The interim replacement is a simple, removable partial denture based on plastic. It is also often referred to as a transition prosthesis. There are many situations in which we need an interim prosthesis.
What is an interim prosthesis?
The interim prosthesis is a simple, removable partial prosthesis. It serves as a temporary solution after tooth loss. In this way, we counteract bone loss at an early stage, as bones recede because of the lack of stress. The intended wearing time of the transition prosthesis depends on the healing process of the wound after a surgical procedure. It is usually two to three months.
What materials is the replacement made of?
They make transitional prostheses from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). PMMA is a dental plastic that is easy to manufacture. An interim supply can be made quickly and individually. It is ideal as an interim solution before a final denture. The partial denture is made of plastic and holds onto your teeth with curved brackets. The brackets are visible. It incorporates these simple holding elements into the prosthesis. The provisional denture can only be used if the remaining dentition is still dentate.
An immediate denture is almost always made in the edentulous jaw. This replaces all teeth and is relined after the healing phase, so it sits well.
Little wearing comfort, short wearing time
The brackets are easy to bend. Therefore, the comfort of the patient is limited. Many patients complain of wobbling of the prosthesis or pressure points. It is not possible to ensure that the interim replacement is permanently optimally positioned because of the jawbone changes during the healing phase. But that is also not the point of a transitional prosthesis.
The prosthesis should only be used during the healing of extraction wounds. Then a permanent fixed or removable denture can be made.
In which cases is a removable interim prosthesis useful?
When existing teeth must be extracted, wounds and gaps arise in the row of teeth. These wounds in the gums and bones must heal before a permanent restoration can be made. We should restore the aesthetics and chewing function. As an interim solution, an inexpensive, removable temporary can be made.
This temporary solution also counteracts excessive swelling after the extraction. If the transition prosthesis is inserted directly after the tooth has been removed, the pressure of the prosthesis cannot cause excessive swelling.
Is it possible to wear a temporary restoration permanently?
No, the permanent wearing of the removable interim prosthesis damages your remaining teeth, the teeth holding apparatus, and the jawbone.
Every denture aims to optimally distribute chewing forces over the entire chewing system: The chewing system comprises teeth, bones, and jaw joints. With an interim prosthesis, however, the chewing forces cannot be meaningfully transferred to the remaining teeth. Besides, the bone changes during healing, so the prosthesis quickly no longer fits properly. Therefore, wearing it for too long causes improper stress. The jaw recedes and existing teeth can become loose.
In which cases are interim prostheses used?
- For restoring chewing function, aesthetics, and phonetics after implant placement or tooth extraction
- To counteract excessive gum swelling after tooth extractions
- To provide an antagonist to existing remaining teeth (counteracts the tooth outgrowing)
- To maintain the distance between the upper and lower jaw
- To keep the teeth in a healthy position and to prevent teeth tilting or shifting
- To maintain the normal face shape and prevent visible facial changes
How does the fitting with an interim prosthesis work?
When planning a new denture, a thorough examination of your teeth and jawbone is necessary. Often teeth must be extracted before we can use a new denture. Then it makes sense to use an interim prosthesis so you can continue to smile, talk, and eat with no problems.
We recommend the following procedure for a fitting with interim prostheses:
Step 1: Taking an impression of your upper and lower jaw
Models are then made from these impressions in the laboratory. Your dentist will send the laboratory the teeth to be removed, and the desired bracket positions.
Step 2: pulling sick teeth
The teeth that are not worth preserving are removed when the dentures are ready.
Step 3: Insertion of the temporary prosthesis
Immediately after the tooth removal, the dentist can insert the interim denture for you.
Step 4: check-up appointment
A control appointment takes place a few days after the extraction. Here the wounds can be checked, and any pressure marks removed.
Step 5: Planning your definitive dentures
Together with your treating dentist, you now have enough time to plan further treatment. Regardless of whether it is implants, bridges, or removable dentures, while the wound is healing, you can carefully consider which permanent restoration is the right one for you.