From path-of-insertion diagnosis to prosthesis maintenance
A practical map for the clinician and dental technician: establish the geometry and common path of insertion first, then select retention strength, transfer the position, process the titanium housings and only then install the definitive nylon inserts.
This page connects the IPD PSD System with the clinical principles of Locator®-compatible attachments. For component KA-CL-14 we follow the confirmed IPD workflow using three lengths: carrier, impression coping and scan abutment.
Core rule: divergence determines the insert family. The desired resistance to removal determines the retention strength. Higher retention does not compensate for an incorrect path of insertion.
PSD in three layers
The same retention logic can follow two different prosthetic pathways. However, components used for implant-level transfer must not be confused with components used at PSD sites created on a CAD/CAM framework.
Identify the implant system and platform.
Measure the gingival height and prosthetic space.
Establish one common path of insertion for the prosthesis.
Only then assess the divergence of the individual attachments.
Select the specific PSD abutment according to implant, platform and gingival height. Tightening torque is defined by the exact reference for that implant system; there is no universal torque for the entire PSD family.
Next assess divergence, select the 20° or 40° retention family and choose direct or indirect housing processing.
A primary framework or bar creates new retention sites and can compensate for part of the implant non-parallelism. The prepared threaded site receives PS-LR-00. Complete the framework stage on the dedicated page; once the PSD sites have been created, return here to select the 20°/40° family, process the housings and choose definitive retention.
Dedicated CAD/CAM workflowDecision point 1
IPD divides PSD retention inserts into a standard family for up to 20° total divergence and a divergent family for up to 40° total divergence. In practice, each attachment is assessed relative to the common path of insertion of the prosthesis.
Visual orientation: divergent inserts have a different central geometry without the standard central retention projection. Use this as an identification feature, not as the sole criterion for choosing the angular range.
Assess every retention site relative to one common path of insertion for the entire prosthesis. If all attachments fall within the tolerance of the standard family, use standard inserts. If one attachment requires greater angular compensation, use a divergent insert for that site within the permitted range. There is no need to convert all other well-aligned attachments to the 40° family simply because one position is more angulated. With extensive or unmanageable non-parallelism, it is preferable to correct the prosthetic axis with the framework rather than rely on nylon flexibility to solve the entire problem.
Decision point 2
Retention should make the prosthesis feel secure in function while remaining realistically removable by the patient. With multiple attachments, resistance is cumulative, so start with the lowest clinically sufficient retention and increase it only if needed.
For a new case, begin with the lowest retention that safely stabilises the prosthesis. The patient must be able to remove it repeatedly and in a controlled manner.
Four housings with high-retention inserts can create very different overall resistance from two housings. Do not choose strength by considering a single insert in isolation.
If the prosthesis does not follow the common path of insertion or does not seat passively, address the axis, interferences and undercuts first. Increase retention only after the mechanics of the case are correct.
Decision point 3
The current IPD catalogue identifies KA-CL-14 as Carrier / Scan Abutment / Impression Coping. For practical processing, we follow the confirmed IPD shortening protocol based on the three grooves on the component body.
Without shortening it functions as the KA-CL-14 as carrier, a handling carrier for secure gripping and insertion of the PSD component.
After the first shortening, two grooves remain on the body. At this length it serves KA-CL-14 as impression coping to transfer the PSD attachment position into a conventional impression.
After shortening at the final, third groove from the top, a short reference geometry is created for digital acquisition, i.e. the scan abutment.
Before you KA-CL-14 shorten it, decide whether you need a carrier, conventional impression coping or digital scan reference. The cut must be clean and must not damage the seating or reference geometry. Clean, disinfect and, where applicable, sterilise according to the current instructions for use for the specific reference.
Decision point 4
This is not simply a choice between “stone versus 3D printing”. If an implant-level digital model was created before the definitive gingival height of the PSD attachments was known, a separate clinical model-verification step can sit between digital acquisition and the final attachment-level impression.
