Attachment-retained restorations

BALL ATTACHMENT-RETAINED OVERDENTUREConverting an existing denture with lab supportConverting an existing denturewith lab supportPlacing the Ball Abutment Pick-upFirmly attach the Ball Abutment Pick-ups and check toensure that they are securely in place. The pick-upsshould have a stable friction retention.CLINICAL PROCEDUREMarking and reamingMark the top of the pick-up using articulating paper,denture pencil, etc. Place the existing denture overthe Ball Abutment Pick-ups and remove. A landmarkwill now be visible on the denture.Use an acrylic laboratory burr to relieve the denturebase in the indicated areas. Ream enough roomto accommodate passive fit when seated over theBall Abutment Pick-up. It is essential to have enoughspace around the copings to achieve good retentionwithin the impression material.Impression-takingTake an impression using an elastomeric impressionmaterial. Remove the impression once the impressionmaterial has set.Verifying the impressionThe pick-ups should then be captured in theimpression and clearly visible. If the pick-ups remainseated on the Ball Abutments, remove and re-seatthem in the impression. Send the impression to thelaboratory.25