Dental prosthetics are designed to help restore the appearance of a patient’s smile and are also useful for improving chewing abilities. They come in a range of forms, including dentures and implants.
Patients who still have healthy teeth may benefit from a partial prosthesis. These are constructed of metal and acrylic and are usually less durable than a fixed full denture.
Bridges
Dental bridges are fixed dental prosthetics that close the gap caused by missing teeth. They consist of two or more crowns that support a set of artificial teeth in between. These artificial teeth are referred to as pontics. Dental bridges are a less-invasive approach to replacing missing teeth than implants, and can usually be placed in two visits only a few weeks apart.
The increased prevalence of oral diseases is driving the growth of the dental prosthetics market across the globe. This is primarily due to an aging population and increasing health awareness regarding oral hygiene. The need to replace damaged and decayed teeth is another major driver of the dental prosthetics market.
One of the most important roles that removable partial dentures play is preventing the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place. This can lead to a wide range of problems, including bite issues and pain.
Dental bridges help prevent this from happening by filling in the gaps left by missing or damaged teeth and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting toward the empty space. Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, but we most commonly use porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a combination of both.
Dental bridges are also a good option for patients with poor bone density or oral health who aren’t candidates for implants. They require the surrounding teeth be shaved down to accommodate the bridge, but they do not impact the healthy, natural teeth in the same way that dental implants do.
Dentures
Dentures are a full set of artificial teeth, either full or partial, that replace missing or damaged ones. They are usually anchored by clips or clasps that attach to the remaining natural teeth. Removable dental prostheses can be very helpful, especially for people who have a lot of missing or broken teeth. It can make it easier to speak, eat and even smile! In addition, having the proper oral health routine can help maintain and extend the life of your new dentures.
When choosing a denture, the patient’s lifestyle and budget are two important factors to consider. For example, the material used is an important factor, as it will influence the comfort and durability of the appliance. The denture base, for instance, must be made from a durable material that resists scratches and stains. The best option for a durable and attractive denture is to use the latest materials such as nanohybrid composites or double-cross-linked acrylics.
It is crucial to get a well-fitting denture as soon as possible after a tooth loss or tooth removal. Dentures that don’t fit properly accelerate the bone resorption process in the edentulous jaw ridge and cause chronic irritation of the mucosa. This can lead to conditions such as epulis fissuratum. Getting a denture as quickly as possible will also prevent complications such as poor nutrition, difficulty eating and speaking, gum disease, infections, xerostomia, and an altered facial appearance.
Inlays & Onlays
As the name suggests, an inlay or onlay covers and fills the area within a damaged tooth. Unlike composite fillings that are placed inside the tooth and can shrink during the curing process, inlays and onlays do not and remain solid. This prevents bacteria and food from leaking into the space, which causes further decay.
Inlays and onlays are often made of porcelain, a material that closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth. Porcelain is a durable and strong dental restoration, so it can last for decades with proper care.
During your first appointment, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth and make sure that the inlay or onlay fits properly and comfortably with adjacent teeth. Then we’ll use the custom design to manufacture your inlay or onlay. We also ensure that it’s compatible with the opposing teeth in your bite to avoid any discomfort.
The inlay or onlay is bonded into place with a powerful resin. This is similar to the bonding process that dentists use when placing crowns, but with less removal of your natural tooth structure. Once bonded, your inlay or onlay will withstand 50-75% more chewing pressure than before and will remain sturdy for years to come.
Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth or to make existing discolored or damaged teeth look more attractive. They are usually made from titanium, which is biocompatible with the human body. The implant’s surface may be smooth, rough or porous to improve bone contact.
In addition to restoring mastication function, restorations should be compatible with the adjacent natural teeth, and their geometry should correspond with that of the opposing natural tooth. This is important because a restoration that does not provide sufficient occlusal contact with the opposing natural tooth could cause excessive abrasion of the natural teeth, which jeopardizes their health and function.
The planning of dental prostheses requires the collaboration of several specialists: a doctor who specializes in conditions of the mouth, jaw and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), a dentist who treats structures that support teeth (periodontist) and a dentist who designs and fits artificial teeth (prosthodontist). X-rays, 3D models and impressions of the upper and lower teeth and bite are also required to determine whether the patient is suitable for an implant-based treatment.
An implant consists of a post, which is surgically placed into the bone; an abutment, which fits on top of the post; and a crown, which is made of porcelain or another material. To ensure optimal stability and longevity, it is important to use a high-quality crown. Swiss Denture & Implant Center offers the latest nanohybrid composites and double cross-linked acrylics that are superior in strength, durability and aesthetics to traditional materials found elsewhere.