Services
Dental Prosthetics in Ituiutaba, Brazil
Dental prosthetics restore lost teeth, recover chewing, recover speech, and protect overall oral health. In Ituiutaba, Dra. Maria Vitória Lima fabricates complete dentures and removable partial dentures with individualized planning, precise Hydrogum alginate impressions, and partnership with trusted prosthetic labs. The process is conducted without rush, with try-ins and fine adjustments until the piece becomes genuinely comfortable, functional, and aesthetic in your daily life.
What is Dental Prosthetics?
Dental prosthesis is the technical term for any dental piece that replaces missing teeth or covers severely compromised teeth. When one or more teeth are lost, to advanced cavities, periodontal disease, trauma, or age, it's not just aesthetics that's lost: chewing is compromised, speech may change, adjacent teeth tend to tilt toward the empty space, and the alveolar bone (which supported the tooth) starts to reabsorb. The prosthesis restores function and stops this domino effect. There are several types of prostheses, and each has specific indications. Removable ones can be taken out by the patient for cleaning, these include the complete denture (for arches without teeth) and the removable partial denture or RPD (when natural teeth remain as support). Fixed ones stay cemented or screwed in place, and include crowns (replace the visible portion of a prepared tooth), fixed bridges (replace one to three missing teeth with support on adjacent teeth), and implant-supported prosthetics (supported by titanium screws installed in the bone, able to replace from a single tooth up to the entire arch, a case known as the protocol prosthesis). At Dra. Maria Vitória Lima's clinic, we directly offer removable prosthetics, conventional complete and removable partial dentures, which cover the majority of rehabilitative needs in general practice. For implant-supported prosthetics, complex fixed bridges, premium zirconia aesthetic crowns, veneers, and implant-supported protocols, we work alongside specialist prosthodontists, periodontists, and implant surgeons in our regional network, we do the initial planning, refer for the specialized procedure, and continue overseeing your general care in parallel. This ensures your case receives the right approach, with the appropriate professional for each stage. Choice between types depends on several factors: how many and which teeth were lost, how long ago, the state of the alveolar bone, the health of adjacent teeth, your aesthetic expectations, your budget, and your hygiene habits. The initial consultation evaluates all these points before any definitive plan.
When is it recommended?
When to consider
Indication for a dental prosthesis appears whenever there is tooth loss, recent or old, that's impairing function, aesthetics, or the health of remaining teeth. The longer a space goes unreplaced, the more adjacent teeth migrate into it, the opposing tooth extrudes (grows toward the empty space), and the bone reabsorbs. So, the general recommendation is not to delay: early replacement preserves mouth architecture and simplifies treatment. There is, however, an important waiting period: after an extraction, bone and gum need 3 to 6 months to heal and stabilize before a definitive prosthesis is made. During that interval, we can use provisional prostheses (immediate or interim) to preserve aesthetics and function until the right moment for the definitive piece. Each tooth-loss profile has its best prosthesis modality.
You lost all teeth in one or both arches, complete denture indicated
You lost several teeth but still have enough healthy teeth to serve as support, removable partial denture (RPD) indicated
You lost 1 to 3 consecutive teeth with healthy adjacent teeth, fixed bridge or implant-supported prosthesis indicated (referral)
You lost a single tooth with good bone, single implant with crown (referral)
You have a tooth severely destroyed by cavity or fracture, but with root preserved, crown after root canal indicated
You have an old prosthesis (more than 5–10 years) with looseness, poor fit, or fracture, replacement or relining indicated
You have difficulty chewing on one side, tooth losses, and bite discomfort
Your speech changed after losing teeth, common with front-tooth losses
Adjacent teeth have started tilting into the empty space
You want to reverse the aged appearance caused by missing teeth (lip support loss)
You have TMJ changes due to an unbalanced bite from tooth losses
You have a tooth with extensive restoration that fails repeatedly, crown indicated to protect what remains
How does the procedure work?
