Dental Prostheses Dental prostheses are artificial replacements for missing teeth, designed to restore chewing function, improve speech, and enhance the aesthetics of the smile. Types of Dental Prostheses 1. Fixed Prostheses 1\. Dental Crowns Crowns are ideal for restoring root canal-treated or implant-supported teeth. They come in various materials, selected based on clinical needs and patient preferences. Main Types of Dental Crowns: - Metal Crowns - Made from metal alloys (e.g. gold, nickel, chromium, cobalt). - High strength and durability. - Less aesthetic, usually used for posterior teeth where space is limited. - All-Ceramic Crowns - Highly aesthetic and resemble natural teeth. - Metal-free, suitable for patients with metal allergies. - Originally less durable, but now reinforced for both anterior and posterior use. - E-Max Crowns (Lithium Disilicate) - A subtype of all-ceramic crowns, known for exceptional beauty, translucency, and strength. - Ideal for front teeth; less recommended for high-pressure molars. - Zirconia Crowns - Made from zirconium, offering superior strength and acceptable aesthetics. - Available in monolithic (full zirconia) and layered (porcelain-zirconia) forms. - Suitable for both front and back teeth, balancing beauty and durability. - PFM Crowns (Porcelain Fused to Metal) - Metal core with ceramic exterior for strength and appearance. - Less aesthetic than full ceramic or zirconia. - Metal edges may become visible over time with gum recession. - Composite Resin Crowns - Made from composite material, more affordable. - Susceptible to wear and discoloration. - Commonly used as temporary solutions. 2\. Dental Bridges Used to replace missing teeth without implant surgery. Types of Bridges: - Traditional Bridges - One or more artificial teeth supported by crowns on adjacent natural teeth. - Strong and aesthetically pleasing. - Requires reduction of healthy neighboring teeth. - Implant-Supported Bridges - Fixed onto dental implants rather than natural teeth. - Preserves natural tooth structure. - Requires implant surgery and longer treatment duration. - Cantilever Bridges - Supported by only one adjacent tooth. - Less invasive, but may put stress on the supporting tooth. - Used selectively. - Maryland Bridges - Artificial tooth bonded to adjacent teeth using metal or ceramic wings. - Minimally invasive, often used for anterior teeth, especially in young patients. - Less durable over time. - FRC Bridges (Fiber-Reinforced Composite) - Made from reinforced fibers and composite resin. - Fast, aesthetic, and minimally invasive. - Great for temporary or semi-permanent front tooth replacement. - Not ideal for high-pressure chewing areas. 1. Porcelain Veneers Thin ceramic layers used to improve the color, shape, and alignment of front teeth for aesthetic purposes. 1. Inlays and Onlays High-strength ceramic restorations that serve as accurate and long-lasting alternatives to traditional fillings like amalgam or composite. Excellent — here’s the professional English translation for the second part of your dental prosthetics content, perfectly matching the previous segment in tone and formatting for web publication: 1. Removable Prostheses 2. Complete Dentures A complete denture is a removable prosthesis designed to replace all missing teeth in one or both jaws. It restores chewing ability, improves speech, and enhances the appearance of the smile for patients who have lost all their teeth. 2. Partial Dentures Partial dentures are removable prostheses used to replace several missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They attach to the remaining natural teeth using metal or acrylic clasps and restore both function and aesthetics. Types of Partial Dentures: - Acrylic Partial Denture (Flipper): - Made from pink acrylic base that sits on the gums. - May include metal or acrylic clasps. - Suitable for short-term or temporary use. - More affordable than other types. - Cast Metal Partial Denture: - Features a metal framework covered with acrylic. - Metal clasps securely attach to remaining teeth. - Offers high durability, thinner base, and better comfort than acrylic ones. - Provides long-term stability. - Flexible Partial Denture (Flexi Denture): - Made from thermoplastic materials with high flexibility. - No metal components—more aesthetic and comfortable. - Ideal for patients sensitive to metal or acrylic dentures. 