeth. Most patients find it more comfortable than a traditional impression tray, since there’s nothing to bite down on or hold still against.
How long does the scan take?
Typically a few minutes per arch, done as part of your consultation appointment.
What if I need an adjustment after my denture is made?
Because your scan is kept on file, adjustments can often be made from your existing digital design rather than taking a new impression.