Dental prostheses are restorative dental treatment methods used to complete missing teeth or edentulous areas and to improve a person’s oral function, aesthetics and quality of life. There are different types of dental prostheses, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are the commonly used types of dental prostheses and their advantages and disadvantages:

Fixed Prostheses

Fixed dentures are permanent dental restorations used to fill missing teeth or repair damaged teeth. The following recommendations can be given to patients wearing fixed dentures so that they can protect these dentures for a long time, maintain their oral health and use their dentures comfortably:

1. Regular Dentist Checks: It is important to check fixed dentures regularly. Your dentist can evaluate the condition of your dentures and help diagnose and resolve any problems early.

2. Good Oral Hygiene: Fixed dentures create an area that needs to be cleaned. Use a toothbrush, dental floss or special denture cleaning products to clean your dentures. Your dentist can give you advice on this matter.

3. Balanced Nutrition: Fixed dentures help you regain your chewing function. However, hard or sticky foods can cause damage to dentures. Be careful with your food choices and avoid overly hard foods or objects.

4. Take Teeth Grinding Under Control: If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night (bruxism), your dentist can help you with this. Controlling bruxism can protect your dentures and teeth.

5. Limit Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect oral health and reduce the durability of dentures. Avoid or limit these habits.

6. Protecting Your Mouth: If you play sports, protect your teeth and dentures by using mouth protection equipment. Be careful against accidents.

7. Stress Management: Stress can negatively affect dental health. Use appropriate methods to manage stress and relax.

8. Ask Your Dentist Questions: If you have any questions or concerns about fixed dentures, raise them with your dentist. It is important to receive correct information and guidance.

9. Constant Maintenance: Fixed dentures may wear or loosen over time. Report any discrepancy or distress to your dentist immediately.

10. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Your dentist should regularly check your dentures and make adjustments if necessary. Do not miss regular maintenance appointments for your dentures.

Regular maintenance for fixed dentures to be healthy and long-lasting

Removable Prostheses

Removable denture is a dental restoration method used to replace missing teeth or toothless areas. Some suggestions for patients using removable dentures to help them use their dentures comfortably, maintain them, and protect their oral health are as follows:

1. Regular Check-ups: Removable denture users should go to their dentist for regular check-ups. The dentist ensures that the denture fits properly and that any problems are diagnosed and treated early.

2. Good Cleanliness: Maintain oral hygiene by removing and cleaning the denture after each meal. When cleaning dentures, you can use a soft toothbrush and special denture cleaning tablets or liquids. Avoid using hot water or hard brushes when cleaning the denture, as this may damage the denture.

3. Remove the Prosthesis at Night: Remove the prosthesis while sleeping and soak it in water. This helps rest the oral tissues and clean the denture.

4. Pay Attention to Gums and Oral Health: After removing and cleaning the dentures, brush your gums and mouth. Paying attention to oral health can help the denture fit better.

5. Prefer Soft Foods: If the dentures are new or uncomfortable, choose softer and smaller bites in the beginning. You can ease the adaptation process by chewing and swallowing slowly.

6. Avoid Excessive Force: Avoid using force if it dislodges or disturbs the prosthesis. This may damage the denture or your gums. Report any problems to your dentist.

7. Intraoral Emotional Comfort: Some discomfort may be experienced when the dentures are first installed or after the adjustments. This is normal, but you should stay in touch with your dentist about this.

8. In Case of Loss or Damage to Dentures: If you have lost or damaged your dentures, you should contact your dentist immediately. Going temporarily without a denture can negatively affect your oral health.

9. Limit Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and alcohol can increase the irritating effects of the denture and negatively affect dental health. Avoid or limit such habits.

10. Stress Management: Oral health is linked to overall health. Stress can negatively affect oral health. Try to relax by using stress management techniques.

Remember that dentures are a method of dental restoration that requires an adaptation period. It is normal to experience some discomfort at first, but they will become more comfortable over time. Your dentist will provide you with detailed information on how to use your dentures better and how to maintain them.