What Are Prosthetic Teeth? Your 2024 Guide By Restore Denture and Implant Center

Many people call replacement teeth “prosthetic teeth.” Prosthetic teeth are artificial teeth used to replace missing or damaged natural teeth and restore chewing, speech, and your smile. Modern digital workflows — like CBCT scans, intraoral scanning, and in-house 3D printing — make prosthetic teeth fit better and feel more comfortable than older methods.

What Are Prosthetic Teeth?

Prosthetic teeth is a general term for several dental solutions that replace lost or failing teeth. Common forms include removable full or partial dentures, fixed bridges, single-tooth implants with crowns, implant-supported overdentures, and full-arch fixed implant bridges like All-on-4. The main goals of prosthetic teeth are to restore chewing function, improve speech, and recreate a natural appearance.

People seek prosthetic teeth for a few common reasons:

• Tooth loss from decay, gum disease, or trauma
• Severe wear or broken teeth that can’t be rebuilt
• Desire for better function and confidence than what loose or old dentures provide

Common Types of Prosthetic Teeth (Quick Comparison)

Removable Full or Partial Dentures

Removable dentures replace an entire arch or some missing teeth. They sit on the gums and are taken out each night.

• Pros: Lower upfront cost, non-surgical
• Cons: Can move during eating or talking, may speed bone loss over years, require daily removal and cleaning

Single-Tooth Implant with Crown

A dental implant replaces one missing tooth root and supports a crown that looks and acts like a natural tooth.

• Pros: Preserves nearby teeth, feels stable and natural
• Cons: Requires enough jawbone and a surgical procedure

Implant-Supported Overdentures

Overdentures snap onto a few implants and offer better stability than traditional dentures while remaining removable.

• Pros: Greater stability, easier hygiene than fixed prostheses
• Cons: Attachments need periodic replacement or maintenance

Fixed Implant Bridges / All-on-4 (Full-Arch Fixed Prostheses)

Full-arch fixed prostheses anchor a rigid bridge to several implants and stay in place like natural teeth.

• Pros: Closest function and appearance to natural teeth
• Cons: Higher cost and more complex planning and surgery

What to Expect When Getting Prosthetic Teeth

First, you’ll have an exam and discussion about goals. The dentist checks oral health, reviews medical history, and makes models or digital scans. Planning decides whether you need extra treatments, like extractions or bone grafts.

Digital workflow benefits:

• CBCT/BCT 3D imaging maps bone and anatomy for safer implant placement
• Intraoral scans capture precise impressions without messy putty
• Digital implant planning and guided-surgery translate the plan to exact implant placement
• In-house CAD/CAM and 3D printing speed up temporaries and final prostheses with better fit

Timeline and recovery vary by treatment. A single crown may take a few weeks; implant-supported dentures or fixed bridges often take months from planning to final restoration, with recovery after implant placement measured in days to weeks for soft-tissue healing. Maintenance typically includes daily cleaning, regular dental check-ups, and occasional adjustments or repairs. Cost depends on type of prosthesis, number of implants, materials, and lab work; many practices offer financing and accept insurance for parts of treatment.

Why Choose Restore Denture and Implant Center for Prosthetic Teeth

Restore Denture and Implant Center in Mesa, AZ specializes in implant and denture care with an on-site lab and guided-surgery workflows. Dr. Alyssa Mencini, DMD, leads the center and brings extensive implant training and experience with full-mouth cases.

Key technologies and benefits offered:

• BCT/CBCT scanning for precise bone and nerve mapping
• In-house CAD/CAM and an Einstein 3D printer for fast, accurate models and provisional prostheses
• Smile simulation (PreVu®) so you can preview results and guide esthetic planning
• Digital implant planning and printed surgical guides to improve predictability
• On-site lab work that shortens turnaround times and allows fine adjustments during your visit
• Comfort options like sedation to make procedures easier for anxious patients

If you’re exploring prosthetic teeth in Mesa, AZ and want a clear plan built on modern digital workflows, schedule a consultation with Restore Denture and Implant Center to review options and costs. A short visit can determine which prosthetic teeth solution fits your function, budget, and lifestyle.