We answer your questions about dentures

The first step is a consultation with an orthodontist, who will propose a treatment plan. In order to facilitate your understanding with the doctor, we asked you to briefly and clearly answer the frequently asked questions about dental prostheses by our chief physician, maxillofacial surgeon Denys Valkevych.

What are the types of dentures?

Dental prostheses are divided into two large groups – removable and non-removable. Each of them also has its own varieties. Yes, there are complete removable prostheses, that is, those that restore the entire dentition, and partial ones that replace individual teeth. Also, removable prostheses are divided into lamellar (the same “teeth in a glass”) and braces. Fixed prostheses include crowns, bridges and veneers.

Is an implant also a prosthesis?

An implant is a support for a prosthesis, a kind of artificial tooth root. A crown or a bridge prosthesis can be attached to it.

Can a prosthesis replace an implant?

Yes, a prosthesis can replace an implant, because there are such types of prostheses that restore chewing function. However, when we talk about prostheses, it is not always possible to achieve the effect of a tooth that broke through from under the gums.

What are removable prostheses?

Plate dentures are divided into rigid and flexible. Detachable braces are classified by the type of fastening: they can be on clasp fasteners, on lock fasteners and on telescopic crowns.

What are fixed prostheses?

Fixed prostheses are single (crowns for a single tooth) and bridge-like. According to the manufacturing method, there are stamped-soldered, solid-cast, milled, manufactured with the help of selective laser sintering, by the method of casting pressing, with and without cladding.

Is it possible to restore the outer teeth in a row with a prosthesis?

The outer teeth in a row can be restored with the help of a removable prosthesis. For example, bygelny, which has a number of advantages. It does not need to be removed and placed in a glass of water overnight, it can remain in the mouth all day. In addition, the removable prosthesis provides an opportunity to show your creative abilities, since its metal frame can be given any unusual shape.

Why does a prosthesis not always look like a natural tooth?

A prosthesis is not an own tooth that has erupted, and every patient should take this into account. Before moving on to aesthetics, the orthodontist must solve the issue of functionality: restore the natural shape of the tooth and take care of the distribution of the chewing load. Features of the designs of some prostheses do not allow to achieve complete visual identity with “living” teeth.

Are there alternatives to prosthetics?

You can continue to live without teeth, but the quality of life will deteriorate, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract will progress. The absence of teeth leads to negative changes in the bite and faster deterioration of the remaining teeth.

How to prepare for prosthetics?

It is important to take the first step: gather your spirit and come to the dentist. Next, the doctor will send for additional examinations and draw up a treatment plan. It should be understood that long-term orthodontic treatment and preparation may be required to achieve the effect of “new perfect teeth”, and therefore the prosthetics plan may be compromised.

What do dental bridges look like?

Usually, dental bridges look grandiose, and sometimes even impressive. You can make sure of this by looking at the photo.

What can be done if there are no teeth?

If there are no teeth, you can install implants and wear dentures on them (for example, for elderly patients there is an offer “all for 4”, when a fixed prosthesis is worn on only 4 implants). Or, if there is currently no possibility for implantation, purchase a removable prosthesis. It will protect against irreversible changes in the oral cavity and allow waiting for the opportunity to install implants.

Which dentures are better and cheaper?

Unfortunately, beautiful and cheap dentures, like other miracles, do not exist. Better prostheses always cost more. Cheaper prostheses are worse in quality, but even they are suitable as a temporary option.