Dental prostheses

Dental prosthesis is an artificial replacement for missing teeth that is designed and made with the aim of restoring chewing function, improving speech and increasing the beauty of the smile. Types of dental prostheses: 🔹. Fixed Prosthesis A: Dental veneers: They are the best option for regenerating denervated teeth and implants. There are different types of dental veneers and they are chosen depending on the type, application and condition of the patient. The main types of dental veneers: 1. Full metal covers (Metal) • They are made of metal alloys (gold, nickel, chrome, cobalt, etc.). • They have high resistance and durability, but due to their metallic appearance, they are not very desirable in terms of aesthetics. • They are mostly used for back teeth (molars) when the required space is very small. 2. All-ceramic veneers • They are very beautiful and look completely like natural teeth. • They are metal-free, so they are considered a suitable option for metal-sensitive patients. • They are less strong than metal veneers and are used for anterior (front) teeth. Today, all-ceramic veneers are reinforced and are suitable for posterior teeth as well. E-Max (Lithium Disilicate) coatings • They are a type of all-ceramic coatings made of lithium disilicate. • They are extremely beautiful, transparent and resistant. • Excellent choice for anterior teeth, but less recommended for high pressure posterior teeth. Zirconia veneers: • They are a type of all-ceramic veneers that are made of zirconium and have higher strength and acceptable beauty. • Available in two types: full zirconia (monolithic) and layer zirconia (porcelain-zirconia coating), the second type is more beautiful. • An excellent choice for anterior and posterior teeth, especially for patients who want both durability and beauty. 3. Metal-ceramic veneers (PFM - Porcelain Fused to Metal) • They have a metal layer underneath and a porcelain (ceramic) layer on top. • They offer a combination of the strength of metal and the beauty of ceramics, but these veneers are not as beautiful as all-ceramic and zirconia veneers. • A metal rim may become evident over time, especially in patients with gingival recession. 4. Composite Resin Crowns • They are made of composite material and are considered cheaper than other types. • They wear out and change color over time, so they are less durable. • Usually used as a temporary option. Choosing the type of veneer depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, aesthetic needs, the patient's budget, and the condition of the tooth. In our specialized center, dental veneers are designed and manufactured entirely exclusively using the most advanced digital technology and made of all-ceramic materials. In addition to natural beauty, these veneers also provide high strength and complete compatibility with the tooth structure. B: Dental bridges: replacing missing teeth without the need for implant surgery. Types of bridges: 1-Traditional Bridges ✅ Structure: including one or more artificial teeth that are placed on the side healthy teeth with the help of two veneers. Suitable for: replacing one or more missing teeth between two healthy teeth. Advantages: high strength, natural performance and beautiful appearance. ✅ Disadvantages: Need to grind healthy side teeth. 2- Implant-based bridges: Structure: A bridge that is placed on dental implants instead of resting on natural teeth. Suitable for: people who have lost several teeth together and do not want healthy teeth to be chipped. Advantages: Long lifespan, no need to sharpen healthy teeth. Disadvantages: Longer treatment period due to implant surgery . 3-Bridge County Lore Structure: In this type, the replacement tooth is connected to only one base tooth. Suitable for: cases where there is only one healthy tooth next to the edentulous area. ✅ Advantages: maintaining a healthy tooth on one side, a less invasive method than conventional bridges. Disadvantages: high pressure on the base tooth and possibility of fracture It is used in the long term and only in special cases. 4- Maryland Bridge: Structure: It consists of an artificial tooth that is attached to the back of the adjacent teeth with metal or ceramic fins. Suitable for: replacing front teeth, especially in teenagers. ✅ Advantages: the minimum amount of tooth grinding, preservation of healthy teeth tissue. Disadvantages: less strength than traditional bridges, possibility of separation in the long term. 5- FRC Bridge (Fiber-Reinforced Composite Bridge) (Fiber-reinforced bridge) is a type of dental bridge that is made of reinforcing fibers and resin composite. This method is a fast, minimally invasive alternative It is beauty oriented. Advantages of FRC Bridge: ✔ Minimally invasive – the structure of the adjacent teeth is preserved. ✔ Desired beauty - due to the absence of metal, it has perfect harmony with natural teeth. ✔ Fast and inexpensive method - usually can be done in one session. ✔ Good flexibility and resistance - reinforcing fibers increase its strength. ✔ A suitable option for temporary or long-term replacement (depending on the patient's condition). Limitations and disadvantages: • Its durability and strength are lower than ceramic or implant bridges. • May not be ideal in areas with high chewing pressure (such as posterior teeth). • It requires a precise technique and high skill of the dentist in placement. Common uses: ✅ Temporary or semi-permanent replacement of lost front teeth Patients who cannot have implants (e.g. due to medical restrictions) ✅ Immediate replacement after tooth extraction until the final treatment C: Ceramic veneers: for beauty and correcting the shape and color of the teeth.\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* D: Ceramic inlay and onlay restorations: more accurate and resistant alternative to traditional fillings such as amalgam and composite. