Expert Education Mexico: Digital Dentures Live On Patient - Antonello Croce and Dr. Jorge Montes In Action

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Antonello Croce and Dr. Jorge Montes De Oca successfully led a live digital dentures course in Mexico, transforming traditional dental practices.

Transforming Denture Practices: A Successful Live Course in Mexico with Antonello Croce and Dr. Jorge Montes De Oca

Metadac is thrilled to highlight a groundbreaking collaboration between Antonello Croce and Dr. Jorge Montes De Oca in Mexico. Dr. Montes De Oca, the visionary behind “Filosofia Total,” has long been committed to advancing traditional denture techniques across the country. Recognizing the evolving landscape of digital dentistry, he invited Antonello Croce to Mexico to lead a specialized course focused exclusively on digital dentures. This strategic shift from conventional methods to digital solutions signifies a major leap forward in dental practice, enhancing precision, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

The three-day live course was meticulously designed to bridge the gap between traditional techniques and cutting-edge digital technologies. Participants from both Mexico and Colombia immersed themselves in hands-on training, gaining invaluable insights into the digital workflow from impression to final delivery. The integration of digital tools not only streamlined the denture-making process but also opened new avenues for innovation and excellence in patient care.

A Blend of Education and Culture

The three-day course led by Antonello Croce was more than just an educational experience—it was a vibrant cultural immersion. Dr. Montes De Oca organized an unforgettable balloon tour, giving participants a unique perspective of Mexico’s stunning landscapes. These excursions provided a perfect balance to the intensive learning sessions, allowing students to relax and connect outside the classroom.

Evenings were filled with the lively rhythms of Spanish Latino music, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere that fostered camaraderie among the attendees. Students from Colombia and other parts of Mexico enjoyed these social gatherings, which enriched their overall experience and strengthened professional networks.

Antonello Croce ensured that the course was not only informative but also enjoyable. His approachability and knack for integrating fun activities into the curriculum made the learning process dynamic and memorable. By blending high-level dental training with cultural experiences, the course offered a holistic environment where participants could thrive both professionally and personally.

Action: From Impressions to Delivery

The first day of the course marked the beginning of an exciting journey, as participants could see the workflow working on a live patient from impression to final delivery. Dr. Jorge Montes De Oca initiated the session by taking the initial impressions using traditional techniques, a method that has been the foundation of dentures. This hands-on approach allowed students to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship involved in traditional denture making.

Once the traditional impressions were obtained, the next step was to scan them. Utilizing intraoral scanner, the team meticulously digitalized everything, transforming the conventional impressions into precise digital models. This seamless transition from physical to digital was crucial in demonstrating how traditional techniques can be enhanced with modern technology.

A key highlight of Day 1 was the capture of the preliminary Occlusal Vertical Dimension (OVD) using silicone. Taking the preliminary OVD in silicone provided a reliable reference point that facilitated the alignment of the impressions within the digital workflow. By establishing a preliminary centric position in the digital model, the team ensured that the subsequent steps would maintain the patient’s natural bite and facial aesthetics.

The advantage of incorporating a preliminary OVD lies in its ability to enhance accuracy and efficiency. With the OVD data integrated into the digital system, participants could directly proceed to design the first monoblock and setting up the teeth digitally. This approach minimized the margin for error and significantly reduced the time traditionally required for manual adjustments.

Throughout the day, Antonello Croce guided the participants through each step, emphasizing the importance of precision and attention to detail.

Software Training and Hands-On Practice

A pivotal component of the course was the comprehensive software training, where participants delved into the powerful tools essential for modern digital denture fabrication. The primary software utilized during the course were Blender for Dental® and Ruthinium Denture Guide®, both of which play crucial roles in transforming traditional denture techniques into efficient digital workflows.

From the outset, all participants were provided with demo software, ensuring that everyone had hands-on access to the tools needed to master digital denture design. Under the expert guidance of Antonello Croce, attendees engaged in practical exercises that emphasized the seamless integration of these technologies into their practices.

Using Blender for Dental, participants learned how to edit the scan and align the mesh accurately. Antonello demonstrated how to manipulate the digital impressions, allowing for precise adjustments and enhancements that are often time-consuming with traditional methods.

Following the initial editing phase, the course transitioned to the Ruthinium Denture Guide. This advanced tool enabled participants to set up the teeth digitally, streamlining the design process and reducing the potential for human error. Antonello provided step-by-step instructions, allowing each participant to practice directly on their laptops.

