Fixed dental prostheses

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Fixed dental prostheses in SPb are a good way to restore any number of missing teeth in the lower and upper jaw. These orthopaedic structures last for a long time and are convenient to wear. Unlike removable prostheses, they are securely fixed, so there is no risk of falling out or rubbing the gum. Due to the correct distribution of pressure, bone tissue does not atrophy or lose its volume. Artificial structures have an absolutely natural shape and colour shade, so it is impossible to tell the difference. Fixed prosthetics causes no change in diction or taste. In contrast to removable dental prostheses, there is no need to remove and clean bridges, crowns and veneers.

When do you need fixed dental prostheses?

Even one missing tooth is a serious problem, which has a negative effect on the entire jaw system. Other teeth will start shifting towards the empty socket and the dental arch will change its shape. Fixed dental prosthetics will not allow the facial contour to change and tissues to atrophy.

Tasks:

• Restoring one or several teeth in the arch.
• Aesthetic smile.
• Correcting defects.
• Keeping the remaining teeth healthy.
• Regaining the chewing function.
• Comfortable communication.

Fixed dental prosthetics has only a few contraindications and makes it possible to reduce the duration of restoration procedures. There are no strict age limitations.

What types of fixed dental prostheses are there?

Orthopaedic structures are made of different materials. Metal alloys are used to achieve high strength, more often for posterior restorations. They have the advantage of making the cost of fixed dental prosthetics lower compared to zirconium dioxide and ceramic structures. Porcelain and ceramic materials ensure excellent aesthetics. There are also combined structures having a metal substructure and a ceramic upper layer.

Types:

• Inlays, onlays.
• Crowns.
• Implant prostheses - to replace single teeth or the entire arch. 
• Bridgework structures.

Veneers

Veneers are a type of fixed prosthetics when thin plates made of inert materials are used to cover the front of the teeth, thus creating a perfectly shaped and coloured healthy enamel analog. Bonded with cement, the structures are custom made.

Varieties:

• Zirconia: high strength, durability, a natural colour shade, no risk of chipping.
• Composite: made of filling materials. They do not last long, may change colour and have an unnatural colour shade in some cases. They are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and need special care.
• Lumineers: super thin veneers which excel at hiding defects and are safe for the enamel. Special care needs to be taken of the structures and the gum. Notably, they have a high price and a long service life.
• Ceramics and glass ceramics: they are not susceptible to sharp temperature variations, they are strong and do not change colour. They last long and do not require special care.

To place veneers, it is necessary to file down teeth and eliminate any dental diseases before the procedure.

Inlays

A half crown which is used instead of a filling and restores the chewing function.

Materials:

• Zirconia: a super strong material which is fully biocompatible .
• Metal: inexpensive and durable inlays with a lot of side effects.
• Composites: better than fillings. There is no ideal fit with the tissues and they are not very strong.
• Ceramics: good at shade and structure imitation, no risk of allergy.

These structures are used to restore the chewing function in case of large defects.

Crowns

A single prosthesis making it possible to restore teeth which are decayed more than 50%.

Materials:

• Ceramics: natural colour shade, risk of chipping.
• Zirconia: excellent fit, high strength, not any different from original teeth, durability.
• Metal ceramics: strong and aesthetic crowns.
• Gold: good fit with the tissues, hardly ever causes allergy, durable. 
• Chromium and cobalt one piece models: functional but problematic in terms of aesthetics

Before placing a crown, it is necessary to have the decayed tooth treated and filled; in case of a sever tissue decay, an inlay core is inserted.

 

Bridgework prostheses

This structure is used to replace a number of missing teeth in the arch. A few crowns are linked and fixed on abutment teeth or implants.

A one piece plate is made of:

• Plastic: temporary structures with low strength and poor colour shade imitation;
• Metal ceramics: a popular option due to high strength and looking similar to the original shape and colour shade;
• Alloys: super strong but not aesthetic;
• Ceramics: more often for a single unit restoration.

Bridgework structures are differentiated according to their fabrication method, fixation and configuration.

Implants

Integrated artificial roots completely replace teeth and perform all their natural functions. A single crown or a bridge is placed on an implant made of titanium or a strong alloy.

Types of root substitutes:

• Root form: they imitate the root shape and structure excellently;
• Basal: they restore neighbouring teeth. Currently not in use.
• Blade: they are strong with difficult integration. Used for a narrow bone. Currently not in use.
• Subperiosteal: they provide a support for different types of structures. Currently not in use.
• Stabilizing: they can be inserted without having to extract a partially decayed unit in the arch. Currently not in use.

Implants are manufactured in different shapes with unique systems of fixation to the bone. Implant prostheses make super strong structures which do not differ from natural teeth in terms of aesthetics and the chewing function.

Placement methods

Orthopaedic structures are placed after a thorough fitting process and try-ins. Before the procedure, a full mouth debridement is performed to remove calculus and plaque. A fixation method is selected depending on the type of the prosthesis: fixation to neighbouring teeth or cement compositions.

Dental implants are fixed using the screw method, i.e. the abutment and the crown are fixed by means of a screw, and the doctor can quickly dismantle the structure if necessary. In case of the cement method, a bonding composition is used to fix the prosthesis to the abutment.

Contraindications

Prostheses are not indicated in case of poor oral hygiene, acute periodontal conditions, stomatitis, osteoporosis and cysts. Then it is necessary to undergo treatment prior to the procedure. Prosthetics is not advisable in the following cases:

• Mental disorders.
• Allergy to materials or anaesthesia.
• Oncology.
• Diabetes.
• Pregnancy.
• Acute conditions.
• Alcohol / drug addiction.
• During rehabilitation after a disease.

There are specific type-related contraindications:

• Crowns: malocclusions, a small tooth height, periodontal inflammation;
• Inlays: caries, thinned walls, considerable mobility, canal obstruction;
• Veneers: thin enamel, missing posterior teeth, direct bite, large fillings;
• Dental implants: surgical intervention is impossible, intolerance to anesthesia, acute and chronic oral diseases until they are eliminated.

Bridgework structures do not have any direct contraindications, but the condition of the patient and existing diseases are taken into account.

How to take care of fixed dental prostheses

1. Giving up certain habits: husking seeds, biting nails, biting off hard thread. 
2. Protecting from mechanical damage in case of bruxism - wearing a mouthguard during sleep.
3. Avoiding food colouring the enamel and cement.
4. Having regular checkups by a dentist, at least once every six months.
5. Avoiding hard food after the procedure.
6. Keeping safe from damage.

Axioma Dental Clinic offers all kinds of fixed prosthetic restorations at moderate prices.