The implant-supported milled-bar mandibular overdenture.

Osseointegrated dental implants have been proven successful in the treatment of edentulism. The predictability of the implant-supported prosthesis has also been established. Several techniques have been described for the successful restoration of the edentulous mandible: fixed-detachable prostheses with either the original Brånemark hybrid prosthesis design or conventional implant-supported fixed partial dentures, implant-retained overdentures, and implant-supported overdentures. However, in cases of advanced ridge resorption in which facial tissue support is needed from the flanges of the prosthesis or when a removable type of prosthesis is preferred by the patient, an implant-supported prosthesis is indicated. Electric discharge machining is often used in the fabrication of the bar for an implant-supported overdenture. This procedure is very costly and technique sensitive. An alternative procedure to fabricate a milled-bar implant-supported overdenture is described. This procedure is simple and uses inexpensive equipment and materials. The milled-bar minimizes lateral and rotational displacement. The overdenture incorporates attachments that provide retention, minimizing possible movement along the path of insertion. This type of prosthesis is available to a broad patient population, especially those with advanced ridge resorption, providing an excellent result at a reduced cost. J Prosthodont 2001;10:46-51.