Today, there are a variety of techniques and technologies for replacing one or more missing teeth. The patient’s situation and needs are assessed to determine which solution is the most appropriate.
Wondering which option is best for you? Here are the different types of dental prosthesis that are available.
Implant-supported crowns
An implant-supported crown is a fixed dental prosthesis, meaning that only an oral health specialist can remove it.
Like a regular crown, an implant-supported crown is used to resolve a problem with a single tooth. Unlike a regular crown, an implant-supported crown replaces the tooth entirely. A maxillofacial surgeon places a single dental implant and uses it to anchor the crown, replacing the natural tooth.
Implant-supported bridges
An implant-supported bridge is another type of fixed dental prosthesis. Also called fixed partial dentures, implant-supported bridges are used to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth.
As its name suggests, an implant-supported bridge uses two implants to support a prosthesis that bridges a gap of several missing teeth. Using implants eliminates the need for trimming the adjacent healthy teeth, which are used as anchors in regular bridges.
Once the implants are placed and the dental prosthesis is attached, the patient’s teeth will look normal and their ability to chew will be fully restored.
Complete dentures
Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are designed for people who suffer from toothlessness or terminal dentition. They are used to replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower dental arch.
This type of dental prosthesis can be fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s situation. Here are the advantages of each of the options.
Fixed dentures
Patients who are newly toothless and have never worn dentures before usually choose fixed dentures. A maxillofacial surgeon will place dental implants to anchor the prosthesis. Four implants are usually enough to hold full dentures in place.
What are the advantages of this type of dental prosthesis? Due to the support provided by the dental implants, fixed dentures are a little more stable than removable ones.
Finally, fixed dentures in the upper jaw do not cover the palate, making it easier to taste and feel the texture and temperature of food. This helps newly toothless patients adapt to their situation more quickly.
Removable overdentures
Even though they can easily be taken out and put back in, removable overdentures still offer excellent stability and retention. The fact that patients can remove the overdentures themselves greatly facilitates peri-implant hygiene. They also tend to be less expensive than fixed dentures.
There are two different options for overdentures, bar-supported and locator-retained, which are two different kinds of implants the prosthetic team or restorative dentist can use to anchor the overdentures.
Combined dental prostheses
A combined prosthesis is a type of dental prosthesis that includes both fixed and removable components. The removable part is mounted on a metal plate and replaces the missing teeth. It is attached to the remaining teeth with an anchor: a hook, attachment or telescopic crown.
This is a good option for patients who cannot tolerate an implant or cannot afford the procedure.
Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures are made before the extraction of the teeth they will replace. They provide patients with a prosthesis that can be used during the healing period.
Immediate dentures offer patients the aesthetics of a full smile while they wait for permanent dental prostheses. Furthermore, they promote gingival healing and make it easier for patients to adapt to their permanent dental prosthesis.
Immediate dentures can provide you with more time to determine which type of dental prosthesis will suit you best, without needing to worry about your dentition and your healing gums.
Reputable implant services at Clinique MFML
If you have lost or damaged one or more teeth, there are a variety of solutions available to you. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a dental prosthesis that will suit you perfectly.
At Clinique MFML, our maxillofacial surgeons provide dental implant services to prepare patients for their fixed or removable dental prostheses.
Want to find out more about our services? Feel free to contact us!
