What Is Prosthodontics?

It is a dental specialty that focuses on designing, manufacturing, and placing oral prostheses or replacements for missing teeth or oral structures. Prosthodontics in Andover, MA, is significant in restoring your teeth and mouth appearance, function, and health.

What Is the Role of a Prosthodontist in Dentistry?

Prosthodontists are specialists trained to diagnose, plan, and execute the placement of oral prostheses. They work closely with other professionals to provide comprehensive dental care to patients that need prosthetic devices to restore their oral health.

The prosthodontist’s role at Andover Cosmetic Dental Group begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. It includes thorough teeth, gums, and mouth examination and a review of your medical history. Based on this evaluation, the prosthodontist will develop a treatment plan to address your needs and concerns.

The next level of responsibility entails designing and manufacturing the appropriate prosthetic device. It may involve taking impressions or molds of your teeth or oral structures, then using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a precise model of the prosthetic device.

Once the prosthetic device is complete, the prosthodontist will place it in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The prosthodontist will also provide instructions for the care and maintenance of the prosthetic device to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.

Common Types of Oral Prostheses in Prosthodontics

Some of the most common types of oral prostheses used in prosthodontics include:

• Dentures – are removable prosthetic devices for replacing missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. They can be complete dentures, which replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or partial dentures, which replace only a few missing teeth.
• Bridges – are fixed prosthetic devices that dentists use to replace one or more missing teeth. They are anchored to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges prosthodontics near you can feature a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, or a combination of materials.
• Crowns – are prosthetic devices that cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. They can feature various materials, including porcelain, gold, or a combination of materials.
• Implants – are prosthetic devices that can replace missing teeth. They feature titanium and are surgically placed in the jawbone to fuse with the natural bone and create a stable base for a crown or other prosthetic device.
• Veneers – are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can correct different cosmetic issues, including discoloration, chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth.

Which is The Best for You?

You cannot decide on the best prosthesis before seeing prosthodontic treatment in Andover, MA. Your dentist must evaluate your oral state to recommend the best treatment protocol. Some of the factors that affect your choice of prostheses are:

• The choice of material – dental prostheses use different materials, including porcelain, zirconia, acrylic, and metal alloys. Choose the prosthesis with your preferred material, considering factors like durability, esthetics, strength, biocompatibility, and cost.
• Location of treatment – different types of prostheses are suitable for different areas in the mouth. For example, a dental bridge may be suitable for replacing missing teeth in the anterior region of the mouth, while a dental implant may be more suitable for replacing missing teeth in the posterior of the mouth.
• Condition of the remaining teeth – it can affect the stability and support of the prosthesis. For example, a dental implant or denture may be more suitable than a dental bridge if the remaining teeth are weak.
• Your oral health – gum disease, decay, or bone loss, can also impact the choice of prosthesis. A dental implant may not be suitable if you have significant bone loss, while a dental bridge may not be appropriate if you have gum disease.
• Your lifestyle – for example, a removable denture may be more suitable if you play wind instruments or engage in contact sports, while a fixed prosthesis may be more appropriate for a less active lifestyle.
• Aesthetic preferences – if you value natural-looking teeth, a porcelain dental crown, veneer, or bridge may be more suitable than a metal alloy prosthesis.