3 Common Types of Custom Dental Prosthetics

December 25, 2022

Custom dental prosthetics in Reno can make a world of difference for patients with tooth loss. They can help improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile, improve the function of your jaw, and even make foods and beverages taste better. There are many types of custom dental prosthetics, and each one comes with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.  

Thus, it’s important to understand the differences so you can choose the best option for your unique situation.

Dental prosthetics are designed to improve the quality of life for patients who have missing or crooked teeth, and they can have a profound impact on patients’ lives. In some cases, a single missing tooth can cause a chain reaction of other dental problems and health issues. So, before things turn into disasters, it’s best to talk to your dentist and ask for the best treatment possible.  

What are Dental Prosthetics?

These artificial oral devices are customized to fit your mouth. There are many dental prosthetics, but they all have one common goal: to create a smile without missing or damaged teeth. Prosthetic teeth can look natural, comfortable, and even enhance the appearance of your smile. A dental prosthetic can replace one or multiple teeth and be removable or permanent.  

Additionally, if you have a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or infected, a dental prosthetic can also help restore your smile.

Examples of Custom Dental Prosthetics

Dentures

Traditional dentures are removable dental prosthetics that are made to replace missing teeth. They come in many colors and shapes and can be placed in the upper, lower, or both the upper and lower teeth. Dentures can be made from various materials and in a variety of sizes. They can be made from acrylic, porcelain, or a combination of both.  

The location of the missing teeth determines the material and size of the dentures. For example, if you have several missing molars, you may need a larger denture or a differently shaped prosthesis. Dentures can look natural, and they can improve the appearance of your smile.  

Other types of dentures include:

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics made to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be placed in the upper or lower arch – or a combination. They can be designed as a bridge or a cantilever, and the placement of the partial dentures can be determined by the space that needs to be filled.  

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are placed in the mouth directly after tooth extraction and are made to be removable. They can be made to look like natural teeth and improve the smile’s appearance. However, they are not as strong as complete full dentures.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are fixed to your jawbone instead of your teeth to hold dental prosthetics in place. They are usually made of porcelain or acrylic and can look like natural teeth. They are more stable and can improve the function and appearance of the smile.

Snap-In Dentures

Snap-in dentures are also fixed to the jawbone, but these dental prosthetics do not need special cement to stay in place. They are designed to be easy to place and remove, making them the most convenient dental prosthetics in terms of use.  

Overdentures

Overdentures are dental prosthetics that can be placed over the gums and are made to fit a space that is missing a tooth or several teeth. They are attached to the bone and sometimes need to be surgically placed.  

Dental Bridges  

Dental bridges are dental prosthetics designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They are used to form a permanent bridge between two teeth or between two dental prosthetics. You can use a bridge to fill in space that has been lost from tooth loss or use it to support single crowns or multiple crowns.  

They are not as strong as a complete denture, but they can restore the appearance of your smile.  

Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a durable foundation for dental prosthetics, making them the best option for teeth replacement. They can restore the smile of people with missing teeth, but care is needed to avoid infection and other complications. You can get them to support single crowns or multiple crowns.  

Dental implants are a treatment option for people who need the strongest, most permanent replacement for a tooth. They often provide a secure, lifelong foundation for dental prosthetics. They are also more attractive than other tooth replacement options because they look like natural teeth. Dental implants may be made from titanium or steel and placed in various locations within the jawbone.  

Since the procedure requires surgery, patients should be willing to undergo the surgical procedures to succeed. The treatment usually happens in two stages.  

  • First Stage: Dental Exam and Implant Placement

If you need more than four implants, you will first need to have your jawbone scanned to create a digital model that will help the dentist select the placement of implants. The dentist will then discuss the surgery with you and find a safe place to place the implants.  

Once this has been discussed and decided upon, the implants are then placed, and the jawbone is allowed to heal, giving the implants time to integrate with the bone.  

  • Second stage: Placement of Crowns

The next stage can occur once the implants have fully integrated into the bone. The dentist will then take an impression of your mouth and send it to the dental laboratory to make false teeth. This step is the best time to discuss the shape and color of your dental prosthetics before they are fitted into your mouth. You need to keep up with follow-up visits to have your dental implants checked and adjusted, if necessary.

Do You Need Custom Dental Prosthetics in Reno?  

Custom dental prosthetics are the best treatment option for missing or broken teeth. They are custom-fit to your mouth, ensuring that they fit perfectly well and won’t feel uncomfortable to the wearer. They are designed to look as good as your natural teeth, and with proper care, they will last a very long time.  

If you need any of the dental prosthetics discussed above, contact us today at Smile Design Implant Center to book a consultation.