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A dental prosthesis is chosen when damaged or lost teeth have to be restored. At the moment, there are many methods of prosthetics, so it is not surprising that patients often wonder what solutions could be the best. The most suitable method of prosthetics always depends on how and to what extent the teeth are damaged, so after consulting a dentist you will definitely be able to make a certain decision. Dental prosthetics can be done when the aim is to restore full chewing function, and achieve a better aesthetic look. 

The most important advantages of dental prosthetics

• Dental prosthetics help restore lost teeth, regardless of whether the patient is missing one or more teeth. Also, this procedure can help restore chipped teeth or strengthen brittle and dead teeth;
• Dental prosthetics improve the aesthetic look - we can all agree that a beautiful smile beautifies every person;
• Dental prosthetics ensure full chewing function. The digestion process starts in the mouth, so it is very important that the food is sufficiently chewed. Unfortunately, if even one tooth is missing in the mouth, it can lead to problems with the digestive system;
• Restoring teeth can prevent discomfort when food gets stuck in the cavities of lost teeth;
• Dental prosthetics ensure a normal bite, and help prevent changes in appearance due to lost teeth (in quite frequent cases, this is caused by the jawbone deterioration in the places of lost teeth).

Possibilities of dental prosthetics

Dental prosthetics are divided into two main groups - fixed and removable prostheses. Removable dental prostheses are usually chosen as the cheapest option for dental prostheses. Two types of these prostheses are available: removable plates or arch support prostheses (so-called "bugles"). The fixed prostheses include crowns, dental bridges, inlays and laminates. Each of these types of prostheses has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is worth talking about each of these options with your dentist.

PLATE PROSTHESES

Removable dental plates are prostheses that are usually chosen by older people. Removable plate prostheses can be useful before teeth implantation (this process takes some time). These dental prostheses are relatively inexpensive and can be applied when a large part of teeth or all teeth are missing in the mouth - they can be attached to adjacent teeth or to the oral cavity (special denture adhesive is used). It is important to know that these prostheses will not be able to restore the natural function of chewing, you will have to avoid hard and sticky food. Dental plates must be soaked in a special liquid during the night in order to clean them well. It is very important to protect removable dental plaques from possible damage - they are usually made of plastic, which is a relatively fragile material.

ARCH-SUPPORTED PROSTHESES

This dental prosthesis option is used when one or more missing teeth need to be replaced. These prostheses have a thin metal base that is cast according to a special design. Such prostheses do not complicate speech and restore chewing function. Arch-supported prostheses are attached to the adjacent teeth, which must be healthy and strong.

DENTAL BRIDGES

These prostheses are made when the patient is missing one or more teeth. First of all, adjacent teeth are filed down, and a bridge prosthesis is fixed between them. It is important that the supporting teeth would be healthy and strong enough. Although dental bridges look quite aesthetically pleasing and can ensure normal chewing function, they do not last very long (approximately 10-15 years). These dentures are non-removable but require additional care (it is important to ensure that food remains do not get stuck between the gums and the artificial teeth).

DENTAL CROWNS

These dental prostheses are used when it is not enough to simply seal out the teeth. If the damage to the teeth is quite extensive, crowns can be the most effective method of tooth restoration. These dentures can be fixed on natural teeth or on dental implants, they are durable and look aesthetic. Patients can choose from two types of dental prostheses:

• Metal-ceramic crowns are made of metal, which is covered with a ceramic layer (the color is matched to the patient's other teeth). These prostheses are less expensive than metal-free ceramic or zirconia ceramic prostheses, but they are more suitable for molars than front teeth. Metal-ceramic crowns are opaque, so they look less natural than the other two types of crowns. Sometimes metal-ceramic crowns cause allergies or a metallic taste in the mouth;
• Zirconia crowns look very natural, so they are perfect for restoring front teeth. Such prostheses do not cause allergies, there is no unpleasant taste of metal in the mouth, and their durability exceeds metal and metal-free ceramic prostheses. However, the cost of these prostheses is higher than the other options.

DENTAL VENEERS

These are very thin ceramic plates that are attached to the outer surface of the tooth. Dental veneers are useful when you want to mask certain defects of the front teeth or when you want to change the shape of the teeth. This procedure is minimally invasive: teeth are filed down in a way that only a very thin (0.2-0.5 mm) layer of enamel is removed, so the patient does not feel any side effects. Dental veneers can change not only the shape of the teeth but also the color, as well as mask the gaps between the teeth. Ceramic veneers can also be used when the patient suffers from minor orthodontic (bite) problems. The entire row of teeth can be straightened using laminates. Dental veneers do not change their color during their entire life (approximately 15 years), regardless of whether the patient uses coloring products or not. However, the cost of dental veneers is quite high, and such dentures (like any other) can chip or crack. These dentures are not suitable for people who have a habit of grinding their teeth.

THE CARE OF DENTAL PROSTHETICS

Your dental prosthetics will last longer if you take care of them properly:

• If the new prosthetics cause discomfort/pain while biting or speaking, contact your dentist immediately - it may be necessary to correct the dentures;
• Avoid very hard and sticky food, cold and hot foods and drinks consumed at the same time (temperature contrasts can lead to cracks in dentures);
• Clean prosthetics after meals, use mouthwash and interdental floss (or a special interdental brush);
• You will clean the prosthetics even better if you use a special single toothbrush;
• If you play any sports, special mouthguards can be useful to protect both natural and artificial teeth. Protective mouthguards also help with the teeth-grinding; 
• Visit the dentist regularly: the oral mucosa may change over time, but the prosthetics will remain the same, so correction may be necessary;
• If you choose removable prostheses, special denture care products (that can be purchased at pharmacies) will come in handy. It is very important to pay enough attention to the interdental care of removable prostheses;
• If your removable prostheses get chipped or cracked, contact your dentist immediately – do not attempt to repair your prostheses yourself, as this can only damage them further.

The dentist will help determine the most suitable type of dental prosthetics. During the first visit, the condition of the teeth will be assessed and the possibilities of dental prosthetics will be offered. During this visit, a dental treatment plan and a cost estimate can be drawn up. So, contact our dentists now, and soon you will be able to enjoy the full chewing function and a beautiful smile!

You can find out more about the professional dental prosthetics services provided at the Vilnius Dental Clinic by clicking on the link.