Implant-supported Overdenture Using CAD/CAM Milled Bar and Locator Attachments: A Technical and Case Report

Completely edentulous patients with extensive residual ridge resorption usually suffer from reduced chewing ability, unstable dentures, and tenderness upon occlusal loading. This case report describes the clinical and laboratory steps to fabricate a milled implant bar with locator attachments to address the complaints of lower implant overdenture instability and pain associated with a knife-edge mandibular residual ridge.

A 70-year-old female patient complained of uncomfortable and loose dentures. She was treated with an implant-supported overdenture using a CAD/CAM-milled titanium bar and locator attachments. The milled bar provides support to the overdenture, thereby limiting tissueward movement. The intimate adaptation of the denture base to the axial walls of the milled bar enhances lateral stability. Locator abutments offer customizable retentive values that are easy to maintain. This report also explains the technical steps involved in creating a duplicate working cast used for denture processing, which facilitates retrieval of the overdenture while preserving the master cast. The patient reported significant improvements in denture stability, chewing efficiency, and self-confidence with her new prosthesis.

The use of implant-supported overdenture with a milled bar together with locator attachments is considered a practical treatment option to improve function and overall patient satisfaction.