3. Overdentures An overdenture is an advanced removable prosthesis that fits over existing dental implants or retained natural roots. Compared to traditional dentures, it offers better stability, function, and aesthetics. Advantages of Overdentures Over Traditional Dentures: - Enhanced stability with reduced movement and slipping. - Better chewing efficiency and fewer dietary restrictions. - Helps preserve jawbone and prevent resorption. - More comfortable—less pressure and fewer gum sores. - Improved speech with less chance of denture dislodgement. Types of Overdentures: - Tooth-Supported Overdenture: - Used when some natural tooth roots remain. - Roots act as support for the denture. - Helps preserve bone and reduce resorption. - May require root canal treatment (RCT) for the retained teeth. - Implant-Supported Overdenture: - Ideal for patients who have lost all teeth and have sufficient bone for implants. - Typically uses 2–4 implants in the lower jaw and 4–6 in the upper jaw. - Offers superior stability and chewing function. - Prevents bone loss and maintains facial structure. 1. Implant Prostheses 2. Implant Crowns These are single-tooth replacements, often made from all-ceramic materials, placed on dental implants. Types of Implant Crown Retention: - Cement-Retained Crowns: - Attached to the abutment with dental cement. - Offers a more natural appearance as no screw hole is visible. - Screw-Retained Crowns: - Secured with a screw through the crown and sealed with composite. - Easier to remove or repair, but screw access may compromise aesthetics. Types of Implant Crowns by Material: - All-Ceramic Crowns (Zirconia or E-Max): - Highly aesthetic, natural-looking, and stain-resistant. - Ideal for front teeth where beauty is crucial. - PFM Crowns (Porcelain-Fused to Metal): - Metal core for strength, porcelain exterior for aesthetics. - Best for molars under heavy chewing pressure. - Full-Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloys): - Extremely durable with minimal wear on opposing teeth. - Less aesthetic, rarely used for front teeth. 2. Implant-Supported Bridges These bridges replace multiple teeth without compromising adjacent natural teeth. They are fixed on implants and offer long-term stability and function. 3. Implant Overdentures A removable prosthesis anchored to multiple implants, providing significantly more stability than traditional dentures. Implant Overdentures are attached to implants in the jawbone using specialized connectors (such as locator, bar, ball, or magnet attachments). These systems enhance retention and patient comfort. Ideal For: - Patients missing all teeth with adequate bone for implants. - Usually supported by 2–4 implants in the lower jaw and 4–6 in the upper jaw. Types of Implant Overdentures: - Ball Attachment Overdenture: - Uses ball-shaped components to connect the denture to implants. - Easy to insert/remove — good for elderly or those with limited dexterity. - Cost-effective and low maintenance. - Bar Attachment Overdenture: - Implants are connected with a rigid metal bar, and the denture sits over it. - Offers excellent stability and even force distribution. - Suitable for patients with significant bone resorption. - Magnetic Overdenture: - Uses magnets embedded in the denture and implants. - Easy to place and remove. - Ideal for patients with limited hand coordination. - Less commonly used due to weaker magnetic retention. Benefits of Implant Overdentures: - Firm retention — no need for adhesives. - Improved chewing and speech — nearly like natural teeth. - Bone preservation — prevents jawbone shrinkage. - Greater patient comfort — no slippage or sore spots. Limitations: - Higher cost than traditional dentures. - Requires proper hygiene and implant care. - Adequate jawbone is necessary for implant placement. 4. Full-Arch Implant Prostheses (All-on-4 / All-on-6) A full-arch prosthesis involves restoring an entire jaw using as few as four implants — often referred to as All-on-4. This method is faster and more cost-effective than placing individual implants and often avoids the need for bone grafting. - How It Works: - Two implants placed vertically at the front. - Two implants placed at an angle (30–45°) at the back for better support. - Fixed full-arch denture is installed on top of these implants. - Newer Techniques: - All-on-6 or All-on-8 provide greater support and long-term strength, often preferred for patients with adequate bone. Common Patient Question Q: Which implant brand is best? A: The success of your treatment depends more on the surgeon’s expertise and clinical planning than on the brand itself. While many reputable brands exist, what’s most important is: - Biocompatibility of materials (like medical-grade titanium) - Bone quality and patient anatomy - Use of advanced tools like digital scanning and surgical guides - Customized treatment planning At our clinic, we select the best implant system tailored to your needs, ensuring long-term success, aesthetics, and function — not just based on brand name.