Secure and dependable methods for anchoring combination prostheses
A combination prosthesis will remain securely and dependably attached.
For those who choose a highly aesthetic, comfortable and convenient combination prosthesis, there are various secure, precision anchoring systems for attaching the removable part. A combination prosthesis is intended to stay in the mouth all the time and is only removed for periodic thorough cleaning. The anchoring system allows you (or your dentist) to release the removable part.
We work together with your dentist to select the right anchoring system for you. The choice of system will depend on the strength of the supporting teeth, the position of the prosthesis in the mouth, and, above all, on your requirements. There are a number of alternatives:
Telescope systems
Here, the element that connects the removable part of the prosthesis to the fixed part is known as a telescope crown (or double crown).
A telescope crown consists of two parts: an inner telescope (primary crown) that is permanently fixed to a natural tooth, and a removable outer telescope (secondary crown) that is fixed to the removable part of the prosthesis. The outer telescope (on the removable part) slides easily over the inner telescope (on the fixed part), and, once in place, forms a secure and dependable anchorage for the removable part of the prosthesis.
There are a number of reasons why we may select a telescope system, one of the main ones is if there are only a few natural teeth remaining in the mouth. If teeth in both sides of the jaw need to be replaced, then this form of anchorage removes the need for a palatal plate or a bar under the tongue (sublingual bar) – with conventional partial prostheses, these are often needed in the upper and lower jaws (respectively) to provide additional stability. Without them you will have less covered area in the mouth, and that means a substantial increase in comfort.
If there are no remaining natural roots to support a combination prosthesis, then artificial ones can be provided in the form of implants.
Clip-bar systems
Here, the element that connects the removable part of the prosthesis to the fixed part is known as a clip-bar.
Two natural teeth are crowned (if, for example, the four lower incisors are missing, these would be the two lower canine teeth) and a rigid metal connecting bar is permanently fixed between them. The removable part of the prosthesis is pushed onto the bar and snaps into place. The clip-bar supports the removable part and holds it firmly and securely in place.
It also evenly distributes the chewing pressure on the supporting teeth so that, under some circumstances, even natural teeth weakened by periodontitis can still be used for this purpose.
Implant-based prostheses
Both combination prostheses and fixed restorations can be supported by implants if natural teeth are missing or if there is a lack of stable roots. Implants are artificial roots made of ceramic or titanium. They are inserted into the bone in the place of the missing teeth. There is a range of highly aesthetic fixed and removable restoration solutions that can be fitted to these artificial roots – as secure and dependable as if they were your own teeth.