Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics offer the best treatment solutions for rebuilding the smile with either fixed or removable dental prosthetics. When picking the best solution, you must take into account the general status of the teeth, the muscular and articular balance. Fixed prosthetics include laminate veneers, veneers and bridges. Removable dentures include complete dentures, metal removable partial dentures and overdentures.

 

When are prosthodontic treatments required?

 

Tooth loss is most frequently treated by placing dental implants. However, there are various situations such as crown fractures, large fillings that risk fracturing the tooth, fillings on front teeth, root canal treatment and consecutive colouring of the teeth that may be treated with prosthodontic procedures.

 

Types of prosthodontic treatments

 

Prosthodontic treatments can be laminates veneers, made in the laboratory (sometimes there is the possibility of treating them in the clinic), inlays, veneers, bridges, partial and complete removable dentures.

 

The materials used for performing dental prostheses

 

There are numerous materials used for the fabrication dental prostheses. Ceramic (porcelain) stands out due to the possibility of achieving a natural aesthetic that meets the requirements of the patient. However, the ceramic has a core that can be a metal alloy (usually chromium-cobalt) or a ceramic with increased resistance such as zirconium.

Pressed ceramic crowns are used only for jacket crowns, carried out on a single tooth. Jacket crowns, made of pressed ceramic, as well as porcelain zirconia bridges have a very good aesthetic, remarkable precision and increased gum tolerance.   

 

The stages of performing a dental prosthodontics

 

– During the first appointment, the required X-rays will be taken, the stages of the treatment established and an estimation of the costs provided.

– Treatment can involve scaling, treatment of caries (including root canal treatments), orthodontics (if necessary) or surgical procedures where needed (extractions, treatment of periodontal disease etc.).

– The teeth will be polished and an impression taken. It must be kept in mind that it is recommended to protect the polished teeth with PMMA (polymethyl metacrylate) provisional crowns and bridges from this point onwards.

– Zirconium/metal structure provided by the lab or clinic will be tried in the mouth and checked, followed by application of a dentine coat on the zirconium/metal structure. The dentist and patient will then analyse the colour and shape of the teeth to ensure they are suitable, with the possibility of modifying them as desired.

– The prosthesis will be cemented into place, which is performed 2 weeks after the impression. For shorter time periods, there can be an additional charge.