How we run your treatment
Making a dental prosthesis is a careful process involving several appointments spread across weeks, depending on the type. Most of the work happens in the prosthetic lab, but the success of the piece depends entirely on the clinical stages that precede, precise impressions, adequate registrations, and try-ins with fine adjustments. It's not the kind of treatment to be rushed: each stage has its time, and skipping or rushing a phase compromises the result. We work with trusted regional prosthetic labs; the lab type varies with the piece, the prosthesis type, and case complexity, some prostheses require technicians more specialized in anterior aesthetics, others in posterior occlusal mechanics.
- 1
Clinical evaluation and planning
The first appointment assesses the overall state of the mouth: remaining teeth, gum condition, alveolar bone, temporomandibular joint, and the opposing arch (because a prosthesis must function against the teeth on the other side). We request a panoramic radiograph to visualize bone structure and CT scan in selected cases. We discuss your expectations, realistic limitations, available options, and what each modality offers. We present the treatment plan in writing.
- 2
Preliminary preparation (if needed)
Before the definitive prosthesis, any pending treatment must be completed: extractions of unrecoverable teeth, restorations, root canal treatment, professional cleaning, occlusal adjustment of teeth that will serve as support (for RPD). For recent loss, we wait 3 to 6 months for bone healing before the definitive impression, during that wait, we can use a provisional prosthesis so you don't go without teeth in the visible region.
- 3
Impression and registrations
Hydrogum alginate impression for the initial model (quick, painless, captures all the anatomy of your tissues). In cases requiring more precision, we make a secondary silicone impression with a custom-made tray. Bite registration in wax or specific silicone so the lab mounts the models on the articulator (device that simulates your chewing). For anterior prostheses, we define together the tooth shape, size, and shade, you weigh in on how you want it to look.
- 4
Wax try-in (mock-up)
Before finalizing in acrylic, we do a try-in with teeth positioned in wax over a provisional base. You try it in your mouth, see the result in the mirror, give feedback on aesthetics, phonetics, and comfort. This is the moment to request adjustments, once finalized in acrylic, changes become harder. The wax try-in is where most people decide whether they're satisfied with the planned result.
- 5
Final lab fabrication
With approval at the wax try-in, the lab finalizes the piece: replaces the wax with thermopolymerizable acrylic resin (the prosthesis base), mounts the definitive teeth (in synthetic resin or porcelain, as indicated), polishes the surface, and delivers the finished piece. Lab turnaround for removable prosthetics is usually 7 to 15 business days. For RPDs with metal framework, lead times may be slightly longer.
- 6
Installation, fine adjustments, and instructions
At delivery, we do the first installation: verify retention, comfort, occlusion, and adjustment at all points with articulating paper and a bur. Small adjustments refine arch-to-arch contact and eliminate any pressure point. You leave the appointment with the prosthesis in use and detailed instructions: how to insert and remove, how to clean, what to expect in the first weeks of adaptation, foods to initially avoid, warning signs. We schedule adjustment visits at 1 week, 1 month, and then semi-annual maintenance.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary by case. After a clinical evaluation, we present treatment options and payment terms. Inquire about pricing and conditions directly on WhatsApp.
Aftercare
Aftercare after the visit
Adaptation to a new prosthesis requires patience, especially for complete dentures, which involve significant changes in speech, salivation, and tactile sensation in the mouth. The first days may bring increased saliva, a feeling of a full mouth, slight difficulty speaking words with 's' and 'r', and fatigue in the chewing muscles. All of this is normal and improves progressively: speech normalizes with reading aloud in the first weeks, salivation adjusts on its own in 2 to 4 weeks, and chewing readapts starting with soft foods and progressing gradually. Small pressure points are expected and are exactly the reason for adjustment visits, a single follow-up visit can resolve discomforts that seem big in the first week. Daily care of the prosthesis is decisive for its durability and gum health. Removable prostheses must be removed every night, gum tissue needs to rest and breathe. Sleeping with the prosthesis increases the risk of candidiasis (thrush), gum inflammation, and accelerated bone reabsorption. Hygiene is simple but can't be ignored: brushing after every use, weekly soaking in disinfectant solution, and semi-annual reviews for relining and adjustments. A well-cared-for prosthesis lasts between 5 and 10 years before needing replacement; periodic relinings (remaking the inner part that rests on the gum) can be done every 2 to 3 years to follow the natural bone reabsorption.
