Records needed for an ideal case:
Direct and to the point.
Impression of Preps or Implants
Impergum works best. If using polyvinyl, use medium body with wash material around all teeth in the arch.
Opposing Impression, not an Opposing Model
Use same material as for the impression of the restorative site. Alginate substitute is not a good substitute.
Bite Registration
If blocking out interproximals of either arch, due so first then make the bite, then the impressions. This way the bite will fit the models without impinging on the blocking material.
For implant cases the bite must engage a hard repeatable landmark.
This can be any part that engages the implant. Make sure that the part goes to the lab with the case. Please call if you have any questions.
Model of the Temp or Pre-Op
This is a must have item! Make sure that you capture the entire tooth, including the gingival margins. That is a key landmark for measuring length and vertical dimension.
Photographs
Another vital step in the process. Included should be:
- Full face smile showing lip line. Should be centered to show midline, cant. and incisal plane.
- Full face, retracted. One with teeth together and one with teeth apart.
- Shade tabs in the space to be restored, i.e. in the space of the healing abutment or prep. This way the shade tab can be up against the adjacent tooth and the same distance from the camera flash, at the same plane.Always include the closest classic vita “A “shade tab in at least one photograph. In other words, if you are using say a 2M3 shade, also include in one photo an A3 shade tab for reference, preferable with both tabs in the same shot.
- Any other relevant photos needed to convey instructions.
Final photos
When the case is complete take a series of finals so that we can go over the case and critique it . That way we can continue to improve for our future cases. I know that with time at a premium, this is the easiest step to skip. Please understand that this is a very important step for me, without it we will not likely improve. This is the only way I have to acquire photos for teaching purposes and lectures.