What is a Prosthesis?
A prosthesis is an artificial device placed in the mouth to replace missing teeth or correct aesthetic defects for functional and aesthetic purposes. These prostheses help restore the aesthetic and functional needs of individuals. Generally, tooth loss can occur due to untreated gum diseases. Additionally, accidents can also lead to tooth loss. For this reason, prostheses that serve 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 prosthetic treatments, the aim is to restore lost functions while improving speech and aesthetic appearance. In this way, the oral health that has been largely lost is restored, and individuals who must live with missing or damaged teeth are also psychologically supported. Those who live with missing teeth (even for a period) often forget how to smile. This can harm not only function but also the self-confidence of individuals. The goal is to improve the quality of life for these patients through various prosthetic solutions.
Types of Prostheses:
- Fixed Prostheses (e.g., crowns, bridges, or adhesive prostheses)
- Removable Prostheses (e.g., full or partial dentures)
- Implant-Supported Prostheses (e.g., prostheses mounted on implants)
- Single Crowns (covering a single tooth)
- Bridges (covering missing teeth by attaching to adjacent teeth)
Cleaning of Prostheses:
Removable prostheses are cleaned using cleaning agents, often effervescent tablets dissolved in water. If no cleaning agents are available, a toothbrush or a prosthetic brush can be used for cleaning. For partial dentures, after the existing teeth in the mouth are cleaned, the prosthesis can be cleaned and placed back into the mouth. However, for full dentures, rinsing the mouth after removing the prosthesis is sufficient.
Having a prosthesis does not mean you should pay less attention to oral hygiene and care. On the contrary, regular visits to your dentist will increase the lifespan of your prostheses and protect your oral health.
Why Should You Clean Your Prosthesis Daily?
Daily cleaning is important to prevent the buildup of plaque, food residues, and tartar that can lead to the following problems:
- Aesthetic and appearance issues.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Irritation of the tissues under the prosthesis.
- Oral infections.
How Can I Keep My Prosthesis Clean?
After meals, rinse your prosthesis with water to remove food particles. It is important to regularly brush your prosthesis, especially after certain meals and before bed. This will prevent plaque and stain buildup. Use water or specialized denture care products during brushing. Avoid abrasive powders, as they may scratch the surface of your prosthesis, causing residue buildup and discoloration.
Special prosthetic brushes or regular toothbrushes can be used for cleaning. Be sure to clean all surfaces of the prosthesis. Occasionally, you can soak your prosthesis in special denture liquids. After soaking in chemicals, be sure to rinse the prosthesis thoroughly before use. The most effective way to keep your prosthesis clean is daily brushing combined with occasional soaking in chemical solutions a few times a week.
Stubborn stains and tartar embedded in the prosthesis can only be removed by a dentist using ultrasonic tools.
