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Prosthodontics is the dental science pertaining to diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of oral function and appearance. It focuses on the health and aesthetics of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth. It includes study and understanding of the orofacial complex, the biological system which provides the functions of mastication, swallowing, breathing and speech and incorporates the senses of smell, taste and vision.
Prosthodontics is one of the nine (9) dentistry specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). These specialties include dental public health, endodontics, oral pathology, oral radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and lastly, prosthodontics. The specialty of prosthodontics requires advanced training for 3 years after obtaining a 4 year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. The American College of Prosthodontists ensures standards are maintained in the field.
Board Certified Prosthodontists complete extensive examinations by the American Board of Prosthodontics. These involve both written and oral exams in prosthodontic theory and literature, the presentation of three different patient treatments documented from the beginning to the end of the treatment, and examinations over the rationale of this treatment. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, the prosthodontist must successfully complete a re-certification examination every eight years.
In addition to the general dentistry skills obtained with a DDS degree, Prosthodontists study head and neck anatomy, material science, aesthetics, and occlusion (bite). This supplementary knowledge is critical in treating complex cosmetic cases including full mouth reconstruction, joint problems, and congenital disorders.
“I love creating beautiful smiles and being able to give added confidence to my patients,” says Dr. Todd B. Barsky of The Miami Institute for Age Management and Intervention’s cosmetic dentistry team. “I like to see myself as the architect of a smile, where I can design an individualized treatment plan which will restore optimal function and appearance.”
Prosthodontists use their advanced training and skills to provide many services and procedures, including:
Crowns/Bridges – an artificial cover used to restore normal shape, size and appearance to teeth. Crowns make teeth stronger in addition to improving appearance. Crowns can be used to cover fillings or to increase the size of a tooth, or used to attach a bridge to or protect weak teeth. They can also be used to cover discolored or badly shaped teeth, or dental implants. Traditional crowns are made in a lab from an impression or mold of your teeth. New technology using CAD/CAM, computer aided design and manufacturing, allows permanent crowns to be made in the same visit, since the crown is milled by a computer.
Implants- are becoming the standard of care for replacing missing teeth. Implants are surgically placed and fused to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture. Implants offer stability because they fuse to the bone. Integration of the implants into the jaw also helps replacement teeth feel more natural. Some people also find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes.
Veneers – thin, custom made and colored shells which cover the front side of the teeth. Veneers can be used to treat spaces between teeth, chips or worn areas, poorly shaped or crooked teeth, or permanently stained teeth.
Mouth Rehabilitation – also referred to as reconstruction, is individual recreation of each tooth in the mouth. This is generally considered for people with severely worn, broken, or extensively restored teeth.
Teeth Whitening – or bleaching, whitens teeth that are discolored or stained. Typical procedures use chemicals, primarily peroxide, either in the dentist’s office or in home-use kits. Laser teeth whitening is an option which speeds the effect of in-office peroxide bleaching agents.
Bonding – improves the appearance of chipped, broken, cracked or stained teeth. Bonding uses materials which match the teeth to fill in the surface and create a smooth, even look. Bonding can even be used to fill in spaces between the teeth.
Enamel shaping – a process often combined with bonding, involves modifying the enamel of the teeth to improve appearance.
Sleep Apnea – characterized by episodes of stopped breathing during sleep. Symptoms of this condition are noted as simple snoring and can be improved through use of a dental prostheses, which, when inserted into the mouth at night, keeps the jaw forward. This helps bring the tongue forward, enlarging the air opening and reducing the resultant snoring.
“Being able to restore a patient’s mouth after years of abuse with full mouth rehabilitation is one of the most rewarding parts of being a prosthodontist,” says Dr. Barsky. “The first step is to ensure that we have a healthy foundation from which to create and build new restorations.” The Miami Institutes’ philosophy for cosmetic dentistry incorporates internal health and nutrition as part of the basis for anti-aging associated with the orofacial complex. Maintaining and retaining your teeth with proper care and diet is critical. “Even though implants have dramatically changed the way we do dentistry today, the best dental implant is still a natural tooth.”
Dr. Barsky has a unique philosophy for patient care which compliments his expert skills. Listening to a patient’s desires and expectations is the key to successful results. The goal of a comprehensive exam is to design a successful plan to achieve optimum oral health and aesthetics. Forging a partnership with every patient starts with mutual trust and respect, and is essential to effective treatment. As a board certified prosthodontist, Dr. Barsky holds himself to the highest standards of cosmetic dentistry.
Experience has provided important lessons in patient care. Every patient has a unique smile and a specific set of requirements and expectations. The prosthodontist’s job is to listen carefully and consider these inputs in determining practicable and personalized treatment plans.
As a trained prosthodontist, Dr. Barsky focuses on the orofacial complex in his initial comprehensive examination. He first looks at the face, lips, muscles and joints (TMJ), then at the mouth, examining the glands, tongue and gums, and finally the teeth. A stable foundation is a requirement for long lasting and beautiful results. Dr. Barsky consults with doctors from The Miami Institute’s medical team to provide internal health and nutrition advice, as well as facial and cosmetic plastic surgery. This unique combination of services allows Dr. Barsky to address multiple aspects of the aging process as reflected in oral health and aesthetics, from diet designed to prevent tooth decay to lip enhancements to boost a smile.
Treatment facilities are also important for effective patient care. The dental suite of The Miami Institute provides a serene and relaxing environment, and patients are assured maximum privacy. The personal needs of a patient are met with relaxation options including movies, TV, music and sedation, if required. All these components combined help to ensure full patient satisfaction and long lasting results.
An example of the unique capabilities prosthodontists have acquired from rigorous training and experience is in complex conditions such as full mouth rehabilitation necessitated by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Many of these patients have bites which have collapsed, and as a result the lower half of the face is impacted. A key sign of this is when the corners of the mouth point downward, resulting in a frowning look which ages the individual. By examining the TMJ, the muscles of mastication, and teeth, the skilled prosthodontist uses multiple inputs to define the most effective tooth treatment. The results are long lasting, providing optimal oral function as well as improving the look of the lower face and mouth and making the patient appear younger.
Another example is in the case of dental implants. Often there is a need for single tooth replacement to restore function and appearance. For implants, lip length, bone height and width, as well as bone quality must all be considered in the treatment planning process. The extensive training and experience of the prosthodontist allows for proper diagnosis and treatment planning which achieves optimum aesthetic results.
Today’s cosmetic dentists have more tools than ever to provide quality dental care. The expert skills in advanced diagnosis and procedures developed through three years of additional training make the prosthodontist the best choice for treatment of the orofacial complex. Each individual wants specialized treatment plans designed to provide full oral function and beautiful appearance. Prosthodontists are the architects of the smile, able to deliver beautiful and long lasting results.