WHAT IS PROSTHESIS?

All artificial formations, which replaces the aesthetic deformations or missing teeth and meet the aesthetical and functional needs of the individuals, are prosthesis.

In general, missing teeth may arise as consequences of nontreatment of tooth diseases. Apart from this, loss of teeth may also arise as a result of some accidents. For this reason, prosthesis should be made, which serve the same purpose as the healthy teeth, in terms of aesthetics and function.

What is the purpose of dental prosthesis?

While trying to regain the lost functions of the patient, it is also aimed to improve speech impediments and to give better aesthetical appearance. Hence, while largely lost oral health is improved, also psychologically support is provided to the individuals, who are forced to live in the community with missing or devastated teeth. Because, the individuals who are forced to live like that in the community (even if for a while), also pre-emptively forget to smile as well.
And this cause people to loose their self confidence, besides functional deformations. With various prosthesis applied on these kinds of patients, it is also aimed to enhance the living standard of the people.

PROSTHESIS TYPES

Fixed Prostheses

Single crowns (in the form of a single tooth veneer)
Bridges (It is generally applied to cover the missing teeth with the teeth next to them)
Implant prostheses (screws and prostheses placed in the jaw)

Removable Prostheses

Total prostheses (Applied to mouths with no teeth. Used in later ages)
Partial dentures (It is applied to partially toothless mouths. Hooks or nails called crochet, which are on the teeth are used)
Precision-retained dentures (They are also metal-supported dentures without hooks applied to partially toothless mouths)

Implant Top Prostheses

Fixed (porcelain crowns applied to one or more teeth)
Movable (total-like prostheses applied to completely edentulous mouths)

Hygiene of the prosthesis

Cleaning of removable prosthesis is carried out with some cleaning agents. Prosthesis is cleaned through effervescent dental tablet solved in water. If there is no prosthesis cleaning agent is available, the prosthesis may be cleaned through brushing with a toothbrush or prosthesis brush. Besides these, partial removable prosthesis may be taken out of the mouth and after cleaning the mouth, the prosthesis are cleaned and replaced into their locations. However, in full prosthesis, it is just sufficient for the patient to take out the prosthesis from his/her mouth and replace it after cleansing his/her mouth.

Why should you clean your prosthesis daily?

Daily cleaning of the prosthesis is important to prevent plaque, food residues and scale formation which might cause the following problems:

Appearance and aesthetical problems,

Mouth smell,

Irritation of the tissues under the prosthesis,

Infection in the mouth.

How can I keep the prosthesis clean?

Remove the food residues by cleaning your prosthesis with water after the meals.
After certain meals, especially before going to bed, you have to brush your prosthesis regularly. This procedure prevents plaque and stain formation.
Water and various toothpastes or prosthesis care products are used during brushing procedure. Abrasive powders must not be used. Otherwise, the surface of the prosthesis is scratched and residues begin to accumulate on these surfaces and stains form.
Special prosthesis brushes or normal tooth brushes may also be used.
You have to pay attention to clean all the surfaces of the prosthesis.
Occasionally you may keep your prosthesis in special prosthesis fluids. You have to use your prosthesis, which is exposed to chemicals, after rinsing with water.
Stains and scales penetrated into the prosthesis may only be cleaned with ultrasonic device by a dentist.
The most effective way to keep prosthesis clean is to brush it daily and to immerse it in chemical fluids few times a week.