What is a Prosthesis?
A prosthesis is any artificial structure placed in the mouth to replace teeth lost or to correct aesthetic defects due to various reasons, meeting the aesthetic and functional needs of individuals. Generally, tooth loss can occur as a result of untreated gum diseases. In addition, tooth loss can also occur as a result of some accidents. Therefore, prostheses that will perform the same function as healthy teeth, both functionally and aesthetically, should be made to replace the lost teeth.
What is the Purpose of a Dental Prosthesis?
In a prosthesis, while trying to restore the patient's lost functions, it is also aimed to correct the impaired speech and improve the aesthetic appearance. In this way, while largely correcting the lost oral health, it is also ensured that individuals who have to live with missing or damaged teeth in society are psychologically supported. Because individuals who have to continue their lives in this way (even for a while) forget how to smile in the first place. This, in addition to functional disorders, causes damage to people's self-confidence. Various prostheses made for these types of patients aim to improve people's quality of life.
Types of Prostheses
1. Fixed Prostheses (cemented prostheses such as crowns and bridges)
2. Removable Prostheses (total or partial dentures)
3. Implant-supported prostheses (screws and prostheses placed in the jaw)
4. Single crowns (in the form of capping a single tooth)
5. Bridges (capping missing teeth together with the teeth next to them)
Cleaning of Prostheses
Removable prostheses are cleaned with a number of cleaning agents. Prostheses are cleaned by means of effervescent tablets placed in water. If a denture cleaning agent is not available, the prosthesis can be cleaned with a toothbrush or a denture brush. In addition, partial removable dentures can be removed from the mouth, the existing teeth in the mouth are cleaned, and then the denture can be cleaned and replaced. However, in total dentures, it is sufficient for the patient to remove the dentures and rinse their mouth.
Having a prosthesis does not mean that you will pay less attention to your oral hygiene and care. On the contrary, going to your dentist regularly will increase the life of your prostheses and protect your oral health.
Why should you clean your dentures daily?
Daily cleaning is important to prevent the formation of plaque, food residue, and tartar, which can cause the following problems:
1. Appearance and aesthetic problems.
2. Bad breath.
3. Irritation of the tissue under the prosthesis.
4. Infection in the mouth.
How can I keep my dentures clean?
After meals, remove food residue by rinsing your denture in water. You should regularly brush your denture after certain meals, especially before going to bed. This prevents plaque and stain formation. Water and various toothpastes or denture care products are used in the brushing process. Abrasive powders should not be used. Otherwise, the surface of the prosthesis will be scratched and residues will start to collect and discolor on these surfaces.
Special denture brushes or normal toothbrushes can also be used. You should take care to clean all surfaces of the prosthesis. From time to time, you can keep your denture in special denture solutions. You should wash your prosthesis after it has been exposed to chemicals before using it. The most effective way to keep the prosthesis clean is to combine daily brushing with soaking in chemical solutions a few times a week.
Stains and tartar that have penetrated into the prosthesis can only be cleaned by a dentist with ultrasonic tools.
