There are multiple options for patients who want to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are a popular choice because of their benefits; however, some patients may prefer another option.

Tooth Replacement Options

There are several tooth replacement options available to most patients.

Dental Implants

Implant surgery involves placing titanium posts in the jaw of the patient to replace missing tooth roots. Once the jawbone has bonded to the implant, a dentist can attach crowns to replace the missing teeth.

Fixed Bridges

Dental bridges are one or more artificial teeth that are held in place by crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. Bridges are cemented to the crowns to keep them in place.

Removable Dentures

Removable dentures are artificial teeth attached to a plastic base that is shaded to match the patient’s gums. Dentures are held in place with adhesive.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Similar to traditional dentures in other respects, implant-supported models are held in place by implants instead of adhesives.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Tooth Replacement Options

Each tooth replacement option has benefits and drawbacks.

Dental Implants

Implants look and function similarly to natural teeth. Implants are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and help prevent bone loss. Implants do not require altering the adjacent teeth. Implants allow patients to brush and floss normally.

Patients who do not have sufficient jawbone mass or who have health conditions that may interfere with healing, such as diabetes or heart disease, may not be able to have the procedure. Additionally, the procedure may take many months to complete because of the healing time required for the jawbone to bond to the implants.

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges replicate the appearance and function of natural teeth. They usually cost less than dental implants. Fixed bridges do not need to be removed for cleaning.

Bridges are not as durable as implants and may wear out or break. Bridges require the adjacent teeth to be reduced so that crowns can be placed. Bridges do not replace missing tooth roots and do not prevent bone loss from occurring.

Removable Dentures

Dentures are usually less expensive than implants or bridges. Dentures are a less invasive treatment than bridges or implants. Dentures may slide around in the mouth, making chewing and speaking difficult. Some foods are difficult to eat with dentures. Dentures require messy adhesives and must be removed for cleaning. Dentures do not replace the roots of missing teeth, which can lead to bone loss.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures do not move around like removable dentures. They are easy to clean. The implants stimulate the jawbone, which helps prevent bone loss. Implant-supported dentures cost more than traditional dentures. Not all patients can have dental implants.

Conclusion

Dental implants may be an option for you if you are healthy enough to have the procedure and have sufficient jawbone to anchor the implants. However, other options may better fit your budget, dental needs, health, and preferences.

Schedule an appointment online or call 58 Peaks Dental at 303-355-1818 to book a consultation in our Denver office.

An experienced cosmetic dentist can brighten and whiten your teeth again. Lifestyle and diet choices can contribute to dental staining. In some cases, medications cause teeth to discolor. Bringing the sparkle back to them is important for your self-esteem. Here are the teeth whitening options that you can get from your cosmetic dentist.

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products often promise whiter teeth after several weeks of continuous use, but many individuals do not achieve the results they want. Cosmetic dentists offer a traditional in-office teeth whitening treatment for surface stains. The whitening solutions used in this type of treatment are stronger, and you can only get them from a dentist.

The dentist will mix the appropriate amount of whitening solution for an individual’s teeth whitening needs. The dentist will then apply the solution to the teeth. Exposing the teeth to some ultraviolet light will activate the whitening agent. The process will continue until the patient achieves the preferred level of whiteness. The patient can achieve whiter teeth in about an hour.

Dental Veneers

A cosmetic dentist can offer permanent dental veneers to cover dental stains that are difficult to treat with teeth whitening treatments. These restorations have a huge following because celebrities often use them to achieve stunning smiles. Each thin shell can cover the stains in front of the tooth. It will not take long to get a new smile with veneers.

Preparing the tooth is necessary before cementing the shell to it. The dentist must shave off a thin layer of the enamel. This is a painless process that roughens the surface and provides enough space for the shell. Taking impressions of the treated teeth will help the lab create the custom veneer. Cementing the permanent veneer and hardening it with the curing light will follow. Polishing it will help the treated tooth blend well with the neighboring natural teeth.

Dental Crowns

Caps or dental crowns cover the whole tooth. They can hide every stain or blemish that may be causing a distorted smile. The dentist will recommend this restoration if the dental staining does not improve with traditional in-office teeth whitening treatments. Deep staining from medications and white stains from excessive fluoride exposure are the common staining issues that crowns can correct.

Composite Bonding

Composite resin material can cover stained teeth as well. The dentist will match the color of this material to the surrounding natural teeth. This treatment can also correct dental gaps and misshapen teeth. It is not invasive, so the patient can return to normal activities right after the visit.