Remove the prosthesis to clean it after every meal (or at least 2 times a day), brush with a dedicated prosthesis brush and neutral soap or specific denture paste, never regular toothpaste (it's abrasive and scratches acrylic)
At night, remove the prosthesis BEFORE sleeping, gum tissue needs to rest; sleeping with the prosthesis increases candidiasis risk, inflammation, and accelerated bone loss
When out of the mouth, keep the prosthesis immersed in water or disinfectant solution (Corega Tabs, Polident, or similar), dried acrylic deforms over time
Once a week, soak the prosthesis in baking soda solution (1 tablespoon in a glass of water) for 30 minutes to remove residue and stains
Don't use hot water, it permanently deforms acrylic
Don't use bleach or chlorinated products, they whiten and dry the material
Also clean your own mouth (gums, tongue, palate) with a soft brush or moistened gauze every night, even without teeth, removes biofilm and prevents bad breath
For RPD, brush remaining natural teeth (abutments) with extra attention, they support the prosthesis and face higher cavity risk at the clasp contact point
For crowns, brush and floss like a natural tooth, with special attention to the cementation line (between crown and gum, where plaque accumulates)
Re-evaluate the prosthesis every 6 months alongside dental cleaning, we check fit, integrity, prosthesis-tooth wear, and supporting-tissue health
Have professional relining every 2-3 years, remake the inner surface to accompany natural bone reabsorption (gum volume changes over time, and the prosthesis must follow)
If you feel pain, pressure point, or looseness after 1 week of use, return for adjustment, small refinements solve discomforts that seem big
For fractures or cracks, DO NOT try to glue at home with regular glue, bring to the clinic for professional repair or remake
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to adapt to a new dental prosthesis?
Depends on the type. Crowns and fixed bridges adapt in days, you hardly notice the piece. Removable partial dentures (RPD) usually take 2 to 4 weeks for full adaptation: speech, chewing, and tactile sensation adjust progressively. Complete dentures require more time, generally 1 to 3 months, because they involve more significant changes, all phonetics change, salivation reacts, chewing muscles reorganize to handle the new base. To speed up speech adaptation, read aloud in the first weeks. To speed up chewing adaptation, start with soft foods cut into small pieces and progress gradually. Small pressure points are expected and adjustable at follow-ups.How long does a dental prosthesis last?
A well-made and well-cared-for complete or removable partial denture lasts between 5 and 10 years before needing replacement. Well-made ceramic or zirconia crowns last 10 to 20 years or more. Implant-supported prostheses (when indicated) tend to last 15+ years with proper maintenance. In all cases, durability strongly depends on: daily hygiene, bruxism control (if any), semi-annual reviews, absence of trauma, and, for removables, periodic relinings that follow natural bone reabsorption. Prostheses that last less are usually associated with nighttime use (sleeping with the piece), insufficient hygiene, untreated bruxism, or missed reviews.Can I sleep with the prosthesis?
No. Sleeping with the removable prosthesis significantly increases the risk of oral candidiasis (thrush), gum inflammation, accelerated alveolar bone reabsorption, and bacterial proliferation. Gum tissue needs the night to rest, breathe, and stay healthy. The rule is simple: remove to sleep, insert on waking. Keep the prosthesis immersed in water or disinfectant solution overnight so it doesn't dry out.Do removable partial dentures 'shift' other teeth?
When well-made and well-adjusted, no. A proper RPD rests in a balanced way on the abutment teeth (those receiving the clasps) and preserves them. The problem appears in poorly made, poorly adjusted, or long-unrevised prostheses: overload on the abutments can cause mobility, cavity at the clasp contact point, and even loss of the abutment tooth. That's why semi-annual review is essential, we verify that the abutments are healthy and the prosthesis remains well-fitted. Rigorous hygiene on the abutments is also decisive: the clasp region accumulates more plaque than normal.Can I eat normally with a prosthesis?
