Zirconia on a titanium bar: fixed full-arch teeth on implants
For patients who have lost, or are about to lose, all the teeth in a jaw, there are several designs for fixed teeth on implants. One of them is a titanium bar framework, milled by computer (CAD/CAM), with zirconia teeth on top. At Dent32 in Beylikdüzü we assess this option alongside the others for full-arch implant cases.
Options for fixed full-arch teeth on implants
| Design | Structure | Strength | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic hybrid | Acrylic teeth and gum on a metal framework | More economical, light, easy to repair | Acrylic wears and stains over time; may need renewing |
| Monolithic zirconia | The whole arch in one block of zirconia | Very strong, colour-stable | If one area breaks the whole piece is affected; limited repair |
| Titanium bar + zirconia | Zirconia teeth on a titanium bar | Light, rigid framework, natural look | More complex lab work, higher cost |
Which design suits you depends on the number of implants, bone condition, the teeth in the opposite jaw, any grinding habit and budget.
How is zirconia on a titanium bar made?
- Examination, CT scan and digital planning: the number and position of implants are decided (X-rays and CT).
- The implants are placed; in suitable cases fixed temporary teeth are fitted the same day (same-day implants).
- A healing period while the implants integrate with the bone, with temporary teeth in place.
- Digital impressions and design: the aesthetics and bite of the temporaries are carried over to the final design.
- The titanium bar is milled as a single piece by CAD/CAM and its fit is checked in the mouth.
- The zirconia teeth are fixed onto the bar, and the bridge is screwed to the implants.
A screw-retained bridge cannot be removed by the patient, but the dentist can take it off for cleaning and repair when needed.
Who is it suitable for?
- People missing all the teeth in one or both jaws.
- Denture wearers who want fixed teeth (dentures).
- Patients with high aesthetic expectations who want a long-lasting bridge.
- Patients in whom enough implants can be placed; if bone is lacking, bone grafting or a sinus lift may be needed first.
In people who grind their teeth, zirconia can wear the opposing teeth, so a night guard becomes part of the plan. We explain the All-on-Four concept in All-on-Four in Beylikdüzü.
Maintenance and check-ups
- Clean under the bridge and around the implants every day with interdental brushes, super floss or a water flosser.
- At check-ups the gum and bone around the implants are assessed; when needed the bridge is removed for professional cleaning.
- Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes increase the risk of inflammation around implants.
More: implant aftercare and how long do implants last?.
Full-arch implant planning in Beylikdüzü
At Dent32, full-arch implant cases are planned as a team, and the options, timing and cost are compared in a written plan. Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul. To book, call +90 555 011 33 68 or write to us.
Frequently asked questions
Is zirconia on a titanium bar the same as All-on-Four?
No. All-on-Four is a concept for supporting a whole arch on four implants. Zirconia on a titanium bar is a way of making the bridge that sits on the implants. In an All-on-Four case, the final bridge can be made as zirconia on a titanium bar.
Can the bridge be taken out?
Not by the patient; it is a fixed bridge. With a screw-retained design the dentist can unscrew it when needed, clean it and refit it.
What happens if one of the zirconia teeth breaks?
It depends on the design. Where the teeth are made individually on the bar, the damaged part can be replaced on its own; with one-piece designs, repair is more limited.
