Purchasing Resources for Prosthodontics And Dental Aesthetics

A Guide to Prosthodontics and Dental Aesthetics

Prosthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on treating individuals with missing or deficient teeth. Generally, prosthodontists will focus on restoring and replacing teeth for patients, allowing them to achieve a functional smile. In addition, these specialized dentists are also able to help patients treat and maintain the appearance of their teeth. Restoration of teeth can be through a variety of techniques, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers.

Types of Prosthodontic and Dental Aesthetic Treatments

There are a variety of prosthodontic treatments available, each with different costs and purposes. For patients that are looking to engage in prosthodontic treatment, it is important that they understand which procedure will best fit their needs. The following are common restorative procedures that are used in the field of prosthodontics:

Bridges:
Dental bridges are a dental restoration technique that is commonly used in place of missing teeth. The bridge is meant to take place of the missing tooth, and is attached to the adjoining teeth around the gap. Depending on the placement of the missing tooth and the alignment of the surrounding teeth, bridges must be customized according to the patient.

Crown:
A crown is a technique that uses a certain material to cap or cover a tooth. Crowns are commonly used to treat advanced cavities that cannot be easily removed. Typically, crowns are made from either metal or porcelain, and can be quite expensive. However, crowns last for a significant amount of time, making them an attractive investment.

Dentures:
For individuals that are missing multiple teeth, whether through age or oral diseases, dentures are a popular replacement of choice. A denture is a prosthetic device that allows the patient to replace partial or a full set of teeth through an exact replica of their teeth. Dentures are a popular choice for individuals that have trouble chewing or looking to improve their facial appearance.

Veneers:
As the individual becomes older, their teeth may undergo wear and tear, causing them to become discolored or disfigured. One choice for patients who wish to restore their facial appearance is to place veneers on their teeth. A veneer is a layer of restorative material that is placed over the surface of a tooth. Applications of veneers range from improving the aesthetic appearance of a patient to protecting a weak, damaged tooth from further impact.