Precise Reproduction of Soft Tissue Structure around the Pontic Area Using Computer‐Aided Design and Manufacturing

Abstract

Reproducing soft tissue contours around a pontic area is important for the fabrication of an esthetic prosthesis, especially in the anterior area. A gingival model that precisely replicates the soft tissue structure around the pontic area can be easily obtained by taking a pick-up impression of an interim fixed dental prosthesis. After a working cast is fabricated using the customary technique, the pick-up model is superimposed onto the working model for the pontic area using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). A definitive restoration using this technique would be well adapted to the pontic base, which is formed by the interim prosthesis.

A method of transferring the subgingival contour of interim restorations to definitive restorations by using zirconia copings customized with casting wax

“…Duplication techniques by using intraoral scanning are also useful for transferring the emergence profile and the intaglio surface of the interim restoration to the definitive restoration. 10,14,15 However, a subgingival finish line is necessary for the management of gingival level by adjusting the subgingival contour of the interim restoration; however, an intraoral scanner may not be suitable for recording a deep subgingival finish line, 16 and the use of an IOS for a long-span restoration is currently contraindicated. 17…”

“…Existing transfer methods mostly used polyvinyl siloxane impression material to reproduce the gingival soft tissue on the definitive cast. [9][10][11] However, the silicone material in the facial sulcus is thin enough to be distorted by pressure from the prosthesis. Thus, a rigid material is more suitable for precisely replicating the subgingival contour of the interim crown on the definitive prosthesis.…”