Dental Prosthetics
Partial or complete tooth loss necessitates prosthetic treatment. Within these procedures, you may require crowns, bridges, or dentures. Consult with your dentist to explore the options that dental prosthetics offer to tailor the treatment for your specific needs.
Crowns
When the structural integrity of a tooth is severely compromised, a crown is needed to restore its shape and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials such as porcelain, zirconia, metal, or metal-ceramic. Today, porcelain and zirconia crowns are increasingly preferred for aesthetic reasons. They are durable and resistant to biting forces, closely resembling natural teeth. However, you will receive recommendations regarding the type of material that best suits your needs.
When a crown is prepared:
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Aesthetic correction of misaligned or improperly positioned teeth
- Teeth extensively damaged by cavities
- Teeth with large and non-vital fillings
How is it prepared:
Preparing a crown typically involves three appointments
First Appointment, the tooth is prepared and measurements are taken. A temporary restoration may be placed until the final crown is ready.
Second Appointment, the crown is tried on, checked against adjacent teeth, and the color is matched. Together with your dentist, you will decide on the most suitable shade.
Third Appointment, the permanent crown is fixed. It restores the shape and appearance of the tooth. You can view the placement using intraoral cameras. Finally, you will be instructed on how to care for your new crown.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will extend the life of your new crown.
Inlay Lithium Disilicate (Emax)
Inlays are dental restorations made from materials such as composite, gold, or porcelain. Inlays made from Lithium Disilicate (Emax) are preferred by patients because they closely resemble natural teeth not only in shape but also in color. Inlays are often referred to as partial crowns. They are fabricated in a laboratory by technicians and permanently bonded to teeth. Inlays are used to conservatively repair teeth with large defective fillings or those damaged by cavities and trauma. They provide excellent durability and ideal aesthetics.
When an inlay is applied:
- Distally fractured teeth
- Teeth with extensive cavities
- Large, fractured fillings
- Aesthetic distal repairs
How is it done?
Applying an inlay typically involves two appointments:
First Appointment, after cleaning and shaping the cavity, measurements are taken. A temporary filling is placed while the inlay is fabricated with high precision in the laboratory.
Second Appointment, the temporary filling is removed, and the inlay is bonded with special adhesive material. Marginal fit and occlusion are checked, and you will learn how to care for your new restoration.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will prolong the life of your new inlay.
Porcelain Inlays
Inlays are prosthetic restorations made from materials such as composite, gold, or Lithium Disilicate (Emax porcelain). Porcelain inlays are preferred because they closely resemble natural teeth. They are prepared by technicians in a laboratory and permanently bonded to teeth. Inlays are used to conservatively repair teeth with large defects due to cavities or trauma. They are an ideal alternative to conventional fillings like silver or composite. Like all dental work, inlays require regular check-ups and may need replacement over time. They are durable and provide perfect aesthetics.
Procedure
Preparing an inlay typically involves two appointments:
First Appointment: Careful measurements are taken after the tooth is cleaned of cavities, and necessary corrections are made to the cavity shape. The measurements are sent to the laboratory where the technician prepares the restoration with precision.
Second Appointment: The inlay is bonded to the tooth in a fixed manner. Unlike crowns, inlays replace only the damaged parts of the tooth, preserving its structural integrity.
Veneers
If you have your natural teeth but are uncomfortable showing them for various reasons, veneers may be a great option. Veneers are a fantastic way to quickly improve the shape and color of undesired teeth. Enhancing the color and shape of teeth is the most favorable impact of veneers.
Veneers are thin porcelain layers prepared in the laboratory according to mouth size and technically perfect adjustment. Veneers have the appearance of natural teeth, are durable, and very aesthetic. Veneers enable an ideal smile without radical procedures.
When veneers are used:
There are several types of pigmentation or demineralization that create the appearance of stained teeth.
Teeth with cavities or oral surface damage when a long-term solution is needed over what adhesive fillings (composite) can offer.
Large fillings in front teeth as a result of which the tooth changes color over the years.
Short, small front teeth: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to this form of tooth, but it may also occur as a result of a tooth fracture or abrasion due to surface wear.
How are they prepared?
Three appointments are required to complete the veneers.
In the first appointment, the tooth surface is prepared and an impression is taken. Meanwhile, temporary work is applied to protect the exposed structure.
In the second appointment, the veneers are tried on and their fit is checked.
The final veneer is bonded in a special procedure during the third appointment.
This is followed by two check-up sessions:
The first session takes place after one week, where the doctor checks the condition of the gums around the veneers and ensures that the bite is adequate and free from obstacles.
The second check-up session occurs after one year.
A preliminary session is needed when cases are complicated (or upon the special request of the patient), creating a wax model with the final appearance of the veneers.
How long do they last?
Veneers are expected to last 10-20 years. Porcelain, containing organic substances, undergoes “aging.” For this reason, veneers lose their freshness and beauty after some years and need to be replaced. These are irreversible procedures once the tooth surface is prepared. Loss, damage, or breakage of a veneer requires its replacement. For this, your doctor will provide you with a protective mouthguard and instruct you on how to use it.