Dental prosthetics help you smile and eat normally, improving your oral health. They also protect the remaining natural teeth and prevent gum disease, bone loss and other damage.
Depending on the kind of dental prosthesis, it may take some time to heal. The mouth will then get used to the feeling and function of the artificial teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to replace missing tooth roots and/or teeth. The implant itself consists of a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw bone, and a prosthetic tooth called an abutment. The abutment fits into the hole left by a lost tooth, and is screwed into place to form a permanent bond with your bone.
A crown is then attached to the abutment, forming a new, life-like tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants are durable and long-lasting if properly cared for.
The choice of materials for dental prostheses is based on their biocompatibility, cleanability and longevity. A material’s porosity, repairability and stability must also be considered. A biocompatible material is one that can integrate with existing tissue, resist bacteria and stains, maintain a stable structure and function over time, and repair itself if damaged. It should also be aesthetically pleasing.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of a tooth to change its appearance. They can be made of porcelain or resin composite. They are typically applied to the top teeth as these have the most impact on a smile, but can also be used on the lower teeth.
Porcelain veneers have the advantage of being more stain-resistant than resin composite. They can also be made to match the look of your teeth more closely than resin composite. They are also relatively durable, and with proper care can last for several years.
To apply a veneer, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of the tooth or teeth. The teeth are then disinfected, roughened, and bonded to the veneer using unique cement that is chemically activated and hardens instantly. A local anaesthetic is usually used to minimise pain during this process. Patients can experience throbbing sensitivity for a few hours after the anaesthetic wears off, but this can be eased with over-the-counter painkillers. The bonding process can also cause sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, but this should improve over time.
Crowns
Crowns are coverings that fit over damaged teeth, usually larger ones like molars. They look just like the tooth they are replacing and protect it from further damage.
Dental implants are another type of fixed dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth. These are made of a biocompatible metal, which means that the body will not reject them. They are surgically implanted into the jaw bone. Once there, they fuse to the bone, creating a lifelong structure that supports a dental crown.
When patients require dental prosthetics, they must first discuss the options with their dentists. The proper treatment plan depends on several factors, including the patient’s oral health and budget. In addition, some insurance companies may only reimburse for a limited amount of the cost. For this reason, it is important to choose a reputable insurance company and find out what their policies cover. This will help ensure that you are receiving the treatment you need without paying extra out of pocket expenses. Manufacturers and brands of dental appliances & materials
Dentures
Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic that replaces missing teeth. They are a combination of a plastic, nylon or metal base and artificial teeth that are fixed to the base. They are usually fastened to nearby natural teeth using metal clasps to prevent them from falling out of place.
To fabricate a dental prosthetic, the dentist takes an impression of the maxillary and mandibular ridges. Several different impression materials can be used, but polyvinyl siloxane is the most commonly employed for this purpose. This impression is used to create a stone model that is subsequently scanned to produce a digital model of the denture base and teeth.
The material of a dental prosthetic is important because it needs to be biocompatible, cleanable, resist stains and maintain stable porosity, and have a pleasant appearance. In addition, it should be strong and durable so that it can be repaired if necessary. The latest dental materials, such as nanohybrid composites and double-cross-linked acrylics, offer real improvements in comfort and strength while offering a more natural appearance.
Clasp Prosthesis
Clasp dentures are a time-tested orthopedic design that is very reliable in everyday use. This type of removable denture distributes chewing load evenly among the abutment teeth, gums and bone tissue, which makes it possible to protect natural teeth from overloads. However, they can lose their stability over time, especially if they are not fixed correctly or if they are exposed to intense wear due to bruxism.
Removable clasp dentures are fixed in the mouth by metal hooks (clasps) that tightly “hold on” to abutment teeth without damaging them. They are used for restoring defects in the full and partial dentition, and they can also be paired with fixed bridge dentures to provide additional support and stability.
Modern clasp prostheses are very durable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. They look very similar to natural teeth, and any of their metal elements are not visible when a person smiles or talks. Also, they do not cause discomfort when eating or speaking, and they are very easy to clean. However, they can easily break if they are not fixed securely in the mouth, and they can be dropped in the wrong moment.