Dental Tribune UK Edition, October 25-3, 2010, No.26 Vol.4

I n this first of two articles we will discuss the technical side of the telescopic den- tures before presenting the clini- cal side in the second part. Telescope prosthesis or dou- ble crowns are a proven option for the prosthetic treatment of dramatically reduced dentition (fewer teeth might serve in some cases as an alternative to im- plants). However, the production of such a prosthesis demands high technical skills on the side of the dentist and the dental tech- nician. Of equal importance is a good communication between dentist and technician. These are the main keys to a success- ful case. The telescopic attachment consists of two parts: 1. The primary (inner) crown, or coping, which is permanently fixed to the anchor teeth, and is preferably made out of a pre- cious metal, a high gold alloy. 2. The secondary (outer) crown implemented in to the prosthe- sis, made out of the same alloy. The usual type of double crown system next to the conus type is the parallel telescopic crown. They are named due to the fact that all surfaces from the primary (inner) and the sec- ondary (outer) telescopic are not only parallel to each other but also parallel to the axis of each incorporated tooth. However in the case of a conus telescopic system a 4 degree angle of both telescopes to the axis of the tooth is aimed for, provided by the ex- act preparation of the dentist. Indications Double crowns can be used in the following situations: where there is a strongly depleted den- tition uncertain prognosis of in- dividual teeth in a periodontally damaged jaw (existing bone de- pletion, increased loosening of the anchor teeth) with a subop- timal distribution of the remain- ing teeth for the retention of re- movable bridges The almost universal appli- cability is characteristic for this anchoring system. Telescopic crowns can be applied as clasp- free connecting elements with purely periodontally and peri- odontally-gingivally supported partial prostheses. The pros and cons of double crowns Advantages of the telescopic sys- tem: • a predominantly axial loading of the pillars leading to a favour- able distribution of force pro- tection of the anchor teeth from decay • the option of primary splinting for the securing and fixing of loose teeth • integrated tilt-avoidance • a straightforward ability to ex- tend the prosthesis even up to a full denture the aesthetic advan- tage as no clasps are used the beneficial and straightforward treatment and control of the par- odontium and the internal coping •can be used as a cost effective alternative to implants Disadvantages of the telescopic system: • requires a high technical effort • correspondingly higher costs • over sizing of the secondary crowns if the pile has not been efficiently reduced Telescope or double crowns Part 1 of precision dental prosthetics with highly engineered con- nections. By Ulrich Heker, Master Dental Technician & Verena Tunn- Salihoglu, dentist, Aberdeen, Scotland October 25-31, 201022 Clinical United Kingdom Edition DENTSPLY ACADEMY WEBINAR PROGRAMME Book the best seat. Your own. Visit www.dentalwebinars.co.uk to find out more and to book your place. The DENTSPLY Academy Webinars are the convenient and easy way for you to stay ahead and learn about the latest developments in dentistry. You can even interact ‘live’ with the speakers during the lectures. Plus you get to do it all from the comfort of your own home or practice, you simply need a computer with internet access. There are only 100 places available on each of our online seminars. So hurry and book your place on these popular events. WEBINAR PROGRAMMES Endodontics Dr Carol Tait Key concepts to aid competent cleaning and shaping of the root canal system 19:30, 5th October 2010 Obturation of the cleaned and shaped root canal system 19:30, 2nd November 2010 Periodontics Sarah Murray and Baldeesh Chana Root Surface Debridement 19:30, 27th September 2010 19:30, 8th November 2010 SDR Dr Trevor Bigg Smart Dentine Replacement 19:30, 26 October 2010 19:30, 10 November 2010