The Causes of Dental Staining

Many factors impact the color of one’s teeth. Some people have greenish-gray or yellow-brown teeth. Teeth that have a yellow-brown coloration are easier to bleach than greenish-gray teeth. Studies show that aging causes teeth to discolor. Wear and tear, with stain accumulation, are the common causes of this condition. Below are other causes of dental staining:

• Eating habits
• Chemicals and drugs
• Genetic thinness or translucency of teeth
• Tobacco consumption
• Trauma
• Bruxism

Teeth Whitening Can Rejuvenate Your Smile

Dental staining and discoloration can affect your self-esteem. Knowing the right teeth whitening option for your needs can give you the whiter smile that you want. The dramatic improvement can be life-changing. Working with your cosmetic dentist can maintain the brightness and whiteness of your teeth whitening treatment.

Schedule an appointment online or call 58 Peaks Dental at 303-355-1818 to book a consultation in our Denver office.

For many people, dental implants can be a permanent solution for dealing with lost or damaged teeth. This type of treatment is designed to last a lifetime. Once it is complete and healed, patients can enjoy a more beautiful smile without having to worry about any dietary changes, difficult home care, or unnatural-looking teeth.

Dental implants require the placement of titanium rods deep below the gum surface. These rods must fuse to the jawbone to provide support and stability for the implant. Without enough healthy bone tissue, patients cannot undergo this type of treatment. However, bone grafts can help make dental implants a possibility for those with weakened or damaged jawbones.

Causes of Jawbone Deterioration

There are many reasons a patient can experience bone loss in the jaw. This happens most often when a lost tooth is not promptly replaced. The underlying bone is no longer stimulated and starts to deteriorate. Other situations can lead to deterioration as well, including:

• Trauma to the area
• Osteoporosis
• Certain prescription medications
• Severe gum disease
• Genetic conditions

It is important to see a dentist to determine the true underlying cause of bone loss.

Understanding the Bone Graft and Implant Process

A bone graft is a surgical procedure. While bone grafts are sometimes used to prepare patients for dental implants, they can also be used throughout the body to treat a variety of bone issues. During the surgery, healthy bone is placed in the damaged area to add support and encourage healing and repair. Sometimes, healthy bone is taken from another part of the patient’s body or from another person. In dental work, bone grafts can be natural or synthetic, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair and support needed.

The time a patient must wait to receive an implant after a bone graft can vary from person to person. If the damage is minimal and the bone graft is small, healing can occur in a matter of weeks. In rare situations, a dentist may even be able to place an implant during bone graft surgery. For most people, a few months of healing and new bone growth are required before the implant process can begin.

Once a patient’s jawbone can sufficiently support an implant, the metal rods are surgically inserted. The jawbone will grow into the rods and fuse over the next several weeks. Then, the abutment can be placed, which connects the rods under the soft tissues to the tooth cap above the surface. In some situations, patients may be able to receive a same-day implant, allowing all components to be placed at once. A dentist can help determine whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment approach.

With the help of a bone graft, patients who have experienced jawbone damage or deterioration can still receive dental implants. More healing time may be required, but many people find the results are worth the wait. This entire treatment approach can help patients enjoy better oral health and a more beautiful smile.

Schedule an appointment online or call 58 Peaks Dental at 303-355-1818 to book a consultation in our Denver office.

A cosmetic dentist is the best professional to consult when preparing for a smile makeover, a process in which various dental procedures are performed to transform and improve one’s smile. Multiple procedures can be part of the smile makeover process, but many patients may not know what those might be. Since dentistry has improved so much over the years, there have been myriad advancements regarding how quickly or seamlessly specific procedures can be performed. It is now much easier to start and complete a smile makeover in a timely manner.

A Quick Guide to a Smile Makeover

A cosmetic dentist may offer one or more of the following options for a smile makeover process. Reviewing this information can be helpful to those researching smile makeovers.

Teeth Straightening Treatment

Cosmetic dentists often help patients straighten their teeth with clear aligners. Dentists will likely suggest aligners for cosmetic cases because they work well for minor crookedness and crowding, both issues that can be resolved with a smile makeover.

In severe cases of crooked or crowded teeth, the cosmetic dentist can provide orthodontic treatment as part of the smile makeover process. However, they might seek the help of an orthodontist.

Veneers

A common procedure in a cosmetic dentist’s smile makeover process is the placement of dental veneers. This procedure is typically performed solely on the front teeth and can be done for various reasons. Those with severe staining on their teeth can especially benefit from veneers, as can those with teeth that are too short, as the veneers can be used to fill small teeth into the gum line.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. It is typically an hour-long appointment, and the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. A bleaching agent is then applied and hardened by a UV curing light. Teeth whitening may be performed a few times over a few months to achieve the patient’s desired color.

Talk to a Cosmetic Dentist About Getting a Smile Makeover Today

When it comes to getting a smile makeover, consulting with a cosmetic dentist is the best place to start. Any questions or concerns can be appropriately addressed, and the cosmetic dentist can evaluate you to determine the most suitable procedures. From there, a plan of action can be put in place, including a timeline.

