Final answer:
Dental prosthesis or prosthodontics is the dental treatment for replacing missing or damaged teeth with artificial devices, tailored to match the patient's remaining teeth for a natural appearance and comfortable fit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of dental treatment that involves the replacement of natural teeth with artificial devices is known as dental prostheses or prosthodontics. Dental prostheses can include dentures, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. These devices are used to restore the functionality and appearance of a patient's dentition when teeth are lost or severely damaged.
Unlike joint replacements such as hip arthroplasty, which involves replacing the articular surfaces of bones, dental prosthesis focuses on replacing parts of, or entire, missing teeth. Just as artificial joints are sometimes custom-made, dental prosthetics are tailored to match the remaining teeth and fit comfortably in the individual's mouth. Advances in dental materials and techniques enable dentists to provide natural-looking and durable solutions to tooth loss, improving the quality of life for patients with missing teeth.