Digital Dentures: How They're Made and What They Cost
Digital dentures are designed and manufactured from a digital scan using CAD software and milling or 3D printing. Here's how the process works and what to expect.
Produced with AI assistance under human editorial governance and fact-checked against the cited sources. How we work.
Digital dentures bring the digital dentistry workflow to removable prosthetics. Instead of a long series of manual impressions, wax try-ins and processing, the denture is designed in software from a digital scan and produced by milling or 3D printing — usually in fewer visits, and always with a reusable digital record.
How digital dentures are made
- Capture. The clinician records the ridges and relevant landmarks via intraoral scanning or by digitizing impressions.
- Design. CAD software is used to set teeth, design the base and check the bite digitally.
- Manufacture. The denture is milled from a dense puck or 3D printed from denture resin.
- Deliver. The finished denture is tried in and adjusted — with the design saved for future remakes.
Milled vs 3D printed
- Milled dentures are strong and dense, with excellent durability.
- 3D-printed dentures are fast and economical, and the materials are improving quickly.
Many labs offer both and choose based on the case and budget.
Why patients and practices like them
- Fewer appointments than the conventional workflow.
- A reusable digital file — if a denture is lost or broken, it can be remade from the saved design rather than starting over.
- Consistent fit thanks to digital design and manufacturing.
What they cost
Pricing depends heavily on region, material and whether the denture is milled or printed, so always get a specific quote. The long-term value, though, comes from the digital record: faster remakes and fewer full restarts. For the bigger picture on how scanning and manufacturing fit together, see our guide to digital dentistry.
Frequently asked questions
What are digital dentures?
Digital dentures are full or partial dentures designed in CAD software from a digital scan or digitized impression and manufactured by milling or 3D printing, rather than by the traditional series of manual impressions and try-ins.
Are digital dentures better than traditional dentures?
They typically require fewer appointments, deliver consistent fit, and create a reusable digital file so a replacement can be produced quickly. Conventional dentures remain a valid option; the best choice depends on the case and clinician preference.
How much do digital dentures cost?
Pricing varies significantly by region, material and whether the denture is milled or printed. The reusable digital record and fewer remakes can improve value over time, but you should get a specific quote from the provider.
Sources
- 1.Prosthodontics and digital workflows (research index) — PubMed / NLM
- 2.American College of Prosthodontists — American College of Prosthodontists
The Digital Dentistry editorial team covers dental technology for practice owners, clinicians and dental labs. Our articles are produced with AI assistance under human editorial governance, fact-checked against cited primary sources, and updated as products and evidence change. See our editorial policy for how we work and how to flag a correction.