Expedited Digital-Analog Hybrid Method to Fabricate a 3D-Printed Implant Overdenture

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Digital Dentistry

Background:

• Conventional methods for fabricating implant overdentures can be time-consuming and technique-sensitive.
• The integration of digital technologies offers potential for improved efficiency and precision in prosthodontics.
• Interim prostheses provide immediate function but often require conversion or replacement for long-term use.

Observation:

• A patient received two dental implants and an interim complete denture with a soft reline.
• Following osseointegration, a functionally generated reline impression was obtained.
• An intraoral scanner captured a 360-degree optical scan of the relined interim prosthesis.

Findings:

• A novel technique was employed to convert the interim mandibular prosthesis into a definitive implant overdenture.
• The conversion involved digital design based on the optical scan and additive manufacturing.
• Intraoral pick-up of housings resulted in a precise implant-retained overdenture.

Implications:

• This digital workflow streamlines the conversion of interim dentures to implant overdentures.
• Additive manufacturing offers a viable method for producing patient-specific implant prostheses.
• The described technique presents a potentially more efficient and accurate approach to implant prosthodontics.