Sikri's Magnetic Attachment Retained Two-Tray (SMART) impression technique for prosthodontic management of a knife-edge residual ridge: a case report.

Abstract

Background: Mandibular knife-edge residual ridges present a significant challenge during complete denture impression making because of their narrow morphology and susceptibility to tissue distortion under pressure. This report describes the clinical application of the novel Sikri's Magnetic Attachment Retained Two-Tray (SMART) impression technique, conceptualized, developed, and patented by Dr. Arpit Sikri (Patent/ROC No. L-156844/2024), for obtaining an accurate mucostatic impression of a mandibular knife-edge residual ridge without the application of manual finger pressure. The SMART technique employs a magnetically retained split custom tray design that facilitates pressure-free tray stabilization and precise impression making in anatomically challenging mandibular residual ridges.

Materials and methods: A completely edentulous patient with a pronounced knife-edge residual ridge in the anterior mandible was rehabilitated using the SMART impression technique. A custom-designed split two-part impression tray incorporating magnetic attachments for self-retention and retentive holes for impression material retention was fabricated. Magnetic attraction between the tray components ensured stable and reproducible tray positioning throughout the impression procedure, eliminating the need for operator-applied finger pressure and facilitating a pressure-free mucostatic impression of the residual ridge.

Results: The SMART technique enabled accurate recording of the mandibular residual ridge anatomy without observable tissue displacement during impression making. The definitive impression produced a well-adapted master cast, resulting in a complete denture with satisfactory retention, stability, adaptation, and patient comfort during clinical evaluation.

Conclusion: The SMART impression technique represents a simple, innovative, and clinically applicable approach for the prosthodontic management of mandibular knife-edge residual ridge. By eliminating manual tray stabilization and minimizing tissue displacement during impression making, it facilitates accurate mucostatic impressions and may improve denture fit, stability, and overall clinical performance. Further clinical studies involving larger patient populations are required to evaluate its reproducibility and long-term clinical effectiveness.