Solid index and reverse implant library for the fabrication of a bar for overdenture: a proof of concept.

OBJECTIVES

To present a solid index (SI), a 3D-printed replica of a patient's preexisting complete denture, which allows the dentist to accurately capture the position of the implants and the dental technician to model a bar for overdenture (OD) in CAD software with the use of reverse implant libraries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A patient in need of rehabilitation of a fully edentulous mandible was restored with an implant OD supported by a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) milled bar. The position of the implants was captured through a physical impression using an SI, with the transfers screwed in. The analogs were then connected, and the SI was scanned upside down to directly capture the position of the implants in the space. This scan was used to design the bar in CAD software using reverse implant libraries, without the need for pouring any SI-derived cast or for using any scanbody. The bar was milled in PEEK.

RESULTS

When delivered to the patient, the bar was clinically precise, screwing perfectly onto the implants without any tension or misfit.

CONCLUSIONS

The present proof-of-concept article supports the use of an SI and reverse implant libraries for the fabrication of a bar for OD. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these results.