protético

Protético is a term used to describe both the field of prosthetics and the professionals who work with prostheses. The word derives from prosthesis, devices that substitute for missing body parts or restore function. In dentistry, a protético dentário or protético dental is a technician or specialist who designs, fabricates and fits prosthetic elements such as crowns, bridges, dentures and implant-supported restorations, in collaboration with dentists. In orthopedics and rehabilitation, the protético creates and adjusts artificial limbs (prostheses) and other supportive devices (orthotics), tailored to the patient’s anatomy and activity.

The workflow typically begins with clinical assessment, impressions or digital scans, and the creation of a working model. Using these, the protético designs the prosthesis, selects materials, manufactures components, and performs a trial fitting. Adjustments are made for fit, function, aesthetics, and comfort before final delivery and ongoing maintenance.

Materials used include acrylic resins and ceramics for dental prostheses; metals and ceramics for crowns and bridges; for limb prosthetics, polymers, silicone, and carbon fiber composites. Technology such as CAD/CAM and 3D printing increasingly influences design and fabrication.

Education and regulation vary by country; many places require formal training in protética or dental technology plus licensure or certification. The field emphasizes patient comfort, function, hygiene, and collaboration with clinicians to restore oral function or mobility.