It is the branch of science that examines the problems caused by speech, function and aesthetics caused by the losses in the tooth series or soft tissues in the mouth, their treatment methods with prostheses, and the materials used in the treatment. It also examines the closing movements of the joints and jaws.
REMOVABLE PROSTHESES
We can think of it as an apparatus that can be inserted and removed by the patient and that replaces the missing teeth.
In cases with large tooth deficiency or when there are no teeth in the mouth, removable prostheses are applied.
TOTAL PROSTHESES
If there are no teeth left in the mouth to be taken as a support, force transmission, support and retention are provided by placing the prosthesis on the tissue surface. This type of prosthesis is also known as palate prosthesis.
PARTIAL PROSTHESES
Partial dental prostheses are prostheses made in cases where fixed prosthesis cannot be applied. It is also called a hooked prosthesis because it attaches to the tooth in front of the toothless area with a prosthetic hook.
Are partial dentures easy to use?
Partial prostheses are supported by the teeth with the help of hooks. When installing and removing, it is very tight when first made, but over time it is more comfortable to put on and take off. The comfort and chewing efficiency of fixed prostheses cannot be expected in partial dental prostheses.
Will I get used to using partial dentures?
This type of dental prosthesis has metal parts that pass under the tongue in the lower jaw and in the palate in the upper jaw. The presence of these parts in the prosthesis makes it difficult to get used to it at first. However, after a certain period of time, most patients use these prostheses as if they were their own teeth.
How do I clean my partial denture?
Cleaning of partial prostheses is done under running water with the help of soap and brush. Toothpaste is not used for cleaning. As there are special cleaning brushes for dentures, they can also be cleaned with normal toothbrushes. In addition, some brands have cleansing tablets, which can be cleaned by waiting for the prosthesis in the tabs thrown into a glass of water. During this cleaning, it is important that the prosthesis surfaces are not scratched or deformed.
Can I eat comfortably with this type of denture?
Since partial dental prostheses are made with support from both soft tissue and existing teeth, there is no problem in their retention. Conveniently cutting, biting and grinding functions are performed.
Does my denture move when I eat?
The hooks of partial dentures prevent dislocation of the denture, so they do not move while eating. Over time, loosening of the hooks can be seen, in this case, the hooks are easily tightened and the prosthesis is prevented from moving.
Would I be aesthetically satisfied?
There are hooks in the parts of the partial prosthesis where the tooth is supported. Since the hooks are metal-colored, it may be difficult to provide aesthetics when there are hooks in the teeth seen in the anterior region.
What should I pay attention to when using it?
In addition to the things to be considered in the use of full dental prostheses, it is necessary not to damage the hooks when inserting and removing. Insertion and removal should be done slowly and carefully. After making sure that the dental prosthesis is fully seated, the jaw should be closed, the prosthesis should not be tried to be placed by closing the jaw, otherwise the hooks may bend and break.
Is it possible to repair a dental prosthesis when it breaks or teeth fall out?
As in full prosthesis, the pedestal part and teeth can be easily repaired in partial prosthesis. If the hooks are broken, they can be repaired by taking measurements from the mouth.
Is it possible to use these dental prostheses in diabetics?
As with full prostheses, partial prostheses can be applied to almost every patient and can be easily applied to diabetics. The strokes and wounds that may occur in the mouth after the application may take a long time to heal, and the use of special gels and artificial saliva may be necessary because there may be a dry mouth problem.
Is it possible to use it in patients with osteoporosis?
In partial dental prostheses, the volume of bone tissue is not very important. Since it is a prosthesis made with the support of existing teeth, the strength and dimensions of the teeth are important.
Is there a hookless alternative to partial prosthesis?
The hookless alternative to partial prosthesis is a precision-connected (snap-fastener prosthesis) prosthesis. The part of the prosthesis that is supported by the teeth is inside the prosthesis and is not visible.
What is a precision-connected prosthesis (snap-fastener prosthesis)?
It is a type of dental prosthesis applied in cases where there are many tooth deficiencies and treatment cannot be done with fixed prostheses. They are also known as ‘snap prostheses’ among the people due to their hidden holders that sit in the slots prepared in the teeth.
