Evolution of the Mesh Bar

All-On-Four, hybrids, fixed detachable, and probably other names are used to describe the advent of the screw-retained metal-reinforced bridges that have become popular in treating the edentulous patient.

I did my first hybrid in the early 1980s while working for Dr. Gordon Christensen. They seemed to lose popularity over the next few years and then gained new popularity. With the use of root form implants and the ability to immediate load, it has become a very predictable procedure allowing patients to never have to go through the experience of a removable prosthesis.

I have been working in the dental lab field now for 40 years. I currently own Beehive Dental Lab in St. George, Utah. Over the past decade, much of my work has involved the manufacturing of over 500 of these fixed detachable prostheses, including working with local surgeons and dentists with temporization and the final prosthesis.

When first introduced to the new milled bars to reinforce the prosthesis I was intrigued, but after further thought, I could see how this did not effectively reinforce the acrylic bridge. Over years of trial and error, we have come up with what we call the Mesh Bar.

I like to use the analogy of reinforced cement. If one piece of rebar is used to reinforce cement it actually weakens it, but if a grid of rebar is used it strengthens the cement. Our Mesh Bar does this with a cast bar overlaid with mesh. We cast them with a stress breaker built-in which is laser welded after casting for a passive fit.

We have designed our Mesh Bars with hygiene in mind with a non-concaved intaglio interface that is narrow for easier cleaning. This surface can be highly polished metal or the wrap-around design can be used.

We look forward to sharing our Mesh Bars with you. I personally know it will increase your successful manufacturing of the fixed detachable bridges in your lab.