What You Should Know About Prosthodontics

(Newswire.net — November 17, 2015) Greenwood Village, CO — If your broken, missing, misshapen or discolored teeth are ruining your smile, prosthodontics can help. Broken, missing and poorly shaped teeth can make it difficult or even painful to eat certain foods. These tooth problems, along with discolored teeth, are also unattractive.

Here is what you should know about prosthodontics and the dentists who practice this specialty, and how this special branch of dentistry can help you have the healthy mouth and beautiful smile you have always wanted.

How is a prosthodontist different from other dentists and dental specialists?

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has received three years of post-graduate training in the restoration of broken and missing teeth. The prosthodontist focuses on the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth. A prosthodontist makes your smile beautiful and helps your teeth work the way they should. You would choose a prosthodontist if you are missing one or more teeth, you wear dentures, are interested in dental implants or you just want to improve the aesthetic beauty of your smile.

How can I determine if my prosthodontist is board certified?

You can search the Locate a Board Certified Prosthodontist directory on the website operated by the American Board of Prosthodontics. The board issues exams twice a year, so check back later if you do not see your prosthodontist listed.

How can a prosthodontist treat temporomandibular disorders (commonly known as TMJ)?

Depending on the history of your TMJ and the symptoms you experience, your prosthodontist may recommend a bite guard to treat this common jaw joint problem. The bite guard, known as a stabilization splint, fits over your upper or lower teeth. The splint stabilizes the jaw to hold the joint in a healthy position.

How to improve your smile with prosthodontics?

A healthy and attractive smile is important for good health and self-esteem. If you are like millions of Americans who are unhappy with the way their smile looks, you may wish to consult a prosthodontist.

As the recognized experts in replacing teeth, prosthodontists can create a smile makeover with crowns, bridges, dental implants and dentures. Prosthodontists receive advanced training in the art and science of fixing broken, discolored or misshapen teeth and other structures in the mouth. Prosthodontics treatments include:

• Complete ceramic esthetic crowns or “caps” that cover entire teeth
• Veneers that hide defects
• Tooth bonding for chipped or discolored teeth, using compost resin shaped and polished to look like natural tooth material
• Bleaching discolored teeth to whiten and brighten your smile

 

What are the 8 Worst foods for Dentures?

Dentures look great and allow you to eat nearly all your favorite treats but some foods can be hard on dentures or be tough for denture wearers to eat. Some food and drinks can stain dentures, for example, while especially chewy or crunchy foods may be difficult to eat with dentures. Eating some foods can even break your dentures. The eight worst foods for dentures are coffee/tea, popcorn, sticky candy, nuts, steak, raw fruits and vegetables, seeded bread or crackers, and nut butters. Consult with your prosthodontist for a complete list of foods to avoid while wearing dentures. Your prosthodontist can also give you other pointers on keeping your dentures, crowns, veneers and other types of prosthodontics working well and looking great for years to come.

If you struggle with crooked, missing, broken, misshapen or discolored teeth, make an appointment with your prosthodontist.