Are snap prostheses easy to use?
In snap prostheses, there are sensitive parts that fit into the slots prepared in the teeth. While they are very tight when first installed and removed, they are more comfortable to put on and take off over time.
Will I get used to using snap prostheses?
This type of prosthesis has metal parts that pass under the tongue in the lower jaw and the palate in the upper jaw as in the partial prosthesis. The presence of these parts in the prosthesis allows you to get used to it over time.
How to clean the delicate connection?
The cleaning of sensitive connected dentures is the same as full dentures.
Can I eat comfortably with snap prostheses?
Sensitive connected prostheses are suitable for use because they are made with support from both soft tissue and existing teeth. Cutting, biting and grinding functions can be performed.
Does it move when eating with snap-on dentures?
The parts of the sensitively connected dentures that fit into the sockets prevent the prosthesis from being dislodged, so they do not move while eating. Over time, their delicate joints may become loose, in which case the tyres can be easily replaced.
Would I be aesthetically satisfied with snap prostheses?
Since the parts of the sensitive connected prostheses that are supported by the teeth are inside the prosthesis, they are much more aesthetic than hooked prostheses.
What should I pay attention to when using snap prostheses?
In addition to the requirements for the use of full dental prostheses, it is necessary not to damage the sensitive fittings when inserting and removing. Insertion and removal should be done slowly and carefully. After making sure that the prosthesis is fully seated, the jaw should be closed, the prosthesis should not be tried to be placed by closing the jaw, otherwise the sensitive connection parts may be damaged.
Is it possible to repair snap prostheses when they break or when teeth fall out?
As in partial dental prostheses, the pedestal part and teeth can be easily repaired in sensitive connected prosthesis. Tires inside sensitive joints can be replaced if they come loose, but if the delicate joints are broken, they are difficult to repair.
Is it possible to use snap prostheses in diabetics?
As with partial prostheses, sensitive connected prostheses can be applied to almost any patient and can be easily applied to diabetics. The strokes and wounds that may occur in the mouth after the application may take a long time to heal, and the use of special gels and artificial saliva may be necessary because there may be a dry mouth problem.
Is it possible to use snap prostheses in patients with osteoporosis?
In a sensitively connected prosthesis, the volume of bone tissue is not very important. Since it is a prosthesis made with the support of existing teeth, the number, strength and size of the existing teeth are important.
What are the differences between partial prosthesis and precision-linked prostheses?
There are non-aesthetic hooks in partial prostheses, there are no hooks in sensitively connected prostheses. For partial dentures, it may not be necessary to perform an operation on existing teeth, for sensitive connected dentures, it is mandatory to perform an operation on existing teeth. For a sensitively connected prosthesis, there should be at least 4-6 teeth in the jaw, there is no restriction for a partial prosthesis. The cost of a precision-connected prosthesis is slightly higher than the cost of a partial prosthesis.
FIXED PROSTHESES
Fixed prostheses; natural teeth, tooth roots or dental implants are adhered by the physician and not removed by the patient.
INLAY-ONLAY
In teeth that do not have sufficient tooth tissue support and have experienced a loss of material that cannot be restored with filling material, inlay and onlay restorations can be performed according to the size of the tissue loss. Especially when fillings are preferred as restoration in small molars and large molars with root canal treatment, fractures are encountered more frequently than other teeth. In order to prevent this, prostheses are made that include the hard tissues of the tooth that are thin enough to break and that can distribute the forces evenly to the tooth and root surfaces. Thanks to the developing resin systems, it is possible to achieve a more aesthetic result that can be cleaned more easily without the need for traditional crown (coating) of the tooth. Resin-ceramic, glass-ceramic materials are the materials used for this process.
CROWN
In order to protect the teeth that have suffered excessive material loss for many reasons, the process of covering the teeth of the person with tooth-shaped materials is called a crown.
IN WHICH CASES THE CROWN IS APPLIED
When the person wants to change the form and color of the teeth for reasons such as dental aesthetics, if it is not dissolved with porcelain, crown application can be made.
In order to protect the teeth of people with excessive substance loss in their teeth and if there is little tooth tissue left due to root canal treatment, crown application can be applied.
