What is the primary purpose of using a flangeless denture try-in before implant surgery in a totally edentulous maxilla?

The primary purpose of using a flangeless denture try-in before implant surgery in a totally edentulous maxilla is to ascertain whether there is adequate lip support for a fixed prosthesis. This is crucial because lip support significantly influences the esthetics and function of the final prosthesis.

When considering an implant-supported fixed prosthesis, it is essential to evaluate how the prosthesis will interact with the soft and hard tissues of the maxilla and surrounding areas. The try-in helps determine the ideal vertical dimension and the position of the teeth, ensuring that the upper lip is adequately supported. Proper lip support enhances the appearance and provides a natural contour when the patient smiles or speaks, ultimately contributing to their overall satisfaction with the treatment.

Other considerations, such as the color of the teeth or phonetics, are certainly important in the overall treatment planning and aesthetic outcome but are secondary to assessing lip support prior to performing implant surgery. Assessing the number of implants needed is also part of the comprehensive treatment planning process, but the flangeless denture try-in primarily addresses how the final prosthesis will affect facial aesthetics through lip support.