Learn About What Prosthodontists Can Do For You

Prosthodontics is a specialized dental field that focuses on the use of dental prostheses and the restoration of missing and damaged teeth. Prosthodontists are dental professionals who have gone through additional training to become experts in their field. This means they have the advanced education and training needed to become specialists. This article will introduce you to some of the types of treatments a prosthodontist can offer.

Crowns

Crowns can be attached to a damaged or weak tooth. They offer protection, provide proper function, and help improve smiles. Crowns look like real teeth and they are permanent. Crowns can come in a variety of material options, such as:

• Metal alloy
• Gold alloy
• Porcelain fused to metal
• All ceramic
• All porcelain
• High noble metal alloys, such as gold and platinum

Dental bridges

A dental bridge can replace a single tooth or several teeth. They are designed with artificial teeth and an anchor that can be a crown on an adjacent tooth or an implant that also replaces an adjacent tooth. Bridges can come in many sizes and designs. 

They can come as a bridge with one tooth and an anchor, two teeth and an anchor, two teeth and two anchors, and more. They will help restore the appearance and function of your teeth while also keeping your other teeth aligned and preventing jaw bone loss. 

Dentures

There are both partial dentures and full dentures. Partial dentures can replace a small number of teeth, and full dentures can replace them all. Dentures are different because they are removable. You will take them out to clean them and to sleep. 

They will allow you to regain all the functions you had before you lost your teeth. Biting, eating, and talking will be much easier. Plus, you'll feel better about your smile because dentures look so real. 

Dental implants

Dental implants are the closest thing to a real tooth when you need a replacement tooth. They are fused directly to the jawbone with a strong post and a crown that looks like your natural tooth will be attached to the post.

Implants will look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They are permanent and strong, and they are taken care of in the same way you care for your other teeth. 

Cosmetic dentistry

Prosthodontists also specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of the patient's teeth. Cosmetic treatment depends on what's wrong with the patient's teeth, the severity of the issues, and what the patient wants to achieve. 

Some people have a condition that causes their teeth to naturally be a dark color, such as orange or brown. Since their teeth are that color naturally, teeth whitening won't work. Instead, the patient can have their teeth bonded, have porcelain veneers put on, or have another procedure done that can give them a mouth full of white teeth. This is just one example of the types of cosmetic dentistry a prosthodontist care clinic can offer.