Premium
Restoring the Edentulous Maxilla Using an Implant‐Supported, Matrix‐Assisted Secondary Casting
Author(s) -
Finley Jon M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of prosthodontics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.902
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1532-849X
pISSN - 1059-941X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-849x.1998.tb00174.x
Subject(s) - maxilla , implant , dentistry , orthodontics , materials science , matrix (chemical analysis) , medicine , composite material , surgery
The selection of appropriate implant treatment modalities for the edentulous maxillary arch is complex. Although many patients are candidates for an implant‐supported removable prosthesis, two major considerations affecting choice of treatment type are the amount of residual alveolar bone and soft tissue, and cost. A technique is described that employs a cast milled primary bar and a secondary casting constructed using a vacuum‐formed 0.040‐in plastic matrix. The secondary casting is intimately adapted to the primary bar and incorporates the retentive elements within it. The resulting prosthesis is less expensive than comparable designs, and retentive elements are easily replaceable. The technique is adaptable to most implant systems. The matrix‐assisted secondary casting technique provides a design that is esthetic and hygienic. The prosthesis may also be easier to insert and remove than implant‐supported removable prostheses that use plunger‐ or latch‐type retention.