Prosthodontic is one of the eight specialiaties of dentistry. It aims to replace missing teeth
and soft tissues with different materials. With the development of technology, 3
dimensional imaging techniques and 3D printers have also been used in the prosthodontic
field. The impressions of the patients are easily captured with intraoral scanners. In addition,
by storing the patients’ data digitally and sending it to the laboratory the treatement process
became easier and faster. Thanks to 3D printers, patient’s intraoral data can be produced in
the form of resin models. There are 2 different types of prosthesis in dentistry; fixed and
removable prosthetic treatments.
Fixed Prostheses (Implant Treatment – Zirconium Crowns – Dridges. Full Ceramic Crowns – Laminate Veneers – Metal Supported Porcelain Crowns)
For fixed prosthetic treatment, healthy tooth and bone tissue is needed. In this concept,
crown and bridge treatments are applied on the implants or teeth. Many different materials
are used in fixed prosthetic dentistry. The type of material should be chosen according to the
patient’s needs. While full ceramic crowns and laminate veneers are recommended for
aesthetic treatments, especially in the anterior regions, zirconium supported porcelain and
monolithic zirconium crowns and bridges should be preferred when both aesthetic and
structural strength are required.
Full Ceramic Crown Treatments (Emax)
Nowadays, the most aesthetic treatments are accepted as the closest to natural teeth. All-
ceramic materials are the crown material that best imitates teeth enamel due to their light
transmittance properties. In cases where tooth tissue loss is extensive, especially when the
position, shape and size of the tooth should be changed. Full ceramic crown treatment is a
good option. All ceramics are commonly known as Emax crowns. This material is used to
laminate veneer treatment, as well as, the use of full crowns that surround the tooth.
Laminate Veener – Smile Design
It is a form of prosthetic treatment applied with minimal preparation on the teeth. Porcelain
thickness is between 0.4-1.5 mm. A thin porcelain layer is adhered to the front surface of the
teeth with very strong adhesives. There are also restoration types that do not touch the
teeth surface. The presence of healthy teeth tissue is very important for laminate veneers.
Laminate veneers can change the important features that affect the smile such as the size,
shape, color and position of the teeth as desired. İt also present a beautiful smile design to
people.
Zirconium Crown Treatments
Zirconia is an element found in nature. It has been used in dentistry by removing method using computer aided systems. Due to its high strength, it is preferred especially for patients with high chewing force in the posterior regions. It is a highly biocompatible material and is white in color. Thus, it does not cause dark discoloration on the gingiva. Due to the lack of light permeability of zirconium, this material is especially preferred in the treatment of colored teeth. There are monolithic zirconium crown-bridge treatments, as well as, framework material. The most important advantage of zirconium and all-ceramic restorations over metal-supported restorations is that it is a biocompatible material for soft tissues. Zirconium treatment is recommended especially for people with periodontal disease.
Metal Supported Porcelain Crown-Bridge Treatments
Metal supported porcelain applications have been used for years. We prefer these materials for one-piece restorations covering the entire jaw in cases where edentulous mouths are treated with implants or for prosthetic restorations in the implant-supported posterior regions.
Removable Prostheses (Dentures)
Removable prostheses are a treatment option for patients with insufficient jawbone. It is recommended for patients who cannot have implants due to systemic diseases, or for those who do not prefer implant treatment for other reasons. While it is applied directly on the gingiva in patients with no teeth, there are also dentures with claps that we use as a support for existing teeth in patients. Implant-supported removable prostheses are also the treatment we frequently prefer by reducing the number of implants in edentulous patients. This type of prosthesis is either made of full acrylic or is designed as acrylic on metal and it is recommended to be removed every night while lying down to rest the oral tissues.
