Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on replacing one, several, or all missing teeth. In addition to restoration, modern prosthetic rehabilitation aims to improve each patient’s aesthetics, function, and speech, thereby enhancing their oral health and overall quality of life.

The causes of tooth loss are numerous. Inadequate oral hygiene often leads to carious lesions, pulpitis, periapical lesions, gingivitis, and periodontitis—all of which can ultimately result in tooth loss. Tooth fractures that cannot be restored using less invasive methods are also a common cause.

The loss of even a single tooth can lead to additional complications, such as bone loss, shifting of adjacent teeth, and movement of the opposing tooth (the antagonist in the opposite jaw). All of these changes disrupt the harmony of both the appearance and function of the oral system.

The most suitable prosthetic solution for you depends on the indication determined through a thorough dental examination and X-ray analysis. In many cases, a single problem may have multiple prosthetic solutions, and with our professional guidance, each patient can choose the option that is best for them.

Types of prosthetic restorations

There are two main categories of prosthetic restorations: fixed and removable. Fixed prosthetic restorations are permanently cemented onto the teeth, while removable prosthetic restorations include removable dentures (complete or partial).

Fixed prosthetic restorations include:

Crowns can be either metal-ceramic or metal-free, depending on their composition. A crown is a restoration that covers all surfaces of a prepared tooth and is permanently cemented onto it.

It can also be screw-retained on a dental implant, which is an excellent solution for individuals missing a single tooth—especially when the adjacent teeth are healthy and intact.

A crown as a prosthetic restoration is an excellent solution in cases of extensive carious lesions where there is minimal remaining tooth structure, as well as in fractures occurring in the lower third of the tooth crown or at the gum line.

Bridges , which can also be either metal-free or metal-ceramic in composition, represent an excellent prosthetic solution in cases of one or more missing teeth—especially when the adjacent teeth next to the edentulous areas have large fillings or carious lesions. In such situations, a bridge "bridges" (hence the name) the gap by using crowns on the adjacent teeth as supports, to which the bridge is permanently cemented.

Bridges can also be screw-retained on dental implants.

With this type of prosthetic solution, we restore a complete dental arch, improving the patient’s speech, chewing function, and overall aesthetics.

Ceramic veneers are prosthetic restorations that can be thought of as half a crown—in other words, veneers do not cover the entire tooth but only its front (labial/buccal and incisal) surface.

Veneers are an excellent solution in cases where the teeth are healthy and intact, but there is a certain disharmony in their shape or position that can be corrected with veneers. Their main advantage is that there is no need for tooth grinding, or the preparation is significantly less compared to crowns and bridges. This allows us to preserve more of the natural tooth structure, while still achieving a significant improvement in the shape, color, and alignment of the teeth for a more harmonious appearance.

Removable prosthetic restorations include:

Dentures which can be partial —used in cases of multiple missing teeth and complete , for total edentulism.

A special group of prosthetic restorations are combined restorations —as the name suggests, these are prosthetic solutions that consist of a fixed part, which is permanently cemented, and a removable part, typically a partial skeletal denture that attaches to the fixed section and can be taken out by the patient.

This is an excellent solution in cases of a shortened dental arch—when only the front teeth are present (e.g., from canine to canine)—and dental implants cannot be placed for various reasons. In such situations, a combined restoration is an ideal option that significantly improves both the patient’s oral health and overall appearance.

Our team of specialists at the office of Dr. Nenad Babić is committed to staying up to date with the latest trends in the field of prosthodontics. In addition, we use only the highest quality materials that ensure perfect and long-lasting results. To find out what the best solution is for you, schedule a free consultation and examination.