Dental Prosthesis and Its Types
Dental problems are a much more common issue than you may think. Some lose their teeth due to accidents while others are overwhelmed with gum diseases and decay. To ease your dental issues, dental prosthesis are a valid option.
Dental prosthesis are designed to either fix or replace your precious teeth. There are several dental prosthesis types available at your disposal. This article is for those who want to know more about the dental prosthesis types available to restore their beautiful smile.
Dental crowns
In case of external damage and chipping, a dental crown is a valid option. Dental crowns or dental caps are either built of porcelain or metal. A dental crown is a viable prosthesis to protect your teeth and to cover up any form of cracks that might be visible.
The process of getting a dental crown is fairly simple:
- You need to visit your dentist twice if you are opting for the dental crown.
- First, your dentist will mold your teeth.
- Any form of damage to the teeth will be treated first if necessary.
- The upper portion of the tooth will be evenly trimmed to ensure a proper fit.
- A temporary crown may be placed on your tooth that can be easily removed.
- Finally, the permanent cap will be fixed in place after a few weeks to complete the process.
In case of severe damage, the teeth are removed to make space for the implant screw. The implant screw adheres to the jawbone, and the dental cap is cemented on top of it.
Dental crowns are typically a permanent solution that can ideally last for several years. You need to take only as much care of the crown as of your natural teeth.
Dental bridge
In case of damage to multiple teeth, a dental bridge is a prosthesis that your dental professional will go for. Ideally, a dental bridge consists of a row of three or more artificial teeth connected by an implant screw on both ends. Structurally, a dental bridge consists of two end crowns that anchor the false teeth in between which are known as pontics.
A dental bridge can be suspended to either a natural tooth or by implants depending on the condition. Much like dental caps, these artificial teeth are made of porcelain to give them their natural color. It is extremely important to maintain your dental bridge with regular brushing and flossing.
The process of getting a dental bridge is similar to that of a dental cap. It requires the dentist to make a mold of your teeth to make and install both the crowns and the bridge in between. Your dentist may make some final adjustments to the permanent prosthesis to make it sit comfortably in your mouth.
Dentures
Dentures are what we commonly call false teeth. While dental bridges and crowns sit over damaged teeth, dentures are snapped on top of the gums, either on the upper jaw or the lower jaw.
Dentures are usually recommended for a person who has multiple damaged or decayed teeth. There are, however, various types of dentures that are clinically available and are prescribed depending on your teeth’ condition.
- A complete denture is a replacement of the entire set of teeth on either of the jaws.
- Partial dentures are designed to replace a set portion of teeth.
- Some snap-in dentures, also known as implant-retained dentures, sit on top of implants.
Dentures need special care, and it needs to be removed and cleaned on a daily basis to ensure their longevity.
Dental veneers
A completely white and beautiful pair of teeth is desired by most people however it is very hard to achieve that naturally. People who desire flawless teeth resort to dental veneers to improve their dental appearance. Dental veneers are a fairly simple process of coating the teeth with a white shell.
In the process of Dental veneer, the dentist will mold your mouth to make a porcelain shell of your teeth. The veneers are later fastened on top of your teeth with UV light that hardens the coating that will sit on your teeth for the next 10 to 15 years.
Make sure your teeth are healthy to undergo the procedure of dental veneers.
What to expect from a dental prosthesis?
A dental prosthesis is essential when you are on the verge of losing your teeth in the event of chipping, damage, or decay. Dental prosthesis are not expensive, and they help improve your appearance and provide functionality in case of chewing. At City Dental Care, we have excellent facilities to restore your smile with our top-of-the-line dental prosthesis and expertise.