what is prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry dealing with the replacement of missing/lost teeth with artificial material i.e. a single missing tooth, several missing teeth or the entire set of upper and/or lower teeth. A Prosthodontist is the person who specializes in replacement of teeth.
why is it important to replace lost teeth?
Lost teeth need to be replaced, or the results can be severe.
- Chewing and general health can be affected.
- The appearance of the front teeth and the smile can deteriorate.
- Teeth adjacent to spaces may drift and tilt into them.
- Teeth in the opposite jaw, over the space can grow bigger because there is no opposite tooth to bite against, and keep it in place.
- The front teeth can be forced forward.
what are the methods of replacing missing teeth?
The methods of replacing teeth are determined by the position of the gap, its size and the presence or absence of adjoining teeth.
- a. removable denture
- b. complete denture/ full denture/ false teeth
what are full dentures?
Full or complete dentures replace all the teeth in both jaws/ single jaw.
what are dentures made of?
The base of the denture is made of gum-colored acrylic, which is sometimes reinforced with metal for extra strength. The teeth are made of acrylic or porcelain.
what are the benefits of having well-constructed dentures?
Dentures make it possible to eat comfortably and well. This is a prerequisite for a balanced diet. They will improve your appearance and will help to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming around the mouth and the cheeks from falling in. They will allow you to speak normally. Dentures will help to maintain the correct alignment between the upper and lower jaws, and prevent jaw joint problems.
will i feel good with my new dentures?
Replacing unsightly diseased teeth will help you feel good about yourself. You can expect your dentures to look natural, unobtrusive and attractive.
will it be difficult to get used to new dentures?
It is common for dentures to look and feel good right from the start, some adjustment and learning will be necessary before chewing is comfortable. Initial difficulties with speech are usually short lived. Tell your dentist if you have problems with “s” sounds or with “whistling”. Painful red spots caused by pressure of the denture may appear.
how can i take care of dentures?
Dentures should be cleaned regularly and thoroughly every day. This will prevent the buildup of plaque, stains and food debris that can stick to the dentures. Dentures should be cleaned with a soft nail brush or a special denture brush, using a mild soap or a special denture tooth paste. They will freshen the denture. Brush all over the denture, not only around the teeth. Always brush over a basin filled with water or over a damp cloth, as dentures are easily broken if dropped on a hard surface. Chemical denture cleaners are also available. These include soaking solutions, creams or pastes. It is important not to let the dentures dry out when they are out of the mouth as they may change their shape. Keep them in water or in a soaking cleanser solution. Your dentist may advise you to give the mouth tissues a rest by taking your dentures out at night before going to bed.
partial dentures
Replacing unsightly diseased teeth will help you feel good about yourself. You can expect your dentures to look natural, unobtrusive and attractive.
what is a removable partial denture?
A removable partial denture is an appliance that is used to replace one or several missing teeth. It is attached to the remaining teeth with clasps, and is removable by the wearer.
how will the dentist assess me for a removable partial?
The dentist will examine the condition of your teeth and gums and plan how to replace the missing teeth. Teeth of the appropriate shade, shape and color will then be chosen, to harmonize with your face and smile.
what are the benefits of having a partial denture?
A denture serves a number of purposes :
- It provides the pleasure of comfortable eating. This ability is paramount in maintaining good health.
- It improves your appearance, confidence and smile. This is achieved by restoring the natural contours of the lips, cheeks and face.
- It also protects the health of the remaining oral tissues.
- A denture prevents premature ageing lines and wrinkles developing around the mouth.
- When loss of teeth has affected speech a removable partial denture can correct this by closing the spaces left by lost teeth. It helps to maintain the healthy relationship between upper and lower jaws. The correct positioning of the jaws is necessary to prevent jaw joint problems.
- The denture prevents other teeth from drifting into the gaps left by extractions. When teeth drift they open additional spaces between teeth. Food can then pack into the narrow spaces and cause gum irritation and gum disease. Additional teeth can usually be added to a partial denture when some remaining teeth have to be extracted.
what are partial denture made of?
The base of the denture is made of acrylic or metal. Metal is preferable because it is stronger and easier to keep clean. This denture is called as cast partial denture. The gum areas are made of acrylic. The artificial teeth are made of acrylic or porcelain.
will my eating and speaking be affected by a partial denture?
The replacement of missing teeth should make eating easier and more pleasurable. You will initially have to adjust to the presence of the new denture in the mouth. Only soft foods should be eaten to begin with and both sides of the mouth should be used to balance the food evenly. Speech will be even better when there are no longer any gaps between the teeth. Aft first you may have difficulty with pronouncing certain letters, but with practice these difficulties can be overcome.
fixed appliances/ prosthesis
What is a dental implant?
Dental implant is a fine rod of metal that is inserted into the jawbone. It takes the place of the natural root, which was removed when the tooth was extracted. This titanium root or implant can anchor a replacement crown or a bridge that is cemented or screwed to it. Titanium is used as it is exceptionally well tolerated by the human body, and is seldom rejected. It is also extremely strong and durable.
is dental implantation a successful way of replacing missing teeth?
Dental implantation is a very successful method of replacing single or multiple missing teeth. Implants can be used to anchor an individual replacement crown, or a bridge replacing one or more missing teeth. Titanium implants can be used to support fixed bridges, even if there are no natural teeth left in the mouth. Implants can also be used to support removable partial dentures, making them far more comfortable to wear. A few implants can also make a full denture firmer and more comfortable. Implants permit normal and comfortable chewing. Crowns and bridges anchored by implants are made to look natural and to match the surrounding teeth. They are functional, as well as aesthetic.
what is a bridge?
A bridge is a structure, supported by teeth on either side of a space, which replaces a missing tooth or teeth. It is called a “bridge” because it spans the gap between two teeth. It is not removable by the wearer. A bridge is a natural looking replacement for missing teeth. It matches the adjacent teeth.
how is a bridge made?
The first step is to prepare the support for the bridge. Replacement crowns over existing teeth are the usual support for a bridge. The dentist prepares down the tooth on each side of the gap and then makes an impression of these prepared teeth. Using this impression, the dental technician will make a replacement crown for each pared-down tooth, and will join them to an artificial tooth placed between them. The two replacement crowns with the artificial tooth between them form the bridge. The dentist will cement the bridge to the two pared down teeth.
what is a replacement crown?
A replacement crown replaces part or all of natural tooth/teeth. When crowns are used as support for a bridge the dentist will prepare the teeth for replacement crowns to be made. The new crowns cover the teeth which the dentist has prepared. A crown can also replace a lost tooth by being attached to a dental implant.
Are there any limitations?
Yes, you need to have at least two strong, healthy teeth and healthy gums.