Complete denture digital workflow: Combining basic principles with a CAD-CAM approach

Abstract

This report describes a digital workflow for the fabrication of a complete maxillary denture opposing an implant-retained overdenture. This procedure provides a predictable and accurate 3-visit technique to digitally scan and articulate edentulous ridges, avoiding the discomfort associated with analog impression making. Wax rims were applied to intraorally relined plastic edentulous stock trays. The occlusal relationship was registered at the appropriate vertical dimension of occlusion by using these tray and rim assemblies. The digital laboratory scanning of the relined tray and rim assemblies resulted in accurate virtual articulation of the digital edentulous intraoral scans. The removable restorations were digitally designed, milled, and delivered, and the clinical and laboratory steps are described.