What is a telescopic prosthesis?

One Telescopic prosthesis – sometimes also called a double crown or combination prosthesis – is a high-quality, removable dental prosthesis that is firmly anchored to the remaining natural teeth or implants using the so-called telescope technique. It combines the best of both worlds: the stability of a fixed dental prosthesis with the convenience of an easily cleanable removable solution.

The name is derived from the technical principle: similar to a telescope, two precisely manufactured crowns slide into each other – the inner one on the abutment tooth or implant, the outer one in the prosthesis. Friction holds both together so firmly that the prosthesis does not slip during speaking or chewing, but can be easily removed for cleaning.

How does the telescope technique work?

The principle of Telescopic prosthesis is elegant: A permanently cemented inner crown – also called a primary crown or patrix – is placed on each remaining abutment tooth (or on an implant). A corresponding outer crown (secondary crown or matrix) is incorporated into the prosthesis. The outer crown fits over the inner crown like a glove.

When you insert the prosthesis, the outer crowns slide over the inner crowns. The precise fit creates a frictional hold – strong enough to give the prosthesis a secure fit, but controllable for removal when you want to take it out. Visible clasps, as found in simple cast partial dentures, are not present.

Who is a telescopic prosthesis suitable for?

One Telescopic prosthesis is particularly suitable for the following situations:

• If still some healthy own teeth are available that can serve as pillars.
• If you a fixed denture for medical or financial reasons do not wish for implants.
• If you no visible brackets would like, as they are necessary for simple partial dentures.
• If you think long-term, the telescopic prosthesis can usually expand, so that further teeth are lost later.

The advantages at a glance

• Firm Grip without visible parentheses
• Natural Aesthetics the prosthesis is not recognizable as such from the outside
• Easy cleaning – Prosthesis and teeth separated, thoroughly and hygienically
• Expandability with later tooth loss
• Good buying feature – significantly better than simple removable dentures
• High-quality materials – Zirconia or noble metal ceramic for full or partial crowns

Treatment procedure

The creation of a Telescopic prosthesis is demanding and requires several sessions. At Denis-Focus Dental, the treatment proceeds in the following steps:

• Diagnosis and Planning X-ray, assessment of abutment teeth, pretreatment if necessary.
• Preparation of abutment teeth: gentle grinding for inner crowns.
• Digital impression with the 3D intraoral scanner.
• Manufacturing of internal and external crowns with CAD/CAM technology – highly precise and reproducible.
• Try-in and bite registration.
• Completion of the prosthesis with incorporated secondary crowns and individually set teeth.
• Integration Attachment of the inner crowns to the abutment teeth and insertion of the prosthesis.

Care and durability

The Telescopic prosthesis Remove the dentures daily and clean them thoroughly. Use a denture brush to clean the dentures themselves and, if desired, special cleaning tablets. The abutment teeth with the internal crowns must be brushed with particular care, as the area around the crowns is prone to plaque buildup.

With good care and regular check-ups, a telescopic prosthesis can last 15–20 years or longer. Occasionally, after many years, the friction may decrease – in such cases, a simple readjustment in the dental laboratory is usually sufficient, without the need to replace the entire prosthesis.