The Value of a Digitally Focused “Reference Denture” Technique
Written by Eric Kukucka, DD | Featured in DentalTown, June 2021
In dental prosthetic treatment therapy, the best way to begin is with the end in mind.
The first of several hurdles you may face when addressing a removable prosthodontics case is lack of knowledge, experience or vetted resources that provide reliable information or training. Often, clinicians in this situation have no information at all, and patients have difficulty providing useful, repeatable information to move the case forward. Of course, clinicians experience fear of the unknown as well; many dental health professionals shy away from conducting removable prosthodontics treatment because of all these elements. In many cases, they simply lack confidence in their ability to deliver a truly optimal product that meets and exceeds their patients’ expectations.
This is a reasonable and predictable reaction; indeed, it would not be prudent to venture into a field of care in which a clinician or technician is not confident. As a clinician, attempting to re-create an existing prosthesis with precision and predictability, and to effectively repeat an original, potentially decades-old outcome that the patient finds agreeable can be difficult. This task is challenging in both analog and digital workflows, but from the cases I have studied and undertaken, it can be a more predictable experience using digital denture technology…
To read more, check out the full article at dentaltown.com
About the Author
President of The Denture Center
Practicing denturist and alpha and beta tester for major industry development in digital denture technology
Key opinion leader for Ivoclar Vivadent, 3Shape, Nobel Biocare
Member of 3shape Advisory Board, Copenhagen
Prominent sales strategist and advocate for marketing best practices
In 2014, became the denturist in North America beta testing digital dentures for Ivoclar Vivadent
Has given over 62 keynote/virtual presentations in 9 countries and two languages and has authored over 26 published articles, and will be coauthoring a book scheduled for release in 2022.
Alumnus of George Brown College of Applied Arts & Technology, Dean’s Honor List, Valedictorian
Member of the Denturist Association of Canada’s Digital Denture Task Force
Member of Digital Denture Craftsmen
Faculty Member, Digital Dentistry Institute
Chark Education Sleep Technology Certification
Dr. Abe SEMCD, 32nd Global Instructor
In addition to extolling the benefits and merits of digital denture technology and life changing prosthetic treatment modalities, Eric is active in the Windsor Essex Community Foundation Inspiration 100, a committee of philanthropists dedicated to raising funds for charitable causes. He is also a patron of Special Olympics Ontario. Eric currently resides in Windsor, Ontario.