A digital approach to the fabrication of reinforced interim fixed dental prostheses

Abstract

Conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) materials fracture easily when used in long-span interim prostheses for an extended period,1 but they can be reinforced by embedding a framework of materials such as stainless steel wire,2 metal casting,3 denture metal mesh,4 or glass fiber.5 However, current dental design software programs do not have a feature for designing reinforced interim restorations. Thus, this article introduces a method of designing the recipient bed for the framework that reinforces the interim material by using the attachment design function for removable dentures. This time-saving technique allows dental professionals to digitally design the correct size and location of the recipient bed, reducing excessive material loss and human error. This technique can facilitate the reinforcement of long-span PMMA interim restorations.