PDF Version - Glidewell Dental Labs
PDF Version - Glidewell Dental Labs
PDF Version - Glidewell Dental Labs
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Impression errors are especially important to avoid when<br />
dealing with multiple-unit impressions because any mistakes<br />
will be multiplied across the entire length of the bridge.<br />
Figure 13: I thought we had seen it all when it comes to impressions, but<br />
this may be a first. It’s a 3-unit bridge impression on the lower, but the dentist<br />
took what looks like a half-arch impression with a full-arch tray. There<br />
is also some material placed on the other side of the tray to impress two<br />
molars and a bicuspid. Was this done purposely?<br />
Figure 14: Apparently, this was done intentionally. Even on the opposing<br />
model the doctor put a large amount of impression material on the side<br />
opposing the bridge — impressive! He then put some material on the other<br />
side to impress four additional teeth. How much money did the dentist<br />
save by not impressing that lateral and cuspid? Twelve cents? Pouring<br />
these impressions is going be a challenge and make excursions tougher<br />
to accurately replicate.<br />
Conclusion<br />
Using a double-arch tray looks so easy and seems so<br />
tempting when taking an impression on just one side of the<br />
mouth, but it very rarely makes for an accurate multiple-unit<br />
impression. Impression errors are especially important to<br />
avoid when dealing with multiple-unit impressions because<br />
any mistakes will be multiplied across the entire length of<br />
the bridge. Even if the bridge still fits the patient’s teeth,<br />
the bite will likely be off, which does not make for a happy<br />
patient. For any bridge case like this, you, the lab and your<br />
patient will be better served if you use a full-arch lower<br />
impression tray and a full-arch upper impression tray, as<br />
well as a bite registration between the opposing teeth and<br />
the preps. CM<br />
How to Watch<br />
To view past and current<br />
episodes visit<br />
www.chairsidelive.com.<br />
Also available on iTunes and YouTube.<br />
For clinical technique tips on taking a bridge impression, watch “Chairside Live<br />
Episode 36: The Do’s and Don’ts of Taking an Impression for a Bridge.”<br />
42 www.chairsidemagazine.com