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Prosthodontics [1] is that branch of dentistry pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance and health of the patient by the restoration of natural teeth or the replacement of missing teeth and contiguous oral and maxillofacial tissues with artificial substitutes or by both.

Removable Prosthodontics [1] is that branch of prosthodontics concerned with the replacement of teeth and contiguous structure for edentulous or partially edentulous patients by artificial substitutes that are removable from the mouth.

Fixed Prosthodontics [1] is that branch of prosthodontics concerned with the replacement or restoration of teeth or both by artificial substitutes that are not removable from the mouth.

Maxillofacial Prosthetics [1] is that branch of prosthodontics concerned with the restoration or replacement, or both, of stomatognathic and associated facial structures by artificial substitutes that may or may not be removed.

According to Tylman, Prosthodontics [2], prosthetic dentistry [2] is the branch of dental art and science pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral function by the replacement of missing teeth and associated structures by artificial devices.

According to Nagle, Prosthodontics [3], prosthetic dentistry [3] 1. That branch of dental art and science pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral function by the replacement of missing teeth and associated structures by artificial devices, 2. The science and art of providing suitable substitues for the coronal portions of teeth, or for one or more lost or missing teeth and their associated parts, in order that impaired function, appearance, comfort and health of the patient may be restired. (A.D.A.)

While according to McGivney, Prosthodontics [4] may be defined as that branch of dentistry pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral functions, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by the restoration of natural teeth and / or replacement of missing teeth and contiguous oral and maxillofacial tissues with artificial substitutes.

References

1. Johnston J, Phillips R, Dykema R: Johnstons Modern Practice in Fixed Prothodontics, 4th ed. WB Saunders 1986

2. Tylman S: Theory and practice of crown and fixed partial prosthodontics (bridge), 6th ed. The CV Mosby Company US 1970

3. Nagle R, Sears V: Denture Prosthetics, Complete Dentures, 2nd ed. The CV Mosby Company US 1962

4. McGivney G, Carr A: McCracken’s Removable Partial Prosthodontics, 10th ed. Mosby Inc 2000