Innovative Workflow with Monoblock Dentures

One of the standout innovations introduced during the course was the use of preliminary monoblock dentures instead of traditional biterims. This modern approach leverages the power of digital technology to enhance both the efficiency and quality of denture fabrication. Instead of printing the final denture or using biterimes, participants were guided through the process of printing a monoblock of dentures using a state-of-the-art 3D printing machine.

This monoblock is used for the first try-in, allowing both the dentist and the patient to assess the fit and aesthetics before any permanent adjustments are made. The try-in of the monoblock was fantastic, showcasing the seamless integration of digital with traditional.

During the second appointment, second impressions and an aesthetic check are conducted to fine-tune the OVD, ensuring the dentures they meet the patient’s expectations for comfort and appearance. This iterative process significantly reduces the need for multiple adjustments typically required with traditional methods. Students were surprised by the impressive results and the patient’s radiant smile, highlighting the effectiveness of this innovative workflow.

During the course, Dr. Jorge Montes De Oca showcased the integration of impression of the tongue and the external Gothic arch technique, adding depth and precision to the digital workflow. These advanced methods are pivotal in capturing comprehensive data, ensuring that every aspect of the patient’s oral anatomy is accurately represented in the digital model.

Capturing Patient Data and Digital Preview

A critical aspect of the course was mastering the art of capturing patient data with the latest tool, which is essential for creating precise and personalized dentures. Under Antonello Croce’s expert guidance, participants learned how to take pictures and face scans using an iPhone.

Participants were instructed on capturing high-quality photos of the patient with an intraoral retractor and a natural smile. These images provided valuable visual data that, when combined with digital scans, created a holistic view of the patient’s oral anatomy. Antonello emphasized the importance of meticulous data collection, ensuring that every detail was accurately recorded to facilitate seamless denture design.

Once the photos and scans were obtained, the next step involved utilizing the Ruthinium Digital Preview software. This powerful tool enabled participants to check information and correct mistakes early in the workflow. By focusing on critical elements such as the midline of the patient and the occlusal plane, the software allowed for precise adjustments that are vital for achieving optimal denture fit and aesthetics.

During the session, users practiced on their laptops, applying the techniques they had learned to real-time cases. This hands-on practice with the Ruthinium Digital Preview software ensured that each participant could confidently navigate the platform, identify potential issues, and make necessary corrections. The ability to check and adjust the midline and occlusal plane digitally not only enhanced the accuracy of the dentures but also significantly reduced the time required for unexpected revisions.

Designing and Producing the Final Denture

With the comprehensive patient data captured and meticulously reviewed, the next phase involved designing the final denture using Denture Guide® software from Ruthinium®. Participants were guided through the intricate process of setting up teeth for the final denture, ensuring each placement was both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.

Following successful try-ins and previews, which confirmed the fit and visual appeal of the monoblock dentures, the team made the decision to proceed with final delivery. The dentures were then printed using the AcryPrint 3D Denture HI resin from Ruthinium and 3D printing device renowned for its accuracy and high-quality output. To complete the process, Ruthinium AcrySmart Digital artificial teeth were integrated into the printed dentures. Utilizing Ruthinium’s patented Denture Guide system, the artificial teeth were easily and securely glued, ensuring durability and a natural appearance.

The Gluing Process and Finalization

A crucial step in the denture fabrication process is the seamless integration of Ruthinium’s patented Denture Guide system, which simplifies the gluing of artificial teeth. During the course, Antonello Croce demonstrated this process live, showcasing how easily and efficiently the artificial teeth can be affixed to the printed dentures. This hands-on demonstration allowed participants to witness firsthand the precision and reliability of Ruthinium’s innovative system, ensuring a secure and natural-looking fit.

Once the dentures were designed, printed and glued, the focus shifted to the finalization and polishing of the dentures.

The finalization phase was conducted with similar processing of traditional method with some tips and tricks that are necessary for the digital denture workflow.

Success and Feedback

The course concluded on a high note, with the patient being exceptionally happy to receive the new dentures. This positive outcome was a testament to the meticulous training and innovative techniques taught throughout the three days. Students participated in this high-level course with enthusiasm, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in digital denture fabrication. The outcome showed to students the profound impact of integrating digital technologies into traditional practices, enhancing both precision and patient satisfaction. Metadac’s expertise in digital dentures was clearly demonstrated, empowering dental professionals to elevate their practices and deliver superior, customized care with confidence.

The three-day live course on patient care was a truly transformative experience, seamlessly blending hands-on practice with cutting-edge technology. Participants worked on the software, mastering digital denture techniques that promise to enhance their practices.

Metadac continues to lead the way in revolutionizing dental practices with digital solutions, empowering professionals to deliver superior, customized care and stay ahead in the evolving dental landscape.