Dental prostheses

It includes any foreign material that is used to replace lost teeth or parts of teeth is called a dental restoration. So fillings, inlays, shells and crowns are included, but for practical purposes they are considered separately from the actual replacement of missing teeth. They can be fixed or removable appliances, or a combination of both.

Why is it important?

Even the loss of a single tooth can cause negative physiological effects, such as the loss of the chewing function, the loss of adjacent teeth or the protrusion of the opposing teeth from the dental arch. These changes all increase the pressure on the remaining teeth, which can lead to their more rapid deterioration. In addition, the later we try to replace our lost teeth, the more difficult it is to do so, as there is a greater chance that the adjacent teeth will move to fill the space available, and it is also more difficult for patients to get used to.

How can we replace teeth? Which is the best way?

We can determine this in each case on the basis of an individualised treatment plan. We have to take into account many things, such as the number of teeth remaining, their condition, how they are positioned in the dental arch, whether the patient has any sensitivity to any substances or other underlying conditions. Based on this, we will discuss with the patient what kind of prosthesis would be ideal for them and what kind of treatment plan we can use to get there.

Fixed dental prostheses

If the gap is not too large, or the condition of the teeth bordering the gap allows it, we will try to make fixed restorations. One special type is a fixed prosthesis anchored on implants, the other is a bridge prosthesis anchored on natural teeth.

In a bridge restoration, the teeth that border the gap are polished and fitted with crowns that are bonded together to form a bridge over the gap. This completely restores the teeth to their functional and aesthetic state. The crowns can be made of zirconium ceramic or metal ceramic.

Removable replacements

Removable restorations are needed when the number or condition of the remaining teeth does not allow for a fixed restoration. Or, for some reason, the possibility of a bridge restoration fixed on implants has been ruled out. If there are still teeth, we are talking about partially removable restorations, which can have a metal or plastic base plate. If there are no more teeth, we speak of a completely removable restoration, which is always made of plastic.

Combined replacements

A special case is when there are still teeth and a bridge can be made to replace them, but this will not fully restore the chewing function. In such cases we make a combined restoration with a fixed part and a removable part.