Reach out today to learn more or to schedule a consultation. We can also go over the various cosmetic procedures that are available in detail with you. In this way, you can thoroughly understand your options and work more confidently with the dentist when creating your treatment plan.

Schedule an appointment online or call 58 Peaks Dental at 303-355-1818 to book a consultation in our Denver office.

If you are missing teeth and considering dental implants, there are several things you should know. Implants are a popular choice for replacement, but the process can take time. You should make sure you are a good candidate and get all your questions answered before choosing the procedure.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are numerous options for tooth replacement, but implants have gained popularity over the years for several reasons. Because titanium rods are inserted directly into the jaw and bone grows around the implants, there is a stable foundation for the artificial teeth. This means you can chew and speak normally, and they look like real teeth. Implants also prevent jawbone loss. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

How to Prepare for Dental Implants

Unlike some replacement procedures, dental implants require some planning and preparation. If you know what to expect and plan accordingly, you should have a better overall experience.

1. Schedule a Complete Exam

Not everyone is a good candidate for implants. If implants are something you are interested in, your dentist will conduct a thorough consultation and exam. During this visit, your medical and dental history will be reviewed, and the dentist will inspect your gums, teeth, and jaw to ensure there is no decay and that your jawbone is adequately dense to support the implants. The dentist will also ask about any medical conditions and lifestyle habits, such as smoking, that may indicate that dental implants are not the right option.

2. Prepare Your Teeth and Jawbone

If you have decayed or destroyed teeth that need to be removed, the dentist will extract them first. You may also need a bone graft to increase the density in the jaw. These need to be completed and healed before the implant procedure can begin.

3. Expect Multiple Visits and Time to Heal

One of the biggest ways patients can prepare for dental implants is to understand that this is not a quick process. There are multiple steps, and the area needs to heal first before moving on to the next step. You should mentally prepare for the procedure to take an average of nine to 12 months.

4. Prep Food and Arrange for Transportation

After the placement of the implants, you will need to plan for aftercare. It will take a little while for your gums to heal and for you to get used to your new teeth. You should arrange for someone else to drive you home after many of the visits.

You should also plan to have soft foods ready, so you do not have to worry about cooking when you arrive home. Some good options to have around include:

• Applesauce
• Smoothie ingredients
• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Soft pasta
• Brothy soup
• Oatmeal

Dental implants are a good option for many people who want to replace missing teeth. The procedure is lengthy, but there are ways you can prepare to make it go smoothly.

Schedule an appointment online or call 58 Peaks Dental at 303-355-1818 to book a consultation in our Denver office.

Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple, you may be thinking about getting dental implants. Implants are popular due to multiple reasons, including their functionality. However, getting implants is not a quick and easy process. Before jumping in, you should research what it entails and know what to expect.

What to Know About Dental Implants

Implants have numerous advantages over other replacement methods. They are, however, a bit more complex.

Not Everyone is a Good Candidate

Before you get too excited about getting implants, you should have a consultation with your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Some characteristics of good candidates include:

• Good oral hygiene
• Healthy gums
• Individuals over the age of 18
• Strong jawbone density

Some things that may make for a bad candidate include heavy smoking, pregnancy, and drug abuse. Certain medical conditions may also affect candidacy. These include hemophilia, diabetes, cancer, immune deficiency, and osteoporosis.

The Process is Long

If you are expecting to walk into a dentist’s office one day and walk out with dental implants, you are in for a surprise. The process takes months and sometimes more than a year.

The first step is to insert rods directly into the jawbone. These act as the roots of the teeth. Once this is completed, the gums need to heal, which generally takes four to seven months. Once the area has healed and the bone has sufficiently fused to the rods, the next step is to place healing caps.

Healing caps are placed flush with the gums at the end of the implants. Healing time after this step takes an average of 10 to 14 days.

Next, abutments are attached to the healing caps, and temporary crowns are placed on top. The abutments need around four to six weeks to heal. After the temporary crowns are placed, a mold of the teeth is taken. Permanent crowns are fabricated in a lab based on this mold. After the healing process, the permanent crowns are attached.

If you need teeth extracted or a bone graft, these procedures will increase the total time required.

They Function and Look Like Real Teeth

Although it takes a while to complete, the results are beneficial. Because they are screwed into the jawbone, dental implants provide a strong and stable foundation for artificial teeth. This stabilization allows for normal chewing and speaking, and people with implants are not restricted as to what they can eat. The crowns are also made to match the natural teeth, so they look real as well.

They Can Last a Lifetime

Dental implants do not require any special cleaning besides regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. With proper care, implants usually last many years, if not a lifetime.

Conclusion

Dental implants are popular and have many benefits. If you understand what to expect from the process, you can better mentally prepare for the procedure.

Schedule an appointment online or call 58 Peaks Dental at 303-355-1818 to book a consultation in our Denver office.