What is a prosthetic tooth?

Dental prosthesis can be defined as a treatment method applied to replace the missing teeth of people who have lost their teeth or who have suffered damage and loss in the gums and surrounding tissues and to make them have a better aesthetic appearance. Thanks to dentures, the quality of life of individuals increases and their self-confidence increases. In addition to its aesthetic effect, the purpose of dental prosthesis is basically to restore chewing functions to the person. Prosthetic teeth are designed specifically for teeth, taking into account the patient's oral structure. In addition to fixed dentures, there are also removable dentures that can be removed at any time. The specialist dentist gives together with the patient which prosthesis is more suitable according to the patient's preference or mouth structure.

The use of dentures may feel different for patients at first. The feeling of fullness and looseness in the mouth in the first periods is extremely normal. This is a process of getting used to, and during this process, the cheek muscles and tongue of the person get used to the prosthesis.

What are the types of prosthetic teeth?

If the existing problems in the tooth cannot be solved with the treatment methods applied, finally, prosthetic teeth are applied. The most important issue when designing prosthetic teeth in accordance with the patient is the protection of healthy teeth. Dental prostheses are of two different types; fixed dentures and removable dentures.

Fixed Dental Prosthesis

Fixed dental prosthesis is applied to patients with less tooth loss and is based on the principle of reducing the teeth of the people and taking the mold, then covering them according to the mold and mounting the prosthesis. The preparation and fitting of fixed dental prostheses takes approximately 2 weeks. The life of fixed prostheses varies according to the material used. The color of the prosthesis is chosen together with the patient according to the patient's tooth color. Then, the prepared prosthesis is shown on a model. At the last stage, the dental prosthesis is rehearsed on the patient and if the prosthesis is compatible with the tooth and surrounding tissues, it is fixed on the tooth. With the new prostheses, the patient can easily perform the chewing function and gain an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Zirconium veneers and laminate veneers are examples of fixed dental prostheses. As dental prosthesis technology develops, zirconium veneer and laminate restorations can be applied frequently.

Removable Denture

Removable dental prostheses also replace missing teeth. These prostheses can be removed and reattached by the patient. It is preferred to be applied in cases where natural teeth are present but there is not enough support for fixed prosthesis types. While applying removable dental prostheses, support is taken from the existing teeth and tissues.

Removable prostheses are generally as follows;

• Partial dentures: Commonly known as hooked dentures. It is applied in cases where some of the natural teeth are missing. Partial dentures that replace lost teeth are both functional and provide an aesthetic appearance. Partial dentures are obtained from a single piece of casting with acrylic. It is attached to the existing teeth with crochet wires and these wires can be hidden with aesthetic prosthesis connections if desired.
• Total dentures: Commonly known as dentures. It is suitable for people who have no teeth in their mouth. Total prostheses are applied to the lower and upper jaw separately and supported by the patient's bone tissue. Prosthesis made of acrylic is produced according to the mouth dimensions of the people. In the first days of wearing, it can feel full on the lips and cheeks and a foreignness in the mouth. The presence of dentures in the mouth causes increased saliva formation, which is normal. If you want to get used to the total prosthesis quickly, it is recommended to read aloud and repeat the words you have difficulty in pronouncing.