Fixed Prostheses
Oral and dental health plays a central role in maintaining an individual’s physiological and psychological integrity. Tooth loss occurring in the mouth, which is the beginning of the digestive system, threatens general health by reducing chewing efficiency, while also causing phonation (speech) disorders and aesthetic concerns.
Modern dentistry has developed various restorative methods to repair lost tooth tissues or complete missing teeth. Among these methods, Fixed Prostheses, which patients feel are closest to the comfort of their natural teeth, do not require removal, and integrate with the tissue, are among the most frequently applied treatment protocols in clinical practice. Atlas Sea Dental, providing dentistry services in Kırklareli and its surroundings, applies these prosthetic systems with current material technologies to meet the functional and aesthetic expectations of patients.
What is a Fixed Prosthesis? Basic Definition and Function
Fixed Prostheses, also referred to as “crowns and bridges” in dental literature, are restorations that cannot be removed by the patient themselves and are fixed to existing teeth or dental implants with special adhesives (cements). Unlike removable prostheses, these prostheses do not move in the mouth, do not cover the palate, and transmit chewing forces directly to the supporting teeth or implants, offering performance closest to natural teeth. The primary aim of the treatment is to preserve the integrity of a tooth that has suffered excessive substance loss (crown) or to fill a region with missing teeth by getting support from neighboring teeth (bridge). For patients searching for a Kırklareli Dental Clinic, these treatments are of great importance in terms of restoring aesthetic appearance and eliminating speech disorders.
Types of Fixed Prostheses
Fixed restorations are divided into different categories according to their application area and structural features:
- Crown Applications These are restorations applied to a single tooth. They are generally preferred in the following cases:
- Excessive Decay or Substance Loss: To protect the tooth in cases of large tissue losses that cannot be restored with a filling.
- After Root Canal Treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment become brittle over time (losing their hydration). To prevent these teeth from breaking.
- Aesthetic Corrections: To correct the form of teeth with color, shape, or position defects.
- Bridge Applications In the absence of one or more teeth, it is a system where the natural teeth on both sides of the gap are reduced and used as “abutments” (supports), and the gap is filled with “pontic” (body) teeth.
- Implant-Supported Fixed Prostheses These are porcelains applied onto artificial roots (implants) placed in the area of tooth deficiency. In this method, there is no need to cut neighboring healthy teeth, which makes it the most protective form of Fixed Prostheses.
4. Maryland (Winged) Bridges These are minimally invasive bridges applied especially for single tooth deficiencies in the anterior region, by adhering only to the back surfaces of neighboring teeth without cutting them. Their durability is lower compared to others.
Materials Used and Technological Developments
The success and aesthetics of fixed prostheses vary according to the type of material used. At Atlas Sea Dental clinics, different materials are preferred according to the patient’s expectation and the condition of the case.
- Metal-Supported Porcelains: The traditional type where a gray metal alloy is placed under the porcelain to provide durability. Although preferred in posterior region bridges due to durability, the lack of light transmission and potential gray reflection on the gum is an aesthetic disadvantage.
- Zirconia-Based Porcelains: A system using zirconium, a white and very durable element, instead of metal. Thanks to its light transmission, tissue compatibility, and high fracture resistance, it is an ideal option for Fixed Prostheses in both anterior and posterior regions.
- Full Ceramic (Full Porcelain / E.max): Crowns produced from fully reinforced glass ceramics containing no metal or zirconium. Light transmission is identical to natural teeth. It is preferred for anterior teeth where aesthetic expectation is highest.
Treatment Process and Clinical Stages
Fixed prosthesis construction requires precise work and multiple sessions. A treatment protocol at Kırklareli Dental Clinic standards usually follows these steps:
- Examination and Treatment Planning: Root structures and surrounding bone tissue are examined with radiological imaging (Panoramic X-ray). The health of teeth to be used as support is evaluated. If there is gum disease or infection at the root tip, these problems are resolved first.
- Preparation (Tooth Reduction): Enamel tissue is removed from around and on the chewing surface of the relevant teeth so that the prosthesis can fit onto the tooth (preparation). Since this procedure is done under local anesthesia, the patient does not feel pain.
- Impression Taking: A copy of the cut teeth and surrounding tissues is taken. Traditional silicone impression materials can be used, or digital impressions can be taken with new generation intraoral scanners (CAD/CAM).
- Temporary Crown Application: While the laboratory phase continues, temporary plastic teeth (acrylic) are made and cemented in the same session so that the patient is not left toothless, does not experience sensitivity, and aesthetic appearance is not compromised.
- Laboratory and Rehearsal Stages: Fixed Prostheses prepared by technicians come to the clinic first for infrastructure (metal or zirconia) rehearsal. Gum fit and marginal seal are checked. Then, porcelain is processed, and an aesthetic rehearsal is performed. Color, form, contact with neighboring teeth, and closure (occlusion) are examined in detail.
