proteselege

Proteselege, or prosthodontist, is a dental specialist who focuses on restoring and replacing missing teeth and surrounding tissues with dental prostheses. The field covers the design, fabrication, and fitting of dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, dentures (complete and partial), and implant-supported restorations, as well as veneers and occlusal rehabilitation. The goal is to restore function, comfort, aesthetics, and oral health through durable, natural-looking prosthetic solutions.

Practitioners typically complete dental school and then pursue formal specialty training in prosthodontics, which may last several years and includes advanced knowledge in diagnostics, treatment planning, occlusion, dental materials science, impression techniques, and laboratory fabrication. They collaborate closely with dental technicians and other dental specialists, using conventional techniques and modern digital methods, including CAD/CAM fabrication and digital impression systems.

Proteselege work in private clinics, hospitals, or academic centers, managing complex rehabilitations such as full-mouth reconstructions, patients with extensive tooth loss, and those requiring implant-supported prostheses. They assess esthetic and functional needs, plan comprehensive treatment sequences, and supervise long-term maintenance and retentive schemes to ensure stability of the prostheses and periodontal health.

Globally, prosthodontics is a recognized dental specialty. Professional bodies include international and regional organizations such as the International College of Prosthodontists and, in Europe, the European Prosthodontic Association. In Norway, the term proteselege is used for this specialty. Outcomes emphasize improved chewing, speech, and appearance, along with quality of life.