An implant-retained auricular impression technique to minimize soft tissue distortion

Achieving adaptation of an auricular prosthesis begins with an accurate impression. It is important to consider how the selection of the impression materials will affect the final outcome of the prosthesis. A procedure is presented to minimize the distortion of the soft tissues caused by the impression materials and procedure. The procedure consists of splinting the implant impression copings, then recording the soft tissue in silicone impression material, followed by the application of acrylic tray resin to provide rigidity. (J Prosthet Dent 2003;89:97-101.)