This route is useful as an intermediate control step when an accurate implant-level model with system-specific digital analogshas been created, but the final gingival heights of the PSD attachments are not yet known with confidence.
| Question | Conventional PSD impression | Direct digital PSD model | Implant-level verification step |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is known at the time of transfer | definitive PSD attachments and their heights | definitive PSD attachments and their heights | accurate implant-level reference; PSD heights may still need to be determined clinically |
| Primary reference | KA-CL-14 as impression coping | KA-CL-14 as scan abutment | system-specific implant analogs + rigid verification components |
| What we verify | attachment-level transfer into stone | PSD library matching + PSD model printing | the implant-level geometry of the model relative to the patient’s mouth |
| What follows | conventional fabrication | digital / model-based fabrication | PSD height selection → elastomeric PSD impression → conventional fabrication |
Extended digital pathway
This pathway is useful when accurate implant data are acquired with an intraoral scan, the working model is produced externally and the prosthesis is designed later in the laboratory. The key is to distinguish correctly between implant-level referenci and the subsequent PSD / Locator-compatible reference.
If the 3D model is designed at implant level,it must contain the system-specific digital analog for that implant. If the CAD workflow converts the known implant position to a precisely selected PSD attachment and the model is created directly at PSD level,it uses PS-AR-00/3D and an implant analog no longer needs to be physically present in the model.
The input IOS data must contain an exact scan-body reference. When an OEM scan body is used, only the library intended for that system, platform and specific scan-body geometry should be used; with a compatible IPD pathway this may be the corresponding LITE library.
Matching the scan body to the library establishes implant position and axis. These coordinates are the primary geometric reference; an anatomical STL alone is not sufficient without validated scan-body transfer.
CAD must use the exact PSD attachment for the implant, including the correct gingival height. Only this known geometry can establish the coronal position of the Locator-compatible attachment and enable preparation of a PSD-level model.
The model is printed with validated sockets for PS-AR-00/3D. After insertion, verify complete seating of the analogs, stability without play, and consistency with the selected library and print offset.
Fully seat KA-CL-14 in the scan configuration on each PSD analog. The laboratory scanner records all references together with sufficient stable surrounding model geometry, and CAD matches them again to the PSD library.
Design the hybrid prosthesis from the confirmed PSD coordinates. Send the manufacturing data through a validated printing or other production chain; verify the completed prosthesis on the working model and finally in the clinic.
Decision point 5
For direct intraoral processing, use the titanium housing KA-CL-00, the black processing insert KA-CL-13 and the block-out ring from processing pack KA-CL-02 or KA-CL-03. The aim is to pick up the housing in the prosthesis in its true intraoral position without allowing resin to lock the prosthesis into undercuts.
The attachments must be tightened to the correct torque and the surrounding area must be clean. Before pickup begins, the prosthesis should have a stable, repeatable position.
The spacer ring closes the undercut space around the attachment. During direct intraoral processing it acts as a safety barrier against resin flow and mechanical locking of the prosthesis.
Mark where the housing contacts the intaglio and relieve material until the prosthesis seats completely without transferring pressure to the housing. If needed, create a vent hole to verify seating and allow excess resin to escape.
Place the material in the prepared recess or on the appropriate surfaces according to the selected chairside system. Minimise contamination of the retention mechanism and avoid excess material.
Have the patient close into a reproducible occlusion without excessive force. The prosthesis must not shift from its final position during polymerisation. Follow the material manufacturer’s curing time.
After curing, remove the prosthesis carefully, remove the block-out rings and excess resin, round the margins and polish the prosthesis. Verify that the housings are securely captured and that their internal surfaces have not been flooded with resin.
Decision point 6
The choice depends on whether you are simply converting an already functional prosthesis to PSD retention or fabricating a new prosthetic reconstruction with a new vertical dimension and tooth arrangement.
If the prosthesis has verified occlusion, a stable base and the main change is the retention mechanism, the housing positions can be picked up directly intraorally.
Before pickup, verify seating of the prosthesis without the housings.
During polymerisation, guide the patient into a reproducible occlusion.
After polymerisation, check static and dynamic occlusion, pressure areas and the path of insertion.
For a new hybrid/removable prosthesis or when changing the vertical dimension, build a complete prosthetic workflow rather than allowing the pickup procedure itself to define the occlusion.
impression or digital model
occlusal rim and maxillomandibular relationship record
articulator mounting or digital articulation
setup / try-in, followed only then by final processing and retention
Chairside pickup is excellent for accurately transferring the true intraoral position of the housings. It is not a substitute for occlusal records and articulation when tooth position, vertical dimension or jaw relationships are also being changed.
Decision point 7
The official IPD product page specifies for PS-LR-00, the PSD abutment/attachment intended for a CAD/CAM bar or framework, a tightening torque of 30 Ncm. Use the system-specific tool LL-PS-00 and a calibrated torque ratchet.
