REPLACEMENT OF SUCCESSFUL FIXED IMPLANT PROSTHESES USING DUPLICATION TECHNIQUES

Replication of desirable design features of an existing implant prosth esis is often appropriate in the construction of a replacement that pr oduces the same spatial relationship to the supporting dental implants . An adaptation of a laboratory copy technique used in conventional co mplete denture prosthodontics is described. A silicone putty mold that enables the creation of the corresponding fit surface, polished surfa ce, and archform is used for making a transitional or a definitive com plete or partial fixed implant prosthesis. Variations using a basic re plication technique are appropriate in clinical practice for refabrica ting a prosthesis of a preferred design. The procedure is suitable for both acrylic resin-metal or metal ceramic restorations.