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Prosthodontist in Boca Raton shows a model of a dental implant

What Prosthodontic Treatment Is Right for You? 

December 05, 2022

A prosthodontist in Boca Raton is a dentist who specializes in restoring and replacing damaged teeth using artificial devices such as dental crowns, dentures, and bridges. What makes a prosthodontist different from a general dentist? Prosthodontists receive an additional three years of advanced training after completing four years in dental school.  

If you want to enhance your smile, you should see a prosthodontist. After assessing your oral problems, your prosthodontist will recommend a tailored treatment plan specific to your needs and goals. Prosthodontic treatments help improve your smile, oral function, and overall quality of life.  

Prosthodontist in Boca Raton shows a dental bridge

What Prosthodontic Treatment Do You Need? 

Dental Crowns 

A dental crown is a cap with a tooth-shaped design that is placed over a damaged tooth to cover and protect it. Apart from reinforcing the affected tooth, a dental crown can also be used to improve your tooth’s alignment, shape, and overall appearance.  

It can be placed atop an implant to restore your tooth’s smile and function. The most popular dental crown materials today are ceramic and porcelain because they closely resemble the features of natural teeth. However, some patients prefer to use metal alloys, gold, and acrylic because they are stronger than porcelain. 

A dental crown may be recommended to restore a fractured tooth, hold a dental bridge in place, protect a weak tooth from breaking, and cover a misshaped or discolored tooth. It can also be placed to cover a tooth following root canal treatment.  

Dentures 

Dentures are removable dental devices with false teeth anchored to a gum-colored base. They are designed to fit comfortably over your gums to replace missing teeth. Tooth loss can pose many issues. Besides affecting your smile, the gap can also lead to speech and chewing problems.  

There are two types of dentures, complete (full) and partial. Full dentures are for people who need to replace an entire arch of teeth, while partial dentures are for those who only need to replace one or a few missing teeth. Although they are the most affordable option, unfortunately, dentures cannot stop the progression of bone loss.  

Bone loss is one of the consequences of tooth loss. It occurs when your jawbone does not receive stimulation from the tooth roots.  

Without stimulation, it will deteriorate. Since dentures do not replace missing tooth roots, jawbone density will continue to weaken over time. Nevertheless, dentures are easy on the budget, durable, and look like natural teeth.  

Bridges  

Your dentist can recommend a dental bridge if you need to replace one or more missing teeth. It’s essential to replace missing teeth as soon as it happens because the gap created by your missing teeth will cause your existing teeth to shift or rotate into the space, which can negatively affect your bite.  

An abnormal bite can make you susceptible to other oral health issues like temporomandibular joint disorders and gum disease 

A bridge is made up of artificial teeth that span the space where you lost your permanent teeth. To keep the bridge securely in place, it must be cemented to implants or your natural teeth on either side. The teeth that anchor the bridge are called abutments.  

Like dental crowns, you can choose the materials for your dental bridge. If you are unsure, you can consult your dentist to discuss the cost, aesthetics, and function. However, the most requested materials for bridges are ceramic and porcelain 

Prosthodontist in Boca Raton works on dentures

Get Your Smile Fixed with Our Prosthodontist in Boca Raton 

If you need to have your smile restored, only trust the experts. At 5th Avenue Dental, our team provides you with high-quality, custom-made restorations at an affordable price. Contact us today to learn about your options.