The Different Types of Dental Prosthetics

Posted on 13 January 2023

Regardless of your age, you may end up needing dental prosthetics at some point in your life. In addition to old age, there are also accidents and oral problems such as gingivitis and cavities that can result in a need for prosthetics.

Dental prosthetics are a great option for replacing one or more missing or damaged teeth and helping you get your smile back.

With the wide variety of prosthetics available, it can be difficult to determine which option is right for you. In this article, learn about the different types of dental prosthetics so that you can figure out which one best suits your needs!

How to choose your dental prosthesis

Dental prosthetics are appliances that replace missing or damaged teeth. They can be fixed or removable and are made with a variety of different materials.

There are many types of dental prosthetics, which can be categorized based on how they are attached, how long they last and how much they cost. Our Montreal dentists explain in more detail below!

Removable dentures

As their name suggests, removable dentures can be taken out and put back in by the wearer. They are usually made of resin or resin-coated metal and are less expensive than fixed dentures. However, their lifespan is often shorter.

Complete dentures

Full or complete removable dentures are dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth in a natural way. They are called “full” or “complete” because the prosthesis replaces all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.

Complete removable dentures are usually made of acrylic resin or porcelain that mimics real teeth. Pink acrylic is also added to imitate the gums.

Partial dentures

Like the type of prosthesis described above, removable partial dentures are appliances that replace one or more missing or damaged teeth. Partial dentures will help you chew food, improve the appearance of your teeth and make enunciation easier.

Denture technicians create partial dentures using measurements and impressions taken from the patient. Removable partial dentures are made of plastic with a metal structure to hold them in place in the patient’s mouth using clasps.

Fixed dental prosthetics

Fixed dental prosthetics are used to permanently replace one or more teeth. These dental appliances are usually recommended for people who still have many healthy natural teeth and only need to replace one or a few. Unlike removable dentures, which can be taken out by the wearer, fixed dental prosthetics can only be removed by a dentist.

Dental crowns

A dental crown is a type of fixed prosthesis that is used to cover a damaged tooth. If a tooth is damaged to such an extent that it cannot be healed by other dental treatments, a crown can be placed on the tooth to strengthen it, restore its shape and improve its appearance. The crown acts as a protective covering for the tooth, providing added strength and better aesthetics.

Several different materials can be used to make a dental crown:

Metal crown
Ceramic crown
Metal-ceramic crown

Your dentist will always make sure to choose a colour that most closely resembles the colour of your natural teeth.

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a new type of dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by inserting titanium implants directly into the jawbone. This technique offers a stable and comfortable prosthesis similar to removable dentures. Implant placement is a modern solution for replacing missing teeth.

When an implant-supported prosthesis is used, its appearance and function is similar to that of natural teeth. Furthermore, there is no need to modify the adjacent teeth or use them for support (as is the case with bridges), which can be both an aesthetic and functional advantage.

Dental bridges

A dental bridge is another type of fixed prosthesis that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. It can be adapted for a variety of circumstances and is attached to abutments, which are usually the teeth adjacent to the gap. In order to place a bridge, the dentist will need to modify the two adjacent teeth so that they can support the dental appliance.

Like crowns, dental bridges are made of ceramic or porcelain, with a color close to that of natural teeth. They integrate seamlessly into a patient’s smile and help regain chewing function.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are a type of aesthetic restoration used primarily on front teeth. They can correct many aesthetic imperfections without excessive damage to the underlying tooth.

The veneer is bonded to the surface of the tooth that is visible when smiling and can be used to repair:

A broken or chipped tooth
Teeth that are uneven in length or position
Teeth that become discoloured over time

How to maintain dental prosthetics

Fixed dental prosthetics should be cared for in the same way as natural teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, changing brushes every 3 to 6 months, floss, and have your teeth scaled regularly. Following these recommendations will help you maintain good oral health and extend the lifespan of your dental appliance.

However, there are a few extra steps to take when maintaining removable dentures. They should not be worn for more than 24 hours at a time and should be removed at night. It’s important to take removable dentures out after every meal and clean them with a soft toothbrush. At the end of the day, the dentures should be placed in an antiseptic bath for at least 15 minutes to avoid bacterial growth that can cause inflammation or periodontal disease.

Choose the right dental prosthesis with Clinique Dentaire 1935

There are various types of dental prosthetics that can be used to replace missing or damaged teeth, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to discuss your options with your dentist to determine which dental appliance best suits your needs and budget.

Think you might need a dental prosthesis? Centrally located near Papineau metro in Montreal, the dentists at our clinic will be happy to assess your situation and recommend the solution that’s best for you.