Dental prostheses are structures that can be used for the purpose of restoring the smile by replacing one or more teeth that are missing in the mouth or that are worn. Thus, dentures are indicated by the dentist in order to improve chewing and speech of the person, which can be hampered by lack of tooth.
The type of prosthesis indicated by the dentist depends on the amount of damaged or missing teeth and the condition of the gum.
Main types
Dental prostheses are indicated by the dentist according to the amount of teeth involved or missing, in addition to the general condition of the patient's mouth. Thus, prostheses can be classified as partial, when only a few teeth are replaced in the prosthesis, or total, when there is a need to replace all the teeth, the latter type being more commonly known as denture.
In addition to partial and total classification, the prostheses are also classified as removable, when the person can remove the prosthesis to do the hygiene, for example, or fixed, when the prosthesis is implanted in the jaw or the missing teeth are screwed.
Thus, the main types of dental prostheses are:
1. Partial prosthesis
The partial dentures are those indicated by the dentist with the purpose of replacing the lack of some tooth, and are usually removable.
The removable or movable partial prosthesis consists of a metal structure with the purpose of retaining healthy teeth, with only those missing being replaced, giving more stability at the time of chewing and speaking. Usually this type of prosthesis is indicated when it is not possible to make an implant, especially when the gingiva is not in the right conditions. The disadvantage of this type of prosthesis is aesthetic, since the metal plate is visible, and may bother some people.
As an alternative to the removable partial denture, there is the flexible removable partial denture, which has the same indications, but the structure of the prosthesis is not metallic and guarantees more flexibility and comfort for the person, making the person's adaptation to the prosthesis easier. However, it is important that the person has attention to the hygiene of this prosthesis, otherwise it may darken over time and cause inflammation in the gums.
There is also a temporary removable partial denture, which is more suitable for temporary treatment, that is, when there is a recommendation for implant placement, for example, but the patient's general and oral health is impaired. procedure at that time.
2. Total prosthesis
The total denture, popularly known as denture or sheet, is indicated when the person loses several teeth, the prosthesis being made according to the size, shape and color of the original teeth, preventing the smile from becoming artificial.
This type of prosthesis is usually removable and is recommended more often for the elderly, who tend to lose their teeth over time, but also for people who have lost their teeth due to illness or accidents, for example.
The use of dentures is recommended when speech and chewing are impaired by lack of teeth, but can also be used for aesthetics, as lack of teeth can leave the face looking flaccid.
3. Implants
Dental implants are indicated when there is a need to replace the tooth and its root, and can serve as a support for implant placement. Implants are indicated in situations where the resolution of the condition can not be done with dentures. Thus, it is chosen to fix a piece of titanium in the jaw, below the gum, which serves as a support to place the tooth.
Usually after placing the piece of titanium, the person needs to rest from week to month, to ensure better fixation of the prosthesis, and after that period is indicated the placement of the crown of the tooth, which is a piece that mimics the characteristics of the both in structure and function, and which can be made of resin or porcelain.
In some cases, it may be indicated to perform the loaded implant, where the dental prosthesis is placed during the procedure of placing the titanium part, however, it is not recommended for all people. See when to place a dental implant.
4. Fixed prosthesis
Fixed prostheses are indicated when there is a need to fill spaces with absence of tooth, however, the use of this type of prosthesis is becoming obsolete, as it is not possible to perform the hygiene of the prosthesis individually, since it is fixed, in addition to that the placement of implants has been shown to be a more efficient therapeutic option that guarantees better aesthetic and functional results.
Fixed prostheses can be placed on teeth or on implants, depending on the condition of the person, and the material in which they are made can be resin or porcelain.
Care of dental prostheses
It is important to go to the dentist periodically for evaluation of the prosthesis as well as check the need for replacement.
In the case of the removable prosthesis, it is recommended that it be removed after each meal and washed with tap water to remove the rest of the food. Afterwards, the prosthesis should be brushed with a suitable brush and with neutral soap in order to avoid the formation of bacterial plaques. In addition, it is recommended to perform oral hygiene normally, with the use of toothpaste and dental floss.
It is also recommended that the prosthesis be removed before bedtime and placed in a cleaning solution or with filtered water. Before using it again, it is important to carry out oral hygiene and wash the prosthesis under running water. Here's how to remove and clean dentures.
In the case of fixed prostheses, oral hygiene should be performed normally and it is recommended to pay attention to the use of dental floss, because as the prosthesis can not be removed, it is important to remove any food residue that may be between the prosthesis and the tooth, thus avoiding damage to the prosthesis and inflammation in the gum, for example. Check out 6 steps to brush your teeth properly.
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