Permanent Dental Prostheses: 4 Advantages You Should Know

Permanent dental prostheses have become a lifesaver. The loss of one or more teeth affects not only the function of the oral cavity but also the aesthetics of a person’s face. It can generate low self-esteem and insecurity. 

What are Dentures for?

Generally, when teeth are lost, those that remain in the mouth lean and change position to try to close the space. Also, the facial muscles lose their support and the appearance of the face changes. People look older when the shape of the face changes when speaking.

Dental prostheses are made to look as similar as possible to the original teeth to restore the function, aesthetics, stability, and support of the oral cavity.

There are traditional dentures, called removable dentures, which are generally removed for cleaning and sleeping, and then put in again during the day.

There are also permanent dental prostheses, which are fixed to the teeth, or dental implants that cannot be removed. This article will talk about the various options, how many types there are, their benefits, and how to care for them. We invite you to read on.

What are Permanent Dental Prostheses?

Also known as fixed prostheses, they are used permanently to replace missing teeth; they allow people to show off a beautiful smile, and serve to fulfill all the functions of the oral cavity such as speaking, eating, and laughing normally.

Depending upon each case, there are multiple fixed prostheses to choose from. Depending upon how many teeth have been lost, the general condition of your mouth, and your overall budget, the dentist will give you one or several alternatives.

Types of Permanent Dental Prostheses

1. Individual prostheses

Known as dental crowns, they act like a coating placed on a tooth or an implant. They are very similar to the shape and color of natural teeth. They are indicated to replace any missing dental pieces.

The most common crowns are:

• Metal-porcelain: An internal metal layer is covered by a porcelain layer of the same color as the tooth. They are resistant, but not particularly aesthetic, which is why they are indicated mainly for the posterior teeth.

• Zirconium crowns: These are a type of white metal, so they are very resistant to daily wear and tear.

• Porcelain crowns (lithium disilicate – feldspar): as highly aesthetic materials, they are indicated to replace the anterior teeth, which are seen when smiling.

• Metallic crowns: They are stainless steel. They are usually used in children when they have lost dental structure due to caries and the teeth must be kept for a long period.

2. Partial dentures

Known as dental bridges, they replace one or more adjacent teeth. They consist of a series of crowns, joined together and supported on the root of a natural tooth or a dental implant.

Dental bridges can be:

• Traditional: The dentist must carve the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth to create a space where the bridge is to be placed. This is done so that the natural teeth (like pillars) support the artificial tooth (pontic).

• Maryland: Replaces the missing tooth using the neighboring teeth as support.

• Cantilever: The dentist carves one of the teeth next to the missing tooth to use it as an abutment for the missing tooth.

• Implant supported: When several contiguous teeth have been lost, implants can be placed at the ends of the edentulous area, and a crown bridge can be made over them.

3. Total dentures

These are known as implant-supported or hybrid total dentures. When a person has lost all their teeth, they are replaced with a full denture. It is difficult for patients to adapt to the use of conventional prostheses since they move or may cause discomfort and pain. As an alternative, prostheses supported on dental implants can be placed; generally, 4 to 6 upper or lower implants are placed, and the prostheses are then supported by them.

What are the Advantages?

The advantages of these prostheses include:

1. Exceptional stability

They do not move while the patient performs.s their daily activities, allowing them to speak with greater confidence and eat without worrying that the prosthesis is going to fall out at any moment. In addition, a permanent prosthesis generates a greater bite force.

2. Jaw stimulation

Unlike traditional dentures, fixed prostheses offer protection against bone loss and prevent damage to the jaw bone.

3. Improves quality of life

Permanent dentures give a more natural-looking smile, adhere more precisely to the gum line, which decreases discomfort and irritation, and provide support to the lips and cheeks, so the face no longer appears sunken. Self-esteem and confidence improve remarkably.

4. Cost

depending upon the needs of the patient and the type of denture or prosthesis required, there may be a variation in cost. For example, a complete denture can run from $1,300 to $3,000 if it is only one side or both.

On average, the range can be between $700 to $30,000. However, it may be more economical in the long run to purchase one that does all the required functions since you won’t have to change dentures frequently.

Care of Permanent Dental Prostheses

The duration of a fixed prosthesis and the general health of the oral cavity will depend mainly on the care you take. In that regard, the following tips will be useful:

• Avoid biting very hard things or foods (nuts with shells, shellfish, among others).

• Hygiene immediately after each meal and before going to bed; will help keep the dentures and teeth clean.

The correct way to clean a permanent prosthesis is:

• Brush the accessible area of the prosthesis with toothpaste and a toothbrush (just as you do with natural teeth).

• Clean the area between the politics and the gum. You can use dental floss to sweep away the plaque and any food debris that remains trapped there since they can ferment and cause halitosis (bad breath).

• The spaces between the teeth and the gum can be cleaned with interdental brushes; they are also used between widely-spaced teeth. In areas where this brush cannot enter, dental floss is best used.

• Use an alcohol-free dental rinse.

Permanent dentures are the best option so you can permanently forget about dental discomfort and related problems. They will last longer and provide a better fit than traditional prostheses.
If you are considering getting dentures, check with your dentist about the different options for your case to make the best decision.