Alternative procedure for making a metal suprastructure in a milled bar implant-supported overdenture

The predictability of implant-supported prostheses has been established. Although the original Brånemark design has been successfully used in the mandible, esthetic, speech, and hygiene-related problems have been reported in maxillary fixed prostheses. Implant-overdentures can overcome some of the problems encountered in maxillary fixed prostheses. Milled-bar implant-supported overdentures fabricated by electric discharge machining are characterized by stability similar to a fixed prostheses and are removable for hygiene procedures. However, the procedure is costly and requires highly trained technicians. An alternative procedure to produce an accurately fitting metal suprastructure is presented. This procedure does not require additional technical skills and uses instruments and materials that are readily available and relatively inexpensive. The use of simple and easy to replace attachments allows repairs to be performed in the dental office, thus reducing maintenance cost. The overall result is a prosthesis that incorporates the features of a spark erosion overdenture at a fraction of the cost and that is available to a broader patient population.