Prosthetics
Prosthetics focuses on restoring missing teeth and balancing the bite, offering long-term stability and functionality. Prosthetic restorations fall into two main categories: fixed and removable prosthetics.
Fixed prosthetics
It includes simple crowns or bridges, supported either by natural teeth or dental implants.
They are used for individual teeth that are too damaged to be restored with a filling or other treatment. Crowns are custom-made to match the shape and color of the natural tooth, making them virtually indistinguishable. There are various types of crowns that can be placed within the dental arch. At Solomonidis Dental Care, we are committed to offering our patients every available option. We take the time to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, making the final decision together with the patient to ensure the most suitable and satisfying outcome.
Types of Crowns:
Classic Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crown:
These crowns typically have a metal base for strength and durability, covered with a layer of porcelain on top to mimic the natural appearance of a tooth.
Zirconia Crown:
Also known as “all-ceramic” crowns, zirconia restorations offer superior aesthetics and greater longevity compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Thanks to their semi-translucent nature and natural tooth-like color, they closely mimic the appearance of real teeth, delivering an exceptional and highly aesthetic result.
Composite Resin Veneers:
This type of restoration involves covering the outer surface of the tooth with composite resin. While the aesthetic result is initially pleasing, over time the material is prone to discoloration from external factors such as smoking, food, and beverages. As a result, the visual appeal tends to diminish sooner compared to more durable options.
Porcelain Veneers:
This method involves applying a thin layer of porcelain to the front surface of the tooth, creating a beautifully natural and radiant smile. Porcelain offers excellent aesthetic results due to its lifelike translucency and color. However, as a more delicate material, it requires mindful care to avoid potential fractures or damage over time.
Dental Bridges: Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth within the dental arch. They consist of a series of connected crowns, with the outer crowns (the abutments) anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, while the middle crowns fill in for the missing teeth.
The main drawback of a bridge is the need to file down the abutment teeth in order to support the structure. However, in many cases, these teeth have already been prepared and restored with crowns for other reasons, so placing a bridge does not require removing additional tooth structure beyond what has already been done.
Removable prosthetics
It is primarily used in cases of total or partial tooth loss, especially when a fixed bridge cannot be applied. Removable prostheses offer a practical solution for restoring oral function and appearance when all or several teeth are missing.
Complete Dentures:
Also known as full dentures, they are made of acrylic resin (a type of special plastic) and sit directly on the soft tissues of the mouth. Over time, as the tissues in the mouth naturally change, the fit of the denture may become less stable, reducing its retention and comfort.
Complete Denture Supported by Natural Teeth:
This type of denture is designed to fit over the dental roots of natural teeth and the alveolar ridge. In the upper jaw, 3 to 5 supports are typically required to minimize the coverage of the palate within the denture, while in the lower jaw, 2 supports are sufficient.
Partial Dentures:
These are removable dental appliances designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They are easy for the patient to use and are supported both by the remaining natural teeth and the oral mucosa. Typically made from acrylic resin with a metal framework, partial dentures are secured in place using metal or acrylic clasps, or precision attachments for a more discreet and stable fit.