Types of Permanent Teeth for All-on-X Procedures

When discussing All-on-X procedures utilizing dental implants, the goal of the treatment is to restore the patient’s ability to smile and function with the new teeth. A common question people ask is, how many types of teeth replacement are there? And another is, what are dental implants materials available? No matter if you’re in Murrieta or elsewhere in the area, we’re here to clear up these key points and help you understand your options.

What is the best teeth replacement option?

The teeth that are firmly attached to the dental implants can be broken down into two categories: temporary teeth and permanent teeth.

Temporary fixed (non-removable) teeth are used immediately after the surgery and for up to 3-6 months thereafter, while the dental implants are healing.

This is an example of our patient immediately after the surgery. She has fixed temporary teeth: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCfeea3M1tF/?img_index=1 

Any changes to the look and the function of the teeth are typically undertaken utilizing different sets of the temporary teeth until a desired esthetic and functional outcome is achieved by the dentist and the patient. Temporary teeth are typically made from a liquid resin material, printed on a 3D printer and cured with UV light. Once the desired esthetic and functional outcome is achieved, then the patient is ready for the final (permanent) teeth.

One of the most common questions we get is what are the types of permanent teeth and which type of dental implants are best? The answer depends on several factors, including the materials used for the final teeth. Here’s a look at the different options available.

1. Zirconia Permanent Teeth

Zirconia is the best material for All on X permanent teeth for various reasons. It’s a very strong, very dense material that should not cause the patient any issues over the lifetime of the prosthesis. Zirconia is a very aesthetic material that will not discolor, stain, chip or break.  Because it’s a very highly polished material, it’s very easy to keep it clean, which is better for the health of the gums and bone level stability. 

Here is an example of zirconia teeth manufacturing:

• https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_cIi4RJSuX/

This is our patient with zirconia final teeth: 

• https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_oQinliS8s/ 

2. PMMA Permanent Teeth

PMMA is a high-quality medical grade plastic/acrylic material.  Compared to Zirconia it’s lighter and more porous.  It is also not as dense, so over time, it is definitely more likely to show the signs of wear and tear, especially when it comes to aesthetics (the material will discolor/stain) and it is also more likely to chip and crack compared to Zirconia. Last but not least, things like tartar and food will tend to stick to PMMA prosthesis much more compared to Zirconia because PMMA is a more porous material.

Here is an example of our patient with PMMA teeth: 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9USYgCNOSx/

3. Long-Term Provisional (Bar and Overstructure) Teeth

The materials used to make this prosthesis are designed to be a short to medium term solution for the patients. The materials used to make this restoration are not designed to last for longer than two years. It still allows the patients to get to a much better situation than they had before the surgery (beautiful, confident smile and the ability to eat and chew any food).  Two years after the prosthesis placement, once the long-term provisional teeth begin to show the signs of wear and tear, the Long-Term Provisional teeth need to be upgraded to a PMMA or Zirconia prosthesis.

Here is an example of our patient with Long Term Provisional Teeth: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_wMVzBl43/ 

Looking for a dental specialist in Murrieta? Contact us today!

If you’re still wondering about the different types of dental implants and unsure which option is right for you, Temecula Dental Implants & Oral Surgery is here to help. Dr. Tsvetov will gladly explain how your health may impact the procedure, whether existing implants can be used, or what to do in cases of bone loss. In case you’re in Murrieta or surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to set up your consultation today so we can find the right solution together!