Dental Prosthetics Center

Prosthodontics is the restoration of the anatomical shape and color of the hard tissues of a tooth when, due to congenital or acquired pathology, the tooth is damaged and cannot be restored with filling materials. Teeth are also restored prosthetically in cases of pathological tooth wear, after periodontal surgery or orthodontic treatment, and when restoring tooth shape and contact points. Prosthodontic treatment can involve fixed prostheses (crowns, bridges, etc.) as well as removable dentures (various types of plates).

The mouth is the first part of the digestive system. When teeth are missing, food is not properly chewed, which leads to poor digestion in the stomach and intestines and may cause digestive disorders. If molars are missing, the bite height decreases. This negatively affects the jaw joint, which may begin to click and cause pain.

Joint deformities can lead to facial wrinkles. When molars are lost, the cheeks become sunken. People who lose their front teeth often avoid smiling widely, which may result in psychological issues.

To prevent further deformation of the facial and jaw system, it is essential to restore missing teeth with prosthetics. If this is not done, adjacent teeth tilt into the empty space, and teeth from the opposite jaw shift toward it, causing secondary bite deformations. Tooth migration occurs even after losing a single tooth, so dental arch defects must be restored.

Dental arch defects can be restored by:

1. Fixed dental prostheses (crowns, bridges);
2. Dental implants;
3. Removable dentures.
   
   

Fixed Dental Prostheses

Plastic crowns are not durable or strong enough to withstand chewing forces. They are temporary crowns used while a permanent metal-ceramic, all-ceramic, or zirconia crown is being made. Plastic crowns may also be used for children until the age of 16–18, when they can be replaced with more permanent options.

Metal-ceramic crowns have a metal base covered with porcelain that matches the patient's tooth color. These crowns do not transmit light, look aesthetically pleasing, and are more affordable than all-ceramic crowns. However, they have some drawbacks: the metal reflects light, making the crown look less natural compared to all-ceramic crowns. Over time, a dark line may appear near the gum line, further reducing the natural appearance. Therefore, metal-ceramic crowns are better suited for molars and can be used for single teeth or larger gaps.

All-ceramic crowns are made entirely of porcelain. They are aesthetic, durable, and long-lasting. These crowns transmit light and look very natural and precise. They are ideal for front teeth. They also reduce the risk of metal allergies. Advantages include excellent aesthetics, biocompatibility, no visible metal margins, a precise fit, and translucency similar to natural teeth. They are mainly used for single front tooth restorations.

Zirconia ceramic crowns are highly aesthetic and extremely strong. They are made from a zirconium oxide framework produced by computer milling. This material is lightweight, strong, and naturally tooth-colored, resulting in a very natural appearance when covered with ceramic. Zirconia is stronger than all-ceramic materials and replaces the dark metal core with a white one, improving aesthetics and durability. It is suitable for both front and back teeth, including large restorations.

Cast metal crowns are used for back teeth where strength is essential and access is difficult, as well as for stronger bridge structures.

Removable Dentures

Removable dentures are held in place with clasps attached to remaining teeth. However, clasps can be visible and aesthetically unappealing, and over time they may loosen, reducing stability. A better solution is dentures with attachments (locks), which replace clasps. These are invisible, allowing the patient to smile, speak, and eat confidently without worrying about movement. The denture is removed only when “unlocked.”

These dentures distribute chewing forces evenly between the gums and supporting teeth. Initially, the gums are not used to the pressure and may settle slightly over time, creating a gap between the denture and gum. This shifts the load onto the supporting teeth, which may become overloaded.

Therefore, patients must visit their prosthodontist after two months and again after six months for adjustments. During these visits, additional material is added to restore even load distribution. Without adjustments, supporting teeth may become painful, loose, or even be lost. Over time, gums adapt, but patients should still have yearly check-ups.

The lifespan of dentures depends on hygiene. Both removable and fixed prostheses must be cleaned thoroughly. Poor hygiene leads to plaque and tartar buildup, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and shortening the lifespan of supporting teeth.

When making fixed bridges, a small space is always left between the gum and the bridge to allow cleaning. Special brushes and floss designed for bridges are available at pharmacies.

Free Dental Prosthetics

The “Meliva – Panevėžys Dentists” clinic has agreements with Territorial Health Insurance Funds, meaning that dental prosthetics may be partially or fully compensated for people who have reached retirement age and are covered by compulsory health insurance.

Dental Veneers

Time affects your smile: teeth wear down, become smaller, change color, lose shine, and may chip. However, modern dentistry offers solutions, including dental veneers.

Dental veneers are very thin restorations bonded to the front surface of teeth. They hide imperfections and create an ideal appearance and function: restoring worn or chipped teeth, closing gaps, improving color and shape, and even correcting alignment. Veneers are a long-lasting solution for achieving a beautiful smile and are one of the most popular procedures in aesthetic dentistry.

Characteristics of Dental Veneers

Veneers are a safe treatment because they preserve natural tooth structure. They can even be used for children. Veneers are only 0.3–0.5 mm thick and resemble natural enamel. Their smooth surface maintains shine and color for many years. They are precisely matched to surrounding teeth for a natural appearance and can be applied to one tooth, several teeth, or the entire dental arch.

Aesthetic Fillings or Veneers?

Both aesthetic fillings and veneers aim to restore damaged teeth and improve appearance. The choice depends on the extent of damage. Fillings are suitable for minor defects, but they wear down more quickly. For more extensive damage and longer-lasting results, veneers are recommended.