PROSTHODONTICS
The Department of Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that aims to restore lost function, speech, and aesthetics in cases where one or more teeth are missing. Dental prostheses can generally be classified as fixed prostheses, removable prostheses, and implant-supported prostheses.
1. What is a Fixed Prosthesis?
Fixed prostheses are restorations supported by existing teeth and can be used when one or more teeth are missing. They are permanently attached to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient.
Crowns placed over a single tooth and bridge restorations used to replace missing teeth are examples of fixed prostheses.
Different materials may be used depending on functional and aesthetic requirements, including:
- Full-metal restorations
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations, using either precious or non-precious metals
- Full-zirconia restorations
- Zirconia-supported porcelain restorations
- All-ceramic restorations
2. What is Aesthetic Dentistry?
Aesthetic dental treatments also fall within the scope of prosthodontics. These procedures may be performed to improve the appearance of teeth affected by problems involving color, shape, size, fractures, wear, developmental abnormalities, spacing, or improper positioning.
Porcelain is one of the main materials used in aesthetic dentistry. In recent years, advances in metal-free ceramic materials have made it possible to achieve highly natural and aesthetic results.
Metal-free ceramic crowns and thin porcelain veneers, also known as laminates or laminate veneers, which are bonded primarily to the visible surfaces of the teeth, are commonly used for aesthetic improvement.
3. What is Smile Design?
Smile design is a comprehensive treatment-planning process that evaluates the aesthetic relationship between the teeth, gums, lips, and the entire face.
The aim is to create an individualized smile that is harmonious with the patient’s facial features and overall appearance.
Specialized digital software may be used to evaluate aesthetic parameters, plan the required procedures, and visualize the expected outcome. The final treatment is then carried out using a multidisciplinary approach when necessary.
4. What is a Laminate Veneer?
Laminate veneers are thin porcelain restorations applied using adhesive techniques, primarily to the front teeth. They can be used to improve undesirable tooth color, shape, or position.
They may also be used in cases involving loss of tooth structure due to decay or fracture, helping protect the remaining tooth and prevent further tissue loss. In selected cases, porcelain veneers may also provide greater long-term color stability compared with some direct composite restorations.
5. What is a Removable Prosthesis?
Removable prostheses are used when multiple teeth are missing and the number or distribution of remaining teeth is not suitable for treatment with fixed prosthetic restorations.
These prostheses may receive support from both the remaining teeth and the gums and underlying bone in areas where teeth have been lost.
In patients with partial tooth loss, removable partial dentures with clasps or precision attachments may be used. In completely edentulous patients, complete dentures may be used to restore function and appearance.
6. What are Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and How Are They Treated?
Temporomandibular joint disorders may develop due to several factors, including poorly fitting prostheses, stress, postural problems, an unbalanced bite caused by misaligned teeth, or trauma.
Habits such as clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), and chewing predominantly on one side may also contribute to these disorders.
Patients may experience pain in the jaw and temple regions, as well as discomfort in the neck or back. Clicking, popping, or other sounds may occur in the jaw joint during movement.
Other symptoms may include pain while chewing or yawning and limitation in mouth opening. In some cases, there may be no pain, but signs such as excessive tooth wear or fractures of dental restorations, fillings, or prostheses may be present.
The first step in treatment is to identify the type and underlying cause of the temporomandibular joint disorder. Depending on the diagnosis, individually designed oral appliances, such as occlusal splints, may be prescribed as part of the treatment plan.