Fixed dentures
What is worth knowing about fixed dentures?
Dentures are a tooth replacement method that provides an effective solution for patients who are missing a significant part of their teeth, or in some cases all of their teeth. The goal of dental prostheses is to completely restore the aesthetic and chewing function.
With fixed dentures, the full circular bridge or partial dental bridge is attached to the implants, therefore it is completely stable and does not need to be glued, which makes it more comfortable and does not fall out of the mouth. In addition, biting and chewing are more natural with fixed dentures due to their stability. With fixed-removable dentures, implants ensure the stability of the prosthesis but the dentures are removable and thus easy to clean. In this dental replacement, a “pier” (metal bridge) or locators (small metal balls) are placed on the implant, which snap into the place created for them in the prosthesis and hold the denture in place.
Fixed, removable dentures anchored to dental implants
A removable denture is a set of teeth anchored to a dental implant. This is a more cost effective alternative compared to dental bridges fixed to the implant, and is also recommended in cases where it is not possible to replace each tooth individually with dental implants due to some health reason.
Fixed dentures are strongly and stably connected to the dental implant, which makes them much safer and more comfortable than non-fixed dentures. They are also smaller than a traditional prosthesis, which makes them much easier to wear and use in everyday life.
Why are dentures attached to dental implants recommended?
With a prosthesis attached to a Premium Straumann, Nobel Active or Alpha Bio implant, the original strength and quality of chewing can be restored, and denture adhesive is no longer necessary. In addition to supporting healthy digestion, it gives a natural appearance and you will not have any problems with speaking.
Fixed dentures do not irritate the gums, therefore they are much more comfortable to wear.
Premature aging of facial lines can be prevented with dental implants as they minimize bone loss. Therefore, dental implants are long-lasting, stable dental replacement solutions.
What types of fixed, removable dentures are there?
There are many tooth replacement methods, of which we can offer you the right solution at our clinic. Depending on the state of health, in the case of the lower jaw, even 2 dental implants may be enough to keep the denture. For the upper jaw, 4 or 6 artificial tooth roots are recommended.
The denture can be connected to the implants in several ways. One such method is the so-called jetty, which is a metal bridge, and the other is called a locator attachment. In the latter case, the dentist attaches small balls to the top of the implants, which snap into the place created for them in the prosthesis and hold the denture in place.
Bracket denture on 4 implants
Sphere retention, removable dentures with locator on 2 or 4 implants
Dental replacement - treatment process
The process of placing dentures fixed on dental implants can be divided into two large parts.
- First stage
During the first steps of the treatment, the dentist extracts the teeth, if necessary, and then implants the dental implants. The healing time of the area around the implants is approx. 4-6 months, during which time the tooth roots integrate into the bone.
- Second stage
After the healing period, the so-called medical screws are placed, after which an impression is taken of the jaw bone and the bite height is adjusted. Then comes a test with the teeth placed in the wax, and finally the dental technician prepares the dentures based on all this, which the cosmetic dentist puts on and provides you with care for keeping your dentures intact and maintaining your oral hygiene.
Am I eligible to have fixed dentures?
All persons with good oral hygiene are considered suitable for this procedure. However, before starting this treatment, it is a good idea to assess the patient’s general health and daily habits.
The treatment requires an adequate amount and density of jaw bone stock, which can be checked with an X-ray, CT or Premium CBCT. Based on the diagnosis made in this way, the dentist can decide whether the bone is sufficient or whether a bone replacement is necessary.
However, there may be cases where dental implants are contraindicated, such as periodontitis, heavy smoking or teeth grinding. These should be avoided with appropriate treatment, and smoking should be stopped before and after the intervention.
What should I do, what should I pay attention to after placing the dentures?
Dentures attached to dental implants are basically designed so that they can be worn 24 hours a day, but these dentures must also be removed regularly for cleaning. Keeping the gums clean and healthy is very important for the stability and longevity of the implants.
That is why it is recommended to clean the dentures on a daily basis. During cleaning, wash the prosthesis and the surroundings of the implants, remove plaque from the superstructure placed on the dental implant with dental floss, use mouthwash and rinse your dentures.
Removable dentures
What is a denture and in what cases is it recommended?
Dentures are an affordable tooth replacement method for our patients who are missing all their teeth. If you have your own teeth, but they are not in the right number and position, partial dentures are recommended.
The goal of both full and partial prostheses is to restore the chewing function and the aesthetic effect. Proper chewing is a basic condition for healthy digestion, in the absence of which digestive problems can occur, which can lead to further illness.
Aesthetics is part of our everyday life, without a confident appearance, our self-confidence can decrease significantly. However, a set of dentures made according to our abilities can restore our confidence and even make us look years younger.
Non-fixed, removable dentures
Non-fixed, removable dentures are a traditional solution to replace partial or complete missing teeth. In the case of both prostheses, the teeth are made of plastic. Porcelain teeth cannot be placed in the dentures, as they would pull the dentures out of place due to their weight.
Full plate dentures
Removable dentures must be attached to the gums with a special adhesive. This dental prosthesis is less stable, but it is easier to clean and the price is more favorable.
Non-fixed dentures are not very comfortable to wear, as they can move very easily, which can cause discomfort while eating and speaking. In addition, the phenomenon of atrophy of the jaw bone can also be experienced over time.
This is a consequence of the fact that there are no tooth roots in the bone, which stimulate the pressure of chewing into the bone, thus preventing bone loss. Over time, this bone loss can lead to changes in the shape of the face and displacement of the teeth.
Types of partial plate dentures
In the case of partial dentures, the removable element can be connected to your intact teeth, crowns, and bridges in several ways:
- clip-on (clip-anchored)
- telescopic (anchored on the telescopic crown)
- fine mechanical (hidden anchorage)
The disadvantage of the metal clip is that it is not the best solution from an aesthetic point of view. Since in the case of hidden anchorage, the bridge and the removable denture are made together (combined work), it offers a much better aesthetic solution than the metal clasp, and the denture sits stably in the mouth.
