What is a Dental Prosthesis?
A dental prosthesis is an artificial tooth used to replace missing or lost natural teeth. Tooth loss can result from many factors such as genetic reasons, tooth decay, gum diseases, or accidents. Tooth loss can lead to impaired chewing function, speech difficulties, and aesthetic concerns. Therefore, dental prostheses play an important role both aesthetically and functionally. Modern dental prosthetic applications offer designs that closely resemble natural teeth, restoring the person’s natural smile and bringing back chewing functions. Dental prostheses are customized based on the individual’s mouth structure, the extent of tooth loss, and overall health condition. With options like fixed, removable, and implant-supported prostheses, various solutions are provided for every need.
A dental prosthesis is an artificial tooth used to replace missing teeth and plays an important role both aesthetically and functionally.
How is a dental prosthesis made?
The process of making a dental prosthesis begins with a detailed dental examination. First, the existing teeth, bone structure, and gums are carefully evaluated. If necessary, panoramic or 3D X-rays are taken to examine the mouth structure in more detail. This step helps determine the most suitable solution for the prosthesis.
Patient Examination and Evaluation
Before starting the dental prosthesis procedure, your dentist checks if there are any issues with your oral structure. They evaluate your existing teeth, jaw structure, and the condition of your gums. If necessary, panoramic or 3D X-rays are taken for a more detailed examination.
Taking the Mouth Impressions
To create an accurate model of the patient’s oral structure, measurements of the upper and lower jaw are taken. These measurements are usually completed in one session. The dentist evaluates the jaw closure, smile line, and tooth alignments to ensure the prosthesis fits correctly.
Prosthesis Design
After the measurements are taken, a model is prepared in the laboratory using 3D technology or molds to match the patient’s dental structure. The color of the prosthetic tooth is determined to be the closest shade to the patient’s natural tooth color. A draft of the prosthesis is then fitted to the patient, and its fit and comfort are evaluated.
Prosthesis Production
Dental prostheses are typically made from porcelain or acrylic materials. For fixed prostheses, metal frameworks may be used to enhance durability, while lighter and easier-to-clean materials are preferred for removable prostheses. Once the prosthesis is ready, it is placed in the patient’s mouth by the dentist, and the fit is checked to ensure it works correctly during chewing and speaking. Additionally, final adjustments are made to meet the patient’s aesthetic expectations.
Who Can Get Dental Prostheses?
Dental prosthesis applications can be performed for individuals who have lost one or more teeth, those who experience aesthetic loss due to tooth deficiency, those with jaw structure issues, or those with dental and jaw problems.
For individuals who have lost one or more teeth, dental prostheses are an ideal solution to address the aesthetic and functional problems caused by missing teeth. Those who believe they have lost their smile aesthetics due to tooth loss can regain a natural appearance with dental prostheses.
Additionally, dental prostheses offer an alternative for people with jaw structure problems or those who have lost teeth due to gum diseases. In cases where problems cannot be solved with root canal treatments, fillings, or other dental treatments, dental prostheses can be applied.
Types of Dental Prostheses
Dental prostheses are produced in different types to meet various needs. For individuals who have lost teeth, options such as fixed prostheses, removable prostheses, complete dentures, partial dentures, immediate dentures, over-dentures, and implant-supported prostheses are available. Each type of prosthesis is customized according to the patient’s level of tooth loss, jaw structure, and aesthetic needs.
Types of Dental Prostheses:
- Fixed Prostheses
- Removable Prostheses
- Complete Dentures
- Partial Dentures
- Immediate Dentures
- Over-Dentures
- Implant-Supported Prostheses
Fixed Prostheses
Fixed prostheses are permanently placed on the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. They are typically preferred for single tooth loss or multiple tooth loss. Fixed prostheses are usually made with porcelain crowns or bridge treatments. They offer an aesthetic appearance and have a high chewing capacity. They fill the gap of missing teeth in the best way.
