How Are Dental Prostheses Made?

Understanding The Process

Dental prosthesis are used to replace missing teeth, cover up cosmetic imperfections, and protect vulnerable teeth from further damage. Prosthesis include implants, veneers, crowns, and more. As an expert prosthodontist, Dr. Candice Vinson of Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant can create beautiful, natural-looking dental prosthesis whether you are looking to protect your smile or improve its appearance.  

So, what’s the process of building a dental prosthesis? Here’s an inside look into how the field of prosthodontics works, and what you can expect from your appointment at our office:‍

Step 1: The Initial Consultation‍

Before you get any kind of dental prosthesis, you will need to have a comprehensive examination performed by an experienced prosthodontist, such as Dr. Candice Vinson. At your appointment, she’ll help you understand all of your options for repairing your smile, and which ones are the best options for you.

If you’re missing just one tooth, a dental implant may be the best choice. However, if you’re missing several adjacent teeth, a dental bridge may be preferable, or a partial denture could be recommended.

The proper choice depends on your overall level of oral health, your budget, and your preferences. Dr. Vinson will discuss every option with you, and help you choose the one that makes the most sense for your particular situation.‍

Step 2: Images, Molds, And X-Rays‍

Once the proper treatment has been decided, Dr. Vinson will use advanced 3D scanners and x-rays to take pictures of your mouth. She may also use dental impressions to make a mold of your teeth and help create the prosthesis.

Step 3: Prosthesis Design And Creation ‍

Dr. Vinson will take the images and molds created of your mouth, and send them to an outside dental laboratory, which specializes in the creation of custom-built dental prostheses, from crowns to dental implants, veneers, inlays and onlays, and more.

This dental laboratory will create a prosthesis that matches your surrounding teeth and fits alongside them perfectly. This process typically takes around 2-3 weeks, depending on the type of prosthesis being built.‍

Step 4: Final Adjustments And Placement ‍

Once your dental prosthesis has been built, you’ll come in for your last appointment at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant. Dr. Vinson will check to make sure that it fits and functions properly. Minor adjustments may be made in our office, if necessary.

Then, your prosthesis will be permanently placed, and your smile will be restored.  ‍

Restore Your Smile Today – Come To Advanced Dentistry Of Mount Pleasant! ‍

Dr. Vinson is an experienced prosthodontist in Mount Pleasant and North Mount Pleasant. She specializes in implant dentistry, as well as other restorations like full and partial dentures and dental bridges.

From cosmetic dentistry to full mouth rehabilitation, we can restore any smile. If you are looking to restore your smile, and want to discuss dental prosthetics with an expert, schedule your consultation today. You can reach us at (843) 936-1690 for an appointment, or come to our office at 1149 Oakland Market Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 for more information.