Most adults have 28-32 teeth and there is a chance for anyone to have teeth fracture or teeth lost in life caused by various reasons. Defected teeth can significantly damage one’s appearance and teeth function.
Dental prostheses can be used for restoration of teeth fracture or teeth lost, and recover the teeth to its original state.
When a tooth can no longer be treated by dental filling, loosen due to serious decay or periodontal disease, lost in dental trauma or congenitally missing, a dental prosthesis should be used to replace the missing tooth’s position and functions. The main types of dental prosthesis include fixed prosthesis and removable prosthesis.
Fixed prostheses are artificial teeth that are fixed and cemented on teeth, cannot be removed freely. Dental crowns and bridges are included in this category.
Dental Crown
Dental crown is a kind of fixed dental prosthesis applied to a single tooth. It is used to restore grossly decayed teeth, and strengthen the remaining fragile tooth structure after root canal treatment. The tooth has to be ground down before cementing the dental crown on the prepared tooth. The whole procedure is simple and quick.
Dental Bridge
Dental bridge is a kind of fixed dental prosthesis held in place by the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. When the tooth root is lost and cannot be treated with dental crown, a dental bridge can be placed on the two ground abutment teeth. (Dental bridge technology significantly increases the stability of the dental prosthesis. It is also less risky as surgery is not required. But the two healthy abutment teeth would be sacrificed in the process of dental bridge installation. If one of the abutment teeth gets seriously damaged in the future, the entire dental bridge needs to be redone.)
Removable prostheses are dentures that can be applied and removed from the mouth. Most of them use metal buckle hooks or magnets to place on the gum, which is suitable for people with multiple teeth lost. Removable prosthesis can be divided into two main types: partial denture and full denture (complete denture).
Partial Denture
Partial dentures are used when only some of the teeth are missing and there are some healthy teeth remain. Partial dentures usually contain metal framework and clasps, so they can be attached on healthy teeth for support. Patient can apply and remove them easily.
Full Denture
Full dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing. Full dentures are supported by oral mucosa and alveolar ridge, allowing users to apply and take off freely. However, when full denture is used, the feeling of bite is significantly different from using healthy natural teeth. Movement of oral muscle and tongue would cause displacement of the denture, causing discomfort. Full denture users usually require some adapting time.
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Fixed prosthesis |
Removable prosthesis |
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Dental crown |
Dental bridge |
Partial denture |
Full denture |
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Suitable for |
– Tooth root is still healthy – Area of tooth decay is too big – After root canal treatment |
There are healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth |
Some healthy teeth remain |
All teeth are lost |
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Material |
Metal, porcelain-fused- to-metal, porcelain |
Metal, porcelain-fused- to-metal, porcelain |
– Metal framework and clasps – Teeth part are usually made with plastic |
– Plastic framework – Teeth part are usually made with plastic |
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Advantage |
Keep most part of the real tooth |
Increase the stability of the prosthesis |
Attach on healthy teeth for support, easily apply and remove |
Apply and remove freely |
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Disadvantage |
The tooth has to be ground down |
– Ground down teeth on both sides – The entire dental bridge needs to be redone if one of the abutment teeth is damaged |
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– Feeling of bite is significantly different from natural teeth – Easily displaced |
The choice of dental prosthesis depends on the number of missing teeth, condition of existing teeth, and economic factors. In some cases, if fixed prosthesis and removable prosthesis were both unsuitable, dental implants would be considered.