Welcome to Desert Lake Dental. We specialize in enhancing smiles and improving oral function through advanced prosthetics and orthotics. Our clinic is equipped to bring you the latest in dental corrective technology. Whether you need dental orthotics for TMJ disorders or a solution to missing teeth, we are here to help.
What are Orthotics and Prosthetics?
Let’s start by looking at the custom dental prosthetics and dental prosthetics definition:
What is Orthotic Dental?
Orthotic dental devices are custom-made to correct jaw misalignment. The orthotic dental appliance fits over the teeth, either on the upper or lower jaw, to adjust the position of the jaw.
What is the purpose of an Orthotic?
The primary purpose of an orthotic device in dentistry is to correct jaw misalignment, distribute bite forces evenly, reduce stress on the jaw joints and muscles, alleviate pain from TMJ disorders, and prevent tooth wear from grinding.
What does a dental orthotic look like? A dental orthotic usually resembles a clear mouthguard, fitting over the upper or lower teeth to adjust the jaw position.
What are Prosthetics in Dentistry?
Dental prosthetic services refer to artificial devices that replace missing teeth or parts of the mouth. What is included in a dental prosthesis? This can range from single crowns and bridges to full dentures, designed to restore both the functionality and appearance of your smile.
What does a dental Prosthetist do?
A dental prosthetist specializes in the design and fabrication of dental prostheses. They assess patient needs, take molds, and create prostheses that improve chewing, speaking, and aesthetics.
What is the Difference Between Orthotics and Prosthetics?
Orthotics and prosthetics programs serve distinct purposes and cater to different needs. We have already mentioned their function and definition, so let’s focus on other differences between orthotics and prosthetics:
Orthotics in Dentistry
- By improving jaw alignment, orthotics can reduce pain and discomfort and prevent further dental wear and tear.
- Chewing and grinding are tough on these devices, so they’re usually made of durable, body-safe materials.
- You can use removable orthotic dental to temporarily fix a specific problem or long-term to keep your jaw aligned.
Prosthetics in Dentistry
- By filling the gaps caused by missing teeth, prosthetics also maintain the structure of the oral cavity and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting.
- From crowns and bridges to full dentures and dental implants, prosthetics can be made of ceramic, metal, or composite resin.
- Some dental prosthetics are permanent, like implants, while others, like removable dentures, need periodic adjustments.
What are the Three Types of Orthosis?
- Preventative Orthosis. They are crafted to avert the onset of dental conditions before they develop. Their common use is for patients who show early signs of wear due to habits like grinding. They help maintain dental health by preventing further damage.
- Corrective Orthosis. They rectify existing dental issues such as misaligned bites or improper jaw positioning. Since they offer relief and realign the dental structure for improved oral function, they are ideal for patients experiencing discomfort or functional challenges with their bite.
- Supportive Orthosis. They reinforce weakened or compromised dental structures. This type is beneficial for patients recovering from dental procedures or injuries, helping to stabilize the dental architecture and promote healing.
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Dental Prosthesis Types
Dental prostheses vary widely, including:
- Crowns: They are caps that restore and protect damaged teeth. Crowns serve as a fixed dental prosthesis because they are permanently attached and cannot be removed by the patient. They also qualify as fixed dental prostheses.
- Bridges: They fill gaps from missing teeth, anchored to adjacent teeth.
- Dentures: They replace multiple or all missing teeth, removable.
- Dental Implants: They are permanent fixtures that replace missing teeth directly in the jawbone.
Orthosis Process
At Desert Lake Dental, we use the best dental orthotic devices and methods to ensure that each step meets your specific dental needs with precision and care:
- During your initial evaluation, we look at your teeth, jaw alignment, and overall oral health to see if orthotics can help.
- Using advanced diagnostic tools, we make custom orthotics that fit your teeth.
- We build your orthotic device with high-quality materials. Our orthotics are all custom-made to be both functional and comfortable.
- When your orthotic is done, we’ll take you back to our clinic for a precise fitting. With this appointment, we can adjust for comfort and effectiveness in real time.
- We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to see how your orthotic is performing and how comfortable you are with it. We adjust as needed to make sure everything’s perfect.
Prosthetics Process
At Desert Lake Dental, our process for creating dental prosthetics is meticulously designed to provide you with the best possible fit and function:
- We start by assessing your oral health and discussing your specific needs and goals.
- Our state-of-the-art imaging technology takes precise measurements of your mouth. By doing this, we’re able to design a prosthetic that’s perfectly aligned with your mouth.
- We craft your prosthetic with high-quality materials. Every piece we make, whether it’s crowns, bridges, dentures, or implants, is durable and looks natural.
- Once your prosthetic is ready, we’ll schedule a fitting. During this session, we’ll make any adjustments needed to make sure everything works.
- After the fitting, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to make sure you’re adjusting to the new prosthetic.
What is the Difference Between a Nightguard and an Orthotic?
Since we have already mentioned Orthotics in detail, let’s focus on nightguards. A nightguard primarily protects patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep and prevents wear and tear, enamel damage, and potentially painful sensitivity because it fits snugly between the upper and lower teeth. The nightguard keeps teeth intact and prevents further dental issues associated with grinding your teeth at night.
In terms of TMJ orthotic vs night guard, the main difference is that a nightguard protects the teeth from grinding during sleep, while an orthotic is used to correct and improve jaw alignment and function.
What is the Difference Between Dental Implant and Dental Prosthesis?
A dental implant replaces the root of a tooth in the jawbone, whereas a dental prosthesis is the visible part of the restoration above the gum line, such as a crown. In terms of dental prosthesis vs. implant, the main difference is that a dental implant is a permanent fixture embedded in the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root, whereas a dental prosthesis is a visible part above the gum line, such as a crown, which may be mounted on an implant.
How Long Do Dental Prosthetics Last?
Dental prosthetics can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more, depending on the type, material, and care they receive.
- Crowns and bridges typically stay by your side for between 5 to 15 years.
- Dentures generally need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years.
- Dental implants can last for a long time with proper care, though they typically need replacing every 10 to 15 years.
How Long Does it Take to Make a Dental Prosthetic?
- Crowns and bridges usually take about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Dentures might take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks.
- Dental implants can span several months, typically around 3 to 6 months, depending on healing and osseointegration times.
Are Orthotics Covered by Insurance?
In Arizona, orthotics coverage depends a lot on your insurance provider and plan. Depending on the plan, orthotics might be covered under certain conditions, especially if deemed medically necessary. To understand the extent of coverage for orthotic treatments and any associated costs that may not be covered, Arizona residents should review their dental or health insurance policies.
Orthotics and Prosthetics Near Me In Avondale, Arizona
Stop searching for “TMJ orthotics near me” or “dental prosthetics near me.” You have found the place, and it is called Desert Lake Dental. Our comprehensive prosthetics & orthotics services are tailored to meet your specific needs.
At Desert Lake Dental, our expert team uses the latest technologies and methods to design and fit prosthetics and orthotics that improve your oral function and enhance your overall appearance. For a healthier, more comfortable smile, join us at Desert Lake Dental and schedule your consultation today. Your journey towards a better, healthier smile starts here!
FAQs
Typically, patients may start to feel relief within a few weeks of regular use.
Relief times can vary, but many patients feel better within a few days to weeks.
Yes, once adjusted, you can eat normally with a prosthetic tooth.
Examples include crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
