Understanding Prosthodontics: What It Is and Why It Matters 

Your dental health is more than just a bright smile. It’s linked to your overall well-being. That’s why understanding the different areas of dentistry matters, especially if you’re dealing with missing or damaged teeth. 

In this article, we’ll break down what prosthodontics is, what a prosthodontist does, how they differ from general or cosmetic dentists, and when you should consider seeing one. 

What Does a Prosthodontist Do? 

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on restoring and replacing teeth, within the context of orofacial function and appearance. 

After completing dental school, prosthodontists go through an additional three years of advanced training. This post-graduate education teaches them how to assess, design, build, and fit dental prosthetics like crowns, implants, dentures, veneers, and bridges. 

They are certified by the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) and recognised as specialists in restoring oral health and function. 

Their goal is to repair what’s broken, replace what’s missing, and make it look and feel as natural as possible. Their work involves advanced study and practice of implant, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry. 

So whether it’s a single crown or full-mouth rehabilitation, they have the training and experience to create a treatment plan that combines function, comfort and appearance. 

What Is Prosthodontics? 

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and managing oral conditions that involve missing or damaged teeth. It also includes rehabilitation of facial structures related to the jaw, mouth, and face. 

Another take on Prosthodontics is restoring and maintaining oral function, health, comfort and appearance using artificial substitutes. 

In simpler terms, prosthodontics is the area of dentistry that deals with dental restorations, especially when the solutions are complex or involve multiple teeth or structures. 

If you’ve lost teeth or need reconstructive treatment due to trauma, cancer, or congenital conditions, prosthodontics offers advanced care designed for long-term health and natural-looking results. 

General Dentist vs. Prosthodontist: What’s the Difference? 

Many people assume all dentists are the same, but there are important differences, especially when it comes to more advanced treatment. 

A general dentist handles everyday care: cleanings, checkups, fillings, and simple restorations. They are your go-to for prevention and basic repairs. 

A prosthodontist can do all those things, but also much more. 

They are trained to manage complex cases involving multiple missing or damaged teeth, jaw issues, and full oral reconstruction. Their deep understanding of oral anatomy and dental materials makes them experts in planning and executing detailed, customised treatments. 

Some general dentists do offer services like crowns, bridges, or veneers. But prosthodontists are trained to handle these procedures at a higher level of precision, especially when aesthetics, bite alignment or jaw health are also involved. 

Training and Accreditation: 

• General dentists complete dental school and may take optional courses in cosmetic procedures. 

• Prosthodontists complete dental school plus an additional 3–4 years of DBA accredited training in prosthodontics. They are officially certified as specialists. 

Procedures: 

General dentists provide routine care: 

• Checkups 

• Fillings 

• Cleanings 

• Basic crowns or tooth repairs 

Prosthodontists provide complex restorative care: 

• Dental implants 

• Bridges 

• Crowns and veneers 

• Full or partial dentures 

• TMJ and jaw treatments 

• Oral and maxillofacial reconstruction 

What About Cosmetic Dentistry? 

Here’s where things can get confusing. 

Any dentist can offer cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or veneers. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving appearance, but it’s not a recognised specialty by the DBA. 

That means general dentists can take short courses in cosmetic dentistry and offer aesthetic procedures, but there’s no formal board certification required. 

Prosthodontics, on the other hand, is an official dental specialty. 

A prosthodontist not only restores function but also improves appearance. They design restorations like crowns, veneers, and implants that match the natural shape, colour and size of your teeth. 

They combine both aesthetics and function because the two go hand in hand, and since many prosthodontic programs now include implant surgery training, most prosthodontists can also place and restore dental implants without needing to undertake in a separate course on dental implants. 

When Should You See a Prosthodontist? 

You might not need a prosthodontist for a simple cleaning or cavity. But if your dental needs are more complex, they could be the best choice. 

Consider seeing a prosthodontist if you: 

• Have one or more missing teeth 

• Need implants to replace damaged or missing roots 

• Are wearing dentures that need repair or replacement 

• Have damaged teeth that need full restoration 

• Have TMJ problems or jaw pain 

• Want to restore your smile’s appearance and function 

• Have a complex case due to trauma, cancer, or birth defects 

Thanks to modern materials and technology, prosthodontists can now create restorations that are strong, long-lasting, and incredibly lifelike. 

What Procedures Do Prosthodontists Perform? 

Here are some of the most common treatments a prosthodontist offers: 

Dental Implants – These are titanium posts inserted into the jaw to replace missing tooth roots. A crown is attached, giving you a tooth that looks and functions naturally. 

Crowns – Caps that cover damaged teeth or sit on top of implants. They restore shape, strength, and appearance. 

Bridges – Used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge anchors to nearby teeth with crowns and fills the gap with a prosthetic tooth. 

Dentures – Removable or fixed prosthetics that replace multiple missing teeth. Can be partial or full, and custom-fitted for comfort and natural appearance. 

Veneers – Thin porcelain covers bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, colour, or alignment. 

Full Mouth Reconstruction – A complete rebuild of your teeth and bite using a combination of techniques—ideal for patients with extensive damage or tooth loss. 

TMJ Treatment – Care for jaw disorders that affect movement, cause pain, or interfere with chewing. 

Why Choose a Prosthodontist? 

If you want your teeth to look and feel like your natural ones, a prosthodontist has the expertise to make that happen. 

• They don’t just make your teeth look better. 

• They make sure your bite works. 

• That your jaw moves correctly. 

• That you can eat, smile, and speak with comfort and confidence. 

A prosthodontist understands that a good restoration must function properly and blend seamlessly with the rest of your mouth. 

Second Opinion 

Have you been talking to your dentist about cosmetic dental treatment such as veneers or implants? Before proceeding, it’s worth getting a second opinion from an expert in the field because there is nothing more important than your health and wellbeing. You don’t need a referral to see a prosthodontist. 

For more information on our treatments using porcelain veneers click here, or for more information on all our treatments for cosmetic dentistry click here. If you have any queries about mouth restorations, prosthodontics or require a second opinion, call us on (08) 9321 1632 or book an appointment.