Dental prostheses are a highly effective and accessible solution for restoring oral function and aesthetics in patients with partial or total tooth loss. Thanks to advances in dentistry, modern alternatives are now available, both fixed and removable, that adapt to each patient’s needs, oral health conditions, and budget.
At Odontomurillo, our prosthetic treatments are carried out with precision technology and biocompatible materials, allowing for comfortable, functional, and aesthetically satisfying oral rehabilitation. In this article, you will learn about all the available options, the adaptation processes, maintenance, and the utility of dental prostheses in everyday life.
Advantages of Dental Prostheses
Dental prostheses in Colombia offer numerous benefits for those who have lost one or more teeth. These advantages go beyond aesthetics and directly impact the general health and quality of life of the patient.
Functional Recovery
One of the main advantages is the restoration of the ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Dental prostheses allow the recovery of basic oral functions that may have been compromised due to tooth loss.
Aesthetic Improvement and Self-Esteem
Both fixed and removable prostheses are designed to provide a natural appearance. This not only enhances facial aesthetics but also the patient’s self-esteem, allowing them to feel confident when interacting socially.
Prevention of Tooth Shifting
When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth tend to shift, which can lead to occlusion problems. A suitable prosthesis maintains alignment and prevents future complications.
Types of Dental Prostheses Available
At our clinic, we offer different dental prosthesis alternatives in Armenia, tailored to the functional, anatomical, and aesthetic needs of each patient.
Removable Dental Prostheses
These are prostheses that the patient can remove themselves for cleaning or rest.
- Partial Removable Prostheses: Indicated when there are still some healthy teeth that can serve as support. They are fixed using hooks or special attachments.
- Complete Removable Prostheses: Used when there are no remaining teeth. These are commonly known as “full plates” or dentures.
Fixed Dental Prostheses
These are structures that are permanently fixed in the mouth, either over prepared natural teeth or implants.
- Fixed Dental Bridges: Replace one or more teeth using adjacent teeth as support.
- Individual Crowns: Used to cover severely damaged teeth or to reinforce teeth treated with root canals.
Process of Making a Dental Prosthesis
Initial Evaluation
The process begins with a complete clinical evaluation, medical history, panoramic X-rays, and digital or physical models. This allows us to determine the ideal type of prosthesis for the patient.
Impression Taking
To ensure a perfect fit, precise impressions are taken, either using digital technology or conventional materials.
Aesthetic and Functional Testing
In some prostheses (especially removable ones), an aesthetic and functional trial is performed before the final delivery. This allows adjustments in details such as color, tooth size, and bite.
Installation and Follow-up
Once the prosthesis is ready, it is installed, and personalized recommendations are given. The patient begins an adaptation process that may take a few weeks, with follow-up appointments included in the treatment.
Care and Maintenance of Dental Prostheses
Proper care of dental prostheses, whether fixed or removable, is crucial to ensure their durability, functionality, and overall oral health.
For fixed prostheses, such as bridges or crowns on implants, brushing should be done with soft-bristled brushes, complemented with special dental floss or oral irrigators to clean hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, regular dental check-ups are essential to detect any wear or necessary adjustments in time.
For removable prostheses, such as partial or full ones, it is recommended to remove them each night, clean them with appropriate products, and store them in a clean container with water. Avoid using abrasive products and hot water, as they could deform. At Odontomurillo, we provide clear and personalized instructions for the optimal maintenance of your dental prostheses.
Patient Adaptation to Dental Prostheses
A key phase after placement is the adaptation process. With removable prostheses, the first few days may bring discomfort, increased salivation, and difficulties in speaking. However, with professional support and proper exercises, these discomforts usually disappear within weeks. At our oral rehabilitation clinic, we guide the patient step by step through this process, ensuring a comfortable and safe transition.
With fixed prostheses, the adaptation process is usually faster since they are securely anchored onto teeth or implants and provide a feeling similar to natural teeth. Still, we continue to provide advice to avoid pressure points, adjust the bite, and ensure optimal functionality from the beginning.
