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 phonetics. 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 substructure retained with conventional set screws and a superstructure retained with precision attachments has been developed. The substructure is contoured to facilitate patient access for oral hygiene because it will be covered by the superstructure and neither esthetics nor phonetics is a concern. The superstructure is easily removed by the patient for routine cleaning and can be designed for favorable esthetics and phonetics. This article reviews and describes the procedures for fabrication of this precision attachment-retained, implant-supported prosthesis.