Fixed denture on implants, All-on-4, or implant retained bridge for full set

What is a fixed denture, all-on-4 and an implant retained bridge?

These are the names of different dental prosthesis for full set top and/or bottom teeth replacement using implants:

A fixed denture is an acrylic horseshoe denture of 12-14 teeth that sits on 2-4 implants.

All-on-4 is a porcelain bridge (with some pink gum contour) that is permanently attached to 4 implants.

An implant retained bridge is a common porcelain bridge (without the pink gum contour) that is permanently cemented (or screwed) to 6-8 implants into the jaw.

What is the difference between these?

The main difference is what the dental prosthesis needs to make up for. A bridge replaces the teeth only, but the all-on4 and the fixed denture replaces bone and soft tissue as well. This is needed in case a patient has suffered from bone loss. The bone and gum replacement is just as important as the new teeth.

The height of the nose from the chin should reach it’s original measure (or close to original), otherwise the nose drops and the lips and face collapse. Width and thickness of the dental prosthesis is just as important for the aesthetics of the new teeth and smile. For this reason these dental appliances are considered in regards of the level of bone and gum loss.

Will metal show on, or under crowns?

No. Our crowns have porcelain shoulders, which permanently cover the metal edge of the crowns making the metal part invisible.

Why do people have a dark line where the crown meets the gum, is it the metal?

Usually because their crowns don’t have porcelain shoulders covering the metal edge of the crown. Our crowns do have porcelain shoulders to provide a perfect natural look for our patients.