What is dental prosthetics?

Dental prosthetics implies prosthetic replacements that can replace the lack of teeth, improve the appearance of existing teeth or their functionality. Dental crowns and bridges, veneers and dentures are called dental prosthetics, and are made in our dental laboratory.

Dental prosthetics is divided into fixed prosthetics and mobile prosthetics. Fixed prosthetics include veneers, dental crowns and dental bridges, while total dentures (complete dentures), partial dentures (partial dentures) and dentures on implants are called removable prosthetics.

Fully ceramic crowns

Crowns made entirely of ceramics represent a more beautiful and better alternative to classic metal – ceramic crowns. Complete ceramics allow natural translucency and penetration of light through the tooth and crown resulting in the natural appearance of the crown.

The reason why most dentists do not use complete ceramic crowns is that the technique of their placement and manufacture is very demanding.

Due to its transparency, the color of ceramics is greatly influenced by the color of the brushed tooth itself. The dentist and dental technician must be very skilled in color manipulation and know the optical properties of the teeth and the material itself. There are various types of ceramics for making completely ceramic crowns.

Fully ceramic bridges

Fully ceramic bridges can bridge the space of one tooth. This means that fully ceramic bridges can contain a maximum of 3 members. All the advantages that complete ceramic crowns have also apply to this type of bridges. For larger spans and for bridges on the hind teeth (molars), completely ceramic bridges are used, which contain zircon as the basis.

Zircon is a material that is white in color and has outstanding strength. In addition to the construction of the bridge, implants and abutments can be made from zircon.

Zircon construction can be made very precisely with computer CAD/CAM technology. The scanned model is forwarded to the computer, and the technician in a special program models the structure, which is then cut out of the zircon block. Layers of ceramics are then applied to the resulting structure and the natural aesthetics of the teeth are achieved.

Inlay and onlay

Onlay and inlay, often referred to as indirect fillings, serve to compensate for tooth damage caused by caries or trauma. Today, due to the concept of minimally invasive dentistry, crowns are increasingly being replaced.

Inlay and onlay fit better, are firmer and longer lasting compared to classic fillings. They are significantly superior from both an aesthetic and functional point of view. While classic fillings are modeled directly in the mouth, inlays and onlays are made in the dental laboratory, and are glued to the part of the tooth that needs to be compensated. The difference between inlay and onlay is solely in size.

They are made of composite, gold or ceramics. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Today’s patients, in addition to health and function, pay more and more attention to aesthetics. How ceramics meet aesthetic, biomechanical and physical criteria is definitely the material of choice.

Questions and answers

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I VISIT A DENTIST?

Most people should visit their dentist for regular check-ups twice a year, or once every six to nine months. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

HOW LONG DO PROSTHETIC REPLACEMENTS LAST?

While you can’t expect your ceramic crowns or bridges to last forever, you can do your part to keep them as long as possible. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are one of the most important factors of the durability of prosthetic work, so regularly go to check-ups and professional cleanings to keep these replacements in their original condition for as long as possible.

HOW SAFE IS A PANORAMIC X-RAY?

Dental X-rays are very safe. The amount of radiation a dental X-ray produces is about the same as you would receive from a single flight on an airplane. Radiation is measured in sieverts, and one dental X-ray has only 4-10 microSv.

DENTAL BRIDGE AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Periodontitis or gum disease, unfortunately, can affect dental bridges. Therefore, it is crucial to have a healthy base of the oral cavity when installing a dental bridge. If you have periodontitis and are a candidate for a dental bridge, your dentist may recommend treating gum disease before proceeding with the dental bridge.

DOES THE INSTALLATION OF THE BRIDGE HURT?

Thanks to modern dental diagnosis and 3D imaging, we are able to plan the course of the intervention to the smallest detail, which allows the intervention to last shorter, that recovery is faster and simpler. From our previous experience in working with patients, the day after the intervention of the installation of the bridge, we can say that patients do not feel any pain, do not have swelling or hematomas.