Why is it necessary to change old fillings and what materials are better to choose instead?

The use of removable prostheses is suitable for patients with partial or complete tooth loss. They are also used as part of the preparation for other types of prosthetics or when there are contraindications for implantation.

Full Removable Prostheses

These are suitable for people with complete edentulism. The prosthesis is a single structure that can be removed and inserted into the mouth without the help of a doctor. These can be silicone, plastic, acrylic, nylon, and other types of prostheses.

Partial Prostheses

These are designed to replace a few missing teeth. They are lightweight, with a thin profile, and do not exert significant pressure on the soft tissues of the mouth. The prosthesis is fixed onto supporting teeth. They require periodic re-basing as they do not protect the jawbone from volume loss.

Partial Frame Prostheses

Partial removable dentures are an alternative to implants. Their distinguishing feature is the arc. In the upper jaw, the arc touches the palate, while in the lower jaw, it runs along the inner side of the teeth. The cost is affordable, and patients receive a good aesthetic result. These prostheses allow for chewing food and are visually attractive.

Removable prostheses have several significant advantages:

• Low cost of dental prosthetics;
• Restoration of the tooth row when other types of prosthetics are not possible.

The disadvantages are:

• Poor aesthetics, as removable prostheses are visibly different from natural teeth;
• Do not provide even distribution of chewing load and do not protect the bone from atrophy;
• Unstable position in the oral cavity.

Orthopedic dentists advise using removable prosthetics as a temporary measure. Despite the affordable prices for nylon, silicone, and acrylic prostheses, they do not prevent bone atrophy.

Fixed Prosthetics

This method allows for the restoration of the tooth row, including the front teeth. The constructions are fixed in place and cannot be removed without the help of a dentist.

Veneers

Ceramic thin shells used to correct minor defects, such as chips or discolored enamel. It requires shaving each tooth.

Crowns

Used in cases of significant damage to the crown of a tooth. The aesthetics depend on the material chosen. A crown can also extend the life of the natural tooth. Crowns can be made of metal-ceramics or ceramics. In the case of metal-ceramics, achieving high aesthetics is not always possible, as the metal may show through the ceramic coating.

Bridges

This system consists of a base and artificial crowns. For installation, supporting teeth are required, which are prepared (shaved).

Inlays

Used to restore a tooth with dental materials. The dentist recreates the natural shape and size of the tooth. Suitable for teeth that still have a healthy nerve.

Implants

Compared to other prosthetic methods, the cost of implant-based prosthetics is relatively high. However, this method offers many advantages. A titanium root is implanted to replace the lost tooth, and after healing, a permanent crown is fixed onto it, which is almost indistinguishable from a natural tooth. With proper care, implants can last several decades.

In general, fixed prosthetics have the following advantages:

• Properly distribute load on the jaw;
• Do not require long adaptation;
• Remain stable once fixed;
• Durable;
• Low maintenance.

The disadvantages include the fact that for most prosthetics (except implants), the supporting teeth need to be shaved. There are also risks of allergies to metals and other materials.

What Determines the Price of Prosthetics

The prosthetic method is selected individually for each patient. The doctor will consider the complexity of the case, the overall health condition, and other factors. The cost of the treatment depends on:

• The type of prosthesis and materials;
• The number of missing teeth;
• Preparatory procedures (oral sanitation).

You will find out the exact price during the initial consultation. The doctor will perform an examination, recommend the most suitable prosthetic method, develop a treatment plan, and provide the cost of the service.