Fixed and Removable Prosthetics
The Center for Dental Excellence is proud of the quality of work it produces in prosthodontics. It brings together the three pillars of quality dental care: comprehensive prevention, balanced function and elegant esthetics.
These components create beautiful restorations that have an ideal shape for maximum gingival health, precise design of the chewing (occlusal) surfaces for balanced function, durability and comfort in the mouth and jaw joint, and beautifully designed ceramics to create the natural illusions of radiant, beautiful smiles.
All restorations create the greatest value for the patient: comfort, beauty and health.
Fixed prosthetic dentistry involves the application of crowns, bridges and/or implants to restore multiple damaged or missing teeth. When the teeth are available for treatment, they are often the best choice on which to place the final fixed restorations. If teeth are missing, implants can be used to replace them. Implants are the equivalent of tooth roots. They are restored with crowns and bridges in fixed prosthetics.
Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances. They can replace all or part of the teeth in an arch. If all the teeth in an arch are replaced it is called a complete denture. If only some of the teeth are replaced it is called a partial denture.
An upper full denture is retained by a suction effect. It rests on the tissues of the roof of the mouth and is an excellent, low cost restorative alternative if all the teeth are compromised and cannot be saved. The firmness of the supporting soft tissues greatly determines the stability of the denture. A proper, balanced bite during chewing is also important. Lower full dentures do not have the suction retention of an upper and require precise fit and a balanced bite for proper stability.
A partial denture is retained by some or all of the remaining teeth through a variety of clasps or clips. Stability comes mostly from the teeth.
Dentures can be used in combination with implants to create added stability and retention and help reduce stress on any remaining teeth. This combination can sometimes be the best value in fixed/removable prosthetics. Both full and partial dentures can be used in combination with implants.
Dentures can lock onto implants preventing movement when chewing and create emotional security. Implants can be especially helpful in keeping a full lower denture stable because there is minimal or no suction effect on the lower ridge.
