Prostheses types

Fixed Dental Prosthesis

Fixed dental prostheses are those that remain attached to the patient’s mouth, therefore, we cannot remove them, unlike removable prostheses that can be removed to rest the tissues or to clean them.

They are widely used both to replace teeth that have been lost and to reinforce those that are damaged and are at risk of falling out.

We have Two (2) Scenarios in which we can use the fixed prosthesis and in each scenario we have different types of fixed prostheses.

In Scenario #1, dentures are used to protect teeth that have been damaged and are at risk of being lost.

In Scenario #2, dentures are used to replace missing teeth, either one, several or all of the teeth. We have multiple options.

Types of Fixed Prostheses for Scenario #1

1. The Crowns which cover the entire tooth and can be made of different materials as the case warrants. Today, thanks to digital dentistry and technological advances, metal crowns with porcelain have been replaced by metal-free crowns such as Zirconium Crowns or Lithium Discilicate Crowns.

2. NCNP (No Crown, No Post). With this technology we almost no longer make crowns, it is a much more conservative technology, which is based on replacing only the structure that has been deteriorated, preserving a healthy structure. The “No crown, No post” can be made of different materials (resins, porcelain).

Types of Fixed Prostheses for Scenario #2

1. Conventional Fixed Prosthesis. With this prosthesis we use the remaining healthy teeth as pillars to be able to place the teeth that we need. The big disadvantage is that we have to wear down healthy teeth. We can use this type of prosthesis if one tooth is missing or if several teeth are needed, as long as we have teeth at the ends.

2. Fixed Prosthesis with Implants. Instead of using the neighboring teeth that are healthy and wearing them down, we place dental implants which will replace the root of the missing teeth and on which we will place the crown or crowns of the missing teeth. This type of fixed prosthesis can be used to replace a missing tooth, several or all teeth.

3. Total Fixed Prosthesis (with dental implants). We use this prosthesis when the patient has lost all his teeth and we can only do it with dental implants. The goal of this prosthesis is to replace all the teeth and often the gum that has been lost.

Removable Dental Prosthesis

Removable Dental Prosthesis is a treatment that is used to replace missing teeth, whether one, several or all of the teeth, and as its name indicates, it is designed and manufactured so that the patient can put it on and take it off when needed, which greatly facilitates your hygiene.

There are 3 types of Removable Dental Prostheses

1. Removable Partial Prosthesis on tooth. It is used to replace one or more missing teeth. These prostheses rest on the mucosa and are retained by the remaining natural teeth in two ways:
– Through non-rigid devices called retainers (or “hooks”)
– Devices on dental crowns to avoid hooks.

2. Total Removable Prosthesis. This prosthesis rests on the mucosa and is used when the patient has lost all his teeth.

3. Total Removable Prosthesis with Implants. It is also used when all teeth have been lost. These prostheses rest on the mucosa and the implants provide extra retention; allowing you to feel much more secure when it comes to talking and eating. 2 to 4 implants can be placed.

Removable Prostheses provide strength to the teeth, gums and bone, which is why they require an adaptation time, the duration of which varies depending on the person and the type of prosthesis.

In the end, you will surely not be aware of wearing a prosthesis, but you need to be patient and, during this adaptation period, go to the clinic to make the necessary adaptations and corrections.