If you are dealing with missing teeth, loose dentures, worn-down teeth or crowns that keep failing, you may have heard the word prosthodontist. This guide explains what a prosthodontist does, the problems they treat, what it costs and how to see one in the Klang Valley.
Baca dalam Bahasa Melayu · 中文版
What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist with postgraduate specialist training in restoring and replacing teeth. In Malaysia, prosthodontics is part of the wider specialty of restorative dentistry.
Prosthodontists focus on:
- Crowns and bridges, including complex and multiple-tooth cases
- Dentures: full, partial and implant-retained dentures
- Implant-supported teeth: single implant crowns up to full-arch bridges such as All-on-4
- Veneers and aesthetic smile makeovers
- Full mouth rehabilitation for worn teeth and a collapsed bite
Signs you may benefit from seeing a prosthodontist
- Your dentures are loose, painful or make it hard to eat and speak
- You are missing several teeth and are unsure whether to choose implants, a bridge or dentures
- Your teeth have become short, flat or chipped from grinding
- Your face looks shorter or your lips look thinner because of tooth wear or tooth loss
- Crowns or bridges keep coming off or breaking
- You want veneers but your bite or tooth shape needs careful planning first
Prosthodontist vs general dentist: which do you need?
Many single crowns, simple dentures and routine veneers can be done well by an experienced general dentist. A prosthodontist is most helpful when:
- many teeth need treatment at once
- your bite needs to be rebuilt or raised
- previous treatment has failed
- you need implant teeth for a whole jaw
At Qualiteeth, your general dentist can start the assessment and involve the prosthodontist when your case needs specialist planning.
Meet our visiting prosthodontist
Assoc. Prof. Dr Tew In Meei is a prosthodontist who restores and replaces teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers and implant-supported teeth. She completed her Master of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, University of Hong Kong, in 2015, and was admitted as a Member in Restorative Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Prosthodontics) in 2016. She is an Associate Professor and clinical specialist in prosthodontics at the Department of Restorative Dentistry, UKM. Read her profile.
Dr Tew is a visiting specialist who sees patients across all Qualiteeth branches by appointment.
Common treatments a prosthodontist plans
1. Replacing missing teeth
The prosthodontist compares implants, bridges and dentures for your situation, looking at bone, gums, neighbouring teeth, budget and how long you want the result to last. Read our guide on full mouth implants vs dentures.
2. Rebuilding worn teeth
Grinding, acid reflux and acidic drinks can wear teeth down over years. Rebuilding them usually means planning the bite first, testing it with temporary teeth, then placing crowns, onlays or veneers in stages.
3. Better-fitting dentures
New dentures made with careful bite records, or dentures held in place by two or more implants, can make eating and speaking more comfortable.
4. Smile design
For veneers and smile makeovers, Digital Smile Design lets you preview the planned result before treatment.
How much does prosthodontic treatment cost in Malaysia?
The cost depends on how many teeth are involved and the materials used. Starting prices at Qualiteeth:
- Dental crowns: from RM700 per tooth
- Dental bridges: RM700 per tooth
- Dentures: from RM350
- Dental implants: from RM5,000
- Veneer packages: 8 veneers with Digital Smile Design from RM2,999; 8 ceramic veneers RM12,800; specialist ceramic package RM16,800
For larger cases, you receive a written plan with each stage and its cost before treatment begins.
Related: Full mouth rehabilitation in KL & Selangor
Specialist appointments near you in the Klang Valley
Our specialists visit all Qualiteeth branches by appointment, so you can be seen close to home:
- Kepong & KL North: Kepong (Taman Sri Bintang), Kepong Baru, Desa Aman Puri, Jinjang Selatan
- Selayang, Gombak & Rawang: Selayang, Gombak, Rawang, Anggun City Rawang
- Sungai Buloh & Damansara: Sungai Buloh, Bandar Sri Damansara
- Petaling Jaya & Shah Alam: Aman Suria, PJ, SS3 Taman Universiti, Subang Murni
- Cheras & Serdang: Cheras, Olive Hill, Seri Kembangan
Book an appointment and tell us you would like to see a specialist. The branch will confirm the date on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What does a prosthodontist do?
A prosthodontist specialises in restoring and replacing teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers and implant-supported teeth, including complex and full mouth cases.
Is there a prosthodontist near Kepong, Petaling Jaya or Cheras?
Yes. Our visiting prosthodontist sees patients by appointment at all Qualiteeth branches, including Kepong, Petaling Jaya, Subang, Sungai Buloh, Rawang and Cheras.
Do I need a referral to see a prosthodontist?
No referral is needed. You can book directly, or your Qualiteeth dentist can arrange it if your case needs specialist planning.
Is a prosthodontist more expensive than a general dentist?
Specialist planning can cost more for complex cases, but it can reduce the risk of treatment failing and needing to be redone. Your full cost is explained before treatment begins.
What is the difference between a prosthodontist and a restorative dentistry specialist?
Restorative dentistry is the wider specialty that includes prosthodontics, endodontics and periodontics. A prosthodontist focuses mainly on crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers and implant teeth.
This article gives general information and is not a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise on suitable treatment after an examination. Prices are starting prices; the full cost is explained before treatment begins.