Dual-arch impressions

All dual-arch impression techniques utilize special stock impression trays of various designs. These trays are made of flexible plastic with fabric or mesh material placed across the occlusal surfaces of the teeth connecting their buccal and lingual flanges. The presence of this material will result in errors by (1) not allowing complete intercuspation during impression-taking; (2) producing incorrect recording of centric occlusion; and (3) because of the elastic memory of the tray/fabric, creating distortion of the elastic impression material. An impression technique is presented which provides a simple and effective method of obtaining dual-arch impressions for single restorations, post and cores, and small bridges. This technique obivates the need for impression trays thus eliminating the errors outlined.