PROSTHESES

WHAT ARE PROSTHESES?

It is a way of treatment applied in cases where the teeth lose their functions of chewing or speaking and also causes discomfort in the esthetic sense or in case where teeth have been lost completely. It has several types.

Prostheses help the individual to take back the general appearance of his/her face, speaking and chewing functions and a health smile, and they also provide support for the skin and muscles that make the facial form together with the other bony structures.

The teeth existing after tooth loss can start to shift to the empty space left, and this can result in separation in the alignment of teeth as well as tilting or separations in the alignment. This can result in gastric or intestinal problems in the long term. Such changes can affect the way of speech of the person and also affect the chewing function. Therefore, the patient will impair the occlusion of jaws, and chewing disorders or mandibular joint problems can appear.

You might have noticed that individuals with lost teeth smile less to hide this imperfection. Prosthesis will not only give you a good smile, but it will also give you back your self-confidence and social communication skills.

It may take little time to get used to your prosthesis. Eating and speaking can be difficult at first. However, you can go back to your normal life with a little time and practice.

You can remove your prosthesis when sleeping unless otherwise indicated by your dentist. Removing them at nighttime will ensure your gums to rest and keeping your prosthesis safely in order to maintain its form.

TYPES OF PROSTHESES

1.REMOVABLE PROSTHESES

As indicated by the name, they are movable. Even, they can be removed and placed back at your convenience. Moving prostheses also have 2 types.

• TOTAL PROSTHESES ; It is applied when there are no teeth in the mouth.
• PARTIAL PROSTHESES: This is the treatment applied in partial teeth losses.
• Hooked prostheses; are fixed onto the healthy teeth with hooks and hooves.
• Prostheses with fasteners and latches; Thanks to the advancing technology, it is possible to construct prostheses with systems including fasteners and latches that will be fixed to veneered teeth that will both function more comfortable and also will satisfy the patient better with its more esthetic appearance.

2.FIXED PROSTHESES

These are prostheses that the patient will not be able to remove or place back. The missed teeth will be replaced using methods like veneers or bridges. They can be made from zirconium supported with metal.

3.IMPLANT-SUPPORTED PROSTHESES

Single veneer can be constructed over an implant as well as fixed prostheses with multiple implants.

HOW MUST THE CLEANING OF DENTAL PROSTHESES BE DONE?

• Individuals who used fixed prostheses must brush them at least twice a day, and must use dental floss. For the care of such prostheses, special dental floss and interdental brushes must be used for the body parts of the prostheses on missing teeth. Regular care is important for fixed prostheses. Otherwise, problems like foul breath will be inevitable.
• Moving prostheses however, must be removed and cleaned with lots of water after meals.
• You can remove your prostheses at nighttime unless otherwise indicated. Removing them at nighttime will ensure your gums to rest and keeping your prosthesis safely in order to maintain its form.
• Prostheses must be brushed every day to remove the remnants of foods and plaques formed on them. Brushes produced specially for prostheses or soft toothbrushes can be used in brushing. You can consult your dentist in this issue.
• Use of a mouthwash will provide more effective cleaning.
• Abrasive substances that will impair the polish on the prosthesis must never be used. Soap and water or special products must be preferred. Chemicals such as detergents or bleachers must never be used when cleaning prostheses.
• When using the cleaning tablets available in market, the prosthesis must be allowed in the solution overnight 2 times a week. Chemical cleaning will be also ensured this way in addition to the mechanic cleaning carried out by brushing.
• Prothesis must be kept within water by all means when it is not in mouth.
• Brushing must be made over a soft towel or a container filled with water in order to prevent it being broken if it falls during brushing.
• Visiting the dentist every 6 months without waiting for appearance of problems will prevent problems that will appear later and ensure a longer lifetime for your prosthesis.