An implant supported bridge is a restorative solution for spaces where three or more adjacent teeth are missing. This restoration typically requires two implants to support the porcelain bridge. The bridge provides a functional and aesthetic replacement for a patients natural teeth.
For patients who are missing many or all of their teeth, implant supported dentures may be an alternative to traditional dentures. This solution requires the placement of two or more implants. In order to replace a full arch denture, a minimum of four implants is generally recommended. Eligibility for this solution is dependent upon a number of factors, with jaw bone density being one of the most significant determining factors.
Traditional dentures rely on an acrylic base that sits directly on the gums, held in place by a paste or adhesive. Using implants as supports for dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.
Implants can support both full and partial dentures as well as both fixed and removable dentures.If a removable denture is selected, the denture will snap on to the implant rather than requiring the use of denture paste or adhesives.
This procedure is a unique implant solution that allows patients with a completely edentulous (toothless) upper or lower arch to replace all of the teeth in that arch using only four implants as anchors.
There are times when a full size implant is not a viable option, and in many cases an MDI may be a great solution. Small spaces or inadequate bone mass in the jaw may prevent the use of traditional implants. Mini Dental Implants are similar to regular implants but, as the name suggests, are significantly smaller in diameter. Dental implants typically take 2 visits and require a waiting period of a few months from the time of implant placement to the time the permanent replacement tooth can be placed. The placement of MDIs is minimally invasive, often requiring only local anesthetic and no sutures. For this reason, MDIs can often be placed with the final replacement toothin one day.
Invisalign is an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment option for teens and adults because it uses a series of clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth instead of metal brackets and wires. While you likely already know that Invisalign is virtually invisible, you might not know about its other benefitsits also more comfortable than braces, it can be removed when you eat and brush, and its just as effective as traditional braces.
Your digital impressions allow us to create a three-dimensional model of your smile on our computer that we use to plan the precise movements of each tooth with each set of aligners. Once weve shown you a preview of your smile and finalized our plan, we send it to Invisalign and they will fabricate your custom-made aligners.
Every two weeks, or as directed, youll switch to a new set of aligners right at home, with each set bringing you a little bit closer to your beautiful new smile. Your teeth will gradually and gently shift into their new positions until your treatment is complete.
There are some complex orthodontic issues in which Invisalign is not an option. Assuming you are not one of those cases and you have the option of choosing between braces and Invisalign, you can expect similar resultsboth solutions will correct bite issues and straighten your teeth. Deciding which is better ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle. Most patients feel that Invisalign is better because its discreet, comfortable, and convenient.
Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for optimal results. We suggest only removing them to eat, brush, and floss. When you dont wear your aligners as directed, your treatment time will be extended.
Just like traditional braces, Invisalign is a permanent fix as long as you maintain your results. Once your treatment is complete, well provide you with retainers to wear until your teeth have settled into their new positions. Patients who dont wear their retainers as instructed may experience orthodontic relapse.
An oral evaluation is recommended every six (6) months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. During an oral evaluation, a thorough examination of the mouth, head, and neck is performed to detect abnormalities.
Regular cleanings help keep gums healthy and teeth cavity-free. A dental cleaning includes removal of tartar and plaque andpolishing of the teethto remove stains and prevent further buildup of plaque.
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at this office as an important component of pediatric dental treatment. The fluoride is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam, or varnish form.
Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool used to identify decay, extra teeth, bone defects, tumors, cysts and check the progress of previous procedures. Advances in technology now allow for digital X-rays, which reduce radiation exposure more than 50 percent, and produce instant, high-quality images that can be viewed immediately by the dentist and the patient.
During a regular check-up, oral hygiene instructions are given to both patient and parent. Good home care can reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up which can lead to cavities. Instructions include proper techniques for brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinses.
Dental sealants are made of a safe resin material which is applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the crevices of a tooth and seals off the tooth from cavity-causing agents like food and plaque. The teeth are prepared for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.