Overview: This guide outlines the workflow for creating implant-supported overdentures in Chairside using an existing denture as a clinical reference.
Patient Selection Steps
To initiate a new patient file or navigate to an existing profile, execute the following steps on the primary user interface:
Click Start on the Dandy Chairside home screen.
Enter the first name and last name of the patient into the search field.
For existing patients, select the correct patient name from the generated list, then click Order Something New.
For new patients, complete entering the full first name and last name.
Select the patient gender from the available options.
Enter the patient birth date.
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Click Create and Continue.
Note: If the active case involves a remake of a previous order, do not use this workflow; instead, follow the instructions in the dedicated refabrication documentation.
Product Selection Process
Define the restoration type and clinical design requirements within the configuration menu:
Select Dentures from the product catalog, then click Overdenture.
Select Yes - I will use the existing denture to establish my patient’s bite and vertical dimension.
Select Yes if the case requires an exact duplicate copy of the existing overdenture, then click Next.
Select No if the case does not require an exact duplicate copy of the existing overdenture.
Type explicit text instructions defining the precise changes required for the final overdenture, then click Next.
Select Implant-Supported as the structural retention type, then click Next.
Select the specific arch requiring treatment, then click Next.
Implant Location Selection
Map the precise anatomical positions of the dental implants:
Select the specific tooth numbers on the digital arch diagram where the dental implants are physically located.
Click Next to confirm the locations.
Implant Information Specifications
Input the precise technical hardware details for the retention system:
Select the specific locator attachment system being used from the options: Locator, Locator Fixed, or Locator R-TX. If utilizing an unlisted system, select Other and manually type the manufacturer details.
Select the implant manufacturer, the specific implant system line, and the corresponding platform size from the dropdown menus.
Enter the exact measured cuff height, then click Next.
Toggle the variation switch on the right side of the screen if the implant system or collar height varies across individual sites, then enter the unique specifications for each individual dental implant.
Component Ordering Guidelines
Review the parameters governing structural component procurement within the platform:
Dandy supplies component parts for eligible overdenture cases directly through the active software workflow.
Operators must order these attachment parts during case setup; components cannot be manually appended after case submission.
Only locator attachments are supported at this time for compatible implant systems.
Hardware ordering limitations apply to printed overdentures and overdentures requiring metal mesh or structural framework add-ons.
Arch Feature Selection
Configure the final design preferences for the selected arch:
Select the relevant arches for manufacturing, then click Next.
Click the specific checkbox for a horseshoe overdenture if fabricating an maxillary (upper) overdenture restoration.
Clinical Photograph Recommendations
Capture high-resolution clinical photographs of the patient wearing the existing overdentures prior to starting the final scan. Upload these image files to the patient case after the scanning phase is complete:
Natural Smile: Capture one head-on, front-facing photograph of the patient smiling naturally.
Profile Pictures: Capture two distinct profile photographs (one from the left side and one from the right side) of the patient smiling naturally.
Cheek Retractors: Capture one head-on, front-facing photograph of the patient with cheek retractors fully extended.
Scanning Preparation Procedures
Assess the clinical fit of the existing overdenture prior to initiating the intraoral scanning process:
Evaluate the stability of the current overdenture. If the overdenture exhibits poor adaptation or is loose, proceed directly to the impression capture steps.
If converting a traditional complete denture to an implant-supported overdenture, follow the impression capture steps to ensure that the locator positions remain clearly visible in the final wash impression.
To modify any previously selected choices, click Edit Overdenture.
When the overdenture and patient preparation are complete, click Start Scanning.
Impression Capture Steps
Perform these steps to capture a corrective reline impression if the existing overdenture lacks proper stability:
Ensure the ill-fitting overdenture is thoroughly cleaned, free of clinical debris, and completely dried.
Apply a thin, uniform layer of light body wash impression material to the intaglio surface of the overdenture. Use a minimal amount of material to prevent structural distortion or excessive flash.
Seat the overdenture firmly into the patient mouth. Avoid seating the overdenture in an anterior-to-posterior direction to prevent excess impression material from escaping into the oropharynx.
Maintain firm, evenly distributed digital pressure across the overdenture structure during setting.
Instruct the patient to perform functional border molding movements of the cheeks and labial tissues.
Instruct the patient to protrude the tongue and move the tongue from side to side to mold the lingual borders.
Allow the light body wash impression material to set completely before removing the overdenture.
Post-Impression Material Adjustments
Inspect the reline impression and verify the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO):
Relieve the internal suction of the overdenture by placing one finger gently underneath the posterior buccal border, then carefully remove the overdenture from the patient mouth.
Evaluate the set impression material for clinical voids, surface inconsistencies, material pulls, or severe overhangs. Repeat the impression capture steps if any defects are identified.
Trim away any excess impression material that has flowed onto the non-intaglio tooth surfaces or facial borders of the overdenture.
Confirm that the patient's vertical dimension of occlusion remains accurate, and perform adjustments if required.
Occlusal Relationship Records
Record the precise interocclusal relationship using bite registration material:
Instruct the patient to bite down normally, and evaluate the dentition for occlusal discrepancies.
Make clinical adjustments to ensure an ideal interocclusal relationship across the plane of occlusion, the curve of Spee, the curve of Wilson, and the incisal curve.
Instruct the patient to bite down in a natural, comfortable position multiple times to practice a repeatable jaw closure.
Once the patient demonstrates a repeatable bite, apply a uniform layer of bite registration material to the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular teeth.
Instruct the patient to bite down into the material and hold the position.
Confirm that the vertical dimension of occlusion and the occlusal relationship remain correct with the bite registration material fully in place.
Trim away any excess bite registration material that obscures the buccal or facial surfaces of the teeth.