The Foundation of Successful Complete-Arch Restorations
Achieving both esthetic and functional excellence in complete-arch rehabilitation depends on thorough diagnosis and strategic treatment planning. By following Misch’s classification of implant-supported and implant-assisted prostheses, clinicians can tailor restorations to each patient’s anatomical and functional needs for predictable, long-term success.
Rehabilitation of complete-arch restorations necessitates meticulous planning to achieve optimal esthetics and function. A successful treatment approach begins with a thorough diagnostic assessment to accurately identify the patient’s chief complaint and underlying oral conditions. Establishing a precise diagnosis is essential, as all treatment interventions must be designed to directly address both functional and esthetic demands while aligning with the patient’s expectations and chief complaint.
Implant-supported complete-arch fixed dental prostheses or implant-assisted complete-arch removable dental prostheses can be categorized into five types according to Misch’s classification:1
FP-1 (Fixed complete-arch implant prostheses that replace only the teeth)
- FP-2 (Fixed complete-arch implant prostheses with overcontoured teeth replacement)
- FP-3 (Fixed complete-arch implant prostheses that replace both teeth and gingiva)
- RP-4 (Removable complete-arch implant prostheses that majority of support obtained from an implant bar)
- RP-5 (Removable complete-arch implant prostheses whose support is obtained from the implant and mucosa)
Reference
- Misch CE. Bone classification, training keys to implant success. Dentistry Today. 1989;8(4):39-44.
This originally appeared in Nagai T, AlQallaf H. Precision planning in full-arch implant rehabilitation. Decisions in Dentistry. 2025;11(4):32-35.
