Prosthodontics is one of the branches of dentistry that deals with the replacement of missing teeth and the associated soft and hard tissues by using different types of prosthodontic restorations (crowns, bridges, dentures), which may be fixed or removable or may be supported and retained by implants.

Fixed prosthodontics is the branch of general prosthodontics that deals with restoration of teeth using crowns, bridges, onlays, inlays and veneers. All of the above mentioned restorations are made in dental  laboratory on an impression of the mouth taken by the prosthodontist.The tooth/teeth are prepared (drilled) by the prosthodontist and an impression is made to capture this preparation which is then sent to the laboratory along with a detailed prescription. The dental technician then fabricates the desires restoration as per the prescription. Then the restoration is again sent in the office so it can be tested in the mouth. If any corrections need to be made, the prosthodontist can send them again in the lab. The finished product is then cemented in the mouth using various cements.

Dental crown or commonly referred as a ,,cap” and covers part of the complete tooth. Different materials can be used to make the crown depending on the requirements such as function/aesthetics, patient preference and the condition of the tooth. They can be made of metal-ceramics, titanium-ceramics, zirconium, lithium disilicate porcelain, composites etc.

Dental bridge is a dental restoration used to replace a ,,gap” due to missing tooth/teeth. The adjacent tooth/teeth are used to hand the bridge. Several designs and materials are used for bridge fabrication depending on the size of the gap, aesthetics and function.

Removable prosthodontics is concerned with prosthesis which replace the soft tissues and teeth and are more commonly referred to as dentures. These can be replacing all of the missing teeth (complete dentures) or may be replacing some of the teeth (partial dentures). They can be solely made of plastic (acrylic) or can be made of combination of metal and plastic.