Types of Fixed Dental Prostheses and Fixed Dental Implants

Andrea Contreras
16 October, 2024
Prótesis dental EN

4 Types of Fixed Dental Prostheses (2026)

1. Fixed Dental Crown

A dental crown is a cover or “cap” placed over a damaged or weakened natural tooth to restore its shape, size, and functionality. It is also used to cover a dental implant and replace a lost tooth.

Materials: Porcelain, zirconium, metal-porcelain, or metal.

Use: Ideal for repairing damaged teeth or covering implants.

Advantages: Durability, natural aesthetic appearance, protects the underlying tooth.

Disadvantages: Requires the reduction of the natural tooth.

2. Fixed Dental Bridge

A fixed dental bridge is used to replace one or more lost teeth. It consists of a series of crowns connected to each other, where the adjacent teeth to the gap act as pillars to support the structure.

Materials: Porcelain, zirconium, metal-porcelain, or metal.

Use: Replaces one or more missing teeth.

Advantages: Not removable, fixed and aesthetic solution, restores chewing ability.

Disadvantages: Requires shaping of healthy adjacent teeth, which may weaken them in the long term.

3. Complete Fixed Prosthesis (Over Implants)

The complete fixed prosthesis over implants is an option for people who have lost all their teeth in one arch (upper or lower). Instead of using removable dentures, this prosthesis is permanently fixed over several dental implants.

Materials: Acrylic, porcelain, or zirconium.

Use: Replaces all teeth in a complete arch.

Advantages: Stable and durable solution, does not require adhesives, feels like natural teeth.

Disadvantages: The cost can be high due to the number of implants and the material of the prosthesis.

4. Fixed Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin sheets placed on the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They are ideal for correcting aesthetic issues, such as chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth.

Materials: Porcelain or composite resin.

Use: Improve the aesthetic appearance of front teeth.

Advantages: High aesthetics, improves the color, shape, and size of teeth.

Disadvantages: May require the removal of a small amount of dental enamel.

Types of Fixed Dental Implants

Fixed dental implants are small screws that are inserted into the maxillary or mandibular bone to act as artificial roots for lost teeth. Crowns, bridges, or complete prostheses are placed on these implants, offering a durable and stable solution. There are several types of fixed dental implants, which vary according to technique, number of implants, and the clinical situation of the patient.

1. Endosseous Implants (Screw Implants)

Endosseous implants are the most common. They are inserted directly into the maxillary or mandibular bone and, once integrated with the bone (osseointegration), crowns, bridges, or prostheses are placed on them.

Materials: Titanium or zirconium (biocompatible).

Use: Replace one or more lost teeth.

Advantages: High durability, excellent bone integration, permanent solution.

Disadvantages: Requires a healing period of 3 to 6 months before placing the definitive prosthesis.

2. Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are longer than traditional implants and are anchored in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) instead of the maxilla, which is useful in patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.

Materials: Titanium.

Use: For patients with extreme bone loss in the upper jaw.

Advantages: Avoids the need for bone grafts, effective solution for cases of severe bone loss.

Disadvantages: More complex and costly procedure than conventional implants.

3. All-on-4 (or All-on-6) Implants

The All-on-4 system involves placing four implants in the jaw or maxilla to support a complete fixed prosthesis. In the case of All-on-6, six implants are used. It is ideal for people who have lost all teeth in an arch and wish to avoid the use of removable dentures.

Materials: Titanium (implants) and acrylic, porcelain, or zirconium (prosthesis).

Use: To restore an entire arch of teeth.

Advantages: Complete solution with a reduced number of implants, excellent stability, less invasive than placing an implant for each tooth.

Disadvantages: Requires surgery, and the cost can be high.

4. Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are smaller than traditional implants and are often used to stabilize removable dentures or in cases where there is not enough bone to support a standard implant. They are less invasive and have a shorter recovery time.

Materials: Titanium.

Use: Stabilize removable prostheses or as a temporary solution.

Advantages: Less invasive, quick recovery, lower cost.

Disadvantages: Not as durable as conventional implants, and cannot support heavy loads.

Cost Comparison of Fixed Prostheses and Fixed Dental Implants

The prices of dental implants and fixed prostheses vary considerably depending on the type of treatment, the material used, and the complexity of the case. Below, I present an approximate summary of costs in the market:

Dental crown on natural tooth: Between S/ 800 and S/ 2,500 per tooth, depending on the material (porcelain, metal-porcelain, zirconium).

Fixed dental bridge: A three-piece bridge can cost between S/ 2,500 and S/ 6,000, depending on the material.

Dental implant with crown: Between S/ 4,000 and S/ 10,000 per tooth, including the implant surgery and crown placement.

All-on-4 fixed prosthesis: Between S/ 25,000 and S/ 45,000 per arch, depending on the material of the prosthesis.

Zygomatic implants: Between S/ 15,000 and S/ 25,000 per complete arch.

Mini dental implants: Between S/ 2,500 and S/ 5,000 per implant.

Advantages of Fixed Implants and Dental Prostheses

Stability: They offer a solid and permanent base, ensuring excellent functionality when chewing and speaking.

Durability: With proper care, implants and fixed prostheses can last many years, if not a lifetime.

Aesthetics: They are designed to resemble natural teeth, improving aesthetic appearance.

Prevention of bone loss: Implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which occurs after tooth loss.

Comfort: They do not slip or require adhesives like removable prostheses, providing greater comfort.

Fixed dental prostheses and fixed dental implants are advanced and permanent solutions for replacing lost teeth. They offer a wide variety of options that adapt to the specific needs of each patient, from crowns and bridges to complete systems like All-on-4 or zygomatic implants, ideal for more complex cases. Although the initial cost may be high, the benefits in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and oral health make this investment highly recommendable.

If you are considering a fixed dental prosthesis or an implant, we suggest visiting a specialized dental office. In this regard, the dental office of Dr. Andrea Contreras is an excellent option. With two locations in Lima, Dr. Contreras and her team offer personalized care and advanced technology to ensure optimal and lasting results.

Schedule a consultation at her dental office and receive a professional evaluation to determine the most suitable solution for your needs and budget. Trust in the experience and professionalism of Dr. Andrea Contreras to regain your smile and improve your quality of life!