Yes, with adaptation. Removable prostheses require a learning period: in the first weeks, prefer soft foods (soups, purées, mashed fruits), cut everything into small pieces, chew on both sides simultaneously to stabilize the piece, and avoid very hard or sticky foods. As adaptation progresses, eating approaches normal, but some habits stay forever: biting a whole apple in front, eating corn on the cob, peeling nuts with your teeth... that's not possible with a complete denture. With RPD, most foods return to normal after 4-8 weeks. Implant-supported prostheses offer chewing very close to natural, one of the implant advantages for those who want that freedom.Are implant-supported prostheses possible? Do you do them?
Yes, implant-supported prostheses are an excellent option in many cases, they offer superior stability, preserve bone, eliminate visible clasps, and provide chewing close to natural. There are several modalities: single implant with crown (for a single tooth), implant-supported fixed prosthesis (for a series of teeth), overdenture (complete denture supported on 2-4 implants but still removable), and protocol (fixed complete denture on 4-6 implants, removable only by the dentist). At our clinic, we directly offer conventional removable prostheses, complete and partial. For implant-supported prostheses, we work in partnership with implant surgeons and prosthodontists in our regional network, we do the initial planning, refer for the specialized procedure, and continue overseeing your general care.How long after an extraction can I get a prosthesis?
For the definitive prosthesis, we recommend waiting 3 to 6 months after the extraction, that's the time needed for the alveolar bone and gum to heal and stabilize. If the definitive prosthesis is made before that, in a few months it will be loose because the bone will keep reabsorbing. During the waiting period, we can make a provisional prosthesis (immediate, installed on the same day of extraction, or interim, made after 1-2 weeks) so you don't go without teeth during the healing period. The provisional is disposable and is remade or adjusted when the definitive is ready.Will I be able to speak normally with the prosthesis?
Initially, some sounds come out differently, especially words with 's', 'z', 't', and 'd', which depend on tongue contact with the palate. Complete dentures cover part of the palate, which momentarily changes those articulation points. Speech normalizes naturally within weeks: the brain relearns tongue movements for the new contact points. To speed up this process, read aloud every day in the first weeks, any text works. With RPD (which doesn't cover the palate), phonetic adaptation is generally much faster, from a few days to a week.Crown or prosthesis, what's the difference?
A crown is a prosthesis that fully covers a natural tooth still present, it works as a 'cap' that protects and restores a severely compromised tooth (extensive cavity, fracture, after root canal). The natural tooth is there underneath, providing the root. A prosthesis (in the more common sense: removable partial or complete) replaces the entire tooth, including the root, which has been lost. In other words: a crown reinforces an existing tooth; a prosthesis replaces a missing one. Sometimes the two combine, an RPD can have a clasp resting on a tooth that received a crown, for example.What materials are used in prostheses and how long does each last?
The base of removable prostheses (complete and RPD) is made in thermopolymerizable acrylic resin (PMMA), durable, biocompatible material with good aesthetic finish. The teeth positioned in the prosthesis can be in synthetic resin (more common, good aesthetics, affordable price) or in porcelain (superior durability, premium aesthetics, indicated in specific cases). For conventional RPD, the framework is in chrome-cobalt alloy (CrCo), light, resistant, biocompatible. For Flex RPD, the framework is in flexible polymer (nylon-based, no metal). Crowns can be in metal-ceramic (good cost-benefit, durable), pure porcelain (superior aesthetics, indicated for front teeth), or zirconia (high resistance + great aesthetics, more expensive). Each material has specific clinical indications discussed in planning.Can I get a prosthesis if I have diabetes or another health condition?
Yes, with careful evaluation. Diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis (especially when using bisphosphonates), anticoagulant use, and other chronic conditions don't prevent prosthesis fabrication, but require specific planning. In diabetes, we control glycemia before invasive procedures (pre-prosthesis extractions) to reduce infection risk. With bisphosphonates, we carefully evaluate extractions for osteonecrosis risk. With anticoagulants, we follow current protocols (warfarin requires recent INR; DOACs don't need adjustment). Share your full medical history and current medications when booking, this lets us plan the approach with full safety.
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