Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). It involves the restoration of missing or misshapen teeth with artificial structures (prostheses), including crowns, bridges and dentures. To become a prosthodontist, a dentist completes an additional three years of advanced training after dental school and is therefore prepared to treat cases of the utmost complexity. The post-dental degree program includes in-depth training in biomedical and biomaterial sciences, bite function, head and neck anatomy, and esthetics. Patients requiring full-mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction as well as those who suffer from conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder and sleep apnea will often see a prosthodontist as part of their treatment. Cosmetic dentistry, while not a specialty in itself, is taken to an advanced level within the specialty of prosthodontics. (more…)