If the previously made coatings need to be changed, then the crown application can also be made.
BRIDGE
The bridge tooth is placed between the two teeth, which will be located on the right and left, in order to close the tooth gap that has developed due to the losses. In this process, the other two teeth are reduced and the old gap is closed with the bridge tooth. Tooth loss usually develops due to gingival diseases, gingival recession, untreated dental caries or trauma. Bridges are one of the traditional treatment methods used for tooth loss for a long time. Tooth loss can lead to deterioration of facial and jaw anatomy over time and speech disorders, especially in cases where more than one tooth loss is experienced. For this reason, it is very important to fill the gaps due to tooth loss.
One of the important factors affecting people in tooth loss is the appearance of tooth cavities that occur when smiling. The treatment of tooth loss is important for health, as well as for the person to feel more comfortable and self-confident in his social life. Bridge dental treatment also prevents situations such as difficulty in eating or speaking in tooth loss.
Porcelain crowns/bridges with metal support
Porcelain tooth with metal support; They are porcelain veneers made of porcelain, which are fused at high temperatures on a metal infrastructure for the protection of damaged teeth.
The teeth of the patient to be treated are reduced and made ready for coating. Afterwards, the teeth are measured and the preparation of their coatings begins. During this period, temporary teeth are attached to the patient so that the patient does not become toothless and a rehearsal appointment is created for the coatings. After their coating is ready, they are glued to the patient’s teeth with a special adhesive.
Although it is very suitable and durable for use in the mouth, it may not provide the satisfaction we want aesthetically due to the metal inside. It can cause gray reflection in the gum area and dark coloration of the gums over time.
ZIRCONIUM
They are high resistance, biocompatible, durable and aesthetic restorations.
REASONS TO CHOOSE ZIRCONIUM
Mostly for aesthetic purposes;
- In the treatment of advanced color changes that do not give results with bleaching methods,
- In discrete or slightly crooked and turned teeth where orthodontic treatment method is not selected,
- In old fillings with deteriorated structure,
- In the restoration of teeth with excessive material loss,
- In the use of the back group as a bridge or coating on the teeth,
- Anterior group implant prostheses
- It is preferred to provide smile aesthetics
How long can zirconium teeth be used?
When the controls are done regularly, it can be used for many years. Although there is no definite period, the life of the crown-bridge prostheses to be generally accepted is around 8-10 years. The tooth and surrounding tissues are living tissues, and changes are observed over time. Properly made zirconium coatings in a well-groomed mouth can be used for many more years.
How are zirconium coatings applied?
The tooth is reduced in size, as in the case of the metal-supported coating. When the gum is healthy, it is measured precisely with special measurements and spoons suitable for the mouth. In the laboratory environment, zirconium substructure in the most appropriate color for the tooth and porcelain superstructure are processed on it to ensure compliance with the tooth in the clinical environment. There are also monolithic zirconium coatings that can be used without the need for porcelain processing, which can be made by scraping completely from zirconium blocks. In the final stage, it is ensured that it is completely adapted to the tooth with special adhesives. The person can use it without distinguishing it from his natural female.
Porcelain Laminate Veneers (Leaf Porcelains)
With this method, the bad appearances in the front area of the teeth are corrected and an aesthetic image is created. Another treatment option is to proportion and correct stains, distortions and disproportionate teeth. There may be incompatibility in existing fillings, colorations, size color form anomalies in the teeth. It is possible to correct them with the most protective approach, with minimal loss of substance from the tooth, with laminate veneers. Laminate veneers can be prepared by abrading an average of 1 mm from only the front surface of the tooth (although it varies according to the case) and sometimes even without the need for abrasion at all.
It is an advanced method that can be used in order not to disrupt the aesthetic appearance of the tooth. Laminate veneers show similar characteristics with tooth structure.
Are Leaf Porcelains Durable?
Porcelain laminates are very strong structures after being applied and glued to the teeth. The force you apply when biting or chewing food will not dislodge the laminates. Foods and forces that can break natural teeth can also cause laminates to break.
Care of Leaf Porcelain
It does not require special care, the use of tooth brushing and flossing, which is applied in the care of natural teeth, will be sufficient. If oral hygiene is taken care of, laminates that you can use safely for many years will add self-confidence and beauty to your smile with their very aesthetic and natural appearance.