Removable Prostheses
Removable prostheses are a type of prosthesis that the patient can put on and take off at will. They are typically used by individuals with more extensive tooth loss. They can be in the form of complete dentures or partial dentures. Removable prostheses are designed to be suitable for daily cleaning. Elderly individuals often prefer these prostheses.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are made for patients who have no natural teeth left in their mouth. This type of prosthesis is removable and stays in place with support from the jawbone. Complete dentures improve chewing and speaking functions and eliminate the aesthetic loss caused by missing teeth.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can be applied if there are some natural teeth remaining in the mouth. They are attached to the remaining teeth with metal connectors called clasps. Although partial dentures are less preferred aesthetically, they are an important alternative in terms of functionality. Partial dentures provide a practical solution for patients with tooth loss.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are temporary prostheses that can be applied immediately after tooth extraction. These prostheses are preferred to eliminate the aesthetic effects of tooth loss. After the healing process of the jaw and gums is completed, immediate dentures are typically replaced with permanent prostheses.
Over-Dentures
Over-dentures are placed on remaining teeth or roots in the mouth. These prostheses hold more firmly by relying on the natural teeth for support. They are applied when the dental roots are healthy and durable, ensuring a more secure and stable prosthesis.
Implant-Supported Prostheses
Implant-supported prostheses are supported by implants placed in the jawbone. They can be used for both fixed and removable prostheses. Fixed implant-supported prostheses are usually made with porcelain crowns, while removable implant-supported prostheses are similar to complete dentures but are more stable due to support from the implants. This type of prosthesis offers aesthetic and functional benefits similar to natural teeth.
What are the Advantages of Dental Prostheses?
Dental prostheses eliminate the aesthetic losses caused by missing teeth. Missing teeth can negatively affect facial aesthetics and ruin the smile. Prosthetic teeth are designed to closely resemble natural teeth, providing the person with a more confident smile. Additionally, missing teeth can make chewing difficult and negatively affect the diet. Dental prostheses restore chewing function, thus contributing to nutrition. Tooth loss can also prevent the correct pronunciation of certain letters during speech. Dental prostheses improve speech clarity and eliminate this problem. Prosthetic teeth made from high-quality materials can last long with regular maintenance, offering an economic advantage.
What is Denture Adhesive?
Denture adhesive is a special material that helps secure dentures firmly to the tissues in the mouth. It is usually found in cream or powder form and has a non-toxic, water-soluble structure. These adhesives prevent movement and slipping of dentures during daily activities such as eating, speaking, laughing, coughing, or sneezing, helping keep the dentures stable. Denture adhesives enhance the adherence of saliva to the prosthesis and oral tissues, providing stronger retention and preventing slipping. Additionally, for individuals with dry mouth, it helps dentures stay in place more effectively, improving the comfort of the prosthesis.
How to Clean Dental Prostheses?
Regular maintenance of dental prostheses ensures they remain long-lasting and hygienic. Paying attention to the cleaning of dentures is important for healthy oral tissues and an aesthetic appearance. You can carefully wash the dentures under lukewarm water to remove food particles and loose plaque. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or specially designed brushes for dentures to gently clean them. You can also use cleaning tablets specifically made for dentures. After cleaning, be sure to rinse the prostheses thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any residue from cleaning products. Additionally, removing the prostheses overnight allows both your oral tissues and dentures to rest, helping you use them healthily for a longer time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of dental prostheses typically ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the material used and regular maintenance.
It is not recommended to sleep with dental prostheses because the oral tissues need to rest, and the prosthesis must be stored hygienically. The prosthesis should be removed overnight and kept in a container filled with water.
They should be cleaned by washing them with lukewarm water and gently brushing them with special brushes.
There may be an adjustment period when the prosthesis is first placed, but when properly fitted, they do not cause pain.
Dental prostheses are designed to resemble natural teeth and are aesthetically satisfying.
Removable prostheses can be taken out, while fixed prostheses cannot be removed.
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