A.K.A. Implant Supported Fixed Prosthesis
Fixing a denture to implants is the ultimate level of stability. There is zero mobility in the prosthesis while rivaling the functionality and esthetics of natural teeth.
What to expect
Multiple 2 Hr appointments
What it is
A fixed denture, or sometimes also called an All-On-4, is a fixed prosthetic that is held by 4 to 6 implants to the arch of the jaw. The action of implant fixation allows the prosthesis to be as comfortable and reliable in function as natural teeth. When done properly and with care the final result is spectacular, restoring complete function, as well as bringing back confidence of smile and speech.
The prosthesis is fixed to the implants by aid of screws. This eliminates any movement or rocking of the fixed denture. Also because there is no intimate contact between the denture and gums, there will never be sore spots. These factors allow for the best comfort and function outcomes.
A fixed denture excels in these aspects:
- Esthetic and functional replacement of teeth
- Increased comfort during function
- Bone volume retention in increased due to presence of implants
However an implant retained denture:
- May need periodic hygiene appointments at your local dentist
How it is accomplished
Typically implants are placed at the first surgical appointment. If tooth removal and bone grafting is necessary, it is done during the same appointment. See Implant, Extraction and Bone graft for more procedure info.
After tooth removal and implantation process a temporary denture is hooked up to the implants if the stability allows to do so. Typically we try to have a functional temporary denture hooked up to the implants by the end of the surgical appointment. Sometimes that process is broken into two appointment if we need to spend extra time on the project to achieve better initial results. After the initial appointment it takes anywhere from 3-5 months of healing to begin fabrication of final prosthesis.
At the end of the healing phase the final prosthesis can be made out of two different materials. Either titanium reinforced acrylic or zirconia ceramic, both of which have great esthetic and functional outcomes.
The final results is comfortable, functional, beautiful, cleansable and gentle on the tissues. There is no removal it at night.
Treatment Timeline
Patient Appointments (7 - 10 months)
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Initial Consultation
Data gathering, Treatment planning, answering questions, making you comfortable.
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2 weeks
During this period we will be fabricating surgical guides and temporary prostheses.
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Surgery and Temporization
Temporization can take up to a week of time depending on the complexity of initial surgery.
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1 Week Follow up
Just to make sure you are doing well and healing as expected.
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3-5 months
This period is given for tissues to heal and settle.
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Final Prosthesis Fabrication
This step usually takes 5-7 visits to get everything done to your satisfaction.
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Delivery
After delivery we schedule a 1 week post delivery check to make sure all needs have been met.
Materials:
Acrylic
These prostheses are made of PMMA (poly-methyl-methacrylate) material. This type of acrylic is strong enough to support the chewing forces while offering a great degree of reparability and flexibility in future modifications. However the use of clasps and retentive features is limited.
Titanium Reinforced Acrylic
This is traditional denture material that has been reinforced with a titanium bar on the inside of the prosthesis. An advantage of this material that it is long lasting and easily repairable if any of the acrylic is broken or worn off. The common disadvantage is that acrylic teeth tend to wear within 5-10 years of use and will need to be replaced at some point in the future.
Zirconia
Extremely hard material that does not allow any natural color of the tooth to shine through. Great when trying to drastically change the color of tooth, however can appear opaque and color may lack depth.