Dental Prosthetics: Restoring Smile and Functionality

Dental Prosthetics is a branch of dental medicine that deals with replacing lost teeth, parts of teeth, or damaged tissues of the oral cavity. The main goal of prosthetics is not only aesthetic, meaning restoring a beautiful smile, but also functional: ensuring proper chewing, speech, and support of the facial structure. The lack of teeth, known as edentulism, can be partial or complete, and each situation requires a specific prosthetic approach.

How do we classify dental prosthetics?

Prosthetics are divided into fixed (crowns, bridges), removable (dentures), and implant prosthetics, which combine implants and prosthetic replacements.

Solution for Partial Edentulism

Partial edentulism refers to the condition where one or more teeth are missing in the jaw, while some natural teeth remain. The key treatment goal is not only to replace the lost teeth but also to protect the remaining teeth from overload and shifting, ensuring proper oral function and aesthetics. Dental bridges (Fixed prosthetics): Crowns placed on natural abutment teeth (which are prepared) or on dental implants; these are permanently cemented and ideal for replacing a small number of teeth. They restore chewing function and maintain jaw structure stability. Partial dentures (Removable prosthetics): Used when many teeth are missing and fixed solutions are not possible. These can be acrylic or metal-based with clasps attaching to remaining teeth. They can be removed for cleaning and allow restoring multiple teeth efficiently. Combined fixed-removable prosthetics: A combination of fixed bridges or crowns with partial removable dentures connected by invisible attachments. This approach improves stability and aesthetics compared to traditional removable dentures. Implants with crowns or bridges Najsuvremenije rješenje. Ugrađuje se zubni implantat u čeljust na mjesto izgubljenog zuba, a na njega se postavlja samostalna krunica ili se koristi kao nosač za veći most. Prednost je što se ne moraju brusiti susjedni zdravi zubi.

Solution for Complete Edentulism

Complete (total) edentulism is a condition where all teeth are missing in one or both jaws. The goal of therapy is to fully rehabilitate function and aesthetics. Complete dentures (Removable prosthetics) This is the classic solution. The denture is made of acrylic, rests on the mucosa, and is maintained by vacuum suction and the muscles of the cheeks and tongue. It is a relatively quick and affordable solution, but adaptation is often difficult, and stability (especially in the lower jaw) is limited. They do not prevent bone resorption (loss). Implant-supported dentures (Overdentures) (Semi-fixed solutions) Stabilization of the complete denture with a smaller number of implants (usually 2-4 in the jaw). The denture is attached to the implants via special connectors (locators, bars), which provides significantly better stability, firmness, and comfort compared to conventional dentures. Although removable, they fit securely, and the patient can remove them independently for cleaning. Fixed bridges on implants (e.g., All-on-4/6) (Fixed prosthetics) The highest quality fixed solution. A smaller number of implants (4-6) are placed in the jaw, on which a fixed prosthetic bridge with a full set of teeth is permanently attached. This work is not removable. It allows almost full chewing function restoration, stops bone resorption, and provides top aesthetics and the feel of natural teeth.