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Prosthodontics
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Prosthodontics is a
field of dentistry that restores tooth structure and replaces missing teeth and
soft tissue, with an emphasis on restoring natural function and appearance. Our
prosthodontics services include: inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, bridges,
dentures, implant restorations and oral rehabilitation. We also manage
parafunctional anomalies, such as bruxism (grinding of teeth),
temporo-mandibular joint disorder (pain and inflammation affecting the jaw
joint and associated muscles), snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
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Veneers
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Dental veneers are custom-designed tooth-like thin ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing, chips or cracks. In addition to being esthetically pleasing, dental veneers can also serve a functional purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged tooth.
The two most common materials used in the fabrication of dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain veneers. Of the two options, porcelain veneers are longer lasting and more expensive.
Once veneers are bonded into place, they are relatively strong and durable. However, care must be taken because the thin porcelain shells can damage or break. Your dentist may advise you against certain uses or dietary tendencies. If you a bruxer (you grind or clench your teeth unconsciously during sleep), your dentist may recommend that you wear a protective appliance at night.
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Crown And Bridge
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Crown and bridge (multiple units of crowns joined together) may be used to protect a cracked tooth or restore functionality of a tooth with excessive decay. Unlike conventional dentures, crowns and bridges are not removable.
During the crown fabrication procedure, your dentist prepares the tooth and makes a molded impression of the teeth to be sent to a dental laboratory. A fitted, temporary crown is created during this visit to temporarily protect the tooth while the final restoration is being made in the dental laboratory. Once completed, the crown is cemented at the next visit.
There are essentially three different types of crowns, depending on materials used, as follows:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Full porcelain
- Full metal
The final material selected is determined by a few factors such as clinical need, aesthetic expectation, material durability and costs consideration.
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Dentures
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Dentures are removable appliances with artificial teeth. They are made of plastic (acrylic) or a combination of plastic and metal (cobalt chromium). Alternatively you can also ask for flexible (Valplast®) dentures. The innovation of the biocompatible Valplast® flexible material allows the dentures to adapt to the constant movement and flexibility in your mouth.
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Valplast Dentures Valplast Dentures
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There are basically two types of dentures:
- Partial dentures: if you have lost some of your teeth
- Complete/Full dentures: if you have lost either all your upper or lower teeth
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Partial Dentures Partial Dentures Full Dentures
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Fabrication usually takes a few visits whereby during the first visit, the dentist makes a molded impression of the teeth to be sent to a dental laboratory. You may be asked to return to the clinic for "trying-in". Once completed, the dentures will be issued to you.
Dentures tend to accelerate bone loss which makes dentures wearing more uncomfortable in later years. It is recommended that dentures should be replaced every 3-5 years.
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Advice For Dentures Wearers
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Your new dentures have been made to fit your mouth accurately and have been designed for your comfort, appearance and efficiency. The success of your new dentures depends on your cooperation.
- Wear your dentures regularly except when you are sleeping. When you are not wearing your dentures, immerse it in a bowl of cool water or cleansing agents. NEVER leave it dry or place in hot water.
- The gums, tongue and palate should be brushed with a soft bristle brush every evening when the dentures are removed, and each day before you insert the dentures to stimulate the gums and remove plaque accumulation.
- Your dentures may seem bulky and cause gagging sensation. Your tongue may feel crowded. However these sensations will disappear as you become accustomed to them. When excess pressure is exerted by the dentures on oral soft tissues, that area may become sore. The cheeks, lips, and tongue are very sensitive areas that require time to adjust to new dentures. It is not uncommon to bite one's cheek or tongue.
Persistent soreness or irritation should be reported to your dentist and he can adjust the offending area for you. Be sure to wear the dentures for a couple of hours before the appointment.
- NEVER force your dentures into position or biting down on it when trying to put on your dentures. This may bend or break the clasps. Follow the instructions of your dentist.
- It will also take some practice learning to chew with your dentures. Begin by slowly chewing on very small pieces of soft food, using both sides of the mouth simultaneously.
When eating, avoid hard or sticky foods and liquid which are too hot.
- The pronunciation of certain words may seem strange at first. Sometimes the muscles of your tongue, cheeks and lips will dislodge your dentures. You may have to practice keeping your dentures in place with these same muscles.
- Rinse your dentures and mouth after every meal. Thoroughly wash all surfaces of your dentures daily with water and commercial cleansing agents available. NEVER use a stiff brush and abrasive detergent as this can damage the plastic bases and teeth. Some people keep their dentures in an ultrasonic cleaner, but keep in mind that an
ultrasonic cleaner does not replace brushing.
- Do not neglect your remaining natural teeth. They can be kept if you clean them thoroughly every day. Your dentist can show you the most effective method.
- NEVER adjust or repair your dentures yourself. You could further damage the dentures and your oral tissues. If your dentures does not fit or have been damaged,
you should consult your dentist at once. Do not throw away any parts if your dentures are fractured.
- It is important to be reviewed by your dentist as instructed. Your dentist can refit the dentures and correct for tissues changes. Proper fit and support of the dentures is necessary not only for your comfort but to help prevent injury to the remaining natural teeth and supporting structures.
- With a well fitting dentures and practice, dentures adhesives may not be necessary. Dentures wearers should expect the lower dentures to fit somewhat loosely as they rest on a smaller surface of bone. They need to learn how to use the muscles of the cheeks and tongue to keep the dentures in place.
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