A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.

With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual implants*, even higher for the bridges they support. * Results based on implants and bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedure and a separate fee for attaching the posts and constructing your replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you.

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

• Improved appearance: When you lose entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge doesn't.
• Maintained natural teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
• Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after installation. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
  

Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you are used to. You can continue smoking as well, if you must. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations.

Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.

Traditionally, the procedure has been performed in two steps. The dentist began by installing the implant, which was left for from three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient was given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown could be put in place. Today, there is an alternative to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed in one whole piece in one single session. This new method has simplified the procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists. The procedure is chosen depends on several factors, such as the patient's dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.

Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.

It is normal to have some small bruises and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.

Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist in every sixth month, or more frequently if so advised.

People wear dentures to replace lost or missing teeth so they can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. Dentures are made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal.

A 'complete' or 'full' denture is one which replaces all the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws.

A 'partial' denture fills in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth. It may be fastened to your natural teeth with metal clasps or 'precision attachments'. 

Usually dentures can be fitted straight after your teeth have been removed. These are called immediate dentures. You visit the dentist beforehand for them to take measurements and impressions of your mouth. With immediate dentures you dont have to be without teeth while your gums are healing. However, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after your teeth have been taken out. If your gums shrink, your immediate dentures may need relining, adjusting or even replacing. Your dentist will be able to discuss this with you. Sometimes your dentist may advise you to wait until your gums are healed before having your dentures, as this can sometimes provide a better fit. Healing may take several months.
 

Replacing lost or missing teeth is very good for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces your natural teeth and gives support to your cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person look older and they will find it harder to eat and speak properly. Dentures can be made to closely match your natural teeth so that your appearance hardly changes. Modern dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face.
 

Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the denture from moving. As you become more used to your denture, add other foods until you return to your normal healthy diet.

Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words will help.

If you find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile, reposition the denture by gently biting down and swallowing. If this continues consult your dentist. 

During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them for most of the time, including while you are asleep. After your mouth gets used to your dentures, your dentist may advise that you remove them before going to bed. This allows your gums to rest and helps keep your mouth healthy.
 

Dentures are custom made to fit your mouth and you shouldn't need a denture fixative. However, over time, dentures may become loose and not fit as well. When this happens, some people prefer to use a fixative for a short time before having them replaced. A poorly fitting denture may cause irritation and sores. This can often happen if you have worn immediate dentures for some time.
 

Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning and evening, brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush. This removes plaque and helps the circulation in your mouth. If you wear partial dentures, it is even more important that you brush your teeth thoroughly every day. This will help stop tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to you losing more of your teeth. Your dentist may refer you to the hygienist to have your remaining natural teeth cleaned regularly.
 

The general rule is: brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Using an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturers instructions. Then brush the dentures again, as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Most dentists advise using toothpaste and a small- to medium-headed toothbrush. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which touches your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. If you notice a build up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by your dentist or hygienist. For more information on cleaning your dentures, look out for our leaflet Tell me about denture cleaning.
 

Over time, your dentures will need to be relined or re-made due to normal wear or a change in the shape of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can shrink, causing your jaws to meet differently. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections, not to mention discomfort. A loose or ill-fitting denture can also make eating and talking more difficult. It is important to replace worn or poorly fitting dentures before they cause problems.
 

Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are vital for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Most dentists recommend a dental check up at least once a year. Regular visits allow your dentist to check the soft parts of your mouth, including the tongue and cheeks. These examinations are important so the dentist can spot any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages. Full denture wearers should check with their dentist about how often they should visit. With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile.
 

No. Implants are another option to consider. Ask your dentist for more information on this

Teeth Whitening is actually a mild bleaching process that restores stained or discolored teeth to a healthy, natural color. Don't be misled by unproven and ineffective over-the-counter whitening solutions. Our office uses an advanced procedure that is only available from your dentist.

Teeth become discolored for different reasons:

•  Frequently drinking coffee, tea, or colas. 
•  Some antibiotics may darken developing teeth in children. 
• Aging - The dentin underneath the enamel of a tooth gradually darkens with age. 
• Use of tobacco products. 
• Accidents - If a tooth has been traumatized, sometimes the nerve will gradually "die," and the tooth becomes dark. 
• After Root Canal Therapy, a tooth will generally darken.

Whitening is very safe. We use a product that has been proven safe when used under the direction of a dentist.

We will evaluate your teeth and smile to determine whether whitening is right for you. In some cases a different cosmetic procedure may better meet your expectations, but whitening is a safe, fast and easy process that is effective for almost everyone!

First, we will make impressions of your teeth so that our lab can create custom whitening trays to fit your mouth. These trays will guide the whitening agent to the areas of your teeth that need to be whitened. We will record the current color of your teeth to help you monitor your progress.

Next, we will fit your custom trays in your mouth to ensure they feel comfortable. We will instruct you on how to apply the whitening agent to your trays and how to insert them into your mouth. You will take the custom trays and whitening agent home with you. Most patients wear the whitening trays at night while they sleep, but they may be worn during the day since the clear, custom-fitted trays are barely visible and do not interfere with your ability to speak.

Immediately! Most patients see results after the first treatment. It will typically take from 2 to 6 weeks to restore your teeth to a beautiful white. The time it will take depends on the original color of your teeth, how discolored they were, and how frequently the treatment is applied.

The effects typically last several years. Many patients choose to "touch-up" their teeth every 6 to 12 months by applying the treatment for 1 or 2 nights. "Touch-ups" are especially useful for patients that drink beverages that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and colas.

Some patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity to cold, or mild tooth or gum sensitivity during treatment, but these symptoms are only temporary and disappear within a few days.

If braces are indeed the solution for you, your orthodontist will prescribe an appliance specific for your needs. The braces may consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances.
 
Generally, there are three types of braces:

•  Brackets: Made of stainless steel or clear or tooth-colored ceramic or plastic, brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth. Ceramic or plastic brackets are often selected for cosmetic reasons. Plastic brackets, however, may become stained and discolored by the end of treatment. Another disadvantage of ceramic or plastic brackets is that they cause more friction between the wire and brackets, which can increase treatment time. 
• Lingual-type brackets: These are brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hiding the bracket from view. 
• Aligners: Invisalign® clear aligners
  Newer "mini-braces," which are much smaller than traditional braces, may be an option for some. Your orthodontist will discuss the various types of available braces with you and determine which might be the best option for you.
  

In their entirety, braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. As the teeth move, the bony tooth socket reabsorbs and changes shape as pressure is applied.

Braces are made up of the following components:

• Brackets are the small squares that are bonded directly to each tooth with a special dental bonding agent or are attached to orthodontic bands. Brackets act like handles, holding the arch wires that move the teeth. 
• Orthodontic bands are stainless steel, clear or tooth-colored materials that are cemented with dental bonding agents or cement to teeth. They wrap around each tooth to provide an anchor for the brackets. The clear or tooth-colored bands are more cosmetically appealing options but are more expensive than stainless steel. They are not used in all patients. Some people have only brackets and no bands. 
• Spacers are separators that fit between teeth to create a small space prior to placement of orthodontic bands. 
• Arch wires attach to the brackets and act as tracks to guide the movement of the teeth. Arch wires can be made of metal or be clear or tooth-colored. 
• Ties are small rubber rings or fine wires that fasten the arch wire to the brackets. They can be clear, metal or colored. 
• A buccal tube on the band of the last molar holds the end of the arch wire securely in place. 
• Tiny elastic rubber bands, called ligatures, hold the arch wires to the brackets. 
• Springs may be placed on the arch wires between brackets to push, pull, open or close the spaces between teeth. 
• Two bands on the upper teeth may have headgear tubes on them to hold the facebow of the headgear in place. (A headgear is another tool used by orthodontists to aid in correcting irregularities of the teeth; see below) 
•  Elastics or rubber bands attach to hooks on brackets and are worn between the upper and lower teeth in various ways. They apply pressure to move the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve a perfect fit of individual teeth.

The time required for treatment varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the problem; the amount of room available; the distance the teeth must travel; the health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone; and how closely the patient follows instructions. On average, however, once the braces are put on, they usually remain in place for 1 to 3 years. After braces are removed, most patients will need to wear a retainer all the time for the first 6 months, then only during sleep for many years.

Your orthodontist will want to see you about every month or so in order to make sure that the braces are exerting steady pressure on your teeth. To create more tension and pressure on your teeth, your orthodontist will make adjustments in the wires, springs, or rubber bands of your braces. In some cases, braces alone aren't enough to straighten the teeth or shift the jaw. In these situations, an external appliance, such as a headgear may need to be worn at home in the evening or through the night.

Some of the adjustments your orthodontist may make to your braces may make your mouth feel sore or uncomfortable. When needed, over-the-counter pain relievers like Motrin or Tylenol can help relieve the pain. If you always experience a lot of pain after your braces are adjusted, talk to your orthodontist about it; he or she may be able to make the adjustments a bit differently.

The mechanical process used to move teeth is the same at any age. So the benefits of orthodontic treatments are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite. The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.

You can continue to participate in any sport you choose. When playing sports where there is a possibility of getting hit in the mouth, a specially designed mouthguard will need to be worn. The mouthguard, made of durable plastic, is designed to fit comfortably over your braces and will protect the soft tissues inside your mouth

After your braces are taken off, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. Your orthodontist may want to take another set of X-rays and bite impressions to check how well the braces straightened your teeth and to see if any wisdom teeth have developed. If wisdom teeth are beginning to come in after your braces have been removed, your orthodontist may recommend the wisdom teeth be pulled to prevent your newly straightened teeth from shifting position in your mouth.

Your orthodontist will also fit you with a retainer. A retainer is a custom-made, removable appliance that help teeth to maintain their new position after braces have been removed. Retainers can also be used to treat minor orthodontic problems. The use of a retainer is a very important part of post-braces care. Retainers, which are typically made of rubber or clear plastic and metal wires that cover the outside surface of the teeth, need to be worn all the time for the first 6 months and then usually only during sleep. The time frame for wearing a retainer will vary from patient to patient. The reason why a retainer is needed is that even though braces may have successfully straightened your teeth, they are not completely settled in their new position until the bones, gums, and muscles adapt to the change. Also, after long periods of time, teeth tend to shift.