Spacer designs for conventional complete denture - A narrative review Dr. Sikri Arpit1,*, Dr. Sikri Jyotsana2 1Associate Professor & Post Graduate Teacher, Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Bhojia Dental College & Hospital, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India 2Associate Professor & Post Graduate Teacher, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Bhojia Dental College & Hospital, Budh (Baddi), Teh. Baddi, Distt. Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India *Corresponding Author: Dr. Arpit Sikri, Associate Professor & Post Graduate Teacher, Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Bhojia Dental College & Hospital, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India, Email: arpitsikri@gmail.com
Online Published on 10 January, 2024. Abstract The effectiveness of treatment outcomes is significantly influenced by the impression procedure utilized in fabricating complete denture prostheses. Overtime, various authors have introduced diverse impression philosophies, with the selectivepressure impression technique emerging as the most widely accepted. This method involves custom trays fitted with spacers of varying materials and designs, which alleviate vulnerable tissues while selectively distributing stresses to biomechanically sound tissues. Despite the merit of this technique, dental surgeons often resort to employing stock trays for both primary and final impressions due to a lack of understanding regarding essential elements: optimal material for custom tray fabrication, appropriate extension, required spacer thickness and designs, tissue stops, escape holes, tray handles, and polymerization timing specific to custom impression trays in prosthodontics. The initial step in crafting a complete denture prosthesis is the impression procedure. Various authors have advocated numerous techniques, with Boucher's selective pressure impression the ory being widely accepted. This narrative review article aims to provide dental surgeons with insights into various clinical situations, guiding them on tray handle selection, polymerization time, and the utilization of accurate spacer designs, materials, and thicknesses, as well as informed choices regarding tissue stops and escape hole placements in their clinical practice. Top Keywords Clinical situations, Impression material, Impression techniques, Relief areas, Selective-pressure impression, Spacer designs. Top |