- Cementation (Permanent Bonding): When everything is ideal, the prosthesis is permanently bonded to the tooth with special dental cements. The prosthesis has now become a part of the tooth.
Why Choose Fixed Prostheses?
Compared to removable prostheses, Fixed Prostheses have significant advantages that increase quality of life:
- Psychological Comfort: Patients feel the prosthesis like their own teeth and do not fear it coming out.
- Chewing Efficiency: Since the biting force is transmitted directly to the bone, hard foods can be consumed easily.
- Speech: Since there are no moving parts, there is no stumbling of the tongue, and phonation is not impaired.
- Protection: It protects teeth with excessive substance loss against fractures by enveloping them.
Maintenance and Hygiene: Extending the Life of Prostheses
There is a misconception in society that “crowned teeth do not decay.” The porcelain itself does not decay, but the supporting tooth underneath the porcelain can start to decay from the gum line (margin). Therefore, the care of Fixed Prostheses requires more attention than natural teeth.
- Brushing: Brushing should be done at least twice a day, massaging the line where the gum meets the crown.
- Dental Floss and Interdental Brush: Special dental floss called “superfloss” should be used to clean under the body parts of bridges. Standard dental floss cannot get under bridges.
- Oral Irrigator: Devices that spray pressurized water are very effective for cleaning food residues under bridges.
- Regular Check-up: Kırklareli Dental Clinic should be visited every 6 months to check the marginal fit of the prostheses and the stability of the adhesive.
Bridge or Implant?
his is the subject patients are most often in a dilemma about regarding tooth deficiencies.
- Bridge: Requires cutting the healthy teeth next to the gap. It is completed in a shorter time and is more economical. However, it does not prevent bone resorption.
- Implant: Neighboring teeth are not touched. It stops bone resorption. It is a more costly and long-term treatment. Atlas Sea Dental physicians recommend implant treatment primarily for the sake of preventive dentistry if neighboring teeth are healthy and the bone is suitable. However, if neighboring teeth already have large fillings or damage, making a bridge can be a logical option.
Possible Problems and Solutions in Fixed Prostheses
Although rare, some problems may occur during use:
- Sensitivity: Hot-cold sensitivity is normal in the first weeks after bonding. If it lasts long, root canal treatment may be required.
- Porcelain Fracture: Chipping may occur in porcelain as a result of hard foods or teeth grinding. Small fractures can be repaired intraorally, while large fractures require renewal of the prosthesis.
- Gum Recession: If gums recede over time, the edge of the crown may be exposed. In this case, changing the prosthesis is recommended for aesthetic and health reasons.
- Decementation of Prosthesis: The adhesive cement may dissolve over time. If there is no deformation in the prosthesis, it can be cleaned and re-bonded by the physician.
Why Choose Fixed Prostheses?
Compared to removable prostheses, Fixed Prostheses have significant advantages that increase quality of life:
- Psychological Comfort: Patients feel the prosthesis like their own teeth and do not fear it coming out.
- Chewing Efficiency: Since the biting force is transmitted directly to the bone, hard foods can be consumed easily.
- Speech: Since there are no moving parts, there is no stumbling of the tongue, and phonation is not impaired.
- Protection: It protects teeth with excessive substance loss against fractures by enveloping them.
Aesthetic Expectations and Smile Design
oday, Fixed Prostheses are used not only to fill gaps but also for aesthetic smile design (Hollywood Smile). Especially in teeth that are too crowded or discolored for veneers, the color, size, and form of the teeth can be completely changed with zirconium or full ceramic crowns. In Kırklareli Dental Clinic services, digital design methods are used to present the post-treatment image to the patient in advance.
Access to Treatment in the Kırklareli Region
The Thrace region has a health infrastructure that closely follows dental technologies. Clinics based in Kırklareli work with laboratories at Istanbul standards to ensure high-quality prosthesis production. Institutions like Atlas Sea Dental plan the treatment process to minimally affect the patient’s social life. The ease of regional access provides a great advantage over out-of-town treatments in terms of regular post-treatment check-ups.
In the restoration of oral health, Fixed Prostheses are an indispensable part of dentistry with proven success rates and patient satisfaction. Technology evolving from metal-supported systems to full ceramics can offer patients both biological compatibility and flawless aesthetics simultaneously. Completing missing teeth is not only an aesthetic necessity but also a requirement for the health of the digestive system and the balance of the jaw joint. With the right material selection, precise medical application, and conscious patient care, Fixed Prostheses can serve for many years, even a lifetime. In your search for a Kırklareli Dental Clinic, working with physicians with high material knowledge and application experience is the most valuable investment made in the future of your smile. A healthy smile is the mirror of self-confidence and general health; keeping this mirror bright is possible with the right treatment methods.
