The Art and Precision of Dental Prosthetics

Dental prosthetics transform your smile and improve tooth function for better chewing and speech. Each person has unique dental health and prosthetic needs, so dentists must use custom dental solutions for the best results. The process is precise, matching your teeth and natural tooth color, and involves cutting-edge technology.  

What Are Dental Prosthetics?

Dental prosthetics are artificial teeth or materials. A cosmetic dentist or a dentist who specializes in prosthodontics may provide prosthetic treatment to repair or replace missing or damaged teeth. These treatments are custom dental solutions fitted to your mouth and smile.

Types of Prosthetics

There are several types of prosthetics, but the most common include implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and veneers.  

Dental Implants

Dental implants are posts that your dentist surgically installs into your jaw to replace a tooth. It has three parts: the post, the abutment that attaches to the post, and the crown or cap that fits on the outside and resembles a natural tooth.  

Crowns

A crown is a cap that fits over your tooth to restore broken, worn, weak, or diseased areas. Your dentist may also use them to cover dental implants or root canals. Crowns can be metal, porcelain, or resin, and last between five and 15 years with good care.  

Bridges

A bridge is a set of artificial teeth that attach to teeth on either side of a gap and fill the space between. However, some bridges may be implant-supported, where your dentist or surgeon installs implants and a set of teeth sits on top to hang between the teeth and fill the gap.  

Dentures

Dentures are fixed or removable appliances that replace teeth and gums. Dentures may be partial, replacing a few teeth, or complete, replacing all the teeth on the top or bottom. Traditional removable dentures are sometimes known as false teeth, but you can also get implant-supported dentures that provide more comfort and stability.  

Veneers

Veneers are shells that fit over the front of your teeth to fill in gaps, hide stains, and cover cracks or other esthetic concerns. These are cosmetic treatments designed to transform your smile without extensive work. There are several types of veneers, but the most common are porcelain or ceramic.

Customizing Your Prosthetics for Precision Treatment

The prosthetics process varies depending on the treatment, but it typically involves an assessment with imaging, treatment planning and design, the procedure itself, and follow-up.  

Exams and Imaging

The first step in any process is an assessment. Your doctor will examine your teeth and jaws, diagnose any problems, and determine which prosthetic is best for your unique needs. You may also have some imaging and scans to assess your tooth roots and bone health and take impressions of your teeth.  

Treatment Planning and Design

The next step is the planning and design phase. Your dentist will take your digital scans and impressions to make a 3D model of your teeth and plan the exact prosthetic position, form, and appearance. Depending on the product, your dentist may send the models and plans to a lab for creation.  

Procedure

The procedure can take anywhere from one quick appointment, such as veneers, to several appointments and treatment stages, such as with dental implants. Recovery time also varies with the procedure, and more involved treatments may take longer to recover.  

Maintenance and Follow-Up

Dental prosthetics are an investment in your dental health and can last a long time with proper care. You’ll need to eat a healthy diet, brush and floss daily, and see your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.

Explore Custom Dental Solutions with Local Owensboro Dentist

The Center for Cosmetic & General Dentistry is a cosmetic dentist in Owensboro. We offer a variety of dental prosthetics and provide meticulous, precision planning and treatment for optimal results. Get in touch to learn how we can help.

‍