Introduction: Fixed prosthetic rehabilitation involves replacing and rebuilding injured teeth with substitutes that cannot be removed from the mouth. The purpose of rehabilitation is to restore the function and aesthetics and provide the patient with a healthy oral cavity. There are several ways to supply fixed dental replacements, including standard metal-acrylic crowns and metal-ceramic crowns. In Slovenia, the manufacture and price of standard metal-acrylic crowns for patients are fully covered by health insurance. In case that the patient opts for metal-ceramic crowns, they must pay a surcharge for them, as the porcelain is being considered as above-standard material. The patient's decision regarding a standard or above-standard material is highly influenced by demographic factors, educational level, economic status and self-awareness of dental appearance and aesthetics. Purpose: The main purpose of my diploma work has been to identify and analyze the patient's decision for standard or above-standard material at fixed prosthetic care in the case of standard metal-acrylic crown or metal-ceramic crown. Methods: We used a descriptive method for writing the introductory part of the thesis. For the empirical part, we used quantitative research. We selected a group of patients that met our criteria and invited them to complete a questionnaire containing questions related to the thesis theme. Results: For the study, we obtained 36 patients who completed the survey questionnaire. We found that the reason for choosing the standard material was associated with a lower patient's financial capacity and high patient age. It was also found out that the reason for the choice of the above-standard material was related to aesthetics and higher level of education of the patient. Discussion and conclusion: We came to the conclusion that the price of a dental replacement has a very significant impact on the patient's choosing the certain type of dental replacement. In view of the evidence, it can be claimed that price is a key factor or even a decisive factor in the selection of standard or above-standard material for dental substitute, as some patients chose standard material even though the factors such as the appearance, function and quality of the material were important to them. We think that, in the future, for the best of the patient's health, the above-standard material should be available to all at no extra charge.
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