What is prosthodontics?

 
Prosthodontics is the area of dentistry pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, esthetics, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing teeth, deficient teeth, and/or compromised maxillo-facial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms 8th Edition. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry 2005; 94(1):1-85.
 

Prosthodontics involves a number of disciplines including:

• Contemporary fixed prostheses 
   
• Full coverage crowns
   
• Partial coverage restorations     
   
• Fixed partial dentures (bridges)
   
• Porcelain veneers
   
• Resin bonded bridges
   
• Removable prostheses 
   
• Removable complete dentures     
   
• Removable partial dentures
   
• Tooth-based over-dentures
   
• Implant-based prostheses 
   
• Implant-supported, fixed prostheses     
   
• Implant-retained over-dentures
   
• Management of temporo-mandibular disorders
   
• Maxillo-facial prosthetics
   
• Dental material science
   
• Dental laboratory technology