Designing an implant bar that seats passively
Passive fit is a design outcome, not a polishing step. Four decisions determine whether a bar seats without stress.
Verify the positions first
A bar designed on unverified implant positions will not fit, no matter how well it is milled. Photogrammetry, a verification jig or a rigid splinted impression is mandatory before design.
Design the profile around hygiene
The bar profile has to leave space for an interdental brush and must not create a shelf where plaque collects. We design the gingival surface with a convex, cleansable shape and check the access on the model.
Choose retention deliberately
Hader, Locator, ball or magnetic retention each imply a different prosthesis space and a different maintenance routine. The retention system should be chosen before the bar is designed, not after.
Mill, do not cast
A milled titanium bar removes the shrinkage variable and the need for sectioning and soldering. If a cast bar is requested, we plan a sectioning and indexing step into the schedule.
Common questions
How many implants for a bar?
Two is the minimum for a mandibular overdenture; four gives better load distribution for a maxillary case.
Can a bar be converted to a fixed prosthesis later?
Not directly. The prosthesis type should be decided before the bar is designed.