Dental prosthesis: care and main types

Dental prostheses are structures that can be used in order to restore the smile by replacing one or more teeth that are missing in the mouth or that are worn out. Thus, dentures are indicated by the dentist in order to improve the person's chewing and speech, which can be harmed by the lack of teeth.

The type of prosthesis indicated by the dentist depends on the number of compromised or missing teeth and the condition of the gums.

Main types

Dental prostheses are indicated by the dentist according to the number of compromised or missing teeth, in addition to the general condition of the patient's mouth. Thus, prostheses can be classified as partial, when only a few teeth are replaced in the prosthesis, or total, when there is a need to replace all teeth, the latter type of prosthesis being better known as dentures.

In addition to the partial and total classification, the prostheses are also classified as removable, when the person can remove the prosthesis for cleaning, for example, or fixed, when the prosthesis is implanted in the jaw or the missing teeth are screwed.

Thus, the main types of dental prostheses are:

1. Partial prosthesis

Partial dentures are those indicated by the dentist with the aim of replacing the missing teeth, and are usually removable.

The removable or movable partial denture consists of a metallic structure with the objective of retaining healthy teeth, with the replacement of only those that are missing, giving more stability when chewing and speaking. Usually, this type of prosthesis is indicated when it is not possible to make an implant, especially when the gums are not in proper conditions. The disadvantage of this type of prosthesis is esthetic, since the metal plate is visible, which may disturb some people.

As an alternative to the removable partial denture, there is the flexible removable partial denture, which has the same indications, but the structure of the prosthesis is not metallic and guarantees more flexibility and comfort for the person, making the adaptation of the person to the prosthesis easier. However, it is important for the person to pay attention to the hygiene of this prosthesis, because otherwise it may darken over time and cause inflammation of the gums.

There is also the temporary removable partial prosthesis, which is more suitable for provisional treatment, that is, when there is a recommendation to perform the placement of an implant, for example, but the patient's oral and general health is impaired, and it is not recommended to perform the procedure. procedure at that time.

2. Total prosthesis

The total denture, popularly known as denture or plate, is indicated when the person loses several teeth, the prosthesis being made according to the shape, size and color of the original teeth, preventing the smile from becoming artificial.

This type of prosthesis is usually removable and is recommended more frequently for the elderly, who tend to lose their teeth over time, but also for people who have lost their teeth due to illness or accidents, for example.

The use of dentures is recommended when speech and chewing are impaired by the lack of teeth, but they can also be used for aesthetics, because the lack of teeth can make the face look flabby.

3. Implants

Dental implants are indicated when there is a need to replace the tooth and its root, and can serve as support for the placement of prosthesis under implant. Implants are indicated in situations where the resolution of the condition cannot be done with dentures. Thus, it is decided to fix a piece of titanium in the jaw, below the gum, which serves as a support to place the tooth.

Normally after placing the titanium part, the person needs to rest from week to months, to ensure better fixation of the prosthesis, being indicated, after this period, the placement of the crown of the tooth, which is a piece that imitates the characteristics of the tooth. tooth, both in structure and function, which can be made of resin or porcelain.

In some cases, the implantation with a load may be indicated, in which the dental prosthesis is placed during the procedure of placing the titanium piece, however, it is not recommended for all people. See when it is indicated to place a dental implant.

4. Fixed prosthesis

Fixed prostheses are indicated when there is a need to fill spaces with missing teeth, however, the use of this type of prosthesis is becoming disused, as it is not possible to perform the cleaning of the prosthesis individually, since it is fixed, in addition to that implant placement has been shown to be a more efficient therapeutic option and that guarantees better aesthetic and functional results.

Fixed prostheses can be placed on teeth or on implants, depending on the person's condition, and the material in which they are made can be resin or porcelain.

Care with dental prostheses

It is important to go to the dentist periodically so that the prosthesis is evaluated, as well as checking the need for replacement.

In the case of a removable prosthesis, it is recommended that it be removed after each meal and washed with running water to remove the rest of the food. Then, the prosthesis should be brushed with a suitable brush and neutral soap in order to avoid the formation of bacterial plaques. In addition, it is recommended to perform oral hygiene normally, with the use of toothpaste and dental floss.

It is also recommended that the prosthesis be removed before bed and placed in a cleaning solution or filtered water. Before using it again, it is important to perform oral hygiene and wash the prosthesis with running water. See how to remove and clean the denture.

In the case of fixed prostheses, oral hygiene should be performed normally and it is recommended to pay attention to the use of dental floss, as the prosthesis cannot be removed, it is important to remove any food residue that may be between the prosthesis and the tooth, thus preventing damage to the prosthesis and inflammation of the gums, for example. Check out 6 steps to brush your teeth properly.