Dentistry

Dental prostheses

Dental prostheses are replacements for missing teeth and can be fixed or removable.

Prosthodontics is the area of Dentistry responsible for dental prostheses, replacing missing teeth. These reproduce the natural dentition as closely as possible, and aim to restore the patient’s masticatory, phonetic and aesthetic functions, for a better quality of life.

The various treatment options include removable or fixed prostheses (full or partial). Your dentist will help you to choose the most appropriate type of prosthesis, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced and the cost of the treatment.
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Fixed dental prostheses

Fixed dental prostheses make it possible to artificially cover a tooth that is partially or fully destroyed, protect devitalised, fractured or heavily reconstructed teeth with crowns and improve the aesthetics, shape or alignment of the teeth in the dental arch. These are cemented to the tooth, unlike mobile features.

How are fixed prosthesis crowns and bridges made?

Before a fixed prosthesis is made, the tooth must be reduced so that the crown or bridge fits over the prepared tooth. After the reduction, the dentist will make a mould. From this mould, the prosthetics laboratory makes the crown or bridge in the material and colour indicated.

How do crowns work?

  • Crowns can be made of ceramic or zirconia;
  • They entirely cover the mouth part of a damaged, discoloured, deformed or devitalised tooth;
  • They replace a large restoration;
  • They protect a tooth weakened by fractures;
  • They restore a fractured tooth;
  • They provide greater resistance and improve the appearance, shape or alignment of the tooth in the arch;
  • They may be placed on an implant.

How do bridges work?

Bridges fill the space where there are no teeth and can be cemented to the natural teeth or implants next to the empty space. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to rotate of move towards these empty spaces or cause gingivitis and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

How long do fixed prostheses last?

Although they can last a lifetime they can loosen or fall out. To guarantee their longevity it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene. Avoid biting into foods that are too hard. Dentures can lose their support if the teeth or bone supporting them are damaged by disease.

Removable dentures

Removable dentures can be taken out and put back in the mouth. They sit on the gum and/or on adjacent teeth. They may be acrylic or skeletal and partial or complete. In some cases these prostheses can be supported by dental implants. Their easy removal/placement by the patient favours good oral hygiene.

How do removable dentures work?

Removable dentures are custom-made in the laboratory from moulds taken from your mouth.

Conventional full dentures
The upper base covers the roof of the mouth while the lower horseshoe-shaped base leaves free space to accommodate the tongue. This prosthesis is placed after the remaining teeth have been extracted and the tissues have healed.
Immediate full dentures

Installed immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. Needs to be adjusted in the months following its placement.
Removable partial dentures

Can be skeletal (a metal structure that rests on natural teeth) or acrylic (a base the colour of your mucosa) and offers a mobile alternative for spaces without teeth.

How long do removable dentures last?

Removable dentures need to be readjusted or remade over a period of time. Consult your dentist at least once a year.

How long does it take to get used removable prostheses?

New dentures can be uncomfortable for a few weeks/months. Eating and talking with the prosthesis requires a bit of practice.

How do I take care of my removable prosthesis?

  • When handling the prosthesis place it on a folded towel or in a container of water;
  • Do not let the prosthesis dry out. Place it in a cleaning solution or in pure water (never hot) when you are not using it;
  • Brush your prosthesis daily to remove leftover food and bacterial plaque;
  • Brush your gums, tongue and palate before fitting your dentures;
  • Visit your dentist if your denture breaks, chips, cracks or loosens.