Having a dental prosthesis is not a trivial act. Because it is simply a matter of replacing one or more of your teeth. And very often, patients are not really aware of the different possibilities available to them. They don’t always know which type of prosthesis to choose based on its advantages and disadvantages. But also according to its usefulness and cost. Perhaps you already wear a prosthesis or are in the process of having one fitted. In either case, this article provides a comprehensive guide to the types of dentures and how they work.
When can dentures be used?
The answer to this initial question is ten little words: “to replace one or more teeth that are either missing or too damaged”. Obviously, the older we get, the more likely we are to have dental problems and to need the services of a dental surgeon. But no age is spared. Children and young people can also be affected by dental caries or periodontitis, for example. As soon as the teeth are replaced, a dental prosthesis becomes essential. Because it allows the patient :
– to be able to chew normally.
– to find a bright smile; but also.
– to protect his other teeth by preventing them from moving.
How to choose a dental prosthesis?
We will of course come back to the types of dentures in more detail. In the meantime, remember that you absolutely must be aware of the various alternatives available to you. This is the only way you will be able to find the denture that best suits your needs.
You should also know that the price of a removable prosthesis differs from that of a fixed prosthesis. This is an important aspect, because you will have to juggle the search for aesthetics with your financial resources. To choose the right denture for you, talk frankly with your dentist. And above all, be careful:
– you could end up with a specialist who only wants to impose the most expensive prosthesis on you; or
– you could end up with another dentist who is only interested in presenting you with very affordable dentures of poor quality.
Look for and find the right balance. Keep in mind that in the second case, you will have to face hidden costs. You may end up with a prosthesis that requires frequent and extensive repairs. When you are interested in the large family of fixed prostheses, it is generally recommended to choose implants rather than crowns.
Implants are much more aesthetic and robust than crowns. In all cases, we recommend that you choose a ceramic-ceramic prosthesis rather than a ceramic-metal alloy, whether it is an implant or a crown. For those of you who choose the removable prosthesis family, you should know that :
– the total prosthesis on implant, also called total edentulism, is the best choice for you;
– the stellite with attachment, also called partial edentulous, is another good option. Not only does it last longer than the stellite without clasps, but it is also much more visually appealing.
What are the different types of fixed dentures?
We will now introduce you to the types of fixed dentures. They are called fixed dentures because :
– they are fixed in the mouth
– they cannot be removed once a dentist has placed them.
Fixed solutions are well suited for those who have not lost all their teeth. There are four types of fixed solutions:
– Crowns;
– bridge ;
– implant; and,
– onlay/inlay
The crown
The crown is shaped like a tooth and is placed over the original tooth if it is too damaged and cannot be repaired with conventional dental care. A crown is placed to support and cover the damaged tooth in order to restore its lost luster and allow it to play its role in the mouth. It is therefore indicated in the case where you have :
– a broken tooth that no longer contains enough healthy natural tooth structure to support an amalgam or composite resin; or,
– a devitalized tooth after a root canal treatment.
The crown is most often made of ceramic. This material has the advantage of being easily malleable and of having a color that does not differ too much from that of natural teeth. You can also choose a metal or ceramic-metal crown. The average price of a metal or ceramic-metal crown is between 350 euros and 1,200 euros. For a ceramic crown, you will have to pay between 600 and 1,500 euros.
The bridge
The bridge is another fixed dental prosthesis that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. However, since it must be supported by pillars, it must be supported by two neighboring teeth. These teeth will have to be trimmed before the bridge can be attached.
This clearly shows the biggest disadvantage of a bridge: the weakening of the teeth that support it. These teeth will also have to be replaced later on, which will only increase the length of the bridge. To have a bridge placed on two abutment teeth with an intermediate element used to replace a missing tooth, you should expect to pay between 1,300 and 2,000 euros.
Implant
The dental implant is recommended to replace a root that has either fallen out or been removed for one reason or another. The dental implant takes the form of a straight or conical screw. This artificial root is fixed in the jawbone at the level of the bone. A prosthesis is then placed on top. A dental implant costs between 1,250 and 2,350 euros.
Implant prosthesis is a technique that Dr Rattier, a dental surgeon in Paris, masters perfectly. Don’t hesitate to approach specialists like her and ask them any questions you may have. The dental fees charged by Dr. Rattier are also reimbursed by the social security.
The onlay/inlay
The onlay/inlay technique is used to restore and strengthen a damaged tooth using a composite material. The restoration and strengthening is done both internally and externally:
– onlay is a bonded covering of the tooth;
– The inlay is a repair of the damaged tooth from the inside.
