The 2-visit CAD-CAM implant-retained overdenture: a clinical report

Recently, computer-aided technology has become commercially available in the United States for fabrication of complete dentures. Manufacturers offering this technology require exclusive clinical and laboratory protocols that sharply contrast with the traditional paradigms of complete denture therapy. These protocols allow fabrication of complete dentures in only 2 clinical appointments. Currently, there are no clinical reports in the scientific literature describing the use of this technology for overdentures. This article describes the successful use of computer aided design-computer aided machining (CAD-CAM) technology for prosthodontic phase of fabrication of a mandibular implant-retained overdenture in only 2 clinical appointments. A discussion of the techniques, rationale, indications, advantages, and disadvantages of using CAD-CAM technology for complete dentures and overdentures are described in this article.