What are the complete workflows for both analog and digital Locator Fixed processing, and how do they differ based on who processes?
Workflows are essentially the same whether analog or digital, but differ significantly based on processing location:
Universal Principle: The key workflow decision is WHO processes the denture cap - the lab or the office.
Lab Processing Workflow:
- Analog: Place impression coping ("wine glass") over locator → take wash impression → send to lab
- Digital: Scan arch, existing dentures, occlusion → send digital files
- Result: Lab processes denture cap inside denture and delivers it immediately
- Doctor involvement: Minimal - no processing required
Office Processing Workflow:
- Analog: Use white spacer around locator → take impression → overdenture returned with sites welded out
- Digital: Use tan scan bodies over locators → scan → process in the office
- Result: The Office handles denture cap pickup and processing
- Doctor involvement: Significant - full processing procedure
Component Differences:
- Impression copings: "Wine glass" shaped for analog lab processing
- Spacers: White blockout spacers for analog office processing
- Scan bodies: Tan, flat, autoclavable for digital office processing
- Passive fit: All spacers are designed to provide passive fit with adequate clearance
Quality Considerations:
- Lab processing: Great results, but potential impression/distortion issues require office reprocessing
- Office processing: Better predictability but requires a comfort level of the physician and staff
- Recommendation: Decision often based on doctor/staff comfort rather than technical superiority
Additional Resources
For more information concerning the ZEST Locator Fixed:
Contact Information
For help with a Locator Fixed solution for your next case, contact ROE Dental Laboratory:
- Phone: (216) 663-2233
- Email: info@roedentallab.com