Crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants—these are the dental prosthetics you may think of when you think about prosthodontics, the speciality focused on restoring and replacing teeth and other oral structures.
However, prosthodontists’ work extends beyond tooth restoration. They also often play a crucial part in enhancing or restoring facial aesthetics.
In cases of injury, congenital anomalies, or such diseases as head and neck cancer, prosthodontists create custom solutions to restore function and improve the patient’s overall appearance and confidence.
Keep reading for more information about different types of prostheses and the techniques prosthodontists use to give patients good reasons to smile again.
What Are Facial Prosthetics?
Unlike dental prosthetics, which focus on the teeth and oral cavity, facial prosthetics address broader aesthetic and functional concerns.
Facial prosthetics are artificial devices designed to replace or augment missing or damaged facial structures. They can restore the nose, ears, eyes, or portions of the cheeks and forehead. A complete or partial prosthetic jaw can even reconstruct either the upper jaw bone (maxilla) or lower jaw bone (mandible).
Prosthodontists play a crucial part in fabricating and fitting facial prosthetics. They work closely with specialists in other fields, such as maxillofacial surgeons (those who specialize in the face, mouth, jaw, and neck) and otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists), to ensure prosthetics are functional and aesthetically pleasing.
A 2018 cover story in the Journal of the American Dental Association highlighted “the contributions of prosthodontists throughout the FT [facial transplantation] process, from patient selection and dental evaluation to [the patient’s] long-term dental rehabilitation.”
In FTs, prosthodontists make donor masks to maintain the donor’s facial integrity, thus fulfilling the team’s ethical responsibilities. They can also plan and perform a range of dental treatment procedures for the transplant candidate. “[P]rosthodontists’ role may become even more prominent as this challenging procedure evolves,” notes the American College of Prosthodontists.
Common Uses of Dental and Facial Prosthetics
Not all ways in which prosthodontists use dental prosthetics and facial prosthetics are as dramatic as in facial transplants. Yet these other uses, too, make significant improvements in patients’ quality of life.
The most common applications include:
Restoring Oral Health and Function
Dental prosthetics address issues related to damaged or missing teeth.
- Dental crowns cover decayed or damaged teeth, effectively restoring their function and appearance.
- Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. Prosthodontists anchor them to adjacent teeth to help restore the ability to chew and speak properly.
- Complete or partial dentures are removable prostheses used in cases where multiple teeth have been lost. They assist in chewing and enhancing the patient’s facial structure.
- Facial prosthetics such as palatal obturators are designed for patients who have experienced surgical loss of the palate. These prosthetic devices help restore speech and swallowing.
Enhancing Aesthetic Appearance
Facial and dental restoration through the use of prosthetics can also enhance aesthetic appearance.
- Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the teeth’s front surface to enhance smiles by correcting issues related to color, shape, or alignment.
- Dental implants are titanium posts that provide a reliable base for prosthetic teeth (false teeth like crowns or bridges) that closely mimic natural teeth’s appearance and function.
Improving Quality of Life
Promoting patients’ satisfaction and enjoyment of life is another major purpose of facial and dental prosthetics.
Custom-fitted dentures, for example, not only serve functionality but also significantly enhance a patient’s comfort. They also promote better nutrition by improving chewing ability.
And maxillofacial prosthetics are often important for cancer survivors. These prosthetics restore the face’s aesthetics after oral cancer surgeries and can greatly improve patients’ emotional well-being and self-image.
Providing Comprehensive Care
Comprehensive care is a hallmark of prosthodontics.
Prosthodontists collaborate with a wide range of healthcare professionals, including dental hygienists, oral surgeons, and even psychologists, to develop a well-rounded treatment plan addressing patients’ functional and emotional needs.
This integrated approach ensures both dental and facial prosthetics are effectively combined into a complete care plan, delivering optimal results and enhancing patients’ overall health and well-being.
Explore Your Prosthetic Options at Penn Dental Family Practice
If you’re experiencing tooth loss or have other concerns about your dental and oral health, explore the effective options available to you here at Penn Dental Family Practice (PDFP). We specialize in personalized prosthodontic treatments that meet your unique needs.
Our team of experienced professionals delivers advanced, comprehensive treatment and uses the latest techniques in dental prosthetics. We will guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the highest quality care and support every step of the way.
Schedule your consultation with us online today or call us at 215-898-PDFP (7337) to take the first step toward regaining your confidence and enhancing your oral health through facial or dental prosthetics.
