Dental Prostheses

Types of Dental Prostheses and Their Benefits

Dental prostheses are essential solutions for those who have lost one or more teeth, providing not only the recovery of functionality but also the enhancement of the smile’s aesthetics.

In dentistry, there are mainly two types of prostheses: removable and fixed.

Removable Dental Prosthesis

Removable dental prostheses, commonly known as dentures, are particularly prevalent among older adults.

These prostheses allow for the restoration of normal functions such as chewing, aesthetics, and speech during the day.

At night, they are removed from the mouth to facilitate cleaning.

Features and Benefits:

• Customization: Each prosthesis is designed and constructed to measure, perfectly adapting to the tissues and the shape of the jaws of the patient to ensure comfort and functionality.

• Adaptability: Requires a period of adaptation during which the patient learns to manage it and assumes responsibility for its daily care.

• Hygiene: Its removability facilitates thorough cleaning, which is essential for maintaining oral health.

Specific Types of Removable Prostheses

Flexible Removable Partial Dentures (Flex)

• Material: Made from a flexible thermoplastic material, they offer a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing option than traditional acrylic bases.

• Advantages: They are lightweight, less visible, and do not require metal clasps for fixation, making them more discreet.

• Ideal For: Patients looking for a less rigid and more adaptable solution without compromising appearance.

Acrylic Removable Partial Dentures

• Material: Made from a rigid acrylic base, they are one of the most traditional and economical solutions for replacing missing teeth.

• Advantages: They are durable and relatively easy to adjust and repair.

• Ideal For: Patients needing an economical and effective solution for tooth loss.

Fixed Dental Prosthesis

Fixed dental prostheses rely on the healthy teeth that the patient still retains.

Commonly known as dental bridges, these prostheses replace one or more contiguous missing teeth in the patient’s mouth.

Features and Benefits:

• Stability: Being cemented to adjacent teeth, fixed prostheses cannot be easily removed by the patient, offering a permanent and stable solution.

• Prevention of Future Problems: They prevent adjacent teeth from shifting or rotating into the empty space, which can cause bite problems, bruxism, and increase the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.

• Recovery of Functions: They completely restore masticatory function and aesthetics, providing comfort and confidence to the patient.

• Flexibility: They are an ideal option when bone conditions or patient circumstances do not allow for implants.

Choosing the Right Prosthesis for You

Both types of prostheses play a crucial role in dental restoration and should be chosen after a detailed evaluation of the patient’s specific needs.

In our clinic, we offer all these types and provide the necessary advice to choose the best option based on the individual circumstances of each patient.

For more information about dental prostheses, including details on the process and prices in Costa Rica, contact us.

Our team of specialists is ready to help you choose the most suitable option and assist you in regaining your smile with confidence.