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Digital Beading for a CAD/CAM Framework for an Implant-Supported Overdenture

Now online in the Journal of Prosthodontics, a new technique article co-authored by ACP members, Majed S. Altoman, BDS, MS, FRCDC, FACP, Mohammed A. Alfaifi, BDS, MS, FRCDC, FACP, and Mathew T. Kattadiyil, BDS, MDS, MS, FACP.

The traditional analog technique of making bead lines for a metal superstructure framework for a maxillary implant-supported overdenture is created by scribing shallow grooves on the surface of a definitive gypsum cast. This report describes a digital technique that uses CAD/CAM technology to make dental bead lines on an intraoral impression without using the gypsum cast.

The main benefits of this digital workflow are that all the essential data for the fabrication of a CAD/CAM printed metal superstructure framework is acquired from the STL files without utilizing the physical gypsum casts to perform the bead lines. It requires fewer patient visits, and the digital files permit easy duplication for remakes, if needed.

A technical limitation can be the dynamic capture of soft tissue extension that may not be registered as in a conventional impression technique. This technique overcame this limitation by fully retracting the soft tissue (cheeks and lips) during the scanning while acquiring an overextended digital impression.

Clinicians and dental technicians will need training and experience to become competent with the software needed for a successful outcome using this digital technique.

Altoman, MS, Gadah, TS, Alfaifi, MA, Kattadiyil, MT. Digital beading for a CAD/CAM framework for an implant-supported overdenture: A dental technique. J Prosthodont. 2023; 1– 4. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.13695

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