Prosthodontics is the process of replacing lost teeth, bone, gums, or facial features. There are three stages of prosthodontics as explained by family dentist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: (1) fixed prosthodontics (crowns and bridges cemented onto teeth or implants in the mouth), (2) removable prosthodontics (complete or partial dentures that the patient can remove from the mouth), and (3) maxillofacial prosthetics (a lesser-known branch of dentistry in which noses, eyes, and other parts of the face and body are replaced with prostheses). In this blog post, we will learn about different types of prosthodontic treatments and their benefits.
Types of Prosthodontics Treatment
Crowns
A crown is a restorative that covers a tooth, adding strength and improving its appearance. Crowns can be composed of porcelain or precious metal compounds such as gold, glass, or porcelain, and should be precisely matched to the natural color of the teeth.
Dental implants
Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots that serve as permanent replacements for one or more missing teeth. Implants are tiny titanium screws that are implanted directly in the jawbone to provide a stable support for replacement teeth in the form of crowns, bridges, or fixed dentures.
Dentures
Dentures can be used to replace an entire set of teeth (full dentures) or specific teeth (partial dentures). Your prosthodontist will customize your dentures to fit your mouth and select a color that matches your natural teeth. They may also discuss overdentures with you, which are more securely fastened in the mouth with dental implants. This helps to decrease the bone loss associated with conventional dentures.
Mouthguards
Wearing a mouthguard at night helps reduce tension on your teeth and jaws, allowing you to breathe more comfortably while sleeping. Your prosthodontist can supply a custom-fitted mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), if your throat becomes obstructed during sleep (sleep apnea), or if you have a temporomandibular joint issue.
Benefits of Prosthodontics
- Restoration of esthetics or cosmetic appearance after an injury or accident
- Restoration of function because of veneers, crowns, bonding
- Protection of tissues due to decaying or crowded teeth
- Oral reconstruction for issues related to chronic diseases like cancer
- Oral procedures to treat snoring and sleep disorders
Finally, prosthodontics plays an important role in restoring oral health, function, and aesthetics for patients who have missing or damaged teeth and structures. Prosthodontists employ modern materials, technology, and procedures to build personalized prostheses that closely mimic real teeth and improve their patient’s quality of life.