The Marius Bridge: Fixed, yet Detachable

 

The complete arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis (CAFIP) is well accepted as a successful treatment option for the edentulous arch. However, the maxillary CAFIP has potential drawbacks, including difficulty performing oral hygiene,  limitations in restoring lip support, and difficulty with phonetics. An alternative to the CAFIP is an overdenture. Patient acceptance of an overdenture can be problematic because of palatal extension and movement of the prosthesis during function. The Marius bridge exists as an alternative to both the CAFIP and overdenture, consisting of a bar with an altered path of insertion, and a superstructure with horizontal attachments for prosthesis retention.