Innovative dentures supported by implants
Over 2 million people in the Netherlands wear dentures. Over time, dentures can become loose and painful. At Radboudumc, a new method has been developed: 3D snap-on dentures that are clicked onto implants.
read moreInnovative dentures supported by implants
Implants are the pillars that the final snap-on dentures are clicked onto. The traditional way of making snap-on dentures costs a lot of time and therefore money.
By working completely digitally, the making of such dentures becomes a lot easier. First, a picture of the face is taken. The new teeth are projected digitally. Then, with a small camera, the size of a toothbrush, digital images of the mouth itself are made. Next, a digital model can be constructed.
Using a design program, 'Smile Design', the shape, color, and position of the teeth can be adjusted. You can see for yourself, on a screen, how they will look specifically for your face. You will also have access to this application through your cell phone. When everyone agrees, the digital design is sent to a CAD-CAM milling machine, which will mill out the snap-on prosthesis. This is basically 3D printing!
Benefits
- less dentist appointments
- more accurate
- more sustainable
- space for your input
- less labour-intensive
- less materials and costs
More information
Timeline 3D snap-on dentures
This method doesn't just save time and money, it creates more room for patient participation by using the design app. View the steps of this method here.
read moreTimeline 3D snap-on dentures
If denturesstart to become loose, the dentist may recommend implants. A scan will be taken to determine if there is sufficient jawbone for implants. A bone deficiency may first be supplemented by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. For a toothless patient with a shrunken jaw, this is generally covered by health insurance (in the Netherlands). This also applies when teeth, including bone-bearing parts, have been lost due to an accident.
Implants
Dental implants are titanium screws to which a crown or bridge can be attached. Implants take 2 to 6 months to "grow in," depending on the bone quality. If the jawbone needs to be replenished first, a period of 4 to 6 months is added.
Design
- A light photograph is taken. The new teeth are drawn in using the software 'Smile Design'. The patient can study the picture and determine the desired shape, color, and position of the teeth.
- The patient can review the design at home using the specially developed app for cell phones.
- A camera the size of a toothbrush is used to take pictures of the implant positions in the mouth. Combined with images of the old dentures, these form the basis for the digital design of the new snap-on dentures.
- In the laboratory, the click dentures are digitally designed. Even then, each tooth can be moved and adjusted individually.
- A fitting prosthesis is made in the color of the future teeth. This is used to see if the teeth 'fit together' properly. The patient can still make changes to the teeth at this point as well. Any adjustments are made directly on the fitting prosthesis.
Tailoring
When the design is final, the individual parts are made. The pink base and the teeth are milled separately and then joined together.
The snap-on dentures are then finished. Of course we check with the patient whether everything fits well.
5 questions for Gert Meijer
Gert Meijer is a professor of Implantology at Radboudumc. Gert developed the concept for the digital 3D snap-on dentures together with Frans Delfos, head of the dental laboratory, and Luc Verhamme, senior staff member of the 3D lab.
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