How is the FP1 prosthesis designed, and how much vertical space is required?
FP1 prostheses are designed from crown-and-bridge teeth with natural necks, oversized labio-buccal-lingually to accommodate temp cylinders or small-hole protocols, and developed for longevity with metal reinforcement. Cases are typically planned around 4 or 6 implants with a functional anterior-posterior spread, often arranging one large bicuspid and one molar for prosthetic strength. The design team works top-down, beginning with digital wax-ups and idealized prosthetic height, then smile design, then tooth shape and sizing.
Vertical space requirement: today's FP1 final restorations are monolithic zirconia (sometimes with a titanium substructure) and require a minimum of 10 mm of vertical space, measured from the shoulder of the MUA to the screw exit point. Falling short of this dimension is associated with prosthetic failure.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference landmark | ROE's standard reference is the MUA shoulder, considered the most clinically consistent landmark. Other studies reference bone crest, implant body, or screw exit (often 12 to 15 mm), or tissue-level points. |
| If the MUA changes | If the MUA is changed and the shoulder height shifts, the measurement must be re-evaluated. |
| Day of surgery | A metal-reinforced provisional is placed and worn throughout healing. |
| When 10 mm is hard to reach | Common with significant tooth loss, wear, or short clinical crowns. Identify early in planning; the case may require opening the vertical dimension of occlusion or adjusting bone height. |
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Contact Information
For immediate chairside support or troubleshooting assistance, contact ROE Dental Laboratory:
- Phone: (216) 663-2233
- Email: info@roedentallab.com