Combination Work

(Bridge + Removable Denture) Advanced technology in prosthetic dentistry.

Consists of 2 parts:
- fixed/cemented bridge work
- removable partial denture/prosthesis

Combination work can be a viable dental solution, if a patient does not have enough natural teeth for bridgework, or if the placing of dental implants is not possible.

The existing teeth are filed down and porcelain bridgework is prepared which is then cemented in place.

Because the fixed part is unable to move, it increases the stability of the removeable denture part. This stability is essentially provided by the „connecting" attachment between the fixed part (bridgework) and the removeable part (denture). The most well-known type of connector is the precision attachment.

Advantages: simple design, low price, reduced likelihood of causing problems

Disadvantages: diminished stability, the attachments are in most cases visible

Nowadays, the optimal result is given by the MK1 fixture, which attaches the bridgework to the partial denture. This means that between the fixed and removable part there is a special concealed lock which can only be opened with the help of a key.

Thus the removeable denture is aesthetically perfect, and its stability is approximate to that of the fixed restoration (crown/bridgework).

Because the denture is based on a strong metal plate, it is smaller in size and is less obtrusive in the mouth. Because the existing teeth are connected in a bridge, they are kept in line. Therefore the biting pressure is borne by all the teeth and not just by the partial denture.

This increases the longevity of the whole restoration work, and reduces bone resorption.