I have a patient who wants a mandibular full arch implant supported fixed partial denture. I will be replacing a mandibular overdenture.

The mandible has suffered atrophy with considerable loss of vertical dimension. I can use a fixed-detachable prosthesis (hybrid) but I am concerned that the patient will be dissatisfied because of the space between the metal framework and the gingiva. Has anybody encountered this problem? Any comments?








Featured Courses
>>More Online Implant Courses

Cone Beam Technology: Placing Dental Implants with Confidence
In this webinar, Dr. Myers will discuss the clinical and diagnostic benefits of incorporating 3-D into the dental practice and 3-D's compatibility with guided surgery applications, as well as the communication and marketing benefits...
>>Learn More and Register Now!

4 Responses to “ Dental Implants: Full Arch Implant Supported Fixed Partial Denture ”

  • wade November 8th, 2005

    why not provide the patient with a procera implant bridge using acrylic teeth? The space between the tissue and the underside is minimal and i have never had a patient complain about it yet. Your lab fees are minimal because you are not using porcelain and acrylic teeth are very forgiving. I have completed quite a few of these recently and have had really good success. Just a thought????

  • Mark Adams, DDS, MS November 9th, 2005

    An excellent option with a hybrid prosthesis is the ‘Profile Prosthesis’ - a fixed-detachable prosthesis for either the maxilla or mandible that is NOT a ‘high water’ prosthesis - rather, the tissue surface is ovate pontic shaped and is intimate in contact wit the tissue. A reprint of the original article describing the prosthesis is available on my website or email me.

  • Anonymous November 17th, 2005

    Dr. Adams, I cannot find your article on the Profile Prosthesis on your website. Could you please post a direct link for us. Thanks

  • Ruth Taylor January 12th, 2008

    I am 55 years old and have had full top and bottom dentures for at least 30 year. I now have enough money to be able to get implants and I am doing my bottom first. My denturist has implanted 2 posts in my jaw bone which will be the anchor for the new denture. His idea was a bar between the two posts that would hold the denture in place. I went to the (i dont know his title) but he’s the guy who will be making the denture and he is in favor of 2 posts that would work like a snap. Now my denturist and the guy making the denture are at odds and I am put in the middle as to what kind I would like. Both sound good to me but how do I make the decision. I am paying both of these guys good money so I can have the best dentures. I’m afraid chose one over the other, I wont get the best from the other one. Can you advise which would be better for me? the bar type of the snap type.


Leave a Comment

Comment Guidelines: This is a forum for dentists for intelligent discussion. No insults. No outside links. No promotional comments. Though we require an email to route questionable comments to our editors, we will NEVER publish your email. Consumers & Patients: Please do NOT post dental questions here. Instead Visit ChooseDentalImplants.com to get Expert Advice for Implants.


Note: At times your comment may not appear on the website immediately, because it has been sent to our editors for approval. Once approved, we will publish the comment. There is NO need to resubmit your comment, if it does not appear on the website immediately.