Dental Prosthesis

DENTAL PROSTHESES 

Definition (Description):

Dental prostheses are artificial teeth made to replace missing teeth and restore oral functions such as chewing and speaking, as well as aesthetics.

Procedure (How It's Made):

1. Initial examination and diagnosis

2. Taking intraoral impressions

3. Preparing dental models and planning

4. Trial fittings and adjustments

5. Laboratory fabrication of the prosthesis

6. Final fitting and follow-up appointments

Indications (When Needed):

• Loss of one or more teeth

• Complete edentulism (no teeth in the arch)

• Tooth loss due to trauma or decay

• Aesthetic or functional requirements

Types:

1. Removable Prostheses:

   • Complete dentures

   • Partial dentures

   • Immediate dentures

2. Fixed Prostheses:

   • Crowns

   • Bridges

3. Implant-Supported Prostheses:

   • Fixed implant-supported dentures

   • Removable implant-supported dentures (overdentures)

Advantages:

• Improves aesthetic appearance

• Restores speech and chewing ability

• Prevents shifting of adjacent teeth by filling gaps

• Boosts self-confidence

Disadvantages:

• May take time to get used to

• Removable types can lack stability

• May require periodic adjustment or replacement

• Fixed types may involve tooth preparation

  TOTAL DENTURE

• Definition & Indications

  • Used when all teeth are missing in the upper or lower jaw.

  • Case suitability depends on bone volume and soft tissue conditions.

  Fabrication Process

  1. Oral and anatomical assessments with impressions.

  2. Wax rim trials to adjust size and vertical dimension.

  3. Shade, aesthetics selected; acrylic denture processed in lab.

  4. Fitting appointment includes bite and functional adjustment.

  5. Follow‑up visits (1–2 weeks) for fit, comfort and fine‑tuning.

  Advantages

  • Provides natural aesthetics.

  • Restores speech, chewing, and facial support.

  • Cost‑effective option.

  • No metal framework required.

  Disadvantages

  • Can affect speech initially (e.g. lisping).

  • Lower chewing efficiency than fixed options.

  • Bone resorption may require replacement every few years.

  • Risk of movement or slippage when eating.

     

    PARTIAL DENTURE

  • Definition & Indications

    • Removable prostheses attached with metal clasps to remaining teeth.

    • Ideal for patients with multiple missing teeth seeking function and aesthetics.

    Fabrication Steps

    1. Take impressions & create models.

    2. Plan design: determine abutment teeth and clasp placements.

    3. Laboratory fabrication of metallic framework and acrylic base.

    4. Trial insertion to assess fit, aesthetics and function.

    5. Final delivery with adjustment and hygiene instruction.

    6. Periodic follow‑ups to check clasp tightness and framework integrity.

    Advantages

    • Quick replacement of missing teeth.

    • High stability from metal clasps.

    • Easy removal for cleaning.

    • Fills spaces without requiring fixed prosthetics.

    Disadvantages

    • Metal clasps may be visible and affect esthetics.

    • Risk of decay or loosening in teeth bearing clasps.

    • Without good hygiene, can lead to oral disease.