Subject(s)
Dental Veneers , Esthetics, Dental , Tooth Movement Techniques/methods , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Care Planning , Patient SatisfactionABSTRACT
The introduction 7 years ago of specially coded healing abutments dramatically simplified the task of obtaining implant impressions. Such coded abutments eliminated the need for impression copings, instead enabling supragingival impressions to be made and sent to the laboratory for fabrication of patient-specific abutments and restorations. Combining this technology with digital oral scanning has the potential to further simplify the time between impression-making and delivery of a definitive restoration, and it offers additional benefits to both patients and clinicians. This article explains how oral scanners can be used to obtain digital impressions of encoded healing abutments. A case report illustrating this approach is also presented.
Subject(s)
Computer-Aided Design , Dental Implantation, Endosseous/methods , Dental Implants, Single-Tooth , Dental Impression Technique/instrumentation , Dental Prosthesis Design/instrumentation , Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported , Adult , Bicuspid , Dental Abutments , Dental Implantation, Endosseous/instrumentation , Female , Humans , Maxilla , Models, Dental , Oral Surgical Procedures, Preprosthetic/instrumentation , Oral Surgical Procedures, Preprosthetic/methods , Radiography, Dental, Digital , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Accurate communication among the patient, clinician, and laboratory technician is critical to the development of a functional, aesthetic restoration. The use of pressed ceramic restorations has provided a durable, consistent alternative for full-coverage crowns, veneers, onlays, and short-span fixed partial dentures. This article discusses the importance of proper ingot selection in the fabrication of aesthetic restorations and in the realization of patients' expectations for smile design. Ceramic ingots are available in a variety of colors and opacities that provide the clinician and laboratory technician with the latitude to select an ingot that will ultimately ensure patient satisfaction.
