Definition and objectives

The prostheses used on implants are the same as prostheses on natural teeth.

As they involve machined pieces, these prostheses are slightly more expensive but generally easier to insert.

Like any prosthesis attached to a tooth, the implant prosthesis requires moulds to be taken in order to make a prosthesis.

With implants, it is possible to have fixed teeth again even if the person has no teeth at all. There are different types of prostheses for implants: fixed prosthesis and mobile prosthesis.

Fixed prosthesis

This can be attached with cement or screwed to an implant as a function of clinical conditions. Depending on the case in question, the dental surgeon will put one of the following in the patient’s mouth:

- a crown: ideal as a replacement for a missing tooth when adjacent teeth are healthy.

- a bridge: this is used to replace several teeth and rests on the implants. Some teeth are connected to the implants and others are intermediaries.

- a full bridge: this is for edentate patients (without any teeth at all) to avoid using a fully immobile prosthesis. It requires 4 to 8 implants to be inserted depending on the technique used by the dentist.

Mobile prostheses

In this case, implants are inserted to stabilise or retain an immobile prosthesis using attachment systems. There are two possible attachment systems:

- Pressure buttons: the same number as the number of implants.

- Rods which connect the implants to each other. In this case, the prosthesis is held in place by a stabilize system.

Result

These attachments tend to deactivate with time. The prosthesis becomes less well attached.

These attachments have to be activated or changed regularly in order to maintain maximum retention.