Comparison of impression techniques for a five-implant mandibular model.

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials engineering

Background:

• Achieving passive fit in implant-supported dental frameworks is critical for long-term success.
• Processing errors during impression and cast fabrication can compromise framework fit.
• Understanding the accuracy of different transfer coping techniques is essential for clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of working casts fabricated using direct versus indirect transfer coping techniques.
• To evaluate potential differences in cast accuracy influenced by the chosen impression transfer method.
• To identify the optimal technique for producing accurate casts for implant prosthetics.

Main Methods:

• A five-implant mandibular model was utilized for cast fabrication.
• Working casts were produced using both indirect and direct transfer coping methods.
• Accuracy was assessed by fitting a dental cast framework to a master cast and measuring inter-implant distances.

Main Results:

• The direct transfer coping technique resulted in significantly more accurate working casts.
• The indirect technique showed greater deviations from the master cast measurements.
• Specific clinical situations may favor one technique over the other due to potential impression distortion.

Conclusions:

• The direct transfer coping technique is recommended for fabricating more accurate dental working casts in the tested model.
• Clinicians should consider the potential for impression distortion when selecting a transfer coping method.
• Accurate cast fabrication is paramount for ensuring passive fit and successful implant restorations.