With this technique, the tooth is kept alive and the cavity that has developed over time is filled. An inlay-core prosthesis costs between 125 euros and 300 euros.
How is a fixed prosthesis fitted?
The installation of a fixed prosthesis is done according to the following steps:
– The dentist first places the “inlay core”: these are false stumps that are fixed in the tooth root;
– then the crown or bridge is inserted;
– The third step in the process is the bite check: the dentist evaluates the relationship between your upper and lower jaws. For you to chew properly, the bite must be both comfortable and convenient;
– As soon as the surgeon finishes checking the bite and makes sure it is correct, he or she uses cement to seal the fixed prosthesis.
In the specific case of dental implant placement :
– the dental surgeon first opens the jaw before placing the implant. One will then note over several weeks a colonization of the implant by the bone: it is the osseointegration; and then,
– the doctor moves on to the stage of fixing the screw, taking a dental impression and finally placing the prosthesis.
The onlay procedure is as follows:
– the tooth to be repaired is cut by the dental surgeon;
– the dentist takes an impression of the tooth; and
– the tooth is then bonded. To do this, the surface must first be completely dry. The surgeon may use a dental dam to isolate the affected tooth or teeth.
What are the different types of removable dentures?
Removable dentures are better known as dentures. A denture is a device that replaces natural teeth. There are two types of removable dentures:
– Complete removable dentures: they are used when the patient’s entire dentition needs to be replaced. In this case, there are two dentures: one for the upper jaw and one for the lower jaw;
– Partial removable prostheses or partial dentures: they are used to replace one or a few missing teeth. They allow the patient to improve his speech and chewing. They are also placed for purely aesthetic reasons.
Complete removable dental prosthesis
If you no longer have any teeth, removable dentures are recommended. It replaces your natural teeth. And you can remove it at any time from your mouth. In particular for its daily maintenance and before going to bed.
The complete removable dental prosthesis is in principle made with resin and/or porcelain. And it is not uncommon today to find very flexible ones because they are made of nylon-based resins. This offers the patient maximum comfort and makes the prosthesis virtually unbreakable. Among the advantages of removable dentures are the fact that they are
– It is inexpensive unless it is accompanied by the placement of implants. A complete denture costs between 1,230 and 2,500 euros with a reimbursement rate of 70%;
– It can be made quickly and placed without a hitch, which restores the patient’s chewing function just as quickly. The patient does not have to go through any healing phase as is the case with a fixed prosthesis.
However, the complete removable prosthesis also has disadvantages:
– it is not easy to get used to it;
– Some people complain that it can cause injuries, usually at the beginning of its use;
– It also needs to be removed after meals in order to be cleaned.
Partial removable dentures
The partial removable prosthesis is used to replace one or more teeth. It is made of plastic or metal clasps called stellas. The partial removable prosthesis will rest partly on the subject’s score. In addition, in case of new tooth loss, it can support more false teeth. It is less expensive than a fixed prosthesis. For one tooth, you need to budget about 450 euros and for ten teeth, 1,800 euros.
However, just like the complete removable prosthesis, the partial requires to be removed after the meal to be cleaned. Moreover, note that it can lack aestheticism in case the clasps cannot be hidden by the dentist.
The temporary dental prosthesis
A temporary denture is a complete or partial denture. It is used in specific cases during the osseointegration phase following the placement of a dental implant, for example. It allows the patient to enjoy his or her teeth while waiting for the implantation to be completed.
How is a removable dental prosthesis fitted?
For a full denture, the denture is placed in the patient’s mouth. The dental surgeon checks that the denture is properly seated and stable and makes any necessary adjustments. Regarding the procedure for the placement of a partial denture made of stellate teeth :
– the dentist places it, making sure that the clasps are attached to the abutment teeth; etc.
– He adjusts it to fit the patient’s jaw.
A full denture usually takes longer to fit than a partial denture. Indeed, the subject will have to consult his or her dental surgeon several times before feeling comfortable wearing the dentures. These numerous consultations will also allow to verify that everything is going well.
A denture is an artificial tooth or set of teeth. They are used to replace one or more missing, damaged or missing teeth. Dentures come in several types. On the one hand, there are crowns, bridges, implants and onlays/inlays for fixed prostheses; on the other hand, there are complete dentures and partial dentures for removable prostheses. Ask your denturist for advice and make an informed choice. Then, once your prosthesis has been fitted, have your dental surgeon follow up on it. He or she will monitor your oral health and the condition of your gums and make any necessary adjustments. This way, you will be able to take full advantage of the type of dentures you have had fitted. Visit our catalog HERE