Butterfly dentures

The absence of even one tooth can affect the aesthetics of the smile, chewing and self-confidence. In such cases, one of the restoration options can be a “butterfly” on teeth — a compact orthopedic construction that helps replace the missing tooth and restore the function and aesthetics of the dental row.

In the “Oxford Medical” dentistry, doctors select an individual method of tooth restoration taking into account the clinical situation and the patient’s wishes. During the consultation, the dentist will conduct an examination, assess the condition of the oral cavity and tell about possible options for dental prosthetics, so that you can choose the optimal solution. Make an appointment for a consultation by phone or through the online appointment form to receive personal recommendations.

An immediate prosthesis (“butterfly”) is a removable orthopedic construction intended for replacing one, less often two missing teeth. It is also sometimes called a “little beetle” dental prosthesis.

The construction consists of an artificial tooth and small fixing elements that hold it on the adjacent teeth. Thanks to the compact size, the fastenings are almost invisible. A “butterfly” is a prosthesis that does not require grinding down healthy units, which in some cases is a significant advantage.

Doctors of “Oxford Medical” explain: a dental “butterfly” is most often used after tooth extraction as a temporary solution before installing an implant or another permanent orthopedic construction. At the same time, in some situations such a prosthesis can also be used for a long time.

After the loss of a tooth, it is not always possible to immediately perform implantation or install a permanent bridge on teeth. In such cases, a “butterfly” prosthesis for teeth can become an optimal temporary solution.

It is most often installed after tooth extraction. For example, this may be necessary because of significant destruction caused by caries. In other cases, the cause may be periodontitis — inflammation of the tissues around the root, which often occurs as a consequence of untimely treatment of caries.

Doctors of “Oxford Medical” recommend restoring the lost tooth as early as possible. A temporary “butterfly” tooth prosthesis helps avoid displacement of neighboring units and creates better conditions for further prosthetics.

Despite the simplicity of the construction, a “butterfly” on a tooth is not suitable for all patients. First, the dentist assesses the condition of the teeth and gums, because the reliability of fixation, comfort of use and durability of the construction depend on this.

Installation of the prosthesis may be inappropriate in such cases:

• absence of healthy supporting teeth;
• pronounced mobility of supporting units;
• acute inflammatory processes in the oral cavity (until their elimination).

Doctors of “Oxford Medical” explain: if caries or gum diseases are detected before prosthetics, the necessary treatment is carried out first. After that, the dentist determines which method of restoring the dental row will be optimal.

Manufacturing and installation of a “butterfly” prosthesis on teeth usually takes several visits to the dentist. The number of stages may differ depending on the need for preliminary treatment.

Main stages:

• Consultation with an orthopedic dentist. The doctor conducts an examination, assesses the condition of the teeth and gums, determines the possibility of installing a “butterfly” and draws up an individual plan for dental prosthetics.
• Preparation. If necessary, treatment of dental diseases or professional hygiene is carried out.
• Taking impressions or digital scanning. Based on the obtained data, an individual prosthesis is manufactured in the dental technical laboratory.
• Fitting and installation. The dentist checks how the construction is fixed, whether it creates discomfort, after which provides recommendations on use and care.

Doctors of “Oxford Medical” explain: a properly manufactured prosthesis must fit tightly, be comfortable and not disturb the bite. If discomfort occurs after installation, you should not try to correct the construction independently — it is necessary to contact a dentist.

Proper care helps keep the temporary “butterfly” on teeth in good condition and reduce the risk of gum inflammation. After installation, the dentist necessarily explains how to use the construction and care for it.

Main recommendations:

• remove the prosthesis for daily cleaning;
• clean the construction with a soft brush and products that the doctor will advise;
• brush teeth regularly;
• not allow the construction to fall and excessive mechanical load;
• undergo preventive examinations with a dentist within the recommended timeframes.

Doctors of “Oxford Medical” recommend not using hot water for cleaning the construction, as this may lead to its deformation. Proper care helps preserve the shape of the construction, its comfortable fixation and neat appearance longer.

With proper care and regular preventive examinations, the “butterfly” can serve for several years. If the construction has been damaged, has become less comfortable or has stopped being reliably fixed, it is worth contacting a dentist. The doctor will assess its condition and, if necessary, recommend correction, replacement or another method of restoring the dental row.

The service life depends on the material of the construction, bite features, operating conditions and compliance with the dentist’s recommendations. Since most often the “butterfly” is used as a temporary solution, after completion of the main treatment the doctor may recommend replacing it with a permanent orthopedic construction.

The cost of manufacturing depends on the material of the construction and other features. You can preliminarily view prices for a “butterfly” prosthesis here.

During the consultation, the dentist will conduct an examination, answer all questions and orient you regarding the full cost of treatment. If necessary, the doctor will also tell about other medical services that may be needed for preparation for prosthetics. To make an appointment for a consultation, contact the contact center by phone or use the online appointment form on the website.

Dental departments of “Oxford Medical” are located in Pechersk, Pavlivska, Obolon and Pozniaky. You can choose the clinic that will be most convenient for you to contact.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• NCBI Bookshelf
• PubMed Central