Prosthodontics is a dental specialty that includes restoration treatment to improve the function of the mouth and the patient’s appearance. The prosthodontics services include the treatment of cleft palates, dentures, bridges, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Congenital mouth defects and cleft palates can cause the teeth the missing or abnormally shaped. A prosthodontic specialist often can improve these defects by replacing or restoring the effected teeth.
For most people with cleft palates, the abnormal opening of the lip and palate are closed surgically. In some cases, a prosthodontic specialist creates a prostatic device called an obturator to close the opening of the pallet.
A prosthodontist can replace missing teeth with dental implants. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth connected to a surgical rod that is implanted into the jaw. Dental implants can be used as a permanent alternative to dentures.
Prosthodontists may use a combination of dental implants and dentures to replace the teeth. If a patient no longer had any natural teeth, dentures can be ill fitting, loose, or uncomfortable. Cental implants may be used to replace the molars to hold the denture securely.
Partial dentures can be made by prosthodontists. Partial dentures typically replace two or more teeth. The partial denture consist of false teeth on a metal and plastic base. This type of tooth replacement is removable like full dentures.
Crowns are used to restore a tooth. After patient has had a root canal or a large cavity filled, a crown is used to complete the restoration of the tooth. The crown is like a porcelain cover that fits over the top of the tooth.
Patients who grind their teeth at night can damage their teeth or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Prosthodontists make mouth guards that protect the teeth from grinding.
The cosmetic dentistry services that a prosthodontist can perform includes teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. These procedures are used to improve the patient’s smile. There are several methods of whitening teeth.
Dental veneers are used to cover the surfaces of the teeth for teeth that are badly stained or misshapen. When veneers are fitted and secured to the teeth, the surfaces of the teeth are shaved. Lumineers is a type of veneer treatment that does not require the teeth to be shaved as much as traditional veneers.
A prosthodontist can administer many other treatments such as night guards for sleep apnea. People who have concerns about how their teeth look or have had difficulty chewing or speaking may want to consult a prosthodontist to determine what treatments would be the best remedy.
For many dental problems, there are several treatment options that are available. During the consultation, the patient and prosthodontist can discuss the pros and cons of each solution.