At
least several days after the abutments have been attached to
the integrated Implants, impressions are again made of your
mouth. Plaster - like models of the jaws and any teeth
that you may still have can be made from the impressions.
The new replacement teeth ( bridge or denture, also called a
prosthesis ) will eventually be made on these models.
If
no natural teeth are present, bite records are made on
temporary bases with wax rims. Artificial teeth are arranged
on the bases so that correct position of the teeth can be
determined in your mouth.
A
metal framework is then made, and the artificial teeth are
attached to framework in the previously determined positions.
This
whole assembly of framework and teeth will be tried in your
mouth to see how it fits and looks. When the teeth look
satisfactory and function properly, the prosthesis is
completed.
At
last, the final prosthesis is secured on the abutments with small
screws ( or in situations where natural teeth also remain,
with dental cement ). This sis called fixed prosthesis.
If
it is not possible to construct a fixed prosthesis for your jaw, a
removable overdenture may be designed to fit over the Implants.
While it is removable by you, it can be secured to the abutments
by various types of attachments or magnets.
If
you do have some remaining natural teeth, a prosthesis fixed to
two or more Implants may also be made to replace the missing
teeth. They may be attached to natural teeth or may stand alone in
the areas where teeth have been lost. Single missing teeth
can be replaced by an Implant-supported replacement tooth.
