An Analog Intermezzo in a Digital Workflow

Digital dental technology has revolutionized the workflows in the dental laboratory and clinical environment. Although the novelty of digital dentistry can be alluring, clinicians should bear in mind that the overall outcome is what matters most rather than the path taken to achieve that outcome. Combining analog and digital pathways can serve to amplify each one and thus enhance the result. This article presents two case examples where an analog excursion in an otherwise digital workflow saved time and reduced cost compared to a dogmatic digital approach. In one case, an alternative workflow is presented to produce implant fixed complete dentures, and in the other case composite was used to generate the pink esthetic component for a complete denture, which could be fixed or removable.