Implant ImpressionsImpression copings for implant prosthetics generally come in two distinctly different types: closed tray or open tray. (Figure 1)

If you are like most clinicians, using an open tray impression coping may bring a little bit of anxiety with it since you must make sure you can find and access the impression coping screw in order to remove the impression. If you have ever locked an impression in the mouth, you know exactly what I mean! It is for this reason that many clinicians would rather use closed tray impression copings.

Can these different types of impression copings be used interchangeably? The answer depends on the clinical situation. A recent systematic review of the literature by Papaspyridakos et al, can help shed some light on the use of the different implant copings.

In general, for single-unit partially edentulous patients, closed tray and open tray impression copings can be used interchangeably. However, if you have multiple implants that will be splinted in either partially or fully edentulous patients, open tray impression copings will be more accurate. It has also been shown that splinting the impression copings in the mouth (ie. with resin) can improve the accuracy as well.

If you have multiple implants but plan on restoring them as single-units, you may choose to use closed tray impression copings for ease of use. However, if the implants are malaligned it is advisable to use open tray impression copings since the misalignment of the implants may lock the impression in the mouth if closed tray impression copings are used because of their lack of draw. In general, if you have a question on accuracy of which one to use, the use of an open tray impression coping will typically be more accurate.

Implant Impressions Figure 2

So, how can we make using open tray impression copings easier and take away some of the anxiety of finding the impression coping screw? One way is to use some baseplate or boxing wax over access the holes in the tray. Begin by taking an impression tray and cutting holes in the appropriate areas to allow access to the implants. (Figure 2)

Implant impressions figure 3

The tray can be tried in the mouth at this point to make sure the holes are in the correct locations. Next, place some baseplate or boxing wax over the holes that were cut in the tray. (Figure 3)

implant impressions figure 4 and 5

The wax will be indented by the screws of the impression copings so that when you seat the tray, you will be assured that all of the implant screws can be accessed. In this figure you will see that the most distal impression coping screw is indented in the wax, but has not yet been accessed. Removing the wax in this area when the impression material is set, allows easy access to the screw. (Figures 4-5)

Reference

  1. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2014 Jul-Aug;29(4):836-45. doi: 10.11607/jomi.3625. Accuracy of implant impressions for partially and completely edentulous patients: a systematic review. Papaspyridakos P, Chen CJ, Gallucci GO, Doukoudakis A, Weber HP, Chronopoulos V.

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Comments

Commenter's Profile Image Abhi Bhowmik
July 28th, 2014
Also adequate access is required for prosthetic open tray impression coping ( Anterior regions of mouth) whereas closed tray impression requires minimal access ( Posterior regions of mouth)
Commenter's Profile Image Abhi Bhowmik
July 28th, 2014
Dr Kinzer, Very informative article , Nicely explained the Indications for Open & Closed Tray impression. Thanks, Abhi
Commenter's Profile Image Naoshi Sasaki
July 28th, 2014
Also need to consider cement or screw retain for superstructure. Technical sensitivity are not same. If you need to sprint superstructure better to have try in session with "try in jig". Slow but sure wins the race.
Commenter's Profile Image Leith Brown
December 14th, 2014
Consider using a lower tray for upper C&B impressions. It's more comfortable for the patient and we don't usually need the palate, tonsils etc.
Commenter's Profile Image Barry F.
August 15th, 2016
Thank you for a very nice overview of the topic. The literature is conflicted with the accuracy of either open or closed trays but generally contends there is no statistical difference between the two open, closed, splinted, unsplinted, until the implants are tilted and not parallel. The difference comes when the implants are tiltled around 20 degrees from each other and then open is more accurate. One should also consider access to an open tray technique especially in the posterior when opposing teeth make access with the driver difficult. A three minute impression with polyether can turn into 7-8 minutes if one cannot easily access the screws to a closed tray. Finally, two things that usually get left out of the discussion are the following: 1. With internally connected implants the restoration when fabricating a multiple unit restoration, the restoration must be done at the abutment level. One cannot effectively create a passive fit of the restoration at the fixture level with an internal conical connection. The abutment provides the path of insertion, be it screw retention or cemented. If the implants are absolutely parallel the above would not hold true but that is rarely the case clinically. 2. No matter what impression technique you use when doing a multiple unit case, verify your cast with splint verification prior to milling any framework. You then know you have exactly what is in the mouth duplicated on the master cast before you have an expensive frame milled. Thanks again for a great overview. And I appreciate your choice of implants!