What is prosthesis?
Prosthesis is a removable construction used as an alternative to a bigger amount of missing teeth. They can be partial, replacing a few teeth missing, or total, replacing all of the teeth.
What materials are suitable for prosthesis?
- Polyvinyl chloride plastic with metal hooks – common prosthesis;
- Thermoplastic with plastic hooks – elastic prosthesis
What does the treatment look like?
The treatment follows a chain of processes:
- On the first visit, alginate prints from upper and lower jaw are taken, then the patient must select the desired material;
- On the second visit, an individual jaw print is taken, on which the construction is built;
- On the third visit, the height of the prosthesis must be determined. In addition the colour of the teeth has to be selected by the patient;
- On the fourth visit, the patient may try the probe, in order to determine the contact with neighbouring teeth, as well as patient’s satisfaction;
- On the fifth visit the prosthesis is done, placed inside the mouth and adding final touches in order to be as comfortable to the patient as possible.
How fast does one get used to the prothesis?
In the beginning a patient is advised to allow a period of adaptation. Approximately a week is required for the patient to adapt to speaking and eating. Patients with an already installed prosthesis are likely to adapt quicker.
How to maintain the prosthesis?
The construction must be cleaned twice a day, mornings and evenings, with a soft brush and tooth paste. Once a week it must be disinfected, by placing it I a glass with a tablet.
Can a patient sleep with their prosthesis on?
Yes, it is actually recommended that the patient sleeps with the prosthesis. It gives the opportunity for a faster adaptation period.
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