FP-1 prosthesis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

FP-1 prosthesis is a type of fixed implant-supported dental prosthesis designed to replace teeth only. It is built to look like natural crowns emerging from the gums, without adding artificial gum material. It is most commonly used for implant rehabilitation when the patient’s gum and bone levels allow a natural-looking tooth-to-gum transition. It is often discussed alongside FP-2 and FP-3 designs as part of a prosthetic classification system.

full-arch fixed bridge: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A full-arch fixed bridge is a non-removable dental prosthesis that replaces all (or nearly all) teeth in one jaw. It is attached to dental implants or, less commonly, to natural teeth that act as supports. It is commonly used for people with extensive tooth loss or teeth that cannot be predictably restored. It is designed to feel “fixed” in the mouth, meaning it is not taken in and out like a removable denture.

zirconia hybrid bridge: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A zirconia hybrid bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis made primarily from zirconia and supported by implants or, less commonly, teeth. It is often used to replace multiple missing teeth, including full-arch (all teeth in an upper or lower jaw) restorations. “Hybrid” generally refers to a bridge that combines a rigid substructure with an attached gum-colored portion and replacement teeth. It is commonly discussed in implant dentistry as a long-span, fixed alternative to removable dentures.

All-on-6: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

All-on-6 is a full-arch implant treatment concept that uses six dental implants to support a fixed replacement for an entire upper or lower arch. It is commonly used when many teeth are missing or when remaining teeth have a poor long-term prognosis. The goal is to provide a stable, non-removable set of teeth that functions more like natural teeth than a conventional denture. The exact design and materials vary by clinician and case.

All-on-4: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

All-on-4 is a dental implant treatment concept used to support a full arch of teeth with four implants. It is most commonly used for people who are missing all teeth in an upper or lower jaw, or whose remaining teeth cannot be predictably saved. Two implants are typically placed toward the front of the jaw and two are placed farther back at an angle to improve support. The implants hold a fixed (non-removable) full-arch prosthesis, which can be delivered the same day in some cases.

provisional implant crown: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A provisional implant crown is a temporary tooth-shaped cap attached to a dental implant during healing. It replaces the visible part of a missing tooth before the final (definitive) crown is made. It is commonly used in the esthetic zone (front teeth) and in areas where chewing function is needed. It also helps guide the shape of the gum tissue around the implant site.

immediate loading: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

immediate loading is a chairside approach where a dental restoration is placed, set (usually by light-curing), and made ready to function in the same appointment. In simple terms, it means “fix it now and use it now,” rather than waiting for a lab-made piece or a delayed setting process. It is most commonly discussed with direct tooth-colored fillings and small repairs, where the material can be finished and polished immediately. The exact meaning can vary by clinician and case, so it is important to ask what “immediate” refers to in a specific treatment plan.

implant prosthodontics: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

implant prosthodontics is the area of dentistry focused on restoring missing teeth with prostheses supported by dental implants. It includes planning, designing, and fitting implant crowns, bridges, and implant-retained dentures. It is commonly used after tooth loss from decay, gum disease, trauma, or congenital absence. The goal is to rebuild function (chewing and speaking) and appearance using implant-supported restorations.

equilibration: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

equilibration is a dental procedure that adjusts how the upper and lower teeth meet when you bite. It aims to make tooth contacts more even and stable across the bite. It is most commonly discussed in relation to “occlusion,” meaning bite function and tooth contact patterns. It may involve removing small amounts of tooth or restoration material, and in some cases adding material to refine contacts.

VDO increase: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

VDO increase means raising the **vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO)**, which is the distance between the upper and lower jaws when the teeth are together. It is a planned change in how “open” the bite is when the mouth closes into normal contact. It is commonly used in **full-mouth rehabilitation**, treatment of **tooth wear**, and complex restorative planning. It can be done temporarily (to test comfort and function) or as part of a long-term restorative solution.