A dental prosthesis consists of an appliance made to fit the patient’s mouth that replaces one or more missing teeth.
There is a wide variety of prostheses, fixed or removable, depending on the needs of each person.
Within each category there are different types with their own characteristics.
In this article, we intend to explain the types of fixed prostheses on the market today and indicate for which cases each one is indicated.
First of all: what is a fixed prosthesis?
Fixed dentures are those that remain permanently attached to the patient’s mouth and, therefore, cannot be removed.
Unlike removable dentures, the person does not need to remove them to clean them and there are no problems with the filtration of food debris.
In addition, as they are completely fixed, they do not need to undergo a period of adaptation, as is the case, for example, with traditional dentures, which can be uncomfortable during the first few days when speaking.
Classification according to the attachment system
We can make a first categorization of this type of prosthesis according to the method of attachment.
On the one hand, there are fixed prostheses that are attached to the patient’s natural teeth.
So that there is no discordance in size and position, the dentist usually needs to grind the tooth down to form what is known as a stump.
The prosthesis is then fitted and cemented onto the remaining tooth.
Prostheses are fixed or removable.
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FIXED DENTAL PROSTHESIS
On the other hand, there are prostheses that are fixed on dental implants, screws made of titanium that replace the root of the tooth.
On this element is placed the crown or bridge that provides the functional and aesthetic part of the prosthesis.
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What types of fixed dental prostheses are there?
Within the fixed ones, there are 4 types of prosthesis, each one designed for specific cases.
Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, can be placed on implants or on the patient’s natural tooth.
In the latter case, it is necessary to file a large part of the tooth surface before fitting the crown.
Its objective is to fulfill all the functions of a real tooth, in terms of esthetics and functionality.
Fixed dental prostheses offer greater advantages over removable ones, as they have a better hold and are more durable in the long term.
With a crown, the person can chew as they would with their natural teeth and almost always ends up forgetting that they are wearing a prosthesis.
The caps are made of different materials, although the most resistant are made of zirconium.
These artificial teeth are made by the prosthetists in the dental laboratory, taking as a measure the impressions taken by the dentist in the clinic.
Virtual sample of a prosthesis
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VIRTUAL SAMPLE
These professionals adapt the crown to the color and shape of the rest of the patient’s teeth, to achieve the greatest possible mimicry with the rest of the mouth.
Dental implants
A dental implant is a small screw that is inserted into the patient’s bone.
It is indicated, therefore, to replace a complete dental piece that has no root.
Sometimes there is confusion as to what exactly an implant is, since a crown is placed on top of it.
This is one of the most common questions patients ask about implants.
They are two different elements that make up a whole, since the implant provides a lasting support and the cover provides the esthetic and functional part of the denture.
Dental crown on implants
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PARTS OF A DENTAL IMPLANT
The implant is made of titanium, a material that is totally biocompatible with the human body and therefore does not cause allergic reactions.
The surgery to place this type of prosthesis is completely painless thanks to local anesthesia.
After 3 months, if there are no complications, the implant is osseointegrated, i.e. the healing process is complete.
Dental bridges
A bridge is used to replace one or more adjacent teeth.
It is a structure made up of a series of crowns that can be placed on implants or on the remaining tooth.
Depending on the case, the implantologist will opt for one method or another.
For example, if a patient is only missing one tooth and the adjacent teeth do not have too many problems, it may not be necessary to extract them.
The teeth or implants on which the prosthesis rests are called abutments and their mission is to support the masticatory loads of the jaw.
There are several types of bridges
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TRADITIONAL BRIDGE
There are different types of bridges, although the most common is the so-called traditional bridge, made up of three crowns.
The main disadvantage of bridges compared to implants is that it sometimes requires the grinding of healthy teeth and is a less stable version in the long term.
In addition, with the passage of time it is very possible that both the bone and the gum of the edentulous part -without teeth- will diminish, leaving gaps between the prosthesis and the gum.
Hybrid prostheses
Hybrid prostheses completely replace the upper or lower arch of the mouth.
They are, therefore, indicated for a total rehabilitation of a patient with edentulism.
Depending on the esthetic and functional needs of each person, the hybrid prosthesis can replace the teeth or also part of the gum.
They offer a very natural result and, as they are placed on implants, their support is assured to guarantee that the patient can lead a normal life.
Advantages of fixed prostheses over removable prostheses
As we explained at the beginning of this article, prostheses can be fixed or removable.
Although each patient can choose between one or the other, always following the dentist’s recommendations, permanent prostheses offer greater benefits than removable ones.
First of all, they are much more comfortable as they do not have to be removed after each meal for cleaning, thus avoiding the inconvenience this entails.
Hybrid prosthesis
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COMPLETE DENTAL REHABILITATION
Take care of your prosthesis
To ensure the survival of a dental prosthesis, remember to carry out a professional hygiene frequently and go to the revisions.
On the other hand, the support and firmness provided by a fixed prosthesis is far superior to that of a removable one, achieving greater security when chewing and speaking.
It is important to point out that fixed prostheses require special care to ensure their durability.
Although they cannot have caries, we must not forget the periodontal tissue surrounding them, which can accumulate tartar and develop, for example, gingivitis or periodontitis.
It is necessary to take extreme care in hygiene by using an oral irrigator to ensure that the area is free of bacteria.
By maintaining a correct dental prophylaxis and attending the check-ups prescribed by the dentist, a fixed dental prosthesis can last a lifetime.
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