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 🔹- Removable Prosthesis Complete denture: A complete denture is a type of removable prosthesis that replaces all missing teeth in one or both jaws. This prosthesis allows patients who have lost all their teeth to chew, speak and restore the beauty of their smile. Parsil Denture: Parsil Denture is a type of mobile prosthesis that is used to replace several missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. This type of prosthesis is connected to the remaining natural teeth with the help of metal or acrylic connections and provides the possibility of chewing, speaking and improving the beauty of the smile. Parsil denture types: \_Parsil Acrylic Denture (Flipper): A pink acrylic base that is placed on the gum has metal or acrylic attachments to hold the prosthesis in place. It is suitable for temporary replacement or short-term treatment and is less expensive than other types of partial dentures. Parsil metal skeleton denture: A metal base with an acrylic coating, on which the artificial teeth are placed, has metal connections that are attached to the remaining teeth. This type has high strength and less thickness than acrylic dentures and is more comfortable for the patient. It is more durable and stable than all acrylic models. Parsil Flexi Denture (Flexible) It is made of thermoplastic materials that have high flexibility, it does not have metal connections, so it has a more natural appearance and more beauty and comfort, a suitable option for patients who cannot tolerate metal or acrylic dentures. Overdenture: Overdenture is an advanced mobile prosthesis that is placed on dental implants or remaining natural tooth roots. This type of prosthesis is more stable than normal complete dentures and provides better performance in chewing, speaking and smile beauty due to a tighter connection to the jaw. Advantages of over dentures compared to traditional dentures ✅ Much more stability: reducing sliding and moving the prosthesis in the mouth. Increasing chewing power: improving eating performance and reducing nutritional restrictions. Jawbone preservation: preventing bone loss that occurs in conventional dentures. More comfort: less pressure is applied to the gums and reduces pain and gum wounds. ✅ Better speech: reducing the possibility of the prosthesis slipping while speaking. Types of overdentures 1.1. Tooth-Supported Overdenture It is used when the patient still has some of the roots of his natural teeth. The remaining roots are used as a base to support the prosthesis. Helping to preserve the jaw bone and prevent its decay. ✅ Sometimes root canal treatment (RCT) of primary teeth is needed. 1.2. Implant-Supported Overdenture For patients who have lost all their teeth and have enough bone for implant placement. Prosthesis is fixed using at least 2 to 4 implants in the lower jaw and 4 to 6 implants in the upper jaw. ✅ Very high stability, reducing displacement of prosthesis and improving chewing performance. ✅ Reducing jaw bone erosion and maintaining facial structure. 🔹- Implant prostheses ✅ Implant cover: replacing a single tooth with all-ceramic covers that are placed on the implant. Types of implant cover in terms of connection to the base: Cement-Retained Crown: The veneer is attached to the abutment (the interface between the fixture and the veneer) with dental cement. It has a more natural appearance because the screw hole is not visible on the crown. Screw-Retained Crown: The cover is attached to the implant with a screw and the screw hole is covered with composite. It is easier to remove and repair if needed. Due to the presence of screw holes, it has a negative effect on the beauty of the smile. Types of implant cover in terms of materials: All-ceramic veneers (zirconia or E-max): have a natural appearance and transparency similar to natural teeth. They are resistant to discoloration and staining and are very suitable for front teeth where beauty is important. Metal-ceramic veneers (PFM - Porcelain Fused to Metal): Combination of metal (for strength) and ceramic (for beauty). They are durable and suitable for posterior teeth that are under the pressure of chewing. All-metal coatings (gold or other alloys): They have very high strength and the least amount of wear on the opposite teeth, they are less used for anterior teeth due to their unnatural appearance. ✅ Bridges based on implants: replacement of several teeth without the need to trim healthy side teeth.\*\*\*\*\* ✅ Implant overdenture: a mobile prosthesis that is placed on several implants and has better stability and performance than ordinary dentures. Implant overdenture is a type of mobile prosthesis that is fixed in the jaw with the help of dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures that are only placed on the gums, implant overdentures are connected to implants through special connections (such as locator, bar or wing or magnet) and are more stable and comfortable. For patients who have lost all their teeth and have enough bone for implant placement. Prosthesis is fixed using at least 2 to 4 implants in the lower jaw and 4 to 6 implants in the upper jaw. ✅ Very high stability, reducing displacement of prosthesis and improving chewing performance. ✅ Reducing jaw bone erosion and maintaining facial structure. Types of overdenture implants: 1. Implant overdenture with overdenture ball connections Connecting dentures to implants using ball-shaped parts ✅ The possibility of removing or placing the prosthesis easily by the patient A cost-effective option with easy maintenance Suitable for patients with high hand mobility or older patients 2. Bar Overdenture Implants are connected with a metal bar and the prosthesis is placed on it ✅ Higher stability than the wing model. Uniform distribution of chewing forces between implants Suitable for patients with severe bone loss. 3. Implant overdenture with magnetic connections (Magnetic Overdenture) Connecting the prosthesis with the magnets embedded in the implants Easier to install and remove than other models Suitable for patients who have hand-mouth coordination problems It is less used due to limited magnetic power Advantages of overdenture implants: ✔ Better stability and adhesion than ordinary dentures - no need for denture adhesive ✔ Increasing the power of chewing and speaking - a function close to natural teeth ✔ Preservation of jaw bone - preventing bone loss caused by edentulism ✔ Greater comfort for the patient - no slipping or sores on the gums Disadvantages and limitations: • Higher cost than conventional dentures • The need for regular care and cleaning of connections and implants • The need for sufficient bone in the jaw for implant placement ✅ Full arch prostheses (All-on-4 / All-on-6): reconstruction of the entire jaw with implants, the best alternative to traditional artificial teeth. All-on-4 prosthesis is a method to replace all the teeth of one jaw, which is done using only 4 dental implants. This method is proposed as a faster and more affordable alternative to implanting single implants and in many cases, eliminates the need for bone grafting. With only 4 implants per jaw, a complete fixed prosthesis is installed. The two front implants are placed vertically and the two rear implants are placed at an angle of 30-45 degrees for greater stability. In most cases, no bone grafting is required because the rear implants are placed in areas with higher bone density. With new developments in implantology, newer methods such as All-on-6 or All-on-8 have been introduced, which in most cases are stronger and better than the All on 4 method.