Fixed prosthesis or implant-supported prosthesis?

 Losing all your teeth, besides causing a functional deficit, is an embarrassing situation for anyone. Fixed prostheses and implant-supported prostheses are treatments designed specifically to address this situation and restore patients' smiles and ability to chew.

If you are facing the loss of all your teeth, whatever the reason, the solution is closer than you think – you just need to choose, from all the options, the one that suits your specific problem.

Personalised advice will, of course, come from a professional. The dentist is the best-qualified professional to present your options and select the right one for the patient, weighing up the advantages, disadvantages, length of the procedure and costs, as well as each patient's individual circumstances.

The alternatives include the fixed dental prosthesis and the implant-supported prosthesis, both of which restore the teeth. These techniques are used to replace all the teeth that have been lost.

Teeth play a fundamental role in everyone's life. First of all, they are responsible for the digestive process and their job is to make food easier for the body to absorb. Losing teeth can compromise this function by preventing proper digestion and depriving the person of the pleasure of eating.

Teeth also play a very important social and emotional role because, together with the face, they are a person's calling card – what sets them apart. Missing teeth can undermine not only self-confidence but also the way a person relates to others, making them feel embarrassed.

If you have lost the teeth of more than one dental arch, it is essential to contact your dentist straight away to identify the cause of the tooth loss and get advice on the best way to treat it. If you opt for a dental prosthesis, your dentist will suggest the best solution, either fixed or implant-supported. Here are the main differences between the two:

A fixed dental prosthesis is one that cannot be removed by the patient and therefore replaces the lost teeth in a stable way, with no risk of annoying (and sometimes embarrassing) movement. Prostheses of this type include dental crowns and dental bridges. The advantage of a fixed prosthesis is that the patient gets a stable result, with chewing and aesthetics equal to those of natural teeth.

In addition, because it is completely fixed, there is no adjustment period, as there is, for example, with traditional dentures, which can be uncomfortable for the first few days.

Of course, fixed prostheses also require proper oral hygiene, but in most cases this will be comparable to caring for natural teeth.

When a patient is missing all their teeth, the best solution is an implant-supported prosthesis, as it gives excellent results in terms of both chewing and aesthetics. The aesthetics and function of an implant-supported prosthesis will be very similar to those of the patient's natural teeth.

Implant-supported prostheses are 100% custom-made and are usually made from materials that deliver outstanding results. Implant-supported prostheses are fixed prostheses which, instead of being supported by natural teeth, are supported by dental implants placed beforehand (the implants are inserted into the jaws as artificial roots and the prosthesis is then fitted on top of them).

One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they integrate perfectly with your body. This is because the materials they are made from are fully biocompatible. Dental implants can last a lifetime if good oral hygiene habits and regular check-ups are maintained.

To choose the most suitable type of prosthesis, you need a thorough examination. Every patient has different characteristics and needs. The dentist will assess your specific case, taking into account aesthetic, functional and financial criteria. Of course, talking with the patient is also an important part of the decision, to understand their needs and expectations.

Fixed and implant-supported prostheses guarantee optimal results, both aesthetic and functional.