Dental prosthesis is the process of replacing one or more lost or irreparable teeth with artificial teeth. Prosthetic dentures, typically made of porcelain or acrylic, are used to restore the aesthetic appearance and vital functions such as chewing and speech. Partial dentures are used for a few missing teeth, while full dentures are used for complete tooth loss. Upper jaw dentures sit on the palate and provide adhesion by vacuuming, while lower jaw dentures are designed in a U-shape to prevent interference with the tongue and only interact with the gums.

Dental Prostheses: Fixed vs. Removable

Choosing between fixed and removable dentures depends on the number of missing teeth. Removable dentures are more beneficial when there are multiple missing teeth. They can be easily inserted and removed by the patient, but require daily maintenance.

Fixed prostheses are preferred when only one tooth is missing and can be applied using methods like crown-bridge. However, they must be fixed by a dentist and cannot be removed by the patient. They are easier to maintain, but not suitable for cases with multiple missing teeth.