Replacement and Durability of Dental Prostheses
The durability of a dental prosthesis depends on factors such as the type of device, material quality, hygiene habits, and frequency of professional check-ups. Under ideal conditions, a fixed prosthesis can remain functional and aesthetic for 10 to 15 years, while a removable prosthesis may need adjustments or replacements every 5 to 8 years.
Do not wait until the prosthesis deteriorates completely to consider a replacement. Signs such as persistent discomfort, difficulty chewing, or loss of retention indicate that it is time to visit the dentist. At Odontomurillo, we have advanced technology to assess and renew prostheses according to your current clinical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Prostheses
A removable prosthesis can be removed by the patient, making daily cleaning or nighttime rest easier. They are ideal when several teeth are missing, and implants cannot be placed. On the other hand, a fixed prosthesis is cemented or screwed onto natural teeth or implants, offering greater stability, superior aesthetics, and functionality similar to natural teeth. In our oral rehabilitation experience, we carefully evaluate the best option for each clinical case.
Adaptation time varies depending on the type of prosthesis. With removable ones, it can take between one to three weeks, during which you may experience discomfort or difficulty speaking. With fixed prostheses, the adaptation is quicker, but we recommend close follow-up. During this period, at Odontomurillo, we offer reviews and adjustments that facilitate the adaptation process and improve the patient’s experience.
Yes, although it is recommended to start with soft foods and gradually move on to more solid foods. Fixed prostheses allow a diet very similar to natural teeth. With removable prostheses, it is advisable to avoid hard, sticky, or difficult-to-chew foods, especially at the beginning. Our specialists provide personalized dietary guidance after each procedure to ensure a safe and effective transition.
Yes. Thanks to the use of high-aesthetic ceramics and advanced digital materials, dental prostheses can be very realistic. At Odontomurillo, we apply digital smile design techniques, adapting the color, shape, and size so that the prosthesis integrates perfectly with the patient’s natural smile and looks completely harmonious.
Daily care includes thorough brushing, using dental floss or interdental brushes (depending on the type), and regular visits to the dentist. Removable prostheses should be cleaned with specific products outside the mouth and removed every night. Fixed prostheses, although not removed, require special attention to interdental hygiene. With each delivery, we provide clear guidance to ensure effective and long-lasting care.
It is not recommended to sleep with a removable prosthesis. Removing it at night allows the oral tissues to breathe, reduces the risk of infections, and improves overall gum health. It also facilitates deeper cleaning of the appliance and the oral cavity. In our consultations, we explain the benefits of this practice and help patients adopt a healthy routine that extends the lifespan of their prosthesis.
It depends on the type, use, and maintenance of the device. In general, a fixed prosthesis can last more than a decade, while removable ones may require changes or adjustments every 5 to 8 years, especially due to changes in bone structure or wear. Factors like functional discomfort or visible change indicate the need for evaluation. At Odontomurillo, we conduct periodic follow-ups to detect and address signs of wear in a timely manner.
A defective dental prosthesis can cause discomfort during chewing, bite alterations, gum sores, inflammation, and, in severe cases, infections. It can also affect the maxillofacial musculature and cause joint pain. Therefore, it is crucial to visit the specialist at the first sign of malfunction. At Odontomurillo, we have the team and experience to assess your situation and offer timely solutions.
Adaptation to Dental Prostheses
Adapting to a dental prosthesis may require time, patience, and professional support. At Odontomurillo, we offer continuous guidance during the first few weeks to ensure a smooth and comfortable adaptation.
Initial Adaptation Period
During the first few days, it is common to experience discomfort or changes in pronunciation. These symptoms usually disappear as the patient becomes accustomed to the new device.
Progressive Diet
It is recommended to start with soft foods and gradually move on to more solid foods, to facilitate adaptation without compromising the functionality of the prosthesis.
Hygiene and Maintenance
Both fixed and removable prostheses must be kept in optimal cleaning conditions. Proper brushing, using specific products, and periodic check-ups are key to their durability.