Preventive prosthodontics emphasizes the preservation of remaining natural teeth and supporting structures to maintain oral function, proprioception, and patient comfort while delaying complete edentulism. Tooth-supported overdentures and telescopic denture systems represent biologically sound and cost-effective modalities that reduce residual ridge resorption and enhance prosthetic stability. This presentation highlights two clinical cases illustrating individualized preventive prosthodontic strategies. The first case involves a 65-year-old female rehabilitated with a maxillary fixed partial denture incorporating semi-precision ball attachments combined with a mandibular tooth-supported overdenture, allowing preservation of strategic abutments while achieving improved retention and functional efficiency. The second case describes a 59-year-old diabetic male with compromised abutment teeth and a dislodged fixed partial denture, managed using a maxillary telescopic denture supported by dual metal copings and a mandibular conventional removable prosthesis, accommodating systemic considerations while ensuring stability and longevity. Both patients demonstrated significant improvements in mastication, comfort, retention, and psychological well-being. Follow-up assessments revealed healthy abutment teeth, stable prostheses, and high patient satisfaction, underscoring the importance of meticulous planning and case-specific decision-making. These cases reaffirm that preventive prosthodontics, through strategic utilization of remaining dentition, aligns with De Van’s philosophy that preservation of existing structures is more valuable than replacement alone, offering predictable outcomes and improved quality of life.
Highlights
Concept and philosophy of Preventive Prosthodontics
Importance of preserving strategic abutments
Clinical indications for tooth-supported overdentures
Role of telescopic denture systems in compromised cases
Use of semi-precision attachments for enhanced retention
Management of prosthodontic cases with systemic conditions
Comparative advantages over conventional complete dentures
Long-term benefits: ridge preservation, proprioception, stability
Case-based decision-making and treatment planning
Reinforcement of De Van’s preventive philosophy
Strategic insights into tooth preservation through dual case analysis to achieve predictable, long-term success in prosthetic dentistry.
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