Machined overdenture bar

A method to form an overdenture bar, comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a digital image of a portion of a patient's mouth where said overdenture bar is required;
• transferring said digital image to a computer and forming a three dimensional image of said portion;
• designing a virtual mid-portion of the overdenture bar having a generally arcuate shape effective for mounting to said portion of said patient's mouth, said generally arcuate mid-portion of said overdenture bar terminating at opposing first and second distal ends and having a first thickness defined by a first surface and an opposing second surface;
• designing at least one virtual extension having a second thickness that is less than said first thickness and also having a socket extending therethrough;
• transferring a first digital file of said virtual mid-portion of said overdenture bar to a first number controlled machine and a second digital file of said at least one virtual extension to a second number controlled machine;
• machining said mid-portion of said overdenture bar and each said extension from separate pieces of stock metallic materials;
• and
• affixing each said extension to one of said distal ends.