1. Higher Accuracy for Fixed Restorations

Crowns and bridges require precise marginal fit to prevent microleakage and secondary decay. Digital scans capture fine details better than conventional impressions, reducing remakes and adjustments.

2. Faster Turnaround Time

With digital scans, labs receive files instantly, eliminating shipping delays for physical impressions. This speeds up production, making same-day crowns (e.g., CEREC) possible.

3. Improved Patient Comfort

Many patients dislike traditional impression materials (e.g., gag reflex with trays). Scanning is quicker, more comfortable, and avoids messy materials.

4. Better Integration with CAD/CAM Systems

Most milling systems are optimized for digital crown & bridge designs, making scans the logical choice. Removable prosthetics, however, often require additional analog steps.

Why Removable Prosthetics Lag Behind in Digital Adoption

1. Complexity of Soft Tissue Capture

Dentures require accurate soft tissue and functional bite records, which are harder to capture digitally than static tooth preparations.

2. Material Limitations

Traditional denture processing (e.g., acrylic processing) still relies on physical models for flasking and curing, though 3D-printed dentures are gaining traction.

3. Higher Chairside Adjustments Needed

Removables often need multiple fittings and adjustments, making initial digital scans less definitive than for fixed prosthetics.

4. Cost & Workflow Barriers

While digital dentures are emerging, many labs and clinics still use conventional workflows due to equipment costs and training requirements.

The Future: Will Removable Prosthetics Catch Up?

With advancements in 3D printing, AI-driven design, and better intraoral scanning for soft tissues, digital workflows for dentures are improving. However, for now, crown and bridge cases remain the primary focus of digital scanning adoption due to their precision and efficiency benefits.

Digital scans dominate crown and bridge cases because they offer greater accuracy, speed, and patient comfort compared to traditional methods. While removable prosthetics are gradually embracing digital dentistry, challenges in soft tissue capture, material processing, and workflow integration keep them lagging behind.