Step prosthesis – fixed support for removable dentures
The underrated solution for an edentulous jaw—a stable metal bar supported by just a few implants makes all the difference.
Denis-Focus Dental
Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
May 5, 2026Approx. 6 min. reading time
A bar connecting a few implants provides the denture with a secure fit—and can be removed at any time for cleaning.
The most important things at a glance
The Bar prosthesis is a removable denture that is securely anchored to implants.
A metal bar anchored by 2 to 4 implants securely holds the prosthesis in the jaw.
The ideal solution for patients with edentulous jaws who are dissatisfied with full dentures.
Cheaper than fixed dentures – but with significantly more retention than a classic denture.
What is a maryland bridge?
The Bar prosthesis – sometimes also called an implant-supported bridge or splint prosthesis – is a removable denture that is based on a few Dental implants is firmly anchored. The central element is a high-quality metal bar – usually made of titanium or precious metal – which runs between 2 to 4 implants. This bar acts like a mechanical anchor to which the prosthesis is precisely attached.
The result: a denture that fits so securely that you never have to worry about it shifting while you speak, laugh, or chew—yet is so easy to remove that you can clean it thoroughly at any time. Many patients describe the difference from a traditional full denture as „like a whole new world.".
How does the pier construction work?
The principle of Bar prosthesis is elegant and mechanically sound: First, 2 to 4 implants are placed in the edentulous jaw. After the healing phase, a custom bar is attached to these implants. This bar runs like a narrow railing along the jaw and connects the implants into a stable unit.
A precisely fitting abutment design is integrated into the prosthesis—a type of counterpart that slides precisely onto the abutment during insertion. Thanks to the friction-based fit or additional locking mechanisms (depending on the design), the prosthesis sits absolutely securely. To remove it, it is gently lifted out.
„The implant-supported bridge is likely the best compromise between fixed dentures and removable dentures – stable, hygienic, and affordable."
Who is a Maryland bridge suitable for?
One Bar prosthesis is particularly suitable for:
Patients with edentulous upper or lower jaw, who want to give their classic prosthesis a firm hold.
Patients who not for fixed dentures on 4/6 implants would like to choose – often for cost reasons or for simpler cleaning.
Patients with anatomical peculiarities, where a bridge is the biomechanically best solution.
Patients who Removable prosthesis go out, but no longer want to put up with them slipping.
Especially in the lower jaw, where conventional full dentures often lack a stable fit, a bar denture on just 2 implants can significantly improve quality of life.
Implant-supported prosthesis vs. fixed denture
A common question: Should there be a Bar prosthesis or a Fixed dentures on 4/6 implants Both solutions have their advantages.
Advantages of the pontic prosthesis
Cheaper – fewer implants needed
Easier to clean (denture removable)
Well-suited even with a difficult bone supply
Can be easily thinned or adjusted as needed
Advantages of fixed dentures
More natural feel - like your own teeth
No plastic base, no covered palate (upper jaw)
Higher chewing power and chewing experience
The prosthesis does not need to be removed.
In a free initial consultation, we will show you both options based on your X-ray – including a cost comparison – and advise you individually on which solution suits you best.
Treatment procedure
The creation of a Bar prosthesis It takes place in clear steps:
Diagnosis DVT X-ray, assessment of bone stock, personalized planning.
Implantation Placement of 2 to 4 implants under local anesthesia.
Curing phase 3–6 months, during which the implants fuse firmly with the jawbone (osseointegration). During this time, you often wear a temporary restoration.
Impressioning and bridge fabrication after healing, the individual bar is digitally constructed and with CAD/CAM technology Made from titanium or precious metal.
Prosthetic adjustment The stirrup construction will be incorporated into the new prosthesis.
Integration The bridge is attached to the implants, the prosthesis is fitted, and you will be instructed on how to use it.
Good to know
If you have bone loss in your jaw, a Bone augmentation may be necessary before implantation. We clarify this during the diagnostic phase – bone augmentation and implantation can often be combined in a single procedure.
Care and durability
The Bar prosthesis is hygienic and one of the most comfortable solutions for a toothless jaw. It is removed daily and thoroughly cleaned inside and out. The bar and surrounding implants also need to be cleaned carefully, especially with an interdental brush that fits under the bar.
With good care and regular checkups, the implants and the bar will last a lifetime. The prosthesis itself (i.e., the teeth and the plastic base) is usually replaced after 10 to 15 years – similar to a traditional prosthesis. The advantage is that the implants and the bar remain, and only the replaceable part is re-manufactured.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bridge Prostheses
One Bar prosthesis is a removable denture that is anchored to 2 to 4 dental implants. A metal bar runs between the implants, giving the prosthesis a firm hold. The result: the comfort of a removable denture with the stability of a fixed denture.
The Bar prosthesis It is particularly suitable for patients with a completely edentulous jaw who are dissatisfied with a conventional full denture or wish for a more secure fit. It is a proven alternative to fixed dentures on 4/6 implants.
Implants, with proper care, can last a lifetime, and the bar usually remains functional for just as long. The prosthetic components (teeth, plastic base) are typically replaced after 10 to 15 years, without the need to replace the implants themselves.
Both solutions have their strengths. A fixed prosthesis on 4/6 implants feels the most natural. A Bar prosthesis is hygienically easier to clean, often cheaper, and still very stable. The decision depends on the individual case, budget, and patient's wishes.
Fixed dentures on 4 or 6 implants – permanent teeth in a short time
When an entire jaw needs new teeth, this method is often the best solution – a comprehensive guide on the procedure, benefits, and costs.
Denis-Focus Dental
Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
April 17, 2026Approx. 7 min. reading time
With only 4 to 6 implants, an entire jaw can be permanently restored with fixed dentures.
