Skip to content
Submit a Ticket
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Can a bar overdenture patient later be converted to a fixed prosthesis?

Yes. Patients often move from a removable overdenture to a fixed prosthesis seeking improved esthetics, function, and confidence. The goal is to change the patient to a screw-retained, MUA-level prosthesis. The primary considerations from ROE's Restorative Guide:

Consideration Detail
Prosthetic space A minimum of 13 mm (15 mm ideal) is required from the implant platform to the screw exit around the arch.
Flange / lip support Many overdenture patients need a flange for lip support, which can be a disqualifier for a fixed prosthesis. Evaluate this first.
MUA selection Choose MUA angles and collar heights from a highly accurate implant-level impression that captures tissue detail around each implant.
Vertical dimension Maintain, restore, or increase vertical dimension as the case requires.
Chairside support A lab tech can help process the All-on-X day-of conversion.

The conversion workflow, in brief: remove the overdenture and bar and capture an implant-level impression; produce a denture (duplicate the existing one by flasking or a 360-degree IOS scan, or make a new one); capture a wash impression, bite, and opposing; on the second appointment seat the MUAs and perform a traditional All-on-X denture conversion into a hybrid; allow a settling period for approval and equilibration; then complete the flasking technique and send records to ROE for a Printed Try-In before the final. The complete protocol is in the Ultimate Restorative Protocol Guide eBook.

 

Resources

    Contact Information

    For immediate chairside support or troubleshooting assistance, contact ROE Dental Laboratory: