A dental implant is a small titanium post that is inserted in the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone and acts like a tooth root. While traditional bridges and dentures are alternative solutions, these older dental techniques only replace the visible portion of the tooth and not the root. This leaves your jawbone susceptible to deterioration and opens the door to future oral health problems.

Dental implants can address all types of tooth loss and function just like natural teeth. The dentists at Kasperowski Family Dentistry in Westfield, MA, excel at creating beautiful, long-lasting restorations that will bring a smile to your face.

Even one missing tooth can lead to deterioration of the tooth socket. A dental implant and crown replace the missing tooth while also encouraging bone growth. The alternative, a traditional bridge, requires reshaping nearby teeth to hold the bridge, a step that leaves them more susceptible to fracture and decay.

Our dentists can replace a row of missing teeth by using two dental implants to support a bridge. An important advantage of an implant-supported bridge is that it can replace a longer stretch of missing teeth and is more stable than a traditional bridge, which depends on nearby natural teeth for support.

Denture wearers reap a variety of benefits with implant-supported dentures. For starters, implant-supported dentures will never slip or fall out. And, unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures encourage bone growth in the jawbone. Unfortunately, traditional dentures accelerate bone loss.

Implant dentistry is a highly technique-sensitive field where experience, training, and technology all matter for successful outcomes. In addition to advanced implant training, the dentists at Kasperowski Family Dentistry use sophisticated dental technology to take the guesswork out of implants.

Precision starts with the use of advanced 3-D imaging to assess bone density and determine the optimum implant locations. Using sophisticated digital workflows, our dentists can plan the procedure in advance, right down to creating a surgical guide to precisely place the implant at the correct angle and height for the best stability.

In many cases, patients need to visit multiple dental offices to complete the various stages of their dental implant treatment. However, we understand that getting dental care from multiple offices can be frustrating and inconvenient.

Our skilled team is able to perform all aspects of treatment in-office, from placement to restoration. Overseeing all stages of treatment on-site allows us to not only provide you with the best experience but ensure the highest quality results.

Implants offer a complete tooth restoration, from crown to root. Other tooth restoration methods replace the crown but do not provide the root, the key piece that keeps your jaw strong, healthy, and dense.

First, you will need to undergo an evaluation. During this visit, the doctor will determine whether you are a candidate by taking scans of your mouth to determine bone density and ideal implant locations. He will also assess whether you need any preparatory treatments to ensure implant success. This can include bone grafts to create a solid implant foundation or treatment for gum disease.

During dental implant surgery, the doctor will place titanium implants in the jaw through incisions in the gums. You will need to heal for about four to six months to allow the bone to fuse with the implant. A temporary restoration may be provided during this time.

After the implant and bone have fused together, an abutment will be attached. This piece will connect the restoration to your implants. You will then need to heal for about two weeks to allow the gums to form a seal around the abutment.

You will return to our Westfield office so the restoration can be tested in your mouth to ensure it is a good fit and comfortable. If both you and the dentist are satisfied with the result, the restoration will be attached to the implants and you can walk out with a beautiful smile.

I travel an hour for the most friendly, competent, and dedicated staff. Not many places around where the staff genuinely know each patient. Dr's. Alan and Brian always impress me. All I can say is thank you.

I have been avoiding the dentist for years because of fear from past experiences. The entire staff at Kasperowski Dental has made me feel so comfortable from the moment you walk into the office until you leave. They listen to you and make the entire experience a pleasant one. Dr. Bryan is the BEST!

While Invisalign has made great strides, there are still some situations that are better left to an orthodontist. If we think you need traditional metal braces, we won't hesitate to refer you to an orthodontist.

Kasperowski Family Dentistry in Westfield, MA, uses a sophisticated iTero scanner that not only captures an image of your teeth but can also create a computer simulation of what your smile will look like before, during, and after treatment. In addition to seeing a preview of your new smile, the simulations also let you monitor your progress throughout treatment so you can see how far you've come and stay motivated.

Invisalign orthodonticsuses clear aligner trays to gently move your teeth into alignment. The first step is creating a series of custom trays for your Invisalign treatment. After that, treatment is just a matter of wearing one of the trays for two weeks before moving to the next tray in the series. Each aligner moves your teeth a little closer to your goal and by the last tray, your smile has been transformed.

Unlike braces, the aligners are removable so you can eat your favorite foods. And you won't have to spend extra time at the end of the day trying to brush and floss around traditional braces when you would rather be crawling into bed.

Invisalign revolutionized orthodontics. This advanced orthodontics treatment is continually improving, allowing us to successfully treat even complex cases, such as teeth that are twisted and sitting behind other teeth. In these difficult situations, the dentists at Kasperowski Family Dentistry in Westfield, MA, can pair aligners with 'attachments' to move a tooth into the correct position. Attachments are tiny, tooth-colored bumps that we place on the surface of select teeth. This allows the aligner to grip the tooth and move it precisely. After treatment is over, the attachments are easily removed.

The most important requirement for Invisalign treatment is agreeing to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Because aligners can't move your teeth unless you are wearing them, you should only take the trays out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

Invisalign Express works the same way as traditional Invisalign, but faster. While traditional Invisalign usually requires 20 to 30 aligners and 10 to 15 months to complete treatment, Invisalign Express uses 10 aligners or less. That cuts treatment time to about six months. While this faster method isn't for everyone, it can successfully treat minor issues with crowding, spacing, and tooth rotation.

In order to continue enjoying your newly enhanced smile, you'll need to wear a retainer or your last tray in the series while you sleep. We can discuss the best option for you when you meet with our team.

Meghan Kelley is the best dentist I have ever had! Very professional, personable, and cares about your comfort and concerns. Takes the time to explain everything and answer all questions asked thoroughly. Highly recommend!!

Your smile is one of your most valuableassets, and proper dental function plays an essential role in virtually every aspect of your life, from your health to your self-esteem. If you are missing most or all of your teeth,speak to a dentist about your candidacy for dental implants. While the costof an implant-supported denture can be significant, many dentists offer financingthat can make this solution affordable on most budgets.