Fixed prosthetics
When you lose one or more teeth, or a large portion of a tooth’s crown is missing, both the appearance and function of your teeth are affected. Chewing becomes more difficult, which can lead to eating problems.
Fixed prosthetics involve dental restorations that are permanently attached in the mouth and cannot be removed by the patient. Fixed prosthetic solutions include inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges.
Inlays and onlays are special ceramic fillings used when a significant part of the tooth is missing, but there is still enough healthy tooth structure remaining that a crown is not yet necessary, while a regular filling is no longer sufficient.
A crown is a prosthetic restoration that completely covers the visible part of the tooth (the crown), restoring its shape, function, and appearance. Crowns are used when too much of the tooth is missing for it to be rebuilt using fillings, inlays, or onlays.
A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth and involves anchoring the prosthetic to the adjacent natural teeth.
The materials used for these restorations can vary widely. The basic types range from traditional veneered structures to more advanced materials such as metal-ceramic or all-ceramic constructions.
Fixed prosthetics restore dental function, improve appearance, and help prevent further issues with bite alignment or tooth shifting.
