ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR MAKING A METAL SUPRASTRUCTURE IN A MILLED BAR IMPLANT-SUPPORTED OVERDENTURE

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.