Microprosthetics is a new dental field, the purpose of which is to preserve significantly damaged teeth, restore their functioning and improve their appearance.
This is a modern way of restoring the dentition and teeth, which uses the latest fiberglass and ceramic materials.
Indirect and direct methods of dental restoration
In the field of aesthetic dentistry, an indirect and direct method of dental restoration is used to treat patients. The direct method is understood as carrying out restoration work right in the person’s mouth. An indirect method involves making a cast in a dental laboratory for restorations. Tooth prosthetics is an indirect restoration method.
It differs from other techniques. The methods of tooth restoration used in microprosthetics are more gentle and make it possible not to affect the teeth located next to one in most cases.
The pads and tabs (used for dental restoration of the structure) are made according to individual casts in the laboratory and are especially durable in comparison with crowns and photo fillings that were used in dentistry.
Increasingly, in aesthetic dentistry, the methods used in microprosthetics are used to make teeth perfect, that is, to create a “Hollywood smile”.
Below we consider the types of this method of prosthetics.
Types of Prosthetics
The following types of tooth micro-prosthetics are available:
- Adhesive prosthetics. This procedure makes it possible to replace one or two missing teeth with prostheses. For prosthetics, fiberglass with unique strength is most often used. Such its property allows you to make bridges with a long life. Among other things, fiberglass microprosthetics allows the installation of a bridge in just one visit to a doctor. A fiberglass beam is attached to adjacent teeth with a special adhesive, a tooth is formed on the beam from light-curing material. Teeth located nearby are not depulpable. Micro-prosthetics of an absent tooth with the use of fiberglass are especially indicated for those who are allergic to metal areas of dentures. The cost of a fiberglass bridge is lower when compared with other dental prosthetics.
- Micro prosthetics by overlays (veneers). Veneers are thin plates attached to the external tooth surface and improve the appearance of the teeth. Using this type, you can improve the color and shape of the teeth, as well as hide chips, areas of darkening and abrasion of enamel. These pads also perform a protection function, protecting tooth enamel from the aggressive effects of tea, coffee, cigarette smoke and physical influences. When prosthetics of the front teeth by means of overlays, unesthetic gaps between the teeth can be hidden.
- Using tabs. Microprosthetics of teeth with tabs means the use of special fillings made in the laboratory. They have an aesthetic appearance and are much more durable and durable compared to simple light fillings.
- The pins. In the event that the dental crown is destroyed, but the root is healthy, microprosthetics of the tooth using pins is used. Place the pin in the root of the tooth and then form a crown based on it. This method of prosthetics makes it possible to install the prosthesis of a destroyed tooth without turning the teeth located from the installed crown on both sides.
Stages of creating and installing micro prostheses
There are several stages of creating and installing a micro prosthesis. Usually a person needs to visit the dentist twice.
During the first visit, the diseased tooth is processed: the dead tissue is removed in the caries focus, a cavity is formed, which subsequently closes with a tab.
If a cavity is formed in the tooth, a hardening paste is applied on one side to the teeth of each jaw on a special spoon to take impressions. A cast of an affected tooth is used to make a microprosthesis, and from the other jaw to precisely match the microprosthesis, especially its chewing surface, to the dental shape of the opposite row of teeth.
The color of the human enamel and the casts of the teeth are transferred to the laboratory, in which the microprosthesis will be made by the dental technician.
At the time of manufacture of the permanent microprosthesis (one to two weeks), the dental cavity is closed with a temporary filling.
At the second visit, the doctor will check how ready microprosthesis will be suitable in color and shape, and install it in a previously prepared tooth cavity.
Using the same algorithm, dentures are made for installation on veneers, pins and temporary “butterfly” ones.
What is microprosthetics of the teeth, the photo below shows.
The period of service of linings, fillings, dentures and crowns
The main plus is that all the elements that replace dental defects during the procedure are made in laboratory conditions that cannot be created in the patient's oral cavity.
Special conditions for the processing and manufacture of veneers and inlays provide greater strength, one hundred percent polymerization, and ease of construction (when it comes to the manufacture of bridge-type prostheses). All this greatly increases the service life of microprostheses.
The lifespan of a fiberglass-based bridge is on average five years, the dental insert is 10-12 years, and veneers are longer than 20 years.
These terms can vary both up and down, which depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
Indications for micro prosthetics
Microprosthetics are indicated in the following situations:
- if there are severe defects of teeth of non-carious and carious origin (from 30 to 50% of the dental tissue over the gums);
- to reduce mobility and loosening of teeth in the presence of periodontal disorders;
- for the prevention of excessive tooth abrasion;
- if the patient wants to improve the color and shape of the teeth for cosmetic purposes.
Indicative in this case are the photos before and after, when ordinary people find a dazzling smile like popular stars.
Contraindications to this prosthetics procedure
This method has certain contraindications. These include:
- common and active carious process;
- poor oral hygiene;
- the inability to ensure complete dryness of the treated tooth surface;
- shallow depth of cavity.
This must be taken into account.
The cost of microprosthetics in St. Petersburg
The cost of various types of microprosthetics may differ not only depending on how affected the teeth are, but also on the qualifications of the dentist, the quality of the material.
The price of various types of work of a similar nature in St. Petersburg ranges from four to twenty-five thousand rubles. However, the quality of microprostheses, excellent aesthetic properties, easy care and durability justify all the costs of manufacturing the design and installation.
Microprosthetics reviews
Microprostheses differ from fillings in that they are made in the laboratory, and therefore they almost perfectly match the shape and color of natural human tissues. The materials, in addition to a significant aesthetic effect, are very comfortable, convenient and easy to use.
Microprosthetics are prescribed for severe destruction of tooth enamel, so you can restore both the aesthetics of your smile and chewing functions.
The reasons for installing micro prostheses are different. So, for example, in some patients only “sixes” were destroyed, while the chewing surface was affected. The adjacent teeth were healthy, so there was no need to build a bridge. In this case, the dentist suggested tabs. This was an excellent option, allowing not to install a simple seal. They made a tab in the laboratory according to the cast, it merged with enamel in texture and color, and therefore was invisible to the prying eye.
What are the disadvantages of this method?
Among the disadvantages of micro prosthetics, patients distinguish the following:
- higher cost in comparison with an ordinary seal;
- visit to the dentist two to three times.
The most important thing is to do the procedure in a proven clinic, as often due to the negligence of doctors, patients are faced with unpleasant consequences of micro prosthetics: aching pains, deterioration of the bone and gum tissue.