Simple technique to transfer occlusal vertical dimension and articulate a definitive implant cast for a full arch implant prosthesis.

Papaspyridakos and Lal Papaspyridakos and Lal The dental literature is replete with techniques for registering maxillomandibular relationships and transferring them accurately to the articulator. For edentulous patients receiving implants, several methods have been described for articulating the definitive implant cast at the appropriate occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in the centric relation (CR) position.1-6 Techniques available for mounting the definitive implant cast on the articulator include record bases with occlusion rims supported by the healing abutments, or screwretained record bases.1,2 Other options involve the use of a duplicated denture with acrylic resin as a custom impression tray, or even a duplicated denture with vinyl polysiloxane (VPS). 3-6 A time-saving chairside technique is presented for the articulation of the implant definitive cast, maintaining the established OVD, and subsequent fabrication of a silicone index to assist in prosthesis design, both performed in a single visit. The existing denture can then be easily converted into an interim fixed prosthesis on the articulator, thus minimizing chair time and increasing patient comfort and satisfaction.