Types of Dental Prosthesis: Choose The Right One for You

Brief About Dental Prostheses

They are artificial teeth and/or dental appliances designed to replace missing or damaged teeth. They are commonly used to improve your appearance and restore speech and the ability to eat and chew well. Dental prostheses in Flower Mound are custom-made to fit individual needs and requirements.

Types of Prostheses in Dentistry

Dental prostheses come in various forms, including:

1. Dentures – are removable prostheses that replace a full arch (replacing all teeth) or a partial arch (replacing some missing teeth). They can feature acrylic, porcelain, or a combination of materials. Dentures are the go-to prostheses when dentists at Smile Craft Dental want to replace multiple missing teeth at a go.
2. Dental bridges – are fixed dental prostheses that replace one or more missing teeth. They feature two dental crowns supported by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Usually, a dentist near you will employ dental bridges to replace up to 3 missing teeth in a row. Any more than that would merit a denture.
3. Dental implants – are artificial tooth roots surgically erected in the jawbone to support another dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or denture. They are the perfect solutions for permanent tooth replacement that closely mimic natural teeth in appearance and function.
4. Crowns – are dental caps that substitute damaged or weakened teeth enamels to protect them and restore their appearance. They are typically made of porcelain or ceramic material and are custom-made to fit over the existing tooth, completely encapsulating it.
5. Veneers – are thin, custom-made shells or laminates that go over the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. They feature porcelain or composite material. Dental veneers are ideal for masking underlying imperfections of the enamel.
6. Inlays and onlays – are custom-made restorations that repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury. They are ideal alternatives to dental fillings, typically made of porcelain or composite material, and are cemented into place. Sometimes a dentist near you will refer to them as partial crowns.​

Find The Best Dental Prosthesis for Yourself

The type of dental prosthesis best depends on the location and extent of tooth loss, overall oral health, and personal preferences. Your dentist can help you choose the right prosthesis for your needs. Some of the factors you must consider when choosing a dental prosthesis are:

1. The extent of tooth loss: The best prosthesis will depend on the number of your tooth lost. For example, a partial denture may be a good option if you are missing several teeth in a row, while a bridge may be better if you are missing only one or two teeth.
2. Oral health: If you have an underlying infection, for example, gum disease, a dentist near you may recommend a removable prosthesis while you receive treatment for your underlying condition before getting a permanent one.
3. Budget: Dental prostheses can vary in cost, and your budget may be a factor in deciding which type of prosthesis to choose. Lean on your dentist for information on the cost of different types of prostheses to find a solution that fits within your budget.
4. Lifestyle: If you have difficulty with oral hygiene or are a smoker, a removable prosthesis may be easier to clean than a fixed prosthesis.
5. Personal preferences: If you prefer a natural-looking restoration, a ceramic or porcelain prosthesis may be better than a metal-based prosthesis.

​For More Information Visit Our Dentist in Flower Mound

Ultimately, the best way to determine the type of dental prosthesis right for you is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Flower Mound. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health to determine all underlying problems before recommending an action plan. Sometimes, you will realize that a tooth extraction is necessary before you begin tooth restoration with a prosthesis. However, there will be times when a dentist will recommend retaining the tooth to restore it with other treatments. Therefore, allow your dentist to help you choose a prosthesis that meets your needs and fits your budget.