Fixed Prostheses

Artificial dentures are necessary to restore damaged, unaesthetic or dysfunctional teeth or to replace one or more missing natural teeth.

The most important aim of this treatment is to restore the patient’s chewing function. This can be achieved through customised geometry of the prosthesis and efficient occlusal contacts.

FIXED PROSTHESES

Fixed prostheses are non-removable prostheses that are used to complete the missing teeth in the mouth, such as bridges, implants or crowns.

Unlike artificial dentures, which can be removed and worn by the patient, fixed dentures are non-removable dental prostheses that are permanently inserted in place of the missing teeth.

Prostheses that are used to eliminate dental deficiencies are also known as bridges, crowns or veneers.

These prostheses are used when a certain number of teeth are missing in the mouth. They are prepared by moulding the supporting teeth or by shaping this tooth in the case of excessive loss of material from a tooth and then manufactured in the laboratory using state-of-the-art computer methods and bonded to the teeth.

The procedure is completed in 2 to 4 sessions and within 5 to 10 days after moulding the teeth and taking the impression. There are many types of metal-supported (porcelain) and metal-free (zirconium) structures. After the necessary examination and diagnosis, it may be necessary to make fixed dentures with the best materials and design to complement the patient’s aesthetic appearance.

Fixed dentures, which replace missing or damaged teeth, cannot be removed by the patient as they are attached to natural teeth or artificial roots.

There are different types of fixed dentures. Which method is best for you?
This is determined in a joint consultation between the patient and the dentist.

APPLICATION OF FIXED PROSTHESES

Depending on the type of fixed prosthesis chosen, the construction phases and the way in which the fixed prosthesis is worn may vary. However, there are certain criteria that must be observed during the construction phases.

Before the fixed prosthesis is inserted, the neighbouring teeth of the treated tooth must be prepared.

In this context, in the case of caries in the teeth, the caries should be cleaned and prepared for the application of fixed dentures.

The necessary measurements should be taken on the teeth to be restored and a model made in the laboratory environment. A colour determination should be made to obtain an image that most closely resembles the patient’s natural teeth.

The relationship and compatibility of the laboratory-made fixed prosthesis with the neighbouring teeth and tissues is then checked and the patient’s consent is obtained. Fixed prostheses that are sent to the laboratory for polishing should be tested again in the mouth before insertion.

If there are no problems, the process should be finalised with the attachment of the dentures.

TYPES OF FIXED DENTURES

1 — CROWNS (‘VENEERS’)

Your teeth can become damaged over time for various reasons, e.g. decay, trauma or simply through use. Accordingly, the shape or size of the teeth may change. In such cases, dental crowns can be placed on the tooth.

If the damage to the tooth caused by decay or impact is too great, sometimes a filling is not enough.

Crowns, which are new coverings for damaged teeth, can be made of metal-supported porcelain or zirconium. Crowns, i.e. prostheses that imitate natural teeth, are placed over damaged or decayed teeth.

In cases where the loss of tooth structure is high, metal-supported porcelain or all-ceramic (zirconium) crowns are made to restore the shape, colour and function of the tooth.

Sometimes they can be used for aesthetic purposes only.

They play an important role in the fulfilment of chewing function as well as aesthetics. One of the biggest advantages of crowns is that they adapt naturally to the mouth and do not cause discomfort to the patient when the prosthesis is placed.

2 — BRIDGES

When one or more teeth are lost, neighbouring teeth are used to fill the gaps.

The treatment method in which the prosthesis is moulded (reduced in size) is called a bridge.

At least two strong and rooted teeth must be present at both ends of the edentulous area to support the prosthesis.

Conventional bridges, the most common type of bridge, consist of one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto each abutment tooth.

This method can be used when there are natural teeth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth. A winged dental bridge is a much better tooth replacement than conventional bridges.

Why is a bridge needed?
Even a single missing tooth is very important for oral health. When we speak, chew and laugh we use our teeth constantly. Missing teeth can make your face appear older and worn.

Each tooth is positioned in the mouth to complement the others. After early tooth loss, over time the neighbouring teeth shift or tilt into the gap left by the missing tooth.

This displacement of the neighbouring teeth leads to misaligned teeth and gum problems.

As the natural tooth contacts are also disturbed, physiological cleaning is also prevented and the teeth become susceptible to caries.

In addition, insufficient chewing on the side of the missing tooth can lead to pathological conditions in the temporomandibular joints over time.

3 — IMPLANT-SUPPORTED FIXED DENTURES

Implant-supported fixed dentures are dentures that are attached to dental implants and cannot be removed. This method is an ideal solution for patients with one or more missing teeth.

Implant-supported fixed dentures offer an aesthetic and functional performance that closely resembles natural teeth.

Implant-supported fixed prostheses look very similar to natural teeth and feel like natural teeth as they sit firmly in the mouth. As the implants are fused to the jawbone, they are very strong and the chewing force of the dentures is high.

This means that even hard food can be eaten without any problems.

It prevents the melting of the jawbone, which can occur over time due to a lack of teeth. Implants help to keep the jawbone healthy by stimulating it.

With proper care, implant-supported fixed prostheses can last a lifetime. This is a cost-effective long-term solution.

Unlike removable dentures, implant-supported fixed dentures do not move or slip. This means more comfort and confidence for patients.