Implant-supported dentures have long been popular among patients. Despite the high cost of the operation, the installation of implants is performed by people of all ages.
Arguments in favor of fixed prosthetics with the loss of both one dental unit and a whole dentition are weighty and, when compared with other methods, have practically no drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at which prostheses on implants are better? What kind of prosthetics is suitable for each individual case.
Types of Implant-supported Dentures
In the matter of installing dentures on implants, the most proven methods in 2024 were dental two-piece implants. They are recommended for patients with the loss of one or several teeth. The installation technology is the safest and gives a positive result in 99% of clinical situations. Contraindications to this type of surgery are becoming less and less every year, as manufacturers of implants improve their products, and implantologists find solutions for more effective management of the osseointegration process for patients with chronic pathologies.
In addition to classical implants, basal implants are installed. These are thinner one-piece models, which are indicated for installation in case of bone atrophy and the presence of chronic gum disease. The installation technique assumes work with a complex clinical picture, therefore, the doctor’s qualifications should be higher. According to statistics, the percentage of basal implant engraftment is lower than with classical implantation. This is due to prosthetics technology and a complex clinical picture. Rejection and complications appear in about 10% of cases.
Zygomatic implants have recently been used as an alternative to bone grafting in patients with severe atrophy of the lateral parts of the jaw. Zygomatic implants are used in the area of the chewing teeth, as it is more prone to atrophy than others. However, in the front section, it is possible to install extended models. An important factor when working with zygomatic implants is the high precision and skill of the implantologist. Given the short term of application, such a complex level of operation can only be carried out by a specialist who has undergone additional training and regularly practices this type of operation.
Implant crown
An implant crown has a number of advantages over a dental bridge and removable denture. First of all, it is the implantation of an artificial titanium root into the bone tissue, it prevents the development of atrophy, loosening and loss of adjacent teeth. Healthy teeth are not sharpened or subjected to unnecessary stress. Installing a crown in the absence of one tooth allows you to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tissue.
Dental bridge on the implant
A dental crown on an implant, like a dental crown, protects healthy teeth from falling out and turning. However, the number of supports when placing a bridge may not match the number of missing teeth. This fact allows you to reduce the cost of restoring several teeth. By installing the bridge, the patient avoids the complex and time-consuming operation of installing single implants, while the reliability and service life do not lose quality.
Dental bridge on the implant
A full covering denture on implants completely restores the dentition. The orthopedic design has several modifications, so you can choose the appropriate option at the request of the patient. When using the method of classical implantation, from 8 to 12 implants are installed. This allows you to evenly distribute the load between the supports, activate bone tissue cells, and reduce the rate of development of atrophy.
All-in-4 full denture
The All-in-Four Implant System is a comprehensive approach to the restoration of teeth with complete adentia. With the help of four implants, the dentition is completely restored with a conditionally removable prosthesis. This technique is designed to help patients with signs of atrophy restore their teeth while staying within budget. No bone augmentation is required, and the implantation of only four supports will significantly reduce the costs of the pins themselves and the work of a specialist.
All-in-6 full denture
This is a technique for restoring a full dentition in the presence of severe bone atrophy. Six dental implants support the structure, provide additional support for the denture in the area of the posterior teeth, while reducing the cost of bone augmentation in the distal region. The high requirements for the procedure make it safe. The method of installing a prosthesis with an instant load allows the patient to immediately receive a prosthesis, start chewing on their own and quickly return to their usual way of life.
How to Choose Right Implant-supported Denture
An important step in prosthetics on implants is the choice of an orthopedic design. When installing a crown on an implant or a dental bridge, choose between zirconium and cermets. Cermet is resistant to high chewing pressure, while it has an aesthetic appearance, has a long service life and is subject to repair. Metal-ceramic crowns are used to restore chewing teeth. The bridge can contain from 2 to 5 crowns.
Zirconium has high aesthetic properties and is recommended for the prosthetics of anterior teeth and molars in the smile zone, in the presence of metal allergies and gum disease. In addition to its natural appearance, zirconium is resistant to stress, the service life is longer than that of other materials for prosthetics. A dental bridge with 2-10 crowns can be made from zirconium. The disadvantages are the high price and complicated manufacturing process.
For a complete prosthesis on implants, ceramic composite or acrylic is used. Diamond grit adds additional strength to the ceramic composite, making the surface more dense. Plaque and age spots accumulate less on the surface and can be easily removed with regular cleaning. Acrylic is more porous and may cause allergies after prolonged wearing of the denture.
To keep the prosthesis longer, as well as to prevent loosening of the supports at the base of the base, a metal beam is used. Metal alloys can irritate mucous membranes. The best choice is a titanium bar. This material is hypoallergenic and bio-inert, stronger and more durable. However, its cost is higher than its metal counterparts.