The Hidden Complication of Full-Arch Implant Prostheses
Full-arch fixed prostheses (eg, All-on-X) have become very popular in implant dentistry today. There is an abundance of literature discussing complications with this type of prosthesis, such as fractures, hygiene and aesthetic issues. A significant complication that may be devastating, yet often overlooked, is speech or phonetic issues. Various clinical studies have reported a high prevalence of speech issues with fixed implant prostheses; Collaert et al1 reported that 84% of patients with full-arch fixed implant prostheses exhibited one or more pronunciation errors after 6 years, Bothur and Garsten2 concluded 83% of patients receiving implant prostheses had generalized speech problems, and Van Lierde et al3 reported that more than 87% had at least one consonant phonetic deficit. Therefore, to minimize the possibility of postoperative speech and phonetic problems, clinicians must have a strong understanding of the physiologic effects that full-arch implant prostheses may have on speech.
In the re-establishment of dental health for edentulous patients, mechanics, aesthetics, and speech maintenance are important principles that must be evaluated. Unfortunately, many clinicians do not place emphasis on the design and type of prosthesis with respect to its impact on the speech process. The ability to pronounce various phonetic sounds is dictated by the position and musculature of the tongue.4 If the tongue is impeded by the design of the prosthesis in any way, patients may have difficulty pronouncing certain phonetic sounds...
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In the re-establishment of dental health for edentulous patients, mechanics, aesthetics, and speech maintenance are important principles that must be evaluated. Unfortunately, many clinicians do not place emphasis on the design and type of prosthesis with respect to its impact on the speech process. The ability to pronounce various phonetic sounds is dictated by the position and musculature of the tongue.4 If the tongue is impeded by the design of the prosthesis in any way, patients may have difficulty pronouncing certain phonetic sounds...
Click Here to Read More