Dental Prosthetics
Fixed prosthodontics in dentistry is a technique used to restore teeth, using fixed restorations (also referred to as indirect restorations), which include crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers. Prosthodontists are specialist dentists who have undertaken training recognized by academic institutions in this field. Fixed prosthodontics can be used to restore single or multiple teeth, spanning areas where teeth have been lost. In general, the main advantages of fixed prosthodontics when compared to direct restorations is the superior strength when used in large restorations, and the ability to create an aesthetic looking tooth. As with any dental restoration, principles used to determine the appropriate restoration involves consideration of the materials to be used, extent of tooth destruction, orientation and location of tooth, and condition of neighboring teeth.
Removable prosthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that replaces missing teeth with a removable prosthesis.
1. Removable partial denture, also referred to as a partial, replaces one or more teeth in the same arch.
A removable partial denture is for a partially edentulous dental patient who desires to have replacement teeth for functional or aesthetic reasons, and who cannot have a bridge (a fixed partial denture) for any number of reasons, such as a lack of required teeth to serve as support for a bridge.
The reason why this type of prosthesis is referred to as a removable partial denture is because patients can remove and reinsert them when required without professional help.
2. Removable full denture, also referred to as a denture, replaces all of the teeth in one arch.
Full dentures are still the most common restoration used today for edentulous (no teeth present) patients. The only other alternative to the complete dentures is implants. Dentures are plastic plates custom-made to fit each individual. It is made from pink acrylic simulating gum tissue and plastic or porcelain teeth, custom set for each patient.
