Dental Prosthesis
By “prosthesis” we mean all devices, fixed or removable, made in the dental laboratory (subject to the prescription of the dentist) that restore part or all of one or more dental elements, respecting precise and functional standards.
It is possible that these devices be positioned both on natural elements, which have lost a large amount of fabric due to trauma or devitalization(restoring the missing part of the element) and on implants (restoring the whole element).
At our centre, the operators’ ability to choose materials and procedures together with the team work between specialist and laboratory technicians, guarantee the creation of precise and long-lasting prostheses.
CERAMIC VENEER/FACETS
A ceramic veneer consists of fine porcelain plates which are applied on the external surfaces of front teeth. A previous diagnosis and cure will be carried out. This cure masks imperfections of colour, shape and/or position.
Their average thickness is 0.5 – 0.7 mm.
The fineness of the ceramic gives the veneer a very natural semi-transparent appearance. Unlike composite materials, it does not undergo pigmentation change and discolouring in the long term.
The tooth is prepared to accommodate the restoration by eliminating a small portion of the tooth substance within the limits of the enamel. A precise impression will then be taken on which the laboratory technician will build the veneer to be positioned and cemented appropriately on the affected dental surface.
Thanks to the digitization and preliminary study of the individual case, it is possible to perform a simulation of the final result, to be discussed with the patient before implementation.
We have prepared a list showing when this treatment is indicated:
- Dyschromias (permanent spots) not treatable with bleaching
- Colour defects and / or deterioration of large composite restorations
- Enamel defects (eg imperfect amelogenesis)
- Diastemi (space between the teeth)
- Teeth with slight position anomalies in order to obtain an orthodontic-like alignment
- Shape anomalies (eg conoid teeth) or need to transform the shape, making it more suitable for the subject.
- Teeth abraded by chemicals (acidic substances such as lemon, coca cola …) or mechanical (eg bruxism, incorrect brushing technique …)
At our centre, it is possible to carry out an aesthetic consultation aimed at creating the most appropriate smile for the specific case.
CROWNS ON TEETH
The ceramic crown is a prosthetic device, which exactly restores the missing part of the dental element by restoring the anatomy, aesthetics and functionality of a natural tooth.
The realization of the crown requires 2 sessions:
- In the first session, the element to be covered is prepared by the specialized operator, who will give it a shape suitable for accommodating the prosthetic product. Subsequently, a precise impression will be taken which will be delivered to the dental laboratory together with the aesthetic indications.
- In the second session we proceed with cementing the article and adapting it to fit inside the oral cavity.
Our laboratory technicians create the prosthetic device that is externally formed in ceramic, integrating perfectly in the oral cavity both as regards the colour and the anatomical shape of the element. The internal part of the prosthetic device is reinforced either by a noble metal alloy or by substances called “metal free” such as zirconia, which, depending on the specific indication, offer better aesthetics
PROSTHETIC BRIDGES
Prosthetic bridges are made when the restoration of a dental element is needed and an implant cannot be placed. In this situation, the restoration of the missing element involves the preparation of crowns using the dental elements adjacent to the missing one. These will act as pillars and support the missing dental element connected to them.
Where possible, the use of implant is always the most correct and conservative choice, since it allows you to not touch the dental elements adjacent to the missing one, thus restoring a missing element as a single element.
MARYLAND BRIDGE
The Maryland bridge, is called the adhesive bridge, since it is “glued” by means of resinous cements on the internal surfaces of the dental elements contiguous to the missing one. Technically it is very conservative, but unfortunately it has limited use. It is more suitable for the anterior areas of the mouth, as the type of adhesion is not effective to the point of being able to support chewing in the posterior sectors which could lead to possible detachments.
It is considered as temporary pending a definitive restoration of the affected area with safer systems in the medium and long term.
PROSTHESIS ON IMPLANTS
This type of prosthesis is positioned following surgical treatment * which involves the extraction * of one or more dental elements and their replacement with implants *.
After waiting for complete healing and therefore the so-called “osseointegration *” of the implant in the implant site *, the prosthetic rehabilitation of the same will be carried out with the use of artifacts that will restore the anatomy of the missing tooth.
The prostheses on implants * are cemented on the superstructure emerging from the implant * called ABUTMENT * .
The abutment * is a metal structure that is applied to the implant * and is the only part that appears inside the oral cavity and has the function of replacing the abutment. The prosthetic crown (or bridge) that will be located above the abutment * has the same characteristics, regarding aesthetics and structure, of a prosthetic crown intended to cover a natural element.
SKELETONS
Skeletons are partially removable prostheses formed by a resin portion, arches and metal hooks, aesthetic or hidden in other prosthetic artefacts.
Resin portions are designed to replace all missing dental elements simultaneously, even in non-consecutive positions. This is possible thanks to the presence of arches and attachments that connect the different resin areas together.
The invisible hooks or attachments serve as an anchor to the skeleton, which uses natural elements or ceramic crowns, present in the arch as a support.
The daily maintenance and cleansing of this prosthetic product is essential to avoid inflammation and mycotic colonization (oral candidiasis) at the level of the oral mucosa.
At our centre, patients who follow this prosthetic process will receive the right solution according to their specific case and will be properly instructed and motivated on the maintenance of the devices in question. They will also be followed afterwards during scheduled checks-ups.