A Prothodontist is a dentist who specializes in restoration and replacement of teeth. After completing five years of Dental School, the dentist receives three years of special training in a program credited by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Prosthodontics.
This training includes Fixed Prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, veneers, incrustation and porcelain), Complete Prosthodontics (dentures), Maxillofacial Prosthodontics and Implant Prosthodontics.
Different Solution
The replacement of one or more teeth can be made using fixed bridges or removable partial dentures or dental implants.
Teeth damaged by decay or fractures can be reconstructed using composite resins or laminate veneers.
Crowns are used in extensive tooth lost.
Edentulous patients (without teeth) can be reconstructed with implants supported fixed bridges or removable prosthesis.
Implant supported reconstructions offer the greatest versatility to replace teeth. The result is a natural appearance with renewed confidence. The idea of each patient who uses dentures is:
TO LOOK NATURAL!
Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.
Crown
How does Crowns Work?
A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment.
A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.
Crowns are recommended to
Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
Restore a fractured tooth
Attach a bridge
Cover a dental implant
Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
Crown and Bridge Work
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How does bridges work?
A bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite.
Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges.
Dr. Lorenzana can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
Our Dental Bridge Procedure
Following a thorough examination and consultation, the procedure for Bridge treatment is arranged in the following steps:
Preparationof the teeth.
Impression& mould.
Temporarybridge fitted.
Constructionof the bridge - The construction of a Bridge uses the considerable skill and is similar to ordering a piece of hand-made jewelry. Each one is a unique piece.
Insertionof the final bridge and fine adjustments for perfect fit and functional bite.
Oneweek is normally more than enough for most bridge work.
More Info
Missing teeth change the appearance of your smile and place greater strain on all other teeth used for chewing and in particular the teeth either side of the “gap”. A gap can also mean your “bite” is affected and most probably cause the teeth next to this space to eventually lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to both decay and gum disease often resulting in the loss of further teeth.
Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by implants and are made by creating a crown for each supporting tooth or implant on both sides of the gap with a false tooth/teeth between the crowns filling the space between. A Bridge will last many years and help you maintain a healthy, vibrant smile and safeguard the integrity of existing teeth. After a thorough examination, our doctor will advise you on the best way of replacing your missing teeth.
Full Porcelain Bridges
The use of full Porcelain Bridges is rapidly increasing. Displaying the same translucence as normal teeth, full Porcelain Bridges have a completely natural look making them esthetically the preferred choice for front teeth replacement. With the strength of modern materials now used in their construction, they can also be placed anywhere in the mouth.
