C. Ercoli et al., ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR MAKING A METAL SUPRASTRUCTURE IN A MILLED BAR IMPLANT-SUPPORTED OVERDENTURE, The Journal of prosthetic dentistry, 80(2), 1998, pp. 253-258
The predictability of implant-supported prostheses has been establishe
d. Although the original Branematk design has been successfully used i
n the mandible, esthetic, speech, and hygiene-related problems have be
en reported in maxillary tired prostheses. Implant-overdentures can ov
ercome some of the problems encountered in maxillary fixed prostheses.
Milled-bar implant-supported overdentures fabricated by electric disc
harge machining are characterized by stability similar to a fixed pros
theses and are removable for hygiene procedures. However, the procedur
e is costly and requires highly trained technicians. An alternative pr
ocedure to produce an accurately fitting metal suprastructure is prese
nted. This procedure does not require additional technical skills and
uses instruments and materials that are readily available and relative
ly inexpensive. The use of simple and easy to replace attachments allo
ws repairs to be performed in the dental office, thus reducing mainten
ance cost. The overall result is a prosthesis that incorporates the fe
atures of a spark erosion overdenture at a fraction of the cost and th
at is available to a broader patient population.