prosthodontic

Prosthodontics is a dental specialty dedicated to the restoration and replacement of missing or deficient teeth and supporting structures to restore function, comfort, and aesthetics. It encompasses the design, fabrication, and fitting of artificial devices that replace natural teeth and improve oral health.

The scope of prosthodontics includes fixed prosthodontics (crowns, veneers, and bridges), removable prosthodontics (partial and full dentures), implant prosthodontics (supporting prostheses with dental implants), and maxillofacial prosthetics (obturators and facial prostheses for patients with defects arising from disease, injury, or treatment). Prosthodontists may also provide occlusal rehabilitation, complex bite adjustments, and cosmetic restorative planning. They frequently collaborate with periodontists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and dental technicians to achieve integrated outcomes.

Education and training require dental school completion followed by specialized postgraduate training in prosthodontics, typically involving two to four years of in-depth clinical and laboratory study and, in some countries, board certification.

Materials and technologies commonly used include porcelain, zirconia, metal-ceramic combinations, acrylic resins, and advanced digital tools such as CAD/CAM systems, intraoral scanners, and computer-guided implant planning. In addition to functional restoration, the field emphasizes aesthetic harmony, phonetics, and occlusal efficiency, with long-term maintenance and follow-up as essential components of care.

Overall, prosthodontics aims to provide durable, comfortable, and natural-looking solutions that restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.