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Obtaining Accurate Occlusal Records in
Kennedy Class I and Class II Implant Cases
by
Bradley C. Bockhorst, DMD
One of the challenges when restoring distal free-end
cases, also referred to as Kennedy Class I and Class
II cases, is obtaining accurate occlusal records.
Clinicians will typically use bite registration material
between the remaining teeth or attempt to inject enough
bite registration material to fill the edentulous space. This
may not be adequate to obtain an accurate articulation,
however. In these situations, utilizing a simple bite block
while obtaining occlusal records can be a tremendous help.
The result of inaccurate records is that the case is then
articulated incorrectly. This further compounds the occlusal
discrepancies in the final prosthesis. To minimize this
potential occlusal anomaly, an occlusal verification jig can be
fabricated by the laboratory. To fabricate the jig, an implantlevel
impression, bite registration, and opposing model or
impression are made and forwarded to the laboratory.
LABORATORY PROCEDURE
A soft tissue model is poured and the case articulated.
Inclusive ® Custom Implant Abutments are fabricated and
mounted on the implant analogs. An acrylic custom jig is
fabricated to seat securely over the abutments and extended
to function as an occlusal index. This appliance is then sent
to the clinician’s office.
Clinical Procedure
When the patient returns for their CR/VDO (centric relation/
vertical dimension of occlusion) record verification, the
abutments are mounted on the implants and the abutment
screws tightened (Figs. 1a, 1b). The occlusal verification
jigs are then seated on the abutments (Fig. 2), and the bite
is checked.
1a
1b 2
Figures 1a, 1b: Abutments mounted on implants
Figure 2: Jigs seated on the abutments
– Clinical Tip: Obtaining Accurate Occlusal Records in Kennedy Class I and Class II Implant Cases – 49