Combined prosthetics: what is it and who is it suitable for?
Modern dentistry offers many ways to restore lost teeth. In the case when a patient loses not one, but several teeth in different areas, or when different types of dental defects are combined, standard prosthetics methods may not be effective enough. In such situations, combined prosthetics is used – an individually selected solution combining various types of dentures and structures.
This approach allows not only to restore the aesthetics of a smile, but also to ensure a full-fledged chewing function, preserve the health of the remaining teeth and prevent further bite changes. Combined prosthetics are used both in elderly patients and in middle-aged people who have complex clinical cases.
What is combined prosthetics
Combined prosthetics is a technique in which several types of dentures are combined in one treatment: removable and non–removable, supported by teeth or implants. This solution is selected individually, depending on the clinical picture, the number of remaining teeth, the condition of bone tissue, bite and aesthetic requirements of the patient.
The main goal of the combined approach is to combine reliability, comfort and aesthetics, especially in cases where the installation of only non–removable dentures is difficult for some reason or there are no conditions for fixing a complete removable prosthesis.
When is combined prosthetics prescribed
The method is shown in the following situations:
- partial adentia (absence of several teeth in different parts of the jaw),
- inconvenience during complete removable prosthetics (for example, due to gag reflex or mucosal mobility),
- the presence of prostheses in certain areas and the need to repair the remaining defect with a removable structure.
The method is also effective for: periodontal disease and tooth mobility, malocclusion or pronounced anatomical features, previously installed non-removable prosthesis, to which it is necessary to additionally fix the removable part.
Among the advantages of the method, it is customary to single out:
- Individual approach – each solution adapts to a specific clinical situation.
- Improved fixation – removable parts are more securely held by locks or clasps.
- Aesthetics – locking joints are less visible when talking and smiling than standard clasps.
- Load reduction – the load on the supporting teeth is distributed more evenly.
- Comfort – patients adapt faster to combined structures compared to full removable dentures.
- Accessibility – if it is not possible to perform complete prosthetics on implants, a combined approach is a more cost-effective solution.
Combined prosthetics is a way to restore the dentition in difficult cases where standard methods are not suitable. This approach allows you to achieve high aesthetics, functionality and comfort. It requires individual planning, but provides a stable result.
At the same time, if we compare this technique with fixed prosthetics on dental implants, it should be noted that combined prosthetics are significantly inferior in terms of reliability of structures and convenience for the patient.
If the patient has lost several teeth, especially in different areas, or has contraindications to complete implantation, it is worth considering the option of combined prosthetics. Consultation with an orthopedic dentist will help you choose the optimal solution that takes into account all medical and aesthetic features.
