The Removable Dental Prosthesis
Better known under the name of “ dentures ”, the removable dental prosthesis is a device whose purpose is to replace one or more missing natural teeth. The term “removable” means that the prosthesis can be removed from the mouth for sleeping or for daily maintenance.
We speak of a complete dental prosthesis or complete removable dental prosthesis when it replaces all the teeth of the upper jaw (upper removable dental prosthesis) or lower.
A complete dental prosthesis or partial removable dental prosthesis is made from a dental impression made on the patient. It is most often made in pink acrylic resin to mimic the gums . A metal structure with hooks keeps the partial denture firmly in place in the mouth. In certain cases, the hooks can be advantageously replaced by invisible anchoring systems (press stud, slides, etc.).
Fixed dental prosthesis
A fixed dental prosthesis is, as the name suggests, a device that cannot be removed other than by a dentist. Among the fixed prostheses we can distinguish:
The dental crown : Which is a ceramic, composite resin or metal restoration, reproducing the initial and damaged tooth. The crown will completely cover the damaged tooth which is most often devitalized . The tooth will be reduced by grinding in order to create sufficient space to insert the crown. The latter will then be sealed or glued.
The dental implant : Is an artificial root made most often in titanium, which is fixed in the jawbone and which will be connected after osseointegration to a dental prosthesis. This top performing prosthetic device offers unmatched comfort and durability. An acrylic tooth is then implanted directly into the jawbone or mandible where an anchor called “ inlay-core ” has been inserted beforehand . This anchoring can thus receive the dental prosthesis which will be screwed inside. Permanently implanted in the jawbone, the anchor acts like a natural tooth root.
The dental bridge (from the English “bridge”): a fixed dental prosthesis forming a bridge between two teeth (or several teeth). It consists of one or more teeth connected to “pillar” teeth on either side of the edentulous space. The bridge makes it possible to replace one missing tooth, or even two , by resting on the adjacent teeth.
The onlay : it aims to restore the damaged part of a tooth. It can be made of metal, resin or ceramic. It is fixed by gluing and keeps the root alive , without having to use a dental crown.
Dental veneers : thin porcelain flakes used mainly on anterior teeth for aesthetic purposes, covering only the visible outer surface of the tooth when the patient smiles.
Each dental prosthesis has advantages and limitations. The degree of technicality and the work involved in the installation often determine the price of these prosthetic reconstructions.
For more information on the different solutions and dental prostheses, do not hesitate to contact your dental practitioner. If you wish to initiate procedures for the fitting of dental prostheses, make an appointment directly in one of our many dental centers.