Tailoring Full-Arch Prostheses to Each Patient
Both fixed and removable implant-supported prostheses can restore comfort, function, and confidence in edentulous patients when treatment is personalized to anatomy and patient preference.
Selecting the ideal full-arch prosthesis requires careful consideration of each patient’s anatomy and esthetic goals. Factors such as incisor position, lip dynamics, ridge shape, and desired prosthetic volume all influence the choice between a fixed or removable option. By aligning these variables with patient expectations, clinicians can deliver both functional and esthetic success.
The choice of prosthesis is tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy, including factors such as the ideal size and position of the maxillary central incisor, upper lip dynamics, facial support, the shape of the edentulous ridge (lip-tooth-ridge classification), required prosthetic volume, and the patient’s preferences (Figure 1).1,2
Research shows that overall patient satisfaction improves following implant rehabilitation for edentulous patients, regardless of whether an implant-supported complete-arch fixed dental prostheses (ISCFDP) or an implant-assisted complete-arch removable dental prostheses (IACRDP) is chosen.3 While ISCFDPs showed slightly better outcomes in esthetics, function, and personal satisfaction, these differences were not statistically significant. However, IACRDPs demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in oral hygiene after 1 year.3
Research confirms that implant rehabilitation significantly enhances satisfaction for edentulous patients, whether the prosthesis is fixed or removable. While fixed designs may score slightly higher in esthetics and comfort, removable options often promote better long-term hygiene, highlighting the importance of a patient-centered, individualized approach to treatment planning.
References
- Misch CE. Bone classification, training keys to implant success. Dentistry Today. 1989;8(4):39-44.
- Pollini A, Goldberg J, Mitrani R, Morton D. The lip-tooth-ridge classification: a guidepost for edentulous maxillary arches. diagnosis, risk assessment, and implant treatment indications. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2017;37:835-841.
- Martínez-González JM, Martín-Ares M, Cortés-Bretón Brinkmann J, Calvo-Guirado JL, Barona-Dorado C. Impact of prosthetic rehabilitation type on satisfaction of completely edentulous patients. A 5-year prospective study. Acta Odontol Scand. 2013;71:1303-1308.
This originally appeared in Nagai T, AlQallaf H. Precision planning in full-arch implant rehabilitation. Decisions in Dentistry. 2025;11(4):32-35.
