A Telescopic Crown Concept for the Restoration of the Partially Edentulous Arch: The Marburg Double Crown System

Purpose: This article describes the concept of the Marburg double crown system (MDC system) in the treatment of partially edentulous patients. Long-term success is assessed by a review of patient records. Materials and Methods: Double crowns with clearance fit are used to retain tooth-, mucosa-, and implant-supported removable partial dentures (RPD). To achieve retention, an additional attachment, the TC-SNAP system, is used. All metal components are fabricated in a single cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy; the framework (including outer crowns) is cast in one piece. Because of the framework's rigidity, the RPD can be constructed without major and minor connectors. The denture base adjacent to the abutments is fabricated using a perioprotective design that is similar to fixed partial dentur es. One hundred eleven dentures, of which 49 (44%) were fabricated for patients with intraoral defects, were evaluated by reviewing patient records. Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of insertion was 57.5 years (± 12.3). The mean number of double crowns per denture was 3.5 ± 2.1 (range, 1 to 9). The probability that a patient will have lost all abutment teeth 10 years after insertion of the denture is 4%. The probability that a patient will have kept all teeth that abut the denture 5 years after insertion is 87%; 10 years after insertion the probability is 80%. Conclusion: The Marburg double crown system is a versatile and successful means of achieving the long-term restoration of the partially edentulous jaw. Insertion and removal of the denture and routine oral hygiene are easy to perform, even for patients with limited manual dexterity. As a full-arch reconstruction, the MDC system enables easy adjustment, modification, and relining with low follow-up costs.