Which Dental Prosthesis Is Right For You?

The range of dental prostheses can seem overwhelming, but it is easy to differentiate the devices once you learn what each one does. Check out these four types of prostheses:

1. Dental implants. With implants, the clue is in the name. Dental implants are implanted into the bone of the jaw like the root of a tooth and can replace one, several or entire rows of teeth.
2. Crowns. Crowns cover a single damaged tooth or form part of a bridge, where the crowns are placed on each side of one or more false teeth.
3. Dentures. Dentures are partial and replace a few false teeth or full and replace rows of false teeth.
4. Veneers. Veneers are thin shells that cover discolored or chipped teeth to improve their appearance.

To make a dental prosthesis, your dentist will conduct a thorough assessment of your teeth and oral cavity and take dental X-rays of the teeth involved for the dental prosthesis. This allows your dentist to provide a prosthesis that supports any remaining teeth, lets you eat and speak normally and looks great. In the next step, the dentist usually takes an impression of the existing teeth by asking you to bite into a mold. Then they send the mold to the dental laboratory. According to Decisions in Dentistry, dental prostheses can be made from a range of materials, including porcelain, composite resin, acrylic and zirconia.

After the device is made, the placement procedure depends on which dental prosthesis you're receiving. To fit implants, your dentist must surgically insert a titanium fixture (post) into your bone, and then you must wait several months before getting the prosthetic placed to make sure the implant is properly placed and secured into the bone. If you're receiving a crown, bridge or veneers, your dentist may remove or etch part of the tooth surface to prepare it for the prosthesis. Dentures need to be checked to ensure they fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth.

Dental prostheses can help patients feel more confident by replacing missing teeth or by making discolored or damaged teeth look more attractive. If you think a prosthesis might be the solution to your dental problem, make an appointment with your dentist or prosthodontist to discuss your options for improving your smile.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.