Crowns are prosthetic devices made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. They protect and strengthen weak or damaged teeth, restore broken or severely decayed teeth, and improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.

Prosthodontists create customized crowns that blend in seamlessly with the rest of a patient’s natural teeth, helping them achieve an attractive and healthy smile.

Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth, whether only a few (partial dentures) or an entire arch (full dentures). Dentures help patients regain their ability to eat and speak, as well as restore confidence in their smiles.

Prosthodontists fashion dentures from acrylic resin, metal, or a combination of materials that not only look natural but also fit comfortably and securely in a patient’s mouth.

Bridges are prosthetic devices used to fill in the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap.

Prosthodontists design and create dental bridges customized to fit each patient’s unique oral anatomy, helping restore the teeth’s function and appearance while preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of place.

When considering dental bridges vs. implants, understand that a bridge involves placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap, with an artificial tooth filling the space in between. In contrast, a dental implant involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to be a strong foundation for crowns, bridges, or implant dentures.

Dental implants are more durable and long-lasting than bridges. They also require a more invasive procedure. The choice between bridges and implants depends on a patient’s specific circumstances. Prosthodontists carefully plan and carry out implant placement, ensuring optimal function and aesthetics.

Prosthodontists can play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems (also called temporomandibular disorder, or TMD).

Treatment options for TMD may include using oral appliances to realign the jaw joint, prescribing medications to reduce pain and inflammation, recommending exercises to improve jaw mobility, or in severe cases, performing surgical procedures to repair or replace damaged joints. As a TMJ specialist, a prosthodontist can help patients alleviate pain and improve jaw function.

Some prosthodontists specialize in designing, fabricating, and fitting customized prosthetics to restore the shape and appearance of mouth and facial structures. Such restoration can be needed after head and neck cancer, or deformities caused by congenital and developmental conditions or injuries.

Facial prosthetics can replace parts of the face entirely, correct the position of the jaws to improve speech and swallowing, improve the tongue’s mobility, and more.

Here are some situations in which seeking a prosthodontist’s advice could prove beneficial:

• You are missing one or more teeth and need a dental bridge or implant to restore your smile and ability to chew properly.

• You want to improve the aesthetics of your smile through crowns or dentures.

• You experience jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, symptoms that may indicate a TMD requiring treatment.

• You have suffered from head or neck cancer, congenital deformities, or traumatic injuries that have affected your mouth and face’s appearance or function.

Whether you need a simple dental restoration or a complex facial prosthetic, the prosthodontics team at Penn Dental Family Practice (PDFP) can provide personalized care to meet your unique needs.

Fill out the form below to schedule your consultation, or call 215-898-PDFP (7337).

We will explore your prosthodontic treatment options with you and ensure you achieve the healthy smile you deserve.