Zirconia Prosthetic

Once the implants have finished their healing phase a zirconia fixed prosthetic is fabricated to connect all the implants together. This prosthetic is as streamlined as possible and has no movement during chewing and allows the patient to return to a normal diet. It provides optimal esthetics and will have minimal wear over time. It is fixed in place and can only be removed in the dental office.

Benefits

  • palate free on the upper

  • less bulky than a fixed acrylic hybrid prosthetic, bar retained overdenture or a complete denture

  • maintain bone support compared to a complete denture

  • increased chewing ability compared to a complete denture

  • optimal esthetics

  • teeth will not fracture or wear like with a fixed acrylic hybrid or bar retained denture

Drawbacks

  • requires excellent homecare to keep the prosthetic clean

  • due to the increased force and hardness of the material the opposing teeth or prosthetic may wear

  • food debris can accumulate where the bridge meets the gums

  • more laboratory time and fabrication steps are required that a fixed acrylic hybrid prosthetic

Maintenance

  • in-office cleaning of the prosthetic every 4-8 months and removal every 1-3 years