Product Profile: Glidewell Simply Natural Partials

Product Profile:  The SLM method: A better fit for partial dentures
Producing partial dentures that fit comfortably in the patient’s mouth and spread occlusal forces in a physiological manner is a well-known challenge for dentists and technicians alike. Fortunately, recent advancements in laboratory technology at Glidewell Labs have made the production of partial frameworks more accurate, leading to greater patient comfort and shorter seating times.

Key among these advancements is a process called selective laser melting (SLM) that combines digital design and 3D printing for a level of predictability that was never before achievable. This advanced method builds up the metal support frameworks layer by layer. The result of this technique is a chrome-cobalt alloy that is much denser than traditional casting methods. Additionally, the SLM method eliminates the need for a manual wax-up and the creation of a refractory model. Instead, after the initial model is poured and scanned, the data is sent to a CAD designer who designs the framework using custom software.

“The SLM process reduces defects while increasing precision for more durable and accurate partial frameworks—one layer at a time,” said Steven Laguna, general manager of Glidewell Labs’ Combo/Partials laboratory department. “The final product is a partial denture that is thinner, stronger and better adapts to the patient.”


For more information, visit glidewell.com.
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