Digital dentures in Chiang Mai
A digital full denture replaces all the teeth in a jaw, like a conventional full denture, but it is designed on a computer and milled with CAD/CAM. At Kitcha Dental Clinic, your dentist explains whether a digital or a conventional denture suits you.
- Open every day, 09:00–20:00
- Opposite Chiang Mai Gate
- Coordinators in English and Thai
What is a digital denture?
A conventional full denture is shaped by hand: a laboratory technician sets the teeth in wax on a model of your gums, and the wax is then replaced with denture acrylic. A digital denture follows a different route. The records your dentist takes are used to design the denture on a computer, and a milling machine then cuts it from a solid block of denture material. This is called CAD/CAM: computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing.
At Kitcha Dental Clinic, the digital option is available for full dentures, which replace all the teeth in one jaw, and is made with the Ivotion system. It is one of several denture types; the dentures page explains the others.
Who a digital denture may suit
- You have lost all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, or both.
- Your current full denture is old, loose or worn and you are thinking about a new one.
- You would like to know how a digitally designed denture differs from a conventional one before you decide.
If you still have some natural teeth, a partial denture, a bridge or implants may suit you better. If teeth have just been removed, your gums change shape as they heal, so your dentist may suggest a temporary denture first. Your dentist explains the options after an examination and X-rays.
Not sure which denture suits you?
Book a consultation. Your dentist examines your mouth, explains the options, including bridges and implants, and gives you an estimate before you decide.
What happens
Examination and planning
Your dentist checks your teeth, gums and bone with X-rays and explains the options.
Impressions and bite records
Your dentist records the shape of your gums and how your jaws meet. These records are turned into digital files for the design.
Digital design
The base and the teeth are designed on a computer.
Milling and finishing
The denture is milled from a solid block of denture material and then finished and polished.
Fitting and adjustments
The finished denture is fitted and your bite is checked. Follow-up visits are used to adjust any sore spots.
The number of visits depends on your mouth and on whether one or both jaws are treated. Your dentist gives you a visit plan after the examination. If you are traveling, tell us your dates so the visits can be planned.
Digital or conventional full denture?
What is the same
Both are removable full dentures that rest on your gums. Both need an examination, records of your gums and bite, and adjustments after fitting, and both need the same daily care.
What is different
A conventional denture is set up in wax and processed by hand. A digital denture is designed on a computer and milled from a solid block of material.
A spare or replacement denture
The digital design file of your denture is kept, so a new or spare denture can be made from it, for example if yours is lost or broken. Fees apply.
Cost
A digital full denture costs more than a conventional acrylic full denture. Both are listed on our prices page.
Which to choose
Neither type suits everyone. How a denture fits and feels depends on your gums, your bone and your bite as well as on how it is made. Your dentist explains which option suits your mouth.
Living with dentures
Getting used to them
New dentures can feel strange for the first few weeks. Start with soft food cut into small pieces and chew on both sides. If a denture rubs or clicks when you talk, come back to have it adjusted.
Daily cleaning
Rinse after meals and brush the denture daily with a soft brush and water or denture cleaner, not toothpaste. Never use hot water, which can warp it.
At night
Take the denture out before bed to rest your gums, and keep it in water or cleaning solution so it does not dry out.
Repairs and relines
Gums and bone change over time, so dentures may need relining, repair or adjustment. Bring yours to your check-ups.
Cost of a digital denture
The digital full denture is priced per jaw and listed with the other dentures on our prices page. Dentures and other laboratory work have a 1-year warranty on the restoration, terms apply. Full payment is requested on the day of the impression.
Prices on our prices page are shown as ranges. Your final fee depends on what the examination finds, and may include additional items — such as a rubber dam or special materials — when your treatment needs them. Your dentist explains these before treatment.
Who treats you
Digital dentures are planned by dentists with postgraduate training in prosthodontics, the field of crowns, bridges and dentures.
Digital denture FAQs
What is a digital denture?
It is a removable full denture that is designed on a computer and milled from a solid block of denture material with CAD/CAM, instead of being set up in wax and processed by hand.
Is a digital denture better than a conventional denture?
Not for everyone. The two are made in different ways, and how a denture fits and feels also depends on your gums, bone and bite. Your dentist explains which option suits you.
How many visits does a digital denture need?
It depends on your mouth and on whether one or both jaws are treated. Your dentist gives you a visit plan after the examination. If you are traveling, tell us your dates when you book.
Can I have a digital partial denture?
The digital option on our prices page is for full dentures. If you still have some natural teeth, your dentist explains the partial denture options, such as a metal-framework or flexible denture.
Can a digital denture be adjusted or relined?
Like any denture, it is adjusted at follow-up visits if it rubs. Gums and bone change over time, so bring your denture to your check-ups and your dentist explains what it needs.
Can a spare or replacement digital denture be made?
Yes. The digital design file of your denture is kept, so a new or spare denture can be made from it if yours is lost or broken. Fees apply; ask us for the current fee.
How do I clean my dentures?
Rinse after meals and brush daily with a soft brush and water or denture cleaner, not toothpaste. Keep the denture in water or cleaning solution overnight, and never use hot water.
How much does a digital denture cost?
The digital full denture is priced per jaw and listed with the other dentures on our prices page. Your dentist confirms the fee after the examination.
Ask about digital dentures
Tell us whether you are missing all your teeth in one or both jaws, and whether you already wear a denture. A coordinator replies in English or Thai and books a time with a dentist. Open every day, 09:00–20:00 (Thailand time).
Or email us at [email protected]
Content reviewed by Dr. Pawak Tungthangthum — DDS, Chiang Mai University; Master's Degree in Esthetic Restorative and Implant Dentistry (International Program), Chulalongkorn University · Last reviewed