What is Prosthodontics?
Aesthetic and Functional Restoration of Missing Teeth
A Healthy Smile Comes Alive with Properly Planned Prostheses
Tooth loss or severe tissue damage in teeth can cause difficulties in chewing and speaking, as well as aesthetic concerns. Prosthodontics is one of the most comprehensive specialties in dentistry, focused on restoring lost aesthetic and functional properties using artificial materials.
Prosthodontics (Prosthetic Dentistry) aims to protect oral health and improve the patient's quality of life by restoring missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
Types of Prosthodontic Treatments
Prosthetic treatments are generally divided into two main categories: fixed prostheses and removable prostheses, depending on the number of missing teeth, the condition of the supporting tissues, and the patient's expectations.
1. Fixed Prostheses
These are restorations that are fixed to the teeth or implants by the dentist and cannot be removed by the patient. They are highly preferred because they offer a feeling and function very close to natural teeth.
- Crowns (Veneers): Applied to protect and restore single teeth with excessive material loss or aesthetic problems. They can be made of materials such as metal-supported porcelain, full porcelain (E-max), or zirconia.
- Bridges: Applied in cases of one or more missing teeth by taking support from adjacent healthy teeth. The adjacent teeth are slightly reduced to act as pillars for the bridge prosthesis.
- Implant-Supported Fixed Prostheses: These are fixed prostheses supported by artificial roots (implants) placed in the jawbone instead of natural teeth. They can be applied for single tooth deficiencies or complete edentulism.
2. Removable Prostheses
These are appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues and can be inserted and removed by the patient.
- Total (Complete) Dentures: Applied in cases where there are no natural teeth left in the mouth. They take support from the gums and the palate.
- Partial Dentures: Applied in cases where some natural teeth are present but fixed prostheses cannot be made. They provide retention by attaching to existing teeth with metal clasps (hooks) or hidden precision attachments.
- Implant-Supported Removable Prostheses (Overdentures): These are removable prostheses that provide much higher retention and stability by taking support from 2 to 4 implants placed in the jawbone, usually preferred by completely edentulous patients.
Materials Used in Prosthodontics
Today, thanks to advancing technology, highly biocompatible and aesthetic materials are used in prosthetic treatments.
- Zirconia: It is a white alloy highly preferred in aesthetic dentistry due to its high durability and light transmittance close to natural teeth.
- Full Porcelain (E-max): It is a highly aesthetic material with excellent light transmittance, often preferred for anterior teeth.
- Metal-Supported Porcelain: It is a traditional and durable method where porcelain is applied over a metal substructure.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The duration of the treatment varies depending on the type of prosthesis to be made, the number of teeth, and the techniques to be applied. While a simple crown or bridge can be completed in a few sessions (approximately 1 week), the construction of removable prostheses or implant-supported prostheses may require a longer time and more rehearsal sessions.
Care of Prostheses
Just like natural teeth, prostheses require regular care to ensure their longevity and maintain oral health.
- Fixed Prostheses: Should be brushed at least twice a day, and the areas under bridges should be cleaned using dental floss or interdental brushes.
- Removable Prostheses: Should be removed and cleaned with a special brush and soap after meals. They should be kept in water or a special cleaning solution when taken out at night.
Conclusion
If you have difficulty chewing due to missing teeth, are dissatisfied with your aesthetic appearance, or have advanced tooth damage, the most appropriate prosthetic treatment plan can be created for you with a detailed evaluation by our expert dentists. You can take the first step today to achieve a healthy, natural oral structure where you can smile with confidence.