Chairside digital workflow to obtain an optimized 3D model of a partially edentulous mandible.

Abstract

Intraoral scanners generate accurate optical impressions for dentate areas, but wide edentulous spans remain challenging due to limited stable landmarks and mobile mucosa. This article describes a single-visit, chairside workflow that combines an intraoral scan with a digitized irreversible hydrocolloid impression to obtain an optimized three-dimensional model of a partially edentulous mandible suitable for computer aided design-based removable partial denture fabrication other prosthetically driven procedures. The workflow includes intraoral scanning, conventional alginate impression taking followed by chairside digitization with the same scanner, mesh trimming and inversion to generate a positive mucosal surface, and integration of both datasets through sectioned areas and targeted best-fit alignment. The resulting composite model preserves the dentate part from the impression scan. The composite model accuracy should be validated intraorally a three-dimensional printed try-in. This fully chairside protocol provides a practical approach to producing a working mandibular model for digital prosthodontic applications for patients who require a minimal clinical appointment.