Toni T Neumeier
University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Dentistry
Katherine R Ball
University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Dentistry
Rakesh Shah
University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Dentistry
Computer generated 3-D emodels will aid faculty, students, and private practitioners for more accurate application of the complete edentulism and partial dentate classification system.
Materials and Methods: Edentulous and partial dentate patients were selected according to the ACP Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index I through V system and their denture treatment was completed by the faculty. A duplication of each patient’s arches and newly fabricated complete dentures was made with Microstone (WhipMix Company). Aquasil ( Dentsply Company) heavy body putty impression material was used to record the patient’s jaw relation using WhipMix or Hanau semi-adjustable articulators for mounting. Bite registrations were trimmed and verified with only alveolar ridge contact between maxillary and mandibular arches. Casts and bite registrations were marked and sent to GeoDigm Company for scanning the models and creating 3-D emodels of the arches and complete dentures. The e-model information was received through internet service. After evaluating the accuracy of the emodels, they were incorporated into a PowerPoint presentation according to the classification established by the ACP. All of the above information was recorded on a compact disc and given to the faculty, students and private practioners for evaluation
Extra visual models will aid in the treatment efficiency of the ACP Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index and provide better patient care, improve professional communication and better screening tools to assist dental school admissions clinic.
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