Dental prosthetics involves the most faithful possible reconstruction of the original occlusal conditions after damage or loss of natural teeth. Dental prosthetics encompass a complete rehabilitation of the masticatory organ using the latest techniques. Depending on the needs, it allows for filling gaps in the dentition (veneers, crowns, and bridges). Ceramic veneers are thin porcelain flakes attached to the outer, labial surface of teeth (this requires minimally invasive tooth preparation with reduction even as low as 0.2 mm).
The famous “Hollywood smile” consists of a set of at least of six veneers in the front section of the dental arch. Veneers are most commonly made in the following cases: permanent, unwhitenable discolorations, gaps between teeth, uneven teeth, minor bite irregularities (if the patient excludes orthodontic treatment), and mechanical damage resulting from injury (cracks, fractures). Regular check-up visits every six months are important, allowing the dentist to address any potential issues.
On the other hand, crowns are prosthetic restorations resembling a cap that allows for the reconstruction of damaged teeth. They can improve their shape, color, size, and restore all necessary functions. They are used when patients have significant decay-related damage to the tooth crown, fractures due to injury, or discoloration of tissues. The crown is permanently fixed and cannot be removed from the mouth. Prosthetic treatment at Warsaw Dental Center includes the option of expedited crown fabrication, minimizing the waiting time for its completion – usually within one day, which is an innovation.
Porcelain crowns can be divided into several types. Among them, the following types can be distinguished:
Dental bridges are prosthetic appliances that restore missing teeth by utilizing the remaining natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Crowns are placed on these abutment teeth, and the missing teeth between the abutment teeth are replaced by a bridge (pontic) secured between the crowns on the abutment teeth. Ceramic inlays and onlays are alternatives to extensive composite fillings. Such restorations are more durable, provide a better seal, and are aesthetically pleasing. Unlike crowns, inlays, and onlays restore only the chewing surface of the tooth.
Crown-root inserts are permanent prosthetic restorations that allow for the reconstruction of a damaged tooth crown. They are typically made of special glass fiber, tailored to the color and type of the patient’s teeth.
The dentist initiates the process with root canal treatment. During this procedure, the dentist removes the filling from the channels closer to the tooth crown. Then, special inserts made of glass fiber are applied in the patient’s oral cavity. The entire process is completed in one visit. Currently, dental prosthetics offer solutions that enable a swift completion of the whole procedure.
A good dental clinic is a place where you can safely and professionally improve the aesthetics of your teeth. It’s an excellent solution for individuals dealing with dental gaps or issues within the oral cavity.
During the first visit, the prosthodontist assesses the patient’s dental condition, including cavities, the number of potential tooth losses, and the relationship between the lower and upper teeth, known as occlusion. The patient’s bite conditions, chewing muscles, and the state of the temporomandibular joints are evaluated. The doctor asks the patient about their daily negative habits (parafunctions) that significantly affect their dental condition, such as nail-biting, chewing ice cubes, or opening bottles with teeth. Additionally, questions about stress factors in the patient’s life, sleep quality, posture issues, and systemic diseases are discussed. The Kois test, a set of questions aiding in making a preliminary diagnosis, is also conducted during this visit. Medical photographic documentation as well as an orthopantomogram (OPG) or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are performed during this appointment. It’s worth emphasizing that the amount of X-ray radiation emitted is comparable to a several-hour plane flight or eating about 40 bananas. Depending on the circumstances, the prosthodontist may recommend consultations with other specialists such as a general dentist (conservative dentistry), endodontist (potential root canal treatment), periodontist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon.
Based on the consultation results, doctors devise a comprehensive treatment plan along with a cost estimate. During the subsequent visit, this plan is presented to the patient and discussed in detail. For comprehensive prosthetic reconstructions, the following are presented to the patient: computer visualization (Smile Design – the doctor shows the patient the predicted final outcome of the treatment on a computer screen) and a mock-up (a customized 3D design placed on the patient’s teeth – this stage evaluates not only aesthetics but also the functionality of the new occlusal conditions; adjustments to the design can be made at this stage). After the patient’s approval (sometimes, in the case of masticatory system rehabilitation, temporary crowns resembling the mock-up may need to be cemented to determine the functionality of the project), the doctor proceeds to prepare the teeth for future prosthetic restorations.
The dentist evaluates which filling variant is sufficient for the patient – traditional (for small cavities) or computerized (for medium and large cavities). Then, tooth impressions are made using the latest intraoral scanner, 3Shape Smile Design, for scanning the oral cavity. This painless and quick method shortens the treatment process. Digital recording of the interior of the patient’s oral cavity is precise and eliminates the need for repetition, expediting the treatment. The impression using the 3-Shape Trios Scanner is included in the cost of the treatment. A five-axis dental milling machine from RS-Team, a top-notch device, is utilized for the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and other prosthetic materials.
Prosthetic restorations are divided into fixed (cemented in place, not removable) and removable. Fixed restorations include veneers, crown inserts, prosthetic crowns, and prosthetic bridges. Removable restorations encompass skeleton dentures and settling dentures. Removable dentures can be connected to fixed restorations using clasps, telescopic crowns, slides, or snaps. The Warsaw Dental Center caters to the patients’ needs. In cases where the removal of all teeth is necessary, the prosthetic dentist creates an immediate complete denture (an acrylic denture that also acts as a dressing and facilitates the adaptation process in such situations). It is important to note that fixed prosthetic restorations should not be made for children and should only be considered for adults with completed bone development.
These elements can be made from various materials. Acrylic dentures are one of the distinguished types. Additionally, there are special removable components. Removable prosthetic restorations require insertion and removal as needed, as well as regular cleaning. They are created after taking X-rays and molds of the patient’s oral cavity.
GUIDELINES FOR PATIENTS REGARDING THE USE, CLEANING, AND CARE OF DENTURES
Warsaw Dental Center Leończak Sp.k.
NIP: 1182180875
