FP1 Dental Treatment: What It Is and Why It Matters

When it comes to full-arch tooth replacement, patients today have more options than ever before—but not all solutions are created equal. Some treatments restore function but fall short on esthetics or comfort, while others look great but require significant compromises in long-term maintenance or bone preservation. If you’re considering dental implants to restore your smile, understanding the different classifications of full-arch restorations is key to making the best decision for your health, lifestyle, and confidence.

In this article, we’ll explore one of the most advanced and natural-looking solutions available: FP1 restorations. You’ll learn how this treatment compares to other full-arch options, why it’s often preferred by both patients and clinicians, and how it can deliver an ideal outcome without the drawbacks of traditional approaches.

FP1 vs FP2 vs FP3: Key Differences

FP1 Classification

FP1, or Functional Prosthetic 1, is a classification of dental treatment that involves replacing the teeth in the mouth without artificial gums or elongated teeth. This is how most single teeth are treated such as with a single dental implant or crown. The bone and gums are preserved and only an artificial tooth is placed, taking the place of where the natural tooth would have been. Today, FP1 treatment methods are available for replacing a full arch of teeth such as with the popular 3 on 6™ treatment protocol.

Other full-arch solutions often require pink acrylic or ceramic to mimic lost gum tissue, but FP1 restorations rely on the patient’s existing bone and gums to support a natural-looking teeth. This approach not only results in a slimmer, more comfortable prosthesis, but also allows for better oral hygiene, speech, and chewing function. Because FP1 closely replicates the anatomy and appearance of real teeth, it is often considered the gold standard for patients who still have adequate bone and soft tissue and want the most natural outcome possible.

Typical FP1 with teeth emerging from natural gums

FP2 Classification

FP2, or Functional Prosthetic 2, is a classification indicating that the restorative portion being placed in the patient's mouth takes up more space than their natural teeth would. This is usually accomplished by elongating the design of the teeth or having a small amount of fake gum tissue on the prosthetic. Naturally, this classification takes up more vertical space than FP1.

An FP2 treatment option may be appropriate if there has been moderate levels of bone deterioration that cannot be restored through bone grafting procedures. The FP2 approach uses the elongated teeth to fill in the gap where the bone and gums have receded. This style of treatment is often best for patients who want to avoid the downsides of FP3 but don't have as much healthy bone as a typical FP1 patient.

FP3 Classification

FP3, or Functional Prosthetic 3, is a classification that indicates the restoration placed in the patient's mouth has artificial gums and an even greater vertical dimension than FP2. The most common types of procedures that are classified as FP3 include implant-supported dentures like All-On-4.

Comparison of a typical FP1 and FP3 restoration

An FP3 treatment option is most appropriate for patients with critical levels of bone deterioration. The bulk and size of the restoration requires a greater amount empty space in the patient's mouth. In addition, the dentist will want to hide the transition line from the fake gums to the patient's natural gums behind their lips. These two factors often require the dentist to perform an alveoloplasty in which they cut out healthy bone and gum tissue to create space for the prosthetic.

A major concern among dentists is the over-prescription of FP3 treatment. While FP3 may sometimes be appropriate, patients and even some dentists are often not aware of the other treatment options, as well as the consequences of bone and tissue removal. Well meaning dentists often recommend an FP3 option simply because it is what they know, when in reality, a more conservative FP1 option would have produced a better outcome for the patient.

Patient with visible transition line from her FP3 prosthetic

Benefits of FP1 Dental Treatment

Less Invasive Surgery

One of the key advantages of FP1 dental treatment is that it is significantly less invasive than FP3 treatment. FP1 restorations are designed to replace only the visible portion of the teeth—without the need for artificial gums. In most cases, there’s no need for major surgical modification of the jawbone, which makes the overall procedure less aggressive and generally results in a quicker, more comfortable recovery.

More Natural

Unlike FP3 solutions that include a bulky pink base to replicate gum tissue, FP1 restorations sit directly along the gumline, allowing the prosthetic teeth to emerge naturally from the gums. This creates a more lifelike appearance and a slimmer, less intrusive fit in the mouth. Patients often report that FP1 restorations feel like their original teeth when speaking, eating, and smiling—without the sensation of a foreign object in their mouth.

Easier to Maintain

FP1 restorations are easier to maintain because they function like natural teeth and don’t require removal for cleaning (unlike many FP3 restorations). FP1 solutions allow patients to brush and floss just like they would with natural teeth. This convenience not only improves oral health but also saves time and reduces the need for frequent maintenance appointments.

Chips and breaks are more common in FP3 restorations which require the entire prosthetic to be replaced. For a segmented FP1 restoration like the 3 on 6, the risk of chipping or breaking is almost zero and is far easier and cheaper to replace if it were required.

Better For The Bone

One of the most misunderstood areas of dental restoration is the long-term effect on bone health. Just like muscles need exercise to stay strong, the jawbone needs stimulation to remain healthy. Full arch prosthetics like the popular All-On-4 decrease the stimulation of the bone. Like putting a splint on a broken arm, the arm will continue to weaken the longer the splint remains. However, a segmented FP1 solution like the 3 on 6 allows the biting forces to pass through to the implants, stimulating the bone for long-term health.

Future Proof

Preserving the bone of the patient, FP1 treatment gives the patient more options if they required other dental work in the future. If they needed additional implants or wanted to switch to an All-On-4, they can. With FP3 solutions that require alveoloplasty, once the bone that is removed it will never come back. This means that if the treatment fails, the patient has almost no treatment options available other than a denture.

Is FP1 Right For You?

Determining whether FP1 dental treatment is right for you involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified dental professional with extensive experience in providing FP1 treatment. Factors such as the extent of tooth loss, overall oral health, and personal preferences play a significant role in this decision-making process. Patients with a preference for a natural feeling and looking restoration that is easier to maintain may find FP1 to be an ideal solution due to its focus on restoring both natural function and esthetics without the need for more invasive procedures. 

In some cases, bone deterioration may be so severe that an FP2 or FP3 option may be the most appropriate treatment option. While FP3 options are widely available, far fewer dentists have gone through the rigorous training and extent of cases to accurately determine whether a patient qualifies for FP1 treatment. Patients who have been encouraged to pursue an FP3 treatment option should get a second opinion from a qualified FP1 provider.

Key Takeaways

• FP1 Dental Treatment is a minimally invasive dental procedure that focuses on restoring the function and esthetics of the teeth.

• FP1 differs from FP3 in that it doesn't require artificial gums or alveoloplasty to create space or hide the transition line of the prosthetic.

• The benefits of FP1 Dental Treatment include preserving bone and tissue, quicker recovery, a more natural feeling in the mouth, easier maintenance, and improved long-term bone health.

• Patients should visit with a qualified FP1 provider to determine whether they are a candidate for FP1 treatment.