Carers · Denture scanning
Denture scanning
A digital record, in case dentures are lost.
Losing dentures is costly and distressing — and hard to put right for someone with dementia. A digital scan keeps a record, so a replica can be made quickly. Here is how a carer can arrange it.
How to get a scan
The simplest option is to take the denture to a dental practice and ask if they offer a scanning service — they’ll charge for it, but you’ll then have a digital record that can be reproduced if needed. Alternatively, some providers bring a mobile scanner to your care home and can scan both the resident’s teeth and their dentures.
These scanners do far more than replacement dentures — they open the door to spare or replica dentures, new partial dentures (including flexible or cosmetic ones), preventive trays, and even anti-snoring devices. In effect, the scan is a digital prescription of a denture the person is already comfortable with — far quicker and less disruptive than making a new one from scratch.
Who can do it
Dental nurses are now permitted to carry out intraoral scanning, and many modern scanners can help assess early decay too. A nurse can’t fit a denture, but the scan they take can be sent to a technician to design it digitally, then fitted by a dentist or clinical dental technician. To find a qualified clinical dental technician near you, see the BACDT directory.
Watch
See how quick it is
A short film showing how simple denture scanning is with today’s digital scanners.
Updating dentures
A modern approach to repairs
A dentist can modify and adjust existing dentures to improve comfort and fit. New dentures are usually needed every 5–10 years as gums shrink and teeth wear — but in a care home this can often be streamlined to just two visits.
Keep a digital record
A scan means a lost denture can be replaced quickly — protecting comfort and dignity.