What is a dental prosthesis?
A dental prosthesis or restoration provides a personalised solution for replacing lost or damaged teeth. This is crucial to maintain the aesthetics, function and health of the mouth. Various types of prostheses provide appropriate choices tailored to diverse needs and situations.
Why are dental prostheses so important for oral health?
The loss of teeth can have a serious impact on one’s quality of life. The aesthetics and functionality of one’s teeth not only influence the smile but also impact factors such as pronunciation and the ability to chew food effectively. Dental restorations or prostheses play a central role in restoring these aspects and help to improve overall well-being.
What types of dental prostheses are there?
There are many different types of dental prostheses that are more suitable than others depending on the situation. The most common dental prostheses are:
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Implants
- Partial and complete dentures
| Use case | Material | Target group/indication | Lifespan | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown | Replaces larger part of a tooth | Ceramic, metal, gold, composite, zirconium | Often for large cavities, worn down teeth, after root canal treatment | At least 15 years | from CHF 1,200 |
| Bridges | Replacement for missing teeth | Ceramic, metal, other | For missing teeth | At least 10 years | from CHF 3,000 |
| Implant | Fixed restoration | Ceramic, titanium | Larger tooth gaps, missing teeth | At least 10 years | from CHF 3,000 |
| Removable prosthesis | Removable restoration | Various options | For major tooth loss | At least 10 years | from CHF 2,000 |
Crown
- Purpose: Fixed “cap” for damaged teeth
- Material: From ceramics to metal alloys, gold, composite, zirconium
- Use case: For example in the case of heavily worn-down teeth due to extensive cavities or after root canal treatment
- Lifespan: Depending on material and care, on average between 10 and 20 years
- Advantage: Aesthetic improvements and protection
- Cons: Requires removal of tooth enamel
- Pricing: Depending on the material, from CHF 50 per month at bestsmile
Bridge
- Purpose: Replacement for missing teeth, anchored to neighbouring teeth
- Material: Various options available, such as all-ceramics, precious metals, composite or mixed materials
- Target group: People with gaps between natural teeth
- Lifespan: Depending on material and care, on average between 10 and 20 years
- Advantage: Improved aesthetics and function
- Cons: Requires to prepare neighbouring teeth
- Pricing: Depending on the number of teeth and material, from CHF 60 per month at bestsmile
Implant
- Purpose: Permanent replacement with an artificial tooth root in the jaw
- Material: Titanium or ceramic
- Use case: For single or multiple tooth gaps
- Lifespan: Long-lasting, typically last around 10 to 20 years depending on how well they’re cared for
- Advantage: Natural look and function, strengthens the jawbone and restores chewing function
- Cons: Require surgical intervention
- Pricing: Depends on the number of implants and materials, on average from CHF 3,000
Partial and complete dentures
- Purpose: Removable restoration for several missing teeth
- Material: Various materials available
- Use case: For major tooth loss
- Lifespan: Depends on care, on average between 10 and 20 years
- Advantage: Affordable
- Cons: Less firm than fixed alternatives
- Pricing: Depending on the type of prosthesis and the materials used, from CHF 2,000