Avoid this mix-up: Do not automatically apply 30 Ncm to every implant-specific PSD abutment. For a PSD abutment connected directly to an implant, the prescribed torque may vary by implant system and reference.
Decision point 8
Definitive retention is a functional consumable element. At follow-up, assess not only the patient’s perception but also prosthesis seating, attachment wear, housing cleanliness, the patient’s ability to follow the path of insertion and changes in the soft tissues.
Have the patient insert and remove the prosthesis independently several times. If the force is excessive, adjust the retention level rather than forcing the path of insertion.
Remove the existing insert LL-PS-01, inspect housing cleanliness and condition, and insert a new retention insert from the same angular family. Change retention strength only after clinical assessment.
Look for divergence, an incorrect path of insertion, unilateral seating, a distorted housing, contamination or changes in prosthesis support. Simply installing a stronger insert may mask the cause.
During new laboratory processing, protect the definitive inserts. Use the black processing inserts during processing and install definitive retention only after finishing and polishing.
Implant system and PSD abutment reference · gingival height · 20° or 40° angular family used · insert colour and retention strength · date of installation or replacement · any combination of retention strengths among individual housings.
The entire chain on one screen
Use this map as a quick check before a clinical or laboratory step.
Position transfercarrier / impression coping / scan abutment according to lengthModelPS-AR-00 for a stone model or PS-AR-00/3D for a digital model
HousingKA-CL-00 with a block-out ring and processing insert
Processingblack KA-CL-13 during polymerisation and finishing
Definitive retention20° or 40° family with clinically appropriate strengthControl table
When the case starts to branch, return to the sequence: axis → angular family → processing → retention strength.
| Clinical situation | Selection | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10° on each of two attachments relative to the common path | 20° rodina KA-CL-10 / 11 / 12 | Total divergence up to 20°. |
| More than 10° but up to 20° at a specific attachment | 40° rodina KA-CL-04 / 05 / 06 | A divergent insert provides greater angular tolerance. |
| Four attachments and the patient struggles to remove the prosthesis | reduce retention strength | Overall resistance is cumulative across multiple housings. |
| The prosthesis cannot be inserted along one path | do not add retention force | First look for interference, non-parallelism or a seating error. |
| Direct intraoral processing | block-out + KA-CL-00 + KA-CL-13 | Protects undercuts and preserves the working state during the pickup procedure. |
| Conventional working model | KA-CL-14 impression coping + PS-AR-00 | Position transfer into stone. |
| 3D-printed working model | KA-CL-14 scan + PS-AR-00/3D | Digital position transfer through the library. |
| PS-LR-00 v CAD/CAM konstrukci | LL-PS-00 · 30 Ncm | Torque specified by IPD for this exact reference. |
Technical sources and level of certainty
Product references, retention strengths, the 20°/40° ranges, PS-AR-00, PS-AR-00/3D, role KA-CL-14 and 30 Ncm for PS-LR-00 are supported by current IPD documentation. The detailed shortening sequence for KA-CL-14 is supplemented by the confirmed IPD workflow. Chairside processing is described as a general compatible-attachment principle and is always subordinate to the current IFU for the specific component and polymerisation material used.
PSD System workflow: KA-CL-14, PS-AR-00, PS-AR-00/3D, KA-CL-00, KA-CL-13, the 20°/40° retention strengths and processing packs.
Official product reference PS-LR-00 and tightening torque of 30 Ncm.
Reference summary KA-CL-00 through KA-CL-14, LL-PS-00, LL-PS-01 and PSD analogs.
Reference geometric principle for the standard 20° and extended 40° families.
Reference chairside principle using a block-out spacer, black processing insert, housing pickup and subsequent installation of definitive retention.
FAQ for clinic and laboratory
Short answers to situations that are most often confused across the clinical–laboratory chain.
RELATED TECHNICAL PAGES
The main PSD page covers the system, compatibility and components. The CAD/CAM page develops the bar/framework pathway with PS-LR-00. This page is the practical clinical–laboratory protocol.
NEW DECISION HUB
Start from the situation where you have an anatomical STL and need to choose between direct PSD attachments, a new KA-CL-14 scan or a CAD/CAM bar.
Important information for use
PSD attachments, housings and accessories must match the implant system, platform and selected retention protocol.
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