What is fixed prosthetics?

Fixed prosthetics is the area of dental prosthetics that focuses on the restorations of the lost teeth and oral tissues and the aesthetical correction of the existing tissues to achieve both a functional and an aesthetically perfect smile.

What are fixed prosthetic devices and how do they differ from mobile restorations?

Fixed prosthetic restorations include: dental bridges, crowns, veneers, inlays and build-ups. Unlike mobile restorations (which can be removed), fixed prosthetic restorations are permanently cemented onto natural teeth (and/or dental implants).

When to opt for fixed prosthetic therapy?

Fixed prosthetic therapy is an option if one or more teeth are missing, if some teeth are severely damaged and/or if the patient is not satisfied with their aesthetics.

How are fixed prosthetic devices made?

Fixed prosthetic restorations are made in a dental laboratory based on the impressions taken in a dental office. Dental bridges and crowns can be made from metal ceramics (metal base) or non-metal ceramics (non-metal base, i.e. core). Ceramics is layered over the core. Veneers, laminates, inlays and ceramic fillings are made in a dental laboratory from special types of ceramics. Post and core build ups can be made directly in a dental office if using dental posts or in a dental laboratory from metal or other materials (e-max, zirconia).

What are the new trends in prosthetic dentistry?

Modern dental medicine strives to preserve as much sound tooth tissue as possible and achieve a perfect functional and aesthetic result by creating a fixed prosthetic restoration. Therefore, the advantage is nowadays given to prosthetic restorations on dental implants which do not require drilling of the existing teeth, and to non-metal ceramics due to its biocompatibility and aesthetic superiority. Non-metal prosthetic restorations can also be made using computer technology (CAD/CAM) which gives high-precision results. Also, with non-metal restorations there are no ugly-looking black lines which can sometimes be seen in metal-ceramic restorations at the crown margin where the metal shines through. Also, there are no signs of corrosion and metal particles release. There are many types of non-metal ceramics (Emax, zirconia, empress…) which differ according to their structure, properties and manufacturing methods. Each type has its own indications.

What is the procedure for making fixed prosthetic devices?

• After the initial examination and diagnostics, keeping in mind Your overall health condition, we need to determine the causes of your current mouth condition. Those usually include poor oral hygiene, bite problems, bruxism, unhealthy lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking). Based on all the information needed, we determine whether there are indications for fixed prosthetic restorations and which type of restoration is the best solution for You.  
• The next step includes drilling and taking the impressions of the current teeth condition. Based on the impressions, the aesthetically acceptable provisional restoration is made in the dental laboratory.
• In the follow-up visit, the dentist checks the fit of the restoration, and if everything is satisfactory, the restoration is cemented into place.

How long does it take to produce a fixed prosthetic device and how many visits to the dentist are required?

The whole procedure of producing a fixed prosthetic restoration from drilling to cementing it into place usually takes about 7-14 days, but if necessary it can be done in 3-7 days.

During that period, 2-3 visits are required.

What to think about before making a fixed prosthetic device?

Before you decide to get a fixed prosthetic restoration, especially in the aesthetic zone of smile, we advise You to think about the desired colour of your restoration, as well as whether You want to achieve a greater aesthetic transformation. This is important because it affects the decision on the number of teeth to be included in the restoration and whether the remaining teeth need to be whitened.

If you suffer from some form of bruxism (teeth grinding, jaw clenching…) it is important to inform your dentist about it before getting a fixed prosthetic restoration. After cementation, it will be necessary to make a night guard or a splint (find out more about splints here) that will protect Your teeth from damaging.

What to do after making a fixed prosthetic device?

Immediately after cementation, it is not recommended to eat for an hour. When the anaesthetic wears off, You might feel soreness and thermal sensitivity (hot, cold) if the supporting teeth are vital. This sensitivity is normal and will disappear in 1-2 weeks. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene. A soft brush is recommended which can be used to massage the gums without having to worry about damaging them. A few days after cementation we recommend you pay more attention to Your gums (using Gengigel is advisable). Also, where possible, use dental floss and/or an interdental brush.

About a week after cementation, a follow-up examination will be necessary which is extremely important to detect possible problems such as premature occlusal contacts when biting or sliding your teeth against each other, soft tissue response, persisting soreness and sensitivity, etc.

It is important to carefully follow the instructions given by Your dentist to make your prosthetic restoration last longer.

What is the expected lifespan of a fixed prosthetic device?

Fixed prosthetic restorations last between 5-15 years (depending on the type of restoration) provided that you carefully follow the instructions of Your doctor of dental medicine. It also depends on the biological factor of your tissue (the condition of the tooth which is restored and the gum line at the edge of the tooth or dental implant which is inevitably receding gradually over time). If you suffer from bruxism, make sure you wear mouth guards, avoid biting off and tearing hard food, do not bite nails, chew ice, pencils and other items.  Maintain proper oral hygiene on a daily basis and schedule check-ups at your doctor of dental medicine every 6-12 months.

Why choose to make a fixed prosthetic device s in OUR practice?

1. We have 17 years of experience in making prosthetic restorations.
2. We try to make you feel comfortable and relaxed in our clinic, without any fear.
3. We respect your wishes relating to the health and beauty of your future smile and try to fulfil them completely.
4. Our goal is to make your smile functional and aesthetically perfect.
5. Your prosthetic restoration will be produced in a renowned dental laboratory and will be of outstanding quality and aesthetics.
6. The work in your mouth will be painless and safe, we will do our best to make it as comfortable as possible and our service as good.
7. The price of the fixed prosthetic restoration will include the local anaesthetics, a temporary restoration and a check-up.
8. Your “before and after“ photos of the fixed prosthetic restoration will be preserved.
9. At any moment we are available to you for advice and consultation via mobile phone, e-mail and social media.
10. We try to keep our appointments.
11. You can pay in cash, but also in interest free instalments: American Express up to 12 instalments, Diners up to 6 instalments, Erste & Steiermärkische banka Maestro and MasterCard up to 12 instalments.
12. There is free parking in front of the practice.

A beautiful smile is individual. Each of us is individual, so a beautiful smile can be achieved only if each patient is given “their own” smile. This is what we are striving for, and we believe we have a sense of beauty.

And if you choose our dental office, we’ll do our best to give you YOUR PERFECT SMILE!

If we meet your criteria, feel free to contact us and make an appointment.

If these pages do not provide you with an answer to your question on fixed prosthetic devices, dental health and dental services, feel free to contact us.

 

We are at your disposal!