MULTIPLE TEETH REPLACEMENT

IMPLANT SUPPORTED FIXED BRIDGES

Whenever patient wants replacement of multiple missing teeth then the treatment cost can be reduced by doing an implant supported fixed bridges. Instead of placing individual implant for each missing tooth, 3 unit bridge or 3 joint crowns are fixed onto the two implants separated by a space of single missing tooth. Middle crown reduces the cost of implant required in that area.

TOOTH SUPPORTED FIXED BRIDGES

It is prosthesis which literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of 2 or more joint crowns (tooth caps) for the teeth on either side of the gap. These 2 or more anchoring teeth are called “abutment teeth” and false tooth in between. The only disadvantage of bridge is; it requires trimming of healthy abutment teeth.

ii)Cast Partial Denture-

It is a modified design of removable partial denture in which denture base is supported and strengthened by underlying custom fabricated metallic framework. Denture teeth and gum colored plastic are added to this framework to complete the appliance. Cast partial metal dentures generally considered to be the more permanent partial denture unlike plastic partial dentures are clipped to the natural teeth with clasps and most importantly incorporate rests on the teeth.

-Advantages of cast partial denture over conventional removable partial denture.

• Denture with higher strength and stability.
• Higher efficiency of chewing.
• Durable and more acceptable to the patients due to the less coverage on soft tissue.
• Less impairment of speech in initial days after wearing a denture.
• Less detrimental to remaining teeth and supporting structures.

iii) Complete dentures-

Complete denture is a prosthetic device constructed for replacement of entire dentition and associated structures of the upper and lower jaws. They are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.

• Depending on the patients need complete dentures are fabricated with Indian or imported aesthetic teeth set and denture base material.
• Complete dentures are processed using two techniques namely commonly used compression moulding technique and advanced injection moulding technique. Results with injection moulding technique are superior in terms of aesthetics and durability of denture.

iv)Tooth or Implant supported overdentures-

It is basically a complete denture which fits over and receives partial support and stability from one or more modified natural teeth or implants. The stress concentration while chewing can be shared between denture bearing areas and natural teeth or implants, hence overdenture can reduce the impact of residual bone resorption, loss of aesthetics and compromised mastication (chewing).

-Advantages of overdentures over conventional complete dentures.

• Denture support, stability and aesthetics is better.
• Difficult anatomical conditions like cleft palate, trauma to the facial region, abnormal jaw size and position can be managed with it.
• No need to remove all teeth hence psychologically more acceptable to the patient.
• Neuromuscular control is maintained which helps in regulating the biting force over conventional denture.

v) Flexible Dentures (Valplast) -

Valplast flexible denture are made up of biocompatible nylon thermoplastic resin material with unique physical and aesthetic properties. It allows patient’s natural tissue tone to appear through material. They are ideal for partial dentures and unilateral restorations.