A smile is more than just a beautiful facial feature; your teeth are essential in establishing and maintaining self-confidence and good health. You need your teeth in good condition and well-aligned to chew and speak well. Missing, broken, and misaligned teeth are not just embarrassing; they can affect your self-esteem, and there’s no good reason to endure the discomfort. Prosthodontists repair and replace teeth to restore your smile.
These dental specialists can restore your dental function and appearance so well that not even your family will tell the difference between your original and replacement teeth. These experts also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, so you’re in good hands when you seek the services of a prosthodontist.
Dentist and a Prosthodontist – What is the Difference?
People will often confuse prosthodontists with general dentists. Both perform similar tasks, but the prosthodontist is more highly trained than dentists, so the prosthodontist is qualified to perform more complex tasks.
The word prosthodontist is self-explanatory. “Prostho” means replacement, and “dontist” means teeth, making it clear that the specialty is teeth replacement in all its forms.
Prosthodontists learn their skills over many years, completing an extra three years of training after graduating from dental school. General dentists often refer patients with missing or broken teeth to the prosthodontist.
Prosthodontists often head up groups of dentists and other health professionals to develop treatment plans for patients with complex dental problems.
What do Prosthodontists Do?
Prosthodontists’ function is missing teeth replacement. Missing teeth is more than a cosmetic issue. Gaps in your teeth can affect your speech and your ability to chew. Teeth keep your jawbone healthy; without them, you could lose up to 25% of the jawbone density. This can cause premature aging.
Prosthodontists tailor treatments to suit your circumstances. Solutions may include dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. These specialists can also restore damaged and worn teeth using crowns, veneers, and full-mouth restorations. The result is improved tooth appearance and strength.
Speak to Your Dentist
You don’t have to live with the discomfort and embarrassment of broken and missing teeth. Speak to your dentist about your options, and know that you will receive expert care from a prosthodontist who can restore your smile with a set of teeth you’ll want to show off.
