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Interview with Dr Víctor Gil: Optima, a New Approach to Removable Prosthodontics

Digitalisation is transforming dental practice and creating new opportunities to deliver more efficient, predictable treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. In the field of removable prosthodontics, Optima offers a solution based on a simple, structured digital protocol, designed to facilitate the clinician’s work while improving the patient’s clinical experience.

To explore its possibilities first-hand, we interviewed Dr Víctor Gil, professor at the International University of Catalonia, who shared his experience using Optima and explained the value it brings to his clinical practice.

A Predictable Solution for the Rehabilitation of Edentulous Patients

Dr Víctor Gil describes Optima as a removable solution designed for the rehabilitation of edentulous patients through a process that is straightforward, predictable and technically accessible.

One of the aspects he values most is the organisation of the protocol. Compared with some of the challenges associated with traditional procedures, Optima provides a structured methodology that helps clinicians follow clearly defined steps throughout the treatment.

“It is a very structured and straightforward protocol. Optima helps us achieve predictable results in a relatively simple way.”

This standardisation not only simplifies the treatment process but also provides greater confidence and reassurance throughout the clinical workflow.

Integrating the Digital Workflow

The introduction of digital workflows into his daily practice was the main reason Dr Gil decided to start working with Optima. The solution is designed to integrate into a digital environment and reduce the complexity of specific stages of treatment.

This approach is particularly relevant to the patient profile he regularly treats: older adults, frail or medically compromised patients, and people with limited mobility.

In these cases, being able to digitalise much of the procedure helps simplify appointments and reduce the burden of repeated visits to the dental practice.

“Being able to carry out impressions and appointments using an almost entirely digital approach provides value both for me and for my patients.”

Standardised Processes and Fewer Clinical Appointments

Among Optima’s main benefits, Dr Gil highlights three key elements: standardised processes, a straightforward protocol and fewer appointments.

He explains that certain treatments can be completed in two or three visits. This represents a significant improvement compared with procedures that may require six, eight or even nine appointments, including follow-up visits and subsequent adjustments.

Reducing the number of appointments is especially valuable for:

• Older patients.
• People with reduced mobility.
• Medically compromised patients.
• Patients who depend on relatives or carers to attend appointments.
• Patients who live far from the dental practice.
• Cases in which streamlining the prosthetic process is a priority.

A digital workflow also makes it easier to modify, reproduce or manufacture a second prosthesis. The information recorded during the original treatment can simplify these processes and reduce the time required to produce a replacement or duplicate solution.

A Clinical Experience Focused on the Patient

Beyond efficiency, Optima aims to help improve the patient’s overall treatment experience.

Dr Gil particularly remembers his first case with the solution: a patient with an edentulous upper jaw who wore a conventional complete denture but was unable to tolerate it properly. The prosthesis caused nausea and lacked adequate retention and stability.

The Optima treatment was completed over three appointments: an initial impression stage, a second visit to record the jaw relationship using a Gothic arch tracing, and a third appointment to fit the prosthesis.

The patient’s response was extremely positive. She immediately noticed a significant difference compared with her previous denture. At the follow-up appointment one week later, she reported a considerable improvement in her daily life.

“The patient was smiling and said that it was completely different from anything she had worn before. She had regained her quality of life.”

For Dr Gil, this case summarises one of the primary objectives of prosthetic rehabilitation: helping patients regain comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Innovation in Design, Manufacturing and Materials

The continued development of materials and manufacturing technologies was another key topic discussed during the interview.

Dr Gil believes it is essential for a prosthetic solution to remain at the forefront of both design and production. He also emphasises the importance of evaluating and validating materials before incorporating them into the production workflow.

For the clinician, this commitment to research, validation and continuous improvement provides reassurance:

“All this development gives me confidence that the product I am placing in the patient’s mouth is a good product and will provide reliable long-term performance.”

Innovation, therefore, is not simply about introducing new tools. It involves developing a coherent system in which digital design, libraries, materials and manufacturing processes work together seamlessly.

The Importance of Collaboration with Universities

Collaboration between companies, clinicians and universities plays an essential role in generating knowledge and scientific evidence.

According to Dr Gil, the involvement of academic institutions makes it possible to assess solutions from a critical perspective, measure their advantages and potential limitations, and determine whether procedures genuinely meet clinical expectations and needs.

This collaboration helps validate new techniques and supports evidence-based decision-making—an especially important consideration in a context of continuous technological innovation.

“Scientific evidence is what we need to determine whether a procedure, technique or product truly meets expectations.”

Why Incorporate Optima into Clinical Practice?

Dr Gil has a straightforward recommendation for professionals considering Optima: try the protocol.

Optima is not limited to a single indication. Instead, it offers a structured way to approach different types of removable prosthetic treatment, including:

• Complete dentures.
• Partial dentures.
• Overdentures.

Its approach is based on an organised, fluid and predictable process, with the aim of facilitating the integration of digital workflows into clinical practice.

“Rather than giving them advice, I would simply tell them to try it. It is a new way of producing removable prostheses: structured, straightforward and predictable.”

The Future of Removable Prosthodontics Will Be More Digital, Personalised and Efficient

The progressive ageing of the population presents new challenges for dental professionals. It will become increasingly necessary to deliver treatments adapted to older patients, people with complex clinical needs and those who may find it difficult to attend multiple appointments.

To meet these challenges, Dr Gil believes treatments will need to become more personalised, digital and efficient. These are precisely the three areas in which Optima can provide particularly significant value.

When asked to summarise his experience with the solution, Dr Gil chose two words: confidence and reassurance.

“When I produce an Optima prosthesis, I have the reassurance and confidence that the result will be good—and that the patient will have an excellent experience.”

This statement reflects Optima’s purpose: to simplify the clinical process, provide predictability for the professional and help patients regain their quality of life.