Reasons for Preferring Leaf Porcelain
- In the treatment of tooth discolorations that cannot be removed by bleaching (bleaching)
- Hereditary structure disorders in the teeth
- To close the gaps between the teeth (diastema)
- Restoring broken or worn teeth
- As an alternative or adjunct to orthodontic treatment for the correction of crooked and crooked teeth
- In the correction of old restorations that have deteriorated color and structure
Implant Prostheses
In one, several or all tooth deficiencies, titanium screws in the form of roots placed in the jawbone are prostheses made after integration with the bone.
Is the implant prosthesis application process painful? Is anesthesia applied?
Implant prostheses are not procedures that require local anesthesia when applied like implants. The application of the prosthesis, the prosthesis rehearsal stages or the procedures of taking measurements do not cause any pain in the patients.
Does the fact that the person smokes affect the treatment?
Smoking affects our general health as well as oral and dental health negatively. In smokers, the heat of the smoke and chemicals can delay or stop the healing of the intraoral tissues, as they cause vascularization disorder in the oral tissues and therefore the tissues cannot be fed with enough blood. This can cause the loss of the implant or teeth.
I’M STARTING TO USE PROSTHESES!
Learning to use new dentures takes time and patience. You will need to change your old habits and acquire new habits. In the first few weeks, you will need a period of acclimatization.
Initial issues
- Your new prosthesis will be perceived as a foreign and large object in your mouth. There will be a feeling of saturation in your lips and cheeks. This feeling is temporary and will disappear when you get used to prostheses.
- In the first days, as a result of the stimulation of the glands, the amount of saliva may increase. This situation will pass in a short time.
- The lower prosthesis will move more than the upper prosthesis and will be more easily dislodged. Getting used to the lower prosthesis is more difficult than getting used to the upper prosthesis and takes more time.
- No matter how much care is taken when making prostheses, prostheses may cause knocks as a result of the prostheses moving during use. The places that hit must be corrected by your doctor. The rasping of the prostheses by the patient is incorrect and can cause much bigger problems.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF MY PROSTHESES?
- For a healthy mouth, it is necessary to remove the food residues from your prosthesis after each meal.
- Use a soft brush liquid soap or soap for cleaning. In addition to daily cleaning, cleansing tablets can be used 1 time per week.
- To prevent your denture from falling out and breaking, the cleaning process should be done by keeping it close to the sink or on the container filled with water.
- Brush all over your prosthesis with gentle force.
- Never put your prosthesis in hot water.
- Cleaning materials such as detergent or bleach etc. should not be used.
The Importance of Dental Prosthesis Care
It is necessary to give importance to prosthetic teeth as well as the importance given to natural teeth. Daily and routine maintenance should be carried out regularly. Not regularly caring for prosthetic teeth can cause problems in the teeth and shorten the life of the prosthesis. Over time, your prosthesis loses its harmony and can cause damage to the tissues until you notice this situation.
You should be checked by your dentist at least once a year. The success of the new denture depends on you as much as it does on your dentist. With a patient and positive approach, you can easily use your prostheses.
In the Process of Getting Used to Prosthesis
Nutrition
- It is difficult to eat normally and comfortably with full dentures. You may need at least 4-6 weeks for this. A normal and effective chewing should not be expected during the initial process.
- Do not try hard-to-eat foods such as pieces of meat, nuts, raw vegetables and fresh bread at the beginning. Soft foods cut into small pieces should be chewed slowly with the lips closed.
- Especially in the first weeks, it should definitely not be bitten with the front teeth. This may cause the prosthesis to move.
- The prosthesis may move when drinking water. Over time, this feeling will disappear.
- It would be more correct to extract the bones of foods such as chicken, fish and meat on your plate and then start chewing them.
Speech
It may take time to be able to speak comfortably with prostheses. Reading aloud and in front of a mirror should be done and words that cannot be pronounced correctly should be repeated and tried to be normalized.
View
When you first start using the prosthesis, the appearance of your face may seem different to you. When all your muscles adapt to the prosthesis, your appearance will return to normal.