A FIXED-DETACHABLE IMPLANT-SUPPORTED PROSTHESIS RETAINED WITH PRECISION ATTACHMENTS

The implant-supported, maxillary anterior, fixed-detachable prosthesis is often fabricated with a gingival flange to enhance esthetics and p honetics. However, only the dentist can remove the prosthesis, and the esthetic labial flange invariably impedes patient access for cleaning . A two-piece, fixed-detachable prosthesis that incorporates a substru cture retained with conventional set screws and a superstructure retai ned with precision attachments has been developed. The substructure is contoured to facilitate patient access for oral hygiene because it wi ll be covered by the superstructure and neither esthetics nor phonetic s is a concern. The superstructure is easily removed by the patient fo r routine cleaning and can be designed for favorable esthetics and pho netics. This article reviews and describes the procedures for fabricat ion of this precision attachment-retained, implant-supported prosthesi s.