Since the invention of dental implants, different experiments have been conducted to develop fixation methods for all kinds of dental superstructures and prostheses onto implants. There are many types of implants as well as many different fixation methods for dental crowns and bridges. Dental implants are used to retain dental prostheses either in the form of fixed or removable dentures. Each type of dental prosthesis is designed to solve specific dental problems.
That is why every type of dental implants has its own specific indications and contraindications. They affect the choice of implant systems, placement techniques and fixation methods for implant-supported dentures. Thus, it has become possible to restore teeth, without involving healthy abutment teeth in the process of prosthetic fixation, since the beginning of using dental implants in dentistry. It also became possible to refuse from total using of such massive and often uncomfortable removable dentures. The invention and optimization of fixation methods for implant-supported dentures made it possible to avoid grinding of healthy teeth for supporting single crowns.
What are there the fixation methods of the single crown to implants? There are several methods.
1. Cemented-retained fixation – the crown is fastened not to the tooth, like in the traditional prosthetics, but to the implant by use of a connector – abutment with dental cement. Today, this attachment method for fixed dentures is very common in dental implantology.
2. Screw-retained fixation. Abutment as part of the crown is screwed into the implant. It gives more accurate comparison of the individual components of the implant system and allows to select abutments and crowns separately. A dental crown can be replaced in such a way, without changing the implant.
3. Telescopic fixation. The crown consists of two parts: one is fixed on the abutment, while the other part is connected to the body of the denture. This is a conditionally removable denture, which is periodically removed for a more thorough care and hygiene. Such fixation is used for dental bridges as well.
Each of the fixation methods used today has its advantages and disadvantages. You should agree the fixation method suitable for you with a dental implantologist and orthopedists at the preliminary preparation stage for dental implant surgery, its choice also depends on the clinical situation, goals and objectives of dental implant treatment.
As for the dental bridge construction, the different methods of fixation are used in this case, which also depend on the characteristics of both the prostheses and implants. With non-removable dental prosthetics a special abutment placed in strictly planned implants and tightly connected to the prosthesis is necessary for final fixation of the bridge onto dental implants. Cemented-retained fixation is used for single crowns either. For removable dental prosthetics there are button and bar fixation methods, which have show good results. The company Bio3 Implants produces high-quality implants, which can be selected for the required fixation method.