It often happens that we have to make removable and fixed prostheses at the same time, which we call combined prosthesis. It is a quick and ideal solution for supplying a full set of teeth.
A combined prosthesis has two parts; one is fixed in the mouth with an adhesive, and the other is removable. The fixed parts are porcelain crowns built on the natural front teeth, paired with a removable part attached with a press-button.
Its great advantage is that the holding parts and the metal plate do not show when the patient speaks or laughs, which cannot be said for partial dentures fixed with clips. Owing to the fixed parts their stability is better; they are much stronger than partial dentures with clips.
It is the perfect solution if the patient has lost their front teeth, whether due to illness or accident. It is an ideal option if the number of and the distance between the remaining teeth is such that a traditional bridge cannot be used. Furthermore, a combined prosthesis is the best possibility if the patient cannot be or does not want to be implanted.
Combined prostheses
Prostheses, depending on how much dental tissue they are replacing, can be intracoronal: fillings, inlays or onlays, or extracoronal: crowns and veneers. Inlays and onlays are similar to fillings, with the exception that they are made in a dental laboratory and glued in place.
Its fabrication requires extremely precise work on the part of dentists and dental technicians. The remaining teeth that could be saved are prepared with the same polishing method as crowns. Then an impression is made, based on which the dental technician prepares a bridge for the remaining teeth. A precision anchoring tool joins this bridge, which has a number of types. This helps to attach the prosthesis in a way that prevents it moving. Its fabrication needs more time than the creation of a simple bridge, as a very precise impression must be taken of the removable part as well.
The building in of the complete prosthesis manufactured by the dental technician follows this. It means that both the fixed bridge and the removable part is glued into the mouth at the same time. This is essential as the two together form a whole.
As is the case with all kinds of prostheses, perfect oral hygiene is essential. Besides using the right kind of toothpaste, floss and mouth wash, a yearly check-up is highly recommended.
A combined prosthesis can be an ideal solution in many cases, but for further information please visit our surgery where our dentists can tell you about the advantages and disadvantages in great detail.