What does dental prosthetics mean? Prices, varieties, information

What does dental prosthetics mean?

The term is practically an umbrella term. We mean those elements placed in the mouth that can replace the missing parts of the teeth or the teeth as a whole. Options for dental restorations are diverse. 

In the case of a complete tooth replacement, dental works can range from the replacement of a single or a few missing teeth (partial replacement) to their counterparts made in case of complete tooth loss. A tooth replacement may be necessary in case of gum disease, just like after tooth decay or tooth extraction.

Purpose of dental prosthetics

The purpose of  dental prosthetics is to replace the missing parts of the teeth or the entire teeth. Therefore, the prepared restorations are most often used to repair teeth (for example, in the case of replacing a broken tooth) or to treat missing teeth.

Designing dental prosthetics

In the case of various missing teeth, our constant goal is to use the surfaces of natural teeth or dental implants for more secure fixation, thus increasing the stability of the restoration. In this way, we connect the restorations to our own teeth (one or more teeth can be involved) or implants, so that we can increase the long-term comfort for the patients. In the case of a bridge (dental bridge), for example, we cement the replacement to the adjacent teeth bordering the deficiency.

It is normal that there are cases when preparing dental restorations, we decide not to choose a method to treat missing teeth that permanently changes the structure and shape of the teeth(e.g. tooth filing). An example of this is the use of a temporary prosthetics. In the event that a missing tooth is to be treated with an implant, but aesthetic rehabilitation is necessary during the healing period, there is no reason to grind down the adjacent teeth for the few months until the implant prosthetics is completed.

In this case, we choose a temporary type, the preparation of which does not cause permanent damage to the tooth.

You can read more about the consequences, types and treatment of missing teeth here.

Types of prosthetics, their classification

We have several options for grouping dental restorations. The attribute of grouping can be:

• fixation
• materials
• duration of wear
• who makes them
• its extent
• method of fabrication of dental prosthetics
• price of dental work

I. Cluster of restorations according to their method of fixation

Depending on the attachment, we can talk about a fixed or removable type.

I.1. Types of fixed dental prosthetics

In this case, the fabricated restorations cannot be removed from the mouth by the patients. The restorations are fixed, so under healthy circumstances they do not move in the mouth.

Dental prosthetics adhered on natural teeth or implant-borne solutions

Some types of fixed restorations, such as crowns and bridges, can be made for implants in addition to your own teeth. While they are always connected to natural teeth using dental cement, the dental prosthesis made on an implanted artificial root can be glued with cement or  screw-retained. The advantage of the latter is that it can be removed without damage, so it can be repaired if necessary. Elements glued with cement can only be removed by damaging them.

It is important to know that, if possible, connecting the implant and the natural tooth should be avoided, since the stability of the two structures are different. The teeth are dynamically stabilized by fibers, which means that they have a certain level of mobility.

These stretching forces is necessary for the periodontium to remain healthy. The inserted dental implant is completely ossifies with the periodontium, as a result of which it has no mobility. It follows from the above that the connection of different types of pillars has a negative effect on the other, so it is not recommended and should be avoided.

I.2. Types of removable dental prosthesis

These dental works belonging to this group, the so-called dentures are removed from the mouth by the patients. Due to the detachable connection, the teeth have a little mobility even in healthy cases.

Your own tooth, or even a a dental implant can contribute anchoring a removable denture

Removable restorations can be further classified according to which stabilizing elements are used to fix them. We always strive to include your own teeth in fixing the dentures (e.g. telescopic dentures), if you don't have your own existing teeth, dental implants are justified.

The process of making removable dentures

Fabrication of removable restorations usually takes longer than fabrication of fixed restorations. The process of partial dentures, or the creation of combined dentures, consists of several consecutive steps, which are a series of different impressions and tests. In the latter case, when a bridge or crown is also made as part of the restoration, we have to count on more steps during the treatment, which reflects the higher prices of combined dental restorations.

II. Cluster of prosthetics/tooth replacement based on material

The types of tooth replacement can also be grouped according to their material. There are:

• Acrylic, plastic dentures (e.g. full denture);
• Metal restorations;
• Ceramic, porcelaine dental restorations;
• Zirconia dental restorations (zirconia-dioxide);
• or a prosthetic can be made from a mixture of the above.

III. Depending on the period of usage, temporary or permanent restorations can be made

Depending on the planned wearing time, we can talk about a temporary or permanent restoration. A permanent denture is made when the conditions are right for a long-term, stable, reliable denture to be crafted. When creating a temporary denture, we are aware that we only want to rely on the restoration for a predetermined period of time.

Among the temporary solutions, there are those that can only be worn for days or even weeks, and those that are planned for the medium or long term. The material of the temporary denture is usually different from the material of the final one. In the former case, we use softer, less load-bearing materials, since their production is faster and less expensive.

IV. We can also group them according to the type of specialist who crafts them

The restoration can be made by a dentist or dental technician. In most cases, however, a finished dental prosthesis requires the close cooperation of both specialists, so individual restorations are made in teamwork.

V. Cluster of restorations according to their extent and size
 

The size of the prepared restoration is mostly determined by how much missing tissue we want to replace. In case of reconstruction of a single broken tooth, the replacement is of course much smaller than when replacing a complete edentulous jawbone.

VI. State-of-the-art tooth restoration CAD/CAM, AKA the technique of creating prosthetics

The development of the digital world has also brought great changes in the field of replacement. Compared to traditional procedures, the most modern dentures are made with modern procedures designed using computers (CAD) and special milling machines or laser sintering (CAM). 

You can read more about innovations in digital dentistry here.

Tooth replacement prices, the question of the cheapest dental restoration

A dental prosthesis can also be classified into different categories based on prices. The price is also influenced by the material, type, extent of the replacement and the technological background required for its crafting. A significant factor in the determination of dental restoration prices is whether a background in dental technology is also required for the preparation of prosthetics.

The necessary dental implant's prices also greatly influence the total cost of the treatment. Some dental replacement prices can be found at the bottom of the page or on the dental prices page.

If you need a certain dental restoration and want to find out about possible solutions to replace your missing teeth, don't delay the decision. Sign up for a  dental consultation  at  053 93 01 323 and we will answer all questions about the treatment plan prepared during the consultation.

These days, all modern dental restorations are available in Hungary, Budapest at Helvetic Clinics! Book now to learn about your options!

FAQ - Frequently asked questions regarding prosthetics

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