A dental prosthesis is any artificial replacement for missing teeth or tooth parts, meant to restore function (chewing, speaking) as well as appearance. There are two main categories:
- Fixed dental prosthesis: permanently attached. Includes dental crowns, dental bridges, veneers, fixed dentures.
- Removable dental prosthesis: can be taken out by the patient. Includes mobile dentures, partial removable dentures, semi-fixed types.
Some prostheses are total (for full arches), others partial. Some are cosmetic (like veneers or “Hollywood smile”) and others more functional (crowns, bridges).
Why You Might Need One
When teeth are missing or severely damaged, prosthetic treatment becomes necessary to:
- Restore chewing ability and speech.
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
- Maintain facial structure.
- Improve aesthetics, smile confidence.
Prosthetic treatments vary from crowns and bridges to full or partial dentures, depending on how many teeth are missing, overall oral health, bone support, and what the patient wants.
How Long Does a Dental Prosthesis Last? (Lifespan & What Affects It)
People often ask: “How long will this prosthesis last?” The answer depends on many factors, and studies help show realistic expectations.
Evidence from Research
- A Saudi study in Hail examined fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and crowns over many years. It found high patient satisfaction, but also that complications (color changes, marginal gaps, periodontal issues) increase over time.
- Another study looked at Fixed Dental Prostheses (FDPs) of varying span (number of units). For short-span FDPs, 5-year survival rates were around 91%. But by 10 years, survival dropped (≈ 68%), and even more for long-span prostheses (e.g. ≥ 5 units), which saw ~50% at 10 years, ~18% by 15 years.
Key Factors That Affect Lifespan
- Span (how many teeth the prosthesis covers): shorter span = fewer stresses = longer life.
- Material quality & design: ceramic, metal-ceramic, zirconia, etc. Better fit (marginal adaptation), strong connectors, proper shade all matter.
- Oral hygiene & maintenance: cleaning around crowns or bridges, checking for decay, gum disease, or other issues under the prosthesis.
- Regular checks & repairs: prostheses may need re-cementing, replacement of components, or repairing chipping.
- Removable vs fixed: removable dentures usually have shorter lifespan because of wear, adjustments, relining, and structural changes in the mouth (bone, gums).
Typical Lifespan Estimates
| Type of Prosthesis | Approx. Lifespan (with good care) |
| Fixed crowns or bridges (short span) | 5-15 years, often more if materials & maintenance are excellent. |
| Long-span bridges (many units) | May fall to ≈ 5-10 years in many cases before needing major work. |
| Removable dentures / partial dentures | Usually 5-8 years, often require relining or adjustment sooner. |
| Veneers / cosmetic prosthetics | Varies a lot; often 10+ years if maintained well, minimal damage. |
Choosing the Right Dental Prosthetic Option
When selecting fixed or removable prosthesis, consider:
- How many teeth are missing (partial vs total).
- Whether you prefer a permanent solution (fixed crown, bridge) or something you can remove.
- Material preferences (metal-ceramic, zirconia, acrylic, etc.).
- The functional demands (front teeth vs back, biting forces).
- Aesthetic desires (“Hollywood smile”, color matching).
- Cost, time, oral hygiene capacity.
Because every mouth is unique, the choice of dental prosthetic that works best depends heavily on your specific dental health, habits, and expectations. That’s why it’s essential to consult a prosthodontic specialist who will:
- Examine your teeth, gums, and bone structure.
- Discuss your lifestyle, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and what kind of appearance you wish for.
- Recommend what type of prosthesis (fixed dental prosthesis, partial or total removable, semi-fixed, etc.) fits you best.
We invite you to visit Tam Dental to book a consultation. During the consultation, our expert prosthodontists will assess your oral health, listen to your needs, and guide you toward the ideal dental prosthetic that suits both function and aesthetics.
Why Go with Tam Dental for Your Dental Prosthetics
At Tam Dental, you’ll find everything needed for high quality, lasting prosthetic treatments:
- Experienced prosthodontists trained internationally, fluent in both Arabic and English, who understand needs of both foreign and local patients.
- Use of top materials and precision lab work, ensuring good fit, color, shape.
- Strong after-care programs: adjustment, checkups, repairs if needed.
- Options for fixed prosthesis, removable, semi-fixed, veneers, crowns, bridges, etc., tailored to each patient.
Conclusion
A dental prosthesis can greatly restore your smile, speaking, chewing, and confidence. With good materials, expert care, and proper maintenance, many fixed prosthetic solutions can last 5-15 years or longer; removable ones often last less but provide flexibility.
If you’re in Jeddah and considering veneers, crowns, bridges, or dentures (fixed or movable), Tam Dental offers personalized, high-quality dental prosthetic treatments that combine aesthetics, durability, and comfort.
To see your options or book a consultation, contact Tam Dental for Dental Prosthetic Treatments & make sure you choose a prosthesis that lasts.
FAQs
Q1: Will a dental prosthesis hurt?
With proper fitting, good materials, and careful design, it shouldn’t hurt. There may be soreness or adjustment period, especially for removable types.
Q2: How often do I need to replace or repair it?
Fixed prosthesis: watch for issues around margins, color change, chipping. Removable: relining or adjustments every few years. Typically after 5-10 years for many if well maintained.
Q3: Can I get a “Hollywood smile” with veneers/prosthetics?
Yes, but that depends on your teeth structure, gum health, bite alignment. Veneers + crowns + bridges can create a Hollywood smile if designed esthetically.
Q4: What costs more: fixed or removable prostheses?
Generally, fixed ones cost more initially, but can last longer. Removable costs less up front but might need more maintenance and replacements.