Dental Prosthetics Center

Dental prosthetics is a procedure used to restore missing teeth. The main goal is to restore chewing function and improve the aesthetic appearance of the mouth.

When is dental prosthetics performed?

• When one or more teeth are missing
• In cases of chipped or fractured teeth
• To strengthen weakened teeth

Types of Dental Prosthetics

• Fixed (non-removable) prosthetics
• Removable prosthetics
• Aesthetic prosthetics

Fixed Dental Prosthetics

• Prostheses supported by dental implants
• Single crowns placed on natural teeth
• Dental bridges (anchored to adjacent teeth or implants)

Dental Crown

A dental crown is an artificial covering that restores the natural shape of a damaged tooth (chipped, worn, or otherwise affected). It is either cemented onto a prepared tooth or attached to an implant.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is a strong, durable, and fully biocompatible material that does not cause allergies and contains no metal.

Advantages:

• Natural gum appearance (no greyish tint typical of metal-based crowns)
• Suitable for both front and back teeth
• Highly aesthetic and durable
• Minimal tooth preparation required
• Reduces risk of tooth fracture and decay

At “Meliva” clinics, next-generation zirconia ceramics are used, offering excellent biocompatibility—even for patients with allergies.

Metal-Ceramic Crowns

Metal-ceramic crowns consist of a metal base covered with ceramic (porcelain), matched to the natural tooth color.

Advantages:

• High strength and durability
• More affordable

Disadvantages:

• Lower aesthetics (can appear darker; grey line near gum)
• Not recommended for visible front teeth
• Not suitable for patients with metal allergies

Full Cast Crowns

Full cast crowns are especially suitable for back teeth, where strength is the key priority.

Advantages:

• Very strong and durable
• Ideal for bridgework

Disadvantages:

• Less aesthetic
• Lower cost compared to metal-free options

Removable Dental Prosthetics

Types:

• Full or partial acrylic (plastic) dentures
• Full or partial flexible (polyamide) dentures
• Removable partial (clasp-supported) dentures

Acrylic Dentures

Custom-made removable prostheses, often used for full-arch restoration.

Pros:

• Improves aesthetics
• Allows basic chewing

Cons:

• Restores only 30–40% of chewing function
• Can break
• May cause allergies
• Does not prevent bone loss

Flexible Dentures

Made of elastic material, these dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking.

Advantages:

• Better fit and comfort
• No metal clasps
• Hypoallergenic
• Durable and lightweight

Disadvantages:

• Restores only 30–40% of chewing function
• Does not prevent bone loss

Clasp-Supported Dentures

These have a metal framework covered with plastic and are secured using special clasps.

Advantages:

• Better load distribution
• Slower bone loss compared to simple dentures
• More comfortable than acrylic plates

Limitations:

• Still removable
• Does not fully restore chewing function

Aesthetic Prosthetics

Aesthetic prosthetics are most commonly used for front teeth.

• Metal-free crowns are used for damaged teeth
• Veneers (laminates) are used when the tooth is healthy but appearance (color/shape) needs improvement

E-Max Prosthetics

E-Max is an advanced metal-free ceramic made of lithium disilicate.

Benefits:

• 4 times stronger than conventional ceramic
• Excellent aesthetics and translucency
• Natural appearance, similar to real teeth
• Ideal for front and individual teeth
• Highly durable and resistant

It is especially suitable for restoring weakened or root canal-treated teeth, as well as repairing broken or heavily damaged teeth.