Treatments

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that replaces and restores teeth with custom-made prosthetics — crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported restorations, from a single tooth to a full arch.

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At a Glance

Fixed or removable

Fixed restorations, such as a crown or bridge, aren't removed by the patient. Removable ones, such as a denture, come in and out for cleaning.

From one tooth to a full arch

Prosthodontics covers a single crown just as much as a full-arch replacement of an entire set of teeth, plus related care like night guards.

A provisional protects you in between

Most fixed work involves a temporary piece worn while the permanent restoration is fabricated in the laboratory, usually replaced within one to two weeks.

The right fit is confirmed at consultation

Which restoration suits a case depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of the remaining teeth, and whether implants are involved.

What This Page Covers

Some of the most common prosthodontic procedures are common enough to have their own detailed pages: zirconia crowns, E-max crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. Laminate veneers, at the cosmetic end of prosthodontic work, have their own page too. This hub covers the remaining procedures that don’t yet have one — porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, precision-attachment dentures, implant-supported restorations, and jaw-joint (TMJ) care.

Where to Start

E-max crowns

A metal-free ceramic crown chosen for its translucency, most often for a single front tooth where a natural look matters most.

Zirconia crowns

A strong, metal-free ceramic crown suited to molars, bridges, and patients who clench or grind their teeth.

Dental bridges

A fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth, anchored to the neighboring teeth or to implants.

Dentures

A removable option, complete or partial, for replacing some or all of the teeth in an arch.

Assessment

The dentist reviews which fixed or removable approach fits a case — the number of missing teeth, the condition of what remains, and whether implants are involved.

Preparation, or implant placement and healing

Depending on the approach, this means reducing a tooth for a crown or bridge, or placing an implant and allowing it to heal before anything is attached.

Laboratory fabrication and fitting

The permanent piece is made off-site, then tried in, adjusted, and cemented, bonded, or clipped into place, with follow-up visits as needed.

Before you decide

Not sure whether this applies to your teeth?

The only way to know is an examination. Ask a question first if you would rather understand the options before booking anything.

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When to Look Elsewhere First

Several of the options above depend on a dental implant already being in place and healed, so they aren’t a same-day fix — see the dental implants page for that timeline. Active gum disease is generally treated before a crown, bridge, or denture is built around it. Which specific procedure fits a case, and whether it’s provided directly or via a colleague, is confirmed at consultation rather than from this page alone.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a fixed and a removable prosthesis?

A fixed prosthesis, such as a crown, bridge, or implant-supported bridge, is permanently attached and can’t be removed by the patient. A removable prosthesis, such as a denture or overdenture, comes in and out for cleaning. Which fits a case depends on how many teeth are missing and whether implants are involved.

Is a PFM crown still used, or has it been replaced by zirconia and E-max?

PFM crowns are still used in some cases, though all-ceramic options like zirconia and E-max have become more common because they’re metal-free. See zirconia crowns and E-max crowns for those alternatives.

When would a TMJ (jaw-joint) assessment or a night guard be needed?

Jaw clicking, discomfort while chewing, or difficulty opening the mouth fully are the usual prompts for a TMJ exam, which helps decide whether a night guard or further evaluation is the right next step. A night guard is also commonly recommended on its own for patients who clench or grind, to protect natural teeth and dental work from excess wear.

How long does an implant-supported crown or bridge take from start to finish?

It depends mainly on implant healing time, commonly a few months, before the final crown or bridge can be attached. See the dental implants page for that timeline in detail.

What does a precision-attachment denture involve?

A partial denture that clips onto crowns on the remaining natural teeth using a hidden mechanical attachment instead of visible metal clasps, for a more discreet look. It generally costs more than a clasp-retained partial. See dentures for the wider range of options.

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