PMMA & FCZ Explained
What is polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA?
PMMA is a resin polymer used in the fabrication of temporary crowns and bridges. It is used either in a powder/liquid system that is mixed chairside or a polymerized puck that is suitable for milling. While we use the chairside technique for single teeth and short (3-4 tooth) bridges, we prefer the pucks that are milled for larger cases - such as 24 Hour Teeth.
The milled restorations used for 24 Hour Teeth are far superior in homogeneity, strength, esthetics, and marginal integrity. Fabricating a temporary using the mill opposed to chairside, requires a significant amount of time, technical expertise, and equipment. The milled restorations require a scanner, design software, and a mill. Our office is fully equipped to create both types of restorations.
The PMMA acts like a cast for the new dental implants, similar to how an orthopedic surgeon would use a cast to immobilize a fractured leg. If the dental implants are allowed to move without any micro movement they will integrate with the bone. If the implants are subject to forces that cause them to move during the bone integration process, the implants will fail and have to be removed. The milled PMMA restorations fit precisely and are very strong. These properties make it an ideal material to immobilize the implants during the integration process.
What is full contour zirconia, FCZ?
We use FCZ for our final bridge product. Similar to PMMA, it is stored in a puck and available in different shades of white. The zirconia has a chalk like consistency that is ideal for the milling process. After milling, it is sintered in an oven overnight changing the physical properties of the material. The sintered material is very hard and is suitable for use in the mouth as a final restoration.
