What is the difference between the provisional fixed work and the definitive work?

Many of the patients ask us in the clinic, on the phone, but also on social networks what is the difference between the temporary fixed work and the permanent work. We chose to answer them with the help of the specialist in dental prosthetics and with the help of Dr. Cazacu Corrado – a specialist in dento-alveolar surgery.  

Nutrition and patient behavior

The difference between the two works exists. While the temporary fixed work ensures minimal functionality during implant healing, the permanent work behaves like natural teeth that allow the consumption of any food. During the period of wearing the temporary works, the implants heal, and the patient tries to get used to the new works.We always advise our patients to adopt a semi-liquid diet, based on soups and smoothies. Thus, new teeth will not face hard food during the healing period.  The patient must understand that the temporary fixed teeth are sensitive and therefore, it is advisable to take more care of them in terms of nutrition and chewing. They should also avoid breaking various things with their teeth, tearing materials or packaging, or adopting any other habit that could roughen the teeth.  

Appearance and functionality 

In terms of appearance, the difference between the two works is that the temporary fixed teeth can have fewer teeth unlike the permanent one, and it is thicker. Because it is a tooth that the patient wears for 4-6 months, there is no need to intervene a lot on the appearance, but to focus our attention on the healing of dental implants.It is a tooth with a pleasant, neat appearance, and that helps the patient to wear a set of teeth during healing. Many of our patients said that they liked the temporary teeth and that they want it to be an example for the final work.  The temporary fixed work is made of a plastic material, specially designed to promote the healing of implants and gums during the 6 months, and the definitive work is made of zirconium.

What is the optimal period for inserting the final paper?

After the intervention, the patient undergoes a series of periodic check-ups depending on how they are established together with the specialist. Throughout this period, we supervise the patient’s teeth, gum and healing rate, so after the recommended minimum 4 months we can evaluate and establish a possible next appointment for the final works. The optimal duration is between 4-6 months, but there are patients who, for personal reasons, choose to postpone it for up to a year. We do not recommend, therefore, that a year pass, but under limit conditions we can adapt to the situation.  

Is the insertion of final papers painful?

No, both the insertion of fixed and definitive provisional works are not painful. There is a possibility of creating embarrassment due to pressure on the gums. If there is too much discomfort, the patient can request local anesthesia.  

Can I choose my own final papers? 

As for the appearance of the definitive works, they are personalized to each patient according to their personality, preferences and facial aesthetics. It is important that he understands and accepts the opinion of the specialist doctor when intervening with proposals and changes that involve the functionality of the final teeth.  Before inserting the final paper, the patient will be taken a fingerprint, then a sample or template as the case may be. The patient can see how he will look with his future teeth, but also what the specialist’s recommendations are. In this way, the patient does not have to wait until the actual insertion of the final work to see the final result.  So, there are differences between the two works, but with good communication with the specialist, you will be able to understand them and adapt to each stage, so your visits to the dentist will be full of smiles.