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📘 All‑on‑X / Full Prosthetic Design Guide

Overview

All‑on‑X and full‑arch prosthetic cases require precise planning, accurate scans, and clear communication to ensure predictable, long‑term success. This guide outlines the files you need, how to capture them, and what CAE Dental requires to design full‑arch restorations with accuracy and efficiency.

🦷 Types of Full‑Arch Prosthetic Designs We Support

  • All‑on‑4 / All‑on‑6 restorations
  • Screw‑retained full‑arch zirconia
  • Toronto‑style prosthetics
  • Hybrid dentures
  • Full‑arch PMMA prototypes
  • Verification jigs
  • Immediate load temporaries

📂 Required Files for Full‑Arch Cases

1. Upper and Lower Scans

Provide:

  • Full arch scans
  • Clear capture of soft tissue
  • No holes or missing anatomy
  • Properly trimmed data

2. Implant Scan Bodies

For each implant:

  • Use the correct scan body brand
  • Ensure full seating
  • Capture all surfaces clearly

Tip:

Take a photo of the scan bodies in the mouth to confirm seating.

3. Bite Registration

A stable bite is essential for vertical dimension and occlusion.

Accepted options:

  • Digital bite scan
  • Scanned physical bite registration
  • Existing prosthetic bite (if duplicating)

4. Photos (Highly Recommended)

  • Full‑face smile
  • Retracted frontal view
  • Occlusal views
  • Midline and smile line photos
  • Shade photos (if final zirconia is planned)

5. Optional Files

  • Existing denture scans
  • Temporary prosthetic scans
  • Verification jig scans
  • CBCT (if relevant to your workflow)
  • Surgeon’s notes or implant report

🧭 Step‑by‑Step Full‑Arch Workflow

Step 1: Capture Accurate Scans

Ensure:

  • All implants and scan bodies are fully captured
  • Soft tissue is clean and complete
  • No stitching errors or missing areas

PLY format is recommended when color helps with tissue visualization.

Step 2: Verify Scan Body Seating

Before scanning:

  • Confirm each scan body is fully tightened
  • Ensure no tissue is trapped beneath
  • Take a quick photo for documentation

Incorrect seating is one of the most common causes of misfit.

Step 3: Record a Stable Bite

For full‑arch cases:

  • Capture bilateral posterior contact
  • Verify midline alignment
  • Ensure the patient is in centric relation

If using an existing prosthetic:

  • Scan the prosthetic in place
  • Scan the prosthetic extraorally
  • Provide both sets of data

Step 4: Provide Case Notes

Include:

  • Implant system and platform sizes
  • Desired prosthetic type (zirconia, PMMA, hybrid)
  • Tooth shape and shade preferences
  • Midline, smile line, and lip support notes
  • Any esthetic concerns or patient preferences

Step 5: Upload Files to CAE Dental

Upload:

  • Upper scan
  • Lower scan
  • Bite scan
  • Scan body scans
  • Photos
  • Additional documentation

Use clear file names such as:

  • Upper.stl
  • Lower.stl
  • Bite.stl
  • ImplantScanBodies.stl
  • SmilePhoto.jpg

Step 6: Review the Prototype (PMMA Try‑In)

For full‑arch zirconia cases, a PMMA prototype is highly recommended.

Check:

  • Midline
  • Occlusion
  • Vertical dimension
  • Phonetics
  • Esthetics
  • Lip support

Provide feedback directly in the order page.

Step 7: Approve for Final Prosthetic

Once the prototype is approved:

  • We finalize the design
  • You receive printable or millable files
  • Proceed with fabrication of the final zirconia or hybrid prosthetic

⚠️ Common Issues to Avoid

  • Incorrect scan body brand
  • Missing soft tissue detail
  • Unstable bite registration
  • No smile photos for esthetic cases
  • Incomplete implant information
  • Poorly captured vestibules

These issues can delay the case or require a rescan.

🚀 Tips for Best Results

  • Always include photos for full‑arch cases
  • Use PMMA prototypes before final zirconia
  • Provide implant system + platform for each implant
  • Capture full soft‑tissue detail around scan bodies
  • Communicate patient expectations clearly

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