Dental Prostheses
Dental prostheses are artificial teeth made to complete
missing teeth extracted for various reasons or to strengthen existing teeth in
the mouth. The scope of dental prostheses includes veneers, bridges, full
dentures, partial dentures, laminates, etc. Thanks to dental prostheses,
chewing efficiency, facial aesthetics and self-confidence of the patient are
regained. Basically, it is divided into two main categories as fixed prostheses
and removable prostheses.
Fixed Prostheses
It is a type of prosthesis that is defined by grinding the tooth tissue and cementing the prosthesis to the tooth permanently. It can be removed only by the dentist when necessary. Veneers and laminates are fixed prostheses applied to teeth with discoloration and deformation or excessive material loss. In the case of a small number of missing teeth, the teeth next to the gap are reduced and bridge treatment is applied. Porcelain veneers and bridges fixed on implants are also included in this group.
Removable Partial Prostheses
In cases where some of the teeth in the mouth are lost, but fixed prosthesis with a bridge is not suitable, removable partial dentures are used. These prostheses can be removed and placed by the patient. They are attached to the existing teeth in the mouth by various methods. There are varieties of attachment types such as clasp, precision attachment, telescopic crown and partial dentures with bars. Today, with the widespread use of implant treatment, the need for such prostheses has decreased.
Removable Full Dentures
It is a type of removable prosthesis applied to individuals who have lost all their teeth. Retention can only be achieved if there is sufficient amount of intraoral tissues and a very good impression is taken. Although retention in the upper jaw is mostly possible, it is quite difficult to achieve retention in the lower jaw. Particularly, individuals who will use removable full dentures for the first time have difficulty adapting and accepting. Implant-supported removable full dentures significantly increase patient comfort. In the presence of appropriate bone tissue, at least 2 implants to be placed in the jaw will increase the chewing efficiency and comfort of the patients.