Dental Prosthesis: 5 Types of Prosthetic Devices

In the modern age, dental procedures and prostheses have become highly regarded for the good they offer individuals. With a dental prosthesis, your damaged teeth can be repaired or replaced to help you get your smile back while helping you eat and speak properly again. 

Depending on your dental issues and whether your dentist needs to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, you could be offered a customized dental prosthesis that’s permanently fixed or removable. 

If you’re curious about your choices and what a dentist at Huntington Bay Dental could recommend, continue reading. This article will cover the five most popular dental prostheses proven to help patients. 

What Is Dental Prosthesis?

Before we look at the different dental prostheses you can get, we want to briefly explain a dental prosthesis. Simply put, a dental prosthesis replaces a missing tooth (or teeth) or covers teeth defects. Some of the most popular dental prostheses include bridges, crowns, implants, dentures, and veneers. 

What Are The Actual Benefits Of A Dental Prosthesis Device?

If you have to undergo a procedure to have a dental prosthesis made for you, you likely want to learn more about the benefits associated with these dental fixtures. We always prefer to explain each step to you in person because you could have options and we should explain it based on your needs. Have a look below to learn more about some of the benefits: 

• They can improve the overall appearance of your teeth, which will help boost your self-esteem and confidence. 
• They can support the strength and health of your jawbone and ensure your teeth remain strong. 
• They can protect against gum disease, preventing serious health concerns down the line. 
• They can significantly improve your ability to chew, which will help you eat better. 

 

What Are Five Types Of Dental Prostheses?

Now that you know what dental prostheses are and their benefits, it’s time to discuss the five most common types you can receive. 

1. Dental Implants

A dental implant is a fixed device that cannot be removed, as dentures can. It is created to function the same way your regular teeth do because the dental implant replaces the root of your tooth so that a crown is placed on top that resembles a tooth. This type of dental prosthesis will last a long time and help you to chew and speak properly because it won’t shift out of place. 

Dental implants can look and feel like natural teeth. Yet, you should note that this prosthesis takes time due to healing and will require you to visit the dentist multiple times as the procedure happens in stages. Additionally, dental implants can be a more costly option. However, they stay in place and can be the best non-removable option.

2. Veneers

You’ve likely heard of veneers, as they are one of the most used dental prostheses for those who want to transform the shape, the color, and create more symmetry. Veneers are bonded on the surface of your teeth and are generally thin to ensure they look like natural teeth—just better. 

A dentist often recommends veneers if your teeth are discolored, chipped, or cracked. Not every patient is a candidate for veneers and so a thorough examination is really important to make sure this option will work for you. Although we consider every procedure we do as cosmetic, meaning we want to make everything look the best that it can, veneers sometimes are not covered by insurance, but they can boost self-esteem and confidence in one’s smile.

How long this prosthesis lasts depends on many factors; however, we have many patients who have been smiling for a long time with impeccable care and follow-up. You can expect them to last for many years. You should note that to get veneers, you’ll need relatively healthy teeth.

 

3. Dentures

When a patient needs to restore the teeth on an entire lower or upper arch, a dentist could recommend dentures. If you have many missing teeth or suffer from severe decay or damage to many of your teeth, our dentists at Huntington Bay Dental might suggest dentures. 

These prosthetic devices fit snugly against your gums and again, our goal is to make them look the way you want them to. Yet the main difference is that dentures can be completely removed. There are also different types of dentures (temporary and permanent), and the one you get given will depend on the extent of your tooth loss. 

Common denture types include implant retained dentures, complete dentures, fixed partial dentures, and removable dentures. 

4. Crowns

Those with damaged teeth can choose to get dental crowns that can be manufactured from porcelain or metal. Our patients are explained why a crown can be a long-term solution to worn, cracked, or chipped teeth. Yet, you should note that at Huntington Bay Dental, our goal is to be conservative in all our treatments, and sometimes a filling or an onlay could be more conservative than a crown.  

Additionally, placing crowns can take only two appointments on average, and they are a somewhat permanent solution since they can last between 5 to 15 years with proper maintenance. 

5. Bridges

Like crowns, bridges can last between 5 to 15 years if they have been well made and maintained. Bridges replace a tooth (or teeth) that is (are) missing; however, a bridge is only as strong as the teeth they are connected to. Often those with more than one missing tooth and those who don’t want dentures can be given the option of a bridge prosthesis. Dental bridges are prostheses made from porcelain to afford a patient a natural look. 

Ultimately, a dental bridge is anchored to natural teeth and will fit into a gap where you have missing teeth. Depending on the severity of your case, you might have your bridge attached to an implant if you need more stability and security. 

In addition, bridges can be taken care of the same way natural teeth are maintained, but there are special items you could use to make upkeep easier. 

Speak With a NY Dentist At Huntington Bay Dental to Discuss Your Dental Prosthesis Options

You can get many other kinds of dental prostheses depending on your dental needs, but we discussed the most common. If you are concerned about the state of your teeth or feel you need a prosthesis device, you can talk with our team of dentists at Huntington Bay Dental. 

Our dental training has gone beyond just dental school years. All of us have done everything to create confidence in developing the right plan for you. We truly pride ourselves on explaining and customizing a treatment plan that gives you the most affordable and best option. The best way to know what your options are is to contact us here to learn more.