5 Tips for Better Digital Denture Scans

Jul 20

Digital dentistry continues to transform removable prosthetics, making it easier than ever to communicate with your dental laboratory. However, even the most advanced intraoral scanner relies on one thing: a high-quality scan.

A complete, accurate scan helps your lab design a more predictable restoration, reduces the need for rescans, and keeps your case moving efficiently.

Here are five simple tips that can improve your next digital denture case.

1. Capture the Entire Vestibule

One of the most common reasons a digital denture scan needs to be repeated is incomplete border capture.

Be sure to scan the full vestibular depth, including the buccal and labial extensions. These landmarks provide important information for designing a well-fitting denture.

Tip: Before submitting your scan, rotate the digital model to confirm there are no missing border areas.

2. Retract Soft Tissue for Better Detail

Soft tissue can easily block important anatomy during scanning.

Using gentle retraction helps expose the vestibule and improves the accuracy of the final digital impression.

Taking a few extra seconds during scanning can save time later in the process.

3. Scan Slowly and Follow a Consistent Pattern

Moving the scanner too quickly or changing directions frequently can cause stitching errors.

A slow, deliberate scanning pattern helps produce a more complete digital model and reduces the likelihood of missing data.

Consistency is often more important than speed.

4. Review the Scan Before Sending

Before clicking "Submit," take a moment to inspect the completed scan.

Look for:

Missing anatomy
Holes or voids
Distorted areas
Incomplete vestibular borders

Finding these issues before submission can prevent unnecessary delays.

5. Include Supporting Information

A digital scan provides excellent anatomical detail, but additional records can help your laboratory deliver an even better result.

Consider including:

A full-smile photograph
Bite registration
Shade selection
Notes about esthetic preferences or previous dentures
Any special patient concerns

These details give your lab valuable clinical context during the design process.

Better Scans Lead to Better Outcomes

A successful digital denture case starts long before fabrication begins. High-quality scans combined with clear communication help create more predictable results, reduce delays, and improve the experience for both the practice and the patient.

At Burch Dental Solutions, we work closely with dentists to ensure every digital denture case gets off to the best possible start. If you have questions about your scanner, scanning protocol, or a challenging removable case, our team is always happy to help.