Editing Prosthodontics (section)

==Scope of Practice==
Prosthodontics is traditionally divided into four main sub-categories:

===1. Fixed Prosthodontics===
Restorations that are permanently attached to the teeth or implants and cannot be removed by the patient.
* '''[[Dental Crown]]''': A "cap" that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength.
* '''[[Dental Bridge]]''' (Fixed Partial Denture): Replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent natural teeth (abutments).
* '''[[Veneer]]''': A thin layer of porcelain or composite bonded to the facial surface of teeth for esthetic improvement.

===2. Removable Prosthodontics===
Prostheses that the patient can remove for cleaning and while sleeping.
* '''Complete Dentures''': Used when all teeth in an arch are missing.
* '''Removable Partial Dentures (RPD)''': Used when some natural teeth remain; these utilize clasps to stay in place.

===3. Implant Prosthodontics===
The restoration of '''[[Dental implants]]'''. This includes single crowns, implant-supported bridges, or "All-on-X" fixed hybrid proteheses where a full arch of teeth is supported by four to six implants.

===4. Maxillofacial Prosthetics===
A sub-specialty involved in treating patients with acquired or congenital defects of the head and neck (e.g., due to cancer surgery or trauma). This involves creating artificial eyes, ears, noses, or obturators to close defects in the [[palatine process|palate]].