Introduction
Dentures are detachable dental prosthetics used to repair lost teeth and their surrounding tissues. This technology has advanced significantly over the past decades, with the primary objective of enhancing durability, aesthetics, and comfort for people who need dentures due to tooth loss.
As per the latest market study by Allied Market Research, the global dentures market is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Technological advancements have transformed the denture implantation process. Denture designers are utilizing techniques such as CAD (Computer-aided Design) and CAM (Computer-aided Manufacturing) for customized and precise denture designs.
Hence, dentures industry is experiencing growth due to factors such as a surge in the prevalence of dental diseases and conditions such as cavities, periodontal disease, gum disease, cracked teeth, and dental pulp resulting in tooth loss, a surge in demand for partial or full dentures, and an increase in the geriatric population.
Revolutionary Technological Advancements in the Dentures Industry:
- 3D Printing: 3D printing technology has been integrated into denture fabrication, allowing for effective and accurate dentures. It enables the creation of largely customized dentures and rapid-fire prototyping for adaptations.
- Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: AR and VR technologies have been developed for use in patient counselling and therapy planning. Patients can digitally try on many denture choices and visualize their future outcomes.
- Digital Impression Techniques: Traditional denture impressions can be painful and messy. Intraoral scanners are used to design very accurate digital models of the patient’s oral anatomy in the digital impression process. This improves denture fabrication and design accuracy.
- Immediate Load Dentures: The remarkable progress in implantology has ushered in a new era, where the possibility of same-day dentures has become a reality. Through the integration of innovative technology, these dentures can now be seamlessly affixed to dental implants immediately after implant placement surgery.
Here are some Trending types of Dentures
- Flexible Dentures:
Flexible dentures are made up of translucent material that mimics the color and texture of natural gum tissue. This makes them blend more easily with the surrounding tissues, leading to a more natural smile. Flexible denture materials are gaining popularity due to their aesthetic benefits. Generally, the materials used in the manufacturing process of these dentures include acetal resin, acrylics, polyester, nylon, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. These materials are easy to modify and repair as compared to traditional ones. If there is a need for any modification, they can be manipulated without any extra effort or laboratory process. Another important benefit of flexible dentures is there is no risk of any allergic reaction.
- Bifunctional prosthetic system dentures:
These dentures are intended to maximize efficiency as well as provide the patient with a natural appearance and comfort. They are constructed by using a controlled pressure and heat polymerization method, which results in reduced shrinking and a flawless fit. BPS Dentures are often made up of high-quality denture materials, utilizing advanced processing techniques to guarantee an accurate fit and excellent function.
- Hybrid implant dentures:
A hybrid implant denture combines prosthetic teeth with realistic-looking gums that entirely cover the jaws. They are fixed into the jawbone in an equivalent manner to traditional dental implants. They become the permanent part of the mouth after the implantation. They do not require any replacement or maintenance; hence they are less expensive than traditional dental implants. When compared to standard dental implants, these are a more durable option to dentures along with a significant cost advantage.
Upcoming Trends in the Dentures Industry:
- Regenerative dentures: Research in regenerative dentistry could lead to the invention of materials that enhance the health of the oral cavity below dentures and promote tissue regeneration.
- Use of Biodegradable Materials: Researchers are focusing on the use of biodegradable materials in the development of dentures to reduce carbon footprint.
- Nanotechnology: For the improvement of durability, aesthetics, and strength nanomaterial could be a great option in the development of dentures.
Strategies by Frontrunners:
‘Stratasys’ Presented First Monolithic, Multicolor 3D-Printed Dentures Arrangement.
A leading polymer 3D printing firm, Stratasys Ltd., discovered its latest 3D-printed dentures solution, ‘TrueDent’ in February 2023. TruDent resin allows laboratories to design natural-looking and permanent gums with precise tooth shape, transparency, and shade in one continuous print.
The resin was designed to be manufactured solely using the GrabCAD print software and Stratasys J5 DentaJet 3D printer. Dental labs will be able to scale manufacturing by streamlining workflow and minimizing the processing period for dentures, all while producing a customized, highly desirable appliance.
Desktop Health got the FDA clearance certificate for its latest 3D printed Dentures, ‘Flexcera’.
Desktop Health revealed that it has got FDA clearance in May 2021, for its latest Flexcera Base, a customized material for 3D printing premium dental prosthetics. Flexcera blends long-chain chemistry with ceramic-like strength to offer superior denture qualities. In its announcement, Desktop stated that these dental prosthetics are two times more resistant to discoloration or staining induced by moisture and are three times more resistant to fracture than other formulations in the market.
Furthermore, Carbon extended its partnership with 3Shape in March 2022, to design new computerized dental replacement configuration training. Carbon Institute will provide an educational course to teach individuals how to develop digital splints and dentures.
Abstract:
Technological advances in denture designing, such as 3D printing and CAD/CAM have changed the way of manufacturing dentures. These technologies provide a precise fit, superior aesthetics, and increased patient comfort. Moreover, there is a rising focus on bioactive materials for dentures that closely resemble natural dental structures and make improvements in oral health. Sustainability is also maintained by focusing on biodegradable materials that minimize the environmental impact of denture production. Currently, there are total five categories of dentures: implant-supported dentures, immediate dentures, full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-retained dentures.
To sum up, the dentures industry is evolving as a result of a combination of technological advancements, patient-centered approaches, and innovative materials.
Author Bio-
Gayatri Mohite is an emerging author who loves to explore new things. An addiction to reading motivates her to write. She also loves to sing, travel, and cook. A fresher who is constantly upgrading her skills has embarked on a new journey to touch up her expertise even more.
Email: gayatri.mohite@alliedanalytics.com
References:
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/dentures-market-A31457
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/dentures-market.html
