Automated vector analysis to design implant-supported prostheses: A dental technique.

The prosthesis loading force is an important factor for dental implant survival. Even if adequate osseointegration of the dental implant has been achieved, if the occlusal forces are not correctly distributed, lateral torque can be generated causing high stress on surrounding tissues. The stress value of implant prostheses could be different whether the direction of load is vertical or oblique, affected by the shape of the occlusal surface. When an implant-supported prosthesis is designed with a dental computer-aided design software program, the average vectors from each occlusal contact point can be visualized. If the visualized vector generates lateral torque, the occlusal surface design can be modified before finalizing the design. The described technique uses automated vector analysis to enable visualization of the occlusal vector to improve prosthesis design, optimizing occlusal forces.