Digital dentures are removable dentures made from a 3D scan of your mouth instead of traditional impression trays, then designed on a computer and precision-manufactured. They replace some or all of your natural teeth just like conventional dentures, but the way they’re planned and made is digital from start to finish.
This guide explains how digital dentures are made, who they suit, what they cost at smilogy, and how the stored scan works if you ever need a replacement.
How digital dentures are made
At smilogy, the process follows four main steps:
- 3D scan: your clinician moves a small wand around your mouth to capture a 3D intraoral scan of your gums and any remaining teeth. It takes around 3 minutes, with no impression trays or putty.
- Digital design: your denture is designed on screen using dental design software, so the fit, bite and tooth position can be refined before anything is made.
- Precision manufacture: the denture is manufactured in Australia from the digital design.
- Fit and adjust: your denture is fitted at the clinic and fine-tuned, with a follow-up adjustment visit.
Most smilogy patients go from their first scan to their fitting in under 21 days, usually across around four appointments: the scan, a design review, the fitting and a follow-up adjustment. Your clinician will give you a timeline for your own case. For a closer look at the first appointment, read what happens during a digital denture scan.
Types of digital dentures
- Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both.
- Partial dentures fill gaps when you still have some natural teeth. They can have an acrylic base or a cobalt-chrome metal framework.
Your clinician will recommend a type based on how many teeth you’re missing and the health of your gums and remaining teeth. If you’re weighing up a partial, our guide to denture pricing lists the starting price for each option, and your clinician can explain the differences in look, feel and upkeep at your consultation.
Who digital dentures suit
Digital dentures can suit people getting dentures for the first time as well as people replacing an existing set. People who find impression trays uncomfortable, or who gag easily, often appreciate that the scan replaces the putty. smilogy also provides on-site digital denture care in aged care facilities. Whether digital dentures suit you is confirmed at a consultation.
Digital vs traditional dentures
The main differences are in how the impression is taken and how much of the process happens digitally. Traditional dentures usually rely on physical moulds of your mouth and more manual steps. Digital dentures use a 3D scan and design software, which can mean fewer appointments and a design that can be refined on screen before manufacture. A key practical difference is that your digital file can be stored. See our full digital vs traditional dentures comparison.
Stored scans and reprints
When smilogy makes a digital denture, your 3D scan and design file are stored securely and can be accessed at any smilogy clinic. If your denture is lost or broken, it can be reprinted from the stored file without new impressions, as long as your mouth hasn’t changed significantly. If it has changed, your clinician can update the file with a quick new scan.
The optional Dentures for Life plan includes unlimited reprints for 5 years. If you’ve already lost or damaged a denture, see what to do with a lost or broken denture.
How much do digital dentures cost?
Published smilogy prices (including GST) start from:
| Denture | Price from |
|---|---|
| Full upper or lower denture (single arch) | $1,450 |
| Full upper and lower dentures | $2,500 |
| Acrylic partial (1–4 teeth) | $1,650 |
| Acrylic partial (5+ teeth) | $1,850 |
| Cobalt-chrome partial (1–4 teeth) | $1,980 |
| Cobalt-chrome partial (5+ teeth) | $2,280 |
Prices are a guide and are confirmed at your consultation. They include the scan, digital design, Australian manufacture, fitting and storage of your digital file. See the pricing page and our guide to what affects the cost of digital dentures.
Dentures are typically claimable under major dental or prosthetics extras cover, depending on your fund. Payment plans are available at participating locations, and public dental scheme vouchers and DVA are accepted at participating smilogy clinics.
Where to get digital dentures
smilogy has more than 40 digital denture locations across NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and the ACT. Use the locations finder to find a clinic near you and book a free, no-obligation consultation, or visit the smilogy digital dentures home page.
FAQs
What are digital dentures?
They’re removable dentures made from a 3D intraoral scan instead of impression trays, designed on a computer and precision-manufactured. At smilogy they’re made in Australia.
How long does it take to get digital dentures?
Most smilogy patients go from scan to fitting in under 21 days, usually across around four appointments. Your clinician will confirm a timeline for your case.
Does the scan hurt?
The scan uses a small wand moved around your mouth and takes around 3 minutes, with no impression trays. Let your clinician know if you have any concerns.
Can digital dentures be replaced if lost or broken?
Yes. Your scan is stored, so a replacement can be reprinted without new impressions, provided your mouth hasn’t changed significantly.
Are digital dentures covered by health funds?
They’re typically claimable under major dental or prosthetics cover, depending on your fund and level of cover. Check with your fund before your appointment.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a registered dental practitioner.