The most important things at a glance
Fixed dentures on 4 or 6 implants replaces all teeth in one jaw with a permanently anchored bridge.
The new bridge is as stable as your own teeth – no slipping, no removal for cleaning.
In many cases, fixed temporary restorations can be placed on the same day as the surgery.
At Denis-Focus Dental in Hungary, you can save up to 50% compared to the cost in Austria—while receiving the same quality of care.
What does fixed dentures on 4/6 implants mean?
A toothless jaw or a set of teeth that can no longer be saved used to be synonymous with a removable complete denture—a solution that can slip when speaking and cause pressure when eating. With fixed dentures on 4 or 6 implants Is there a modern alternative available today that completely overcomes these disadvantages?.
The principle is astonishingly efficient: In the jaw, only 4 to 6 Dental implants Generally, two implants are placed in the front area and two to four at an angle in the side area. A fixed bridge is anchored to these implants, which replaces all the teeth in a jaw. The result looks, feels, and functions like your own teeth – only permanently and without the typical denture problems.
The special advantage: Because the posterior implants are placed at an angle, treatment can often be performed without complex bone augmentation, even with reduced bone availability. In many cases, a fixed temporary prosthesis can be fitted on the same day as the surgery – you leave the practice with fixed teeth.
„Permanent new teeth in a short time – without removable dentures, without complex bone augmentation, with predictable duration and manageable costs."
Who is this solution suitable for?
Fixed dentures on 4 or 6 implants is the right choice, especially for the following patient groups:
Patients with a edentulous upper or lower jaw, who do not wish to wear a removable denture.
Patients whose Remaining teeth no longer restorable and in which the entire jaw needs to be restored.
Holder of a Full denture, who are dissatisfied with their grip, speech, or sense of taste.
Patients with reduced bone mass, in cases where conventional implantation involving extensive bone grafting is to be avoided.
We will clarify whether the treatment is also possible in your individual case during a free initial consultation based on a current X-ray. In some situations, a smaller [procedure/examination/etc.] is also necessary. Bone augmentation meaningful - we'll discuss that individually.
4 implants or 6 implants - what's the difference?
The decision of whether to use 4 or 6 implants per jaw depends on several factors: the available bone, chewing power, jaw shape, and, last but not least, the individual desired outcome.
Dental prosthesis on 4 implants
The 4-implant variant is efficient, attractively priced, and sufficient in a great many cases. The implants are strategically placed to securely support the full-arch bridge – usually two straight in the front region and two angled in the posterior region. This method is particularly well-proven in the lower jaw.
Dental prosthesis on 6 implants
If more chewing power is desired or the bridge needs to be longer (e.g., to the back molar), 6 implants are the more stable choice. Even in the upper jaw—where the bone is softer than in the lower jaw—the additional anchoring can be beneficial.
Treatment process – from planning to the finished bridge
Treatment with fixed dental prosthetics on 4/6 implants takes place in planned steps, which we specifically tailor to German-speaking patients from Austria and Germany.
Digital planning with DVT X-rays
It begins with a three-dimensional DVT scan of your jaw. This allows us to precisely assess the available bone and plan the ideal position of each implant on the computer before the actual procedure begins.
2. Implant placement and immediate restoration
The implants are placed under local anesthesia and usually take 2 to 3 hours for one jaw. In many cases, a fixed temporary prosthesis is fitted on the same day – you will leave the practice with fixed teeth.
3. Unification Phase
During the 3- to 6-month healing period, you will wear the temporary prosthesis and can eat and speak normally. Most patients travel back home during this time and continue their daily lives.
4. Final Bridge
After complete healing, we will fabricate the final bridge out of zirconia. The bridge will be custom-designed and matched to your tooth color, tooth shape, and tooth position. You can learn more about the fabrication process in our article on CAD/CAM Dental Prosthetics.
Advantages over a removable complete denture
Who from a conventional full denture to fixed dental prosthetics on 4/6 implants often experiences a significant leap in quality of life:
Stubborn Seat: No slipping when speaking, no removing to eat.
Natural Chewing: Up to 90% of the biting force of natural teeth—a removable denture typically achieves only 30–40% of that.
No palatal coverage in the upper jaw the sense of taste is fully preserved.
Bone preservation The implants biologically stabilize the jawbone and prevent the otherwise typical resorption.
Feeling of security Don't worry about the prosthesis slipping when laughing or eating.
Costs in Hungary
Fixed dentures on 4 or 6 implants Is a significant investment in Austria or Germany – the costs per jaw can range from 15,000 to 25,000 euros. In Hungary, you get the same treatment, with the same premium implant systems and high-quality materials, for about half that amount.
Important: Saving here doesn't mean a loss of quality. Dentistry in Hungary has been working according to EU standards for decades, and Denis-Focus Dental exclusively uses materials and systems that are also standard in Western European practices. The price difference is made possible by lower operating and personnel costs on-site. We will prepare a personalized cost estimate for you within 24 hours – Contact us Gladly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fixed Dentures on 4/6 Implants
In this method, a complete jaw is done with only 4 to 6 Dental implants implants, on which a fixed bridge is anchored. The bridge replaces all teeth in a jaw and is as stable as your own teeth – no slipping, no removal.
The solution is particularly suitable for patients with a toothless jaw, unrestorable teeth, or problems with a removable complete denture. Treatment is often possible even with limited bone supply, as the implants can be placed at an angle.
The implant placement itself and the fitting of a fixed temporary prosthesis often occur on the same day. The final bridge is fitted after the 3–6 month healing period. For German-speaking patients, typically only 2 trips to Hungary are required.
With proper care and regular check-ups, it lasts fixed dentures on 4 or 6 implants 20 years and longer. The implants themselves can remain in the jaw for a lifetime. The bridge placed on top will be replaced after many years if necessary.
