What does a prosthodontist do? Benefits of visiting a prosthodontist

​A prosthodontist specializes in tooth restoration and repair. This simple job summary hides an array of techniques and treatments: crowns, braces, dental implants, bridges, invisalign treatments, bleaching, tooth alignment and more. The benefits of visiting a prosthodontist for optimal dental appearance and function are substantial. Note that overall success will vary depending on each patient, his or her overall health and specific goals regarding prosthodontic care. 

Tooth Restoration
Prosthodontists know their way around tooth restoration. Tooth restoration is helpful when a tooth is chipped, cracked, broken or even missing. Tooth restoration treatments will be individualized as much as possible given general health and surrounding jawbone structure. Dental implants are at the far end of prosthodontic treatment. An artificial tooth is secured through a screw-shaped implant, abutment, and a crown made to look and function like a natural tooth. Less extreme restoration options involve crowns over natural teeth following treatments such as root canals. Bonding material and veneers can compensate for chipped teeth, though such treatments typically require replacement every few years. 

Tooth Alignment
Prosthodontists also assists with the overall smile, not just individual teeth. Sometimes a patient's teeth need alignment more so than individual structural restoration. They may grow at odds with other teeth, causing stress on surrounding teeth and gum tissue, occasional social embarrassment and sub-optimal chewing. Prosthodontists can help by offering several options to a patient. Braces or customized invisalign treatment can do wonders in restoring optimal teeth alignment. Aside from cosmetic effects, teeth will not experience excess pressure due to misaligned neighbors. Lastly, teeth and gums will be easier to clean since typical toothbrush designs are based on "normal" teeth alignment. With these options for fixing teeth alignment and other cosmetic dentistry issues, visiting a prosthodontist can be a surprisingly pleasant experience. 

Whitening Treatments
Sometimes, tooth manipulation is not needed. Rather, what happens is that foods and drinks leave their mark. Even with regular brushing, stain marks can appear on teeth. This becomes more of an issue if a patient is an avid fan of coffee, tea, alcohol or tobacco. Removing those stains requires specialized treatment such as bleaching. Prosthodontists can help there and significantly whiten your smile. However, this whitening treatment comes with a caveat: it is not synonymous with cleaning. Even with whitening treatments, bacteria and acids can still be a significant factor in degrading oral health. Patients should not relax on regular preventative oral hygiene, nor should they consider whitening or bleaching synonymous with a cleaning. 

Continuing Education
Lastly, a prosthodontist has to be cognizant of research and continuing education opportunities in his field. Prosthodontists who adapt or even design new technologies to further their art are at a significant advantage compared to those who elect to fall behind. Remember that prosthodontists operate in a competitive business environment. Most prospective patients have significant choice of cosmetic dentistry. This is great for your treatment and your visit, and it reinforces the idea of researching your chosen prosthodontist's background, reviews and other related information.