Full Arch Impressions, Digital or PVS
We often receive remakes and adjustments stating that the bite is off. Most of those times, we received triple tray impressions for posterior bridge restoration. Also, we only had a few anterior teeth to hand-mount the case. Therefore, the bite is not accurate from the start.
We prefer full arch impressions for accurate mounting so that the occlusal contact and bite are as close as possible. Triple tray impressions are acceptable for one-single-unit posterior with regular bites. However, if you are restoring the far distal tooth, triple tray impressions are not recommended, even if it’s a single-unit posterior.
We prefer to work with full arch impressions for the following restorations:
- Far distal tooth (the last one)
- 3-unit or more posterior
- Anterior
- Irregular bites
- For mirror image
In other words, we must have full arch impressions for correct articulation. In addition, even with a single-unit posterior restoration, restoring one far distal tooth (be it #30, #1, #17, or #15) must be full arch impressions for correct articulation. Ultimately, it will save you time in chairside delivery or, worse, returning for adjustments.