Missing teeth detract from your appearance and make eating and speaking more difficult. Missing teeth, if not replaced, will cause a loss of space by drifting of adjacent teeth into this space. This gives rise to food accumulation, difficulty in cleaning the teeth and hence leads to decay and tartar formation. As the pressure of chewing is not evenly distributed because of loss of tooth, it may lead to destruction of gum and bone.
- 1Why Replace Missing Teeth?
- 2What is a Bridge?
These are tooth replacements attached to adjoining natural teeth to replace missing tooth/teeth. The adjoining supporting teeth are required to be healthy and have good gum and root support.
- 3What are Dentures?
A Denture is a set of removable artificial teeth that rest directly on gums.
a. Partial Dentures: Are best for people having several missing teeth and whose adjacent teeth are not strong enough to support a bridge.
b. Full Dentures: To replace all the teeth in the jaw, taking support from bone and gums.
- 4What are the Treatment Choices for a New Smile?
Due to advances in materials and techniques during the past 25 years, cosmetic dentistry has made great gains. Today, there are many options for solving cosmetic dental problems. Because of these new procedures and materials, you can have more natural-looking and attractive teeth.
If you don’t like the shape of your teeth, their contours can be changed for a more pleasing appearance. If the color is too dark, you can try professional bleaching. Chips, cracks or fractures can be repaired with bonding, and veneers can cover a multitude of problems like gaps, stains, poor shape, or teeth that are out of alignment. Tooth-colored materials are used to repair decay, and sealants help protect the teeth.
Less visible and “invisible” braces may help make treatment possible for those individuals who have important cosmetic concerns. The braces may be placed on back side of teeth so they are not visible. In some cases, treatment may be done without using braces at all —by using a series of clear plastic removable mouthpiece-like aligners.
Because of these new procedures and materials, you can have more natural-looking and attractive teeth.
Veneers – thin custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. They may also cover teeth that are chipped or worn.
Tooth Whitening – also called bleaching — is a procedure that brightens teeth that are discolored, stained, or have been darkened because of injury. It can be performed on living teeth or teeth that have had root canal treatment.
Bonding – Cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them. With bonding, tooth-colored materials are attached, or bonded, to a tooth surface. The process can improve unsightly stains from coffee, tea, tobacco or certain childhood medications; front-tooth spaces; and accident-induced cracks or chips. Bonding also is used to protect exposed tooth roots that result from gum recession and to fill small cavities. Bonding usually lasts from three to five years.
Enamel Shaping – a process of shaping, or contouring natural teeth to improve their overall appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eye teeth appear too long, enamel shaping may be used to correct the flaw.
- 5What is a PORCELAIN LAMINATE VENEER?
Porcelain Laminate Veneers are coating crafted out of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. These veneers greatly enhance the look of your smile with as little discomfort as possible. These veneers are made to suit the patient’s individual needs and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- 6What are the Indications for Veneers?
Veneers can be used to provide an aesthetic solution in many situations:
- Spaces between teeth.
- Discolored teeth.
- Malpositioned or slightly crooked teeth.
- Odd shaped; cracked or chipped teeth.
- Fractured teeth with a fair amount of tooth structure left.
- Teeth with multiple fillings which have compromised the aesthetics of the smile.
- Unsatisfactory shape, size and form of teeth.
- To provide a “White Smile” in persons with naturally dark teeth.
- 7What are advantages of veneers?
Veneers can be placed on teeth with minimal tooth preparation. They look feel completely natural. A beautiful result is achieved in just a few days time, and can last for many years. The texture and finish of porcelain veneers make them highly resistant to external staining. Due to their durability, looks and comfort, veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. Veneers today are widely used by people in the entertainment field and show business to obtain a beautiful smile.
- 8What is involved in getting a veneer?
The process of having a veneer made for your tooth involves a few short visits to your Dentist. The Procedure is simple and relatively painless.
- Your Dentist will first analyze your smile to determine which teeth require veneers.
- Depending on how much tooth shaping is required, you ay or may not require anaesthesia.
- Minimal shaping of your teeth is then done and an impression is taken.
Ceramic veneers take between 1-2 weeks to be made. During that period, your teeth may be fitted with temporary veneers to prevent sensitivity.
Ceramic veneers are bonded to his teeth using special adhesives. Once fixed, these veneers are exceptionally strong. It takes only a day or two to get used to them.
- 9What post treatment care is required?
Look after your veneers well. Brush and floss as you regularly do. Use non abrasive toothpaste to help maintain the shine and gloss of your veneers. Normal diet will not harm your veneers. Avoid any shearing force on these teeth [like biting sugarcane].
Regular check ups will ensure your veneers are in excellent shape. Well maintained veneers should last you for many years and give you a long lasting and beautiful smile.
- 10How is a crown different from a veneer?
A Crown, often called a “cap” covers the entire tooth, unlike a veneer which covers only the front surface of a tooth. A crown requires more shaping of the tooth structure and is often used to strengthen a weak or broken tooth. Crowns are extremely durable, aesthetic and are commonly used in the front and the back of the mouth.
- 11What are the indications for a crown?
While a crown is often used for its functional properties, like veneers these too can be used to bring about excellent aesthetic modifications in a smile. The common indications for a crown are:
- To restore badly decayed teeth, with large fillings or teeth which are root canal treated.
- To protect fractured teeth where little tooth structure is left.
- When the position, shape, size or color of the teeth have to be dramatically altered.
- To improve the bite.
- To strengthen worn down or mobile teeth.
- As part of a bridge to support a tooth replacement.
- To be placed over an implant.
- 12What are crowns made of?
Crowns can be made of acrylic, metal, ceramic or a combination of any of these. The ceramic crowns are great for aesthetics and durability.
- 13How do I get crown?
Tooth Shaping : Your Dentist will reshape the tooth, to create space all around it for the crown.
Impressioning : A measurement of the prepared tooth and of the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken. Your measurements are then sent to a dental laboratory for processing of the crown.
Temporary Crown : Meanwhile, a temporary crown may be placed. Take care of your temporary crown by avoiding sticky and hard foods and be sure to clean around it.
Cementation : Soon, your Dentist replaces your temporary crown with a permanent one. The crown is adjusted, making sure you are comfortable with it. It is then cemented or bonded to the prepared tooth.
- 14How do I look after my crowns?
- Treat your crowned tooth like normal tooth.
- Brush and floss thoroughly.
- In the unlikely event of your crown or veneer coming off, keep it safely and contact your Dentist immediately. These can generally be refixed.
People from all walks of like can greatly benefit from the improved confidence a better smile can give. With proper care, Veneers and Crowns will enhance your dental health and beauty for a long time to come.
- 15What causes tooth discoloration?
Teeth can discolour due to a variety of reasons.
- The commonest discoloration is due to smoking or tobacco.
- Food and beverages such as tea, coffee, colas and red wine can be the culprit.
- Age can cause a natural darkening of teeth.
- Certain medications such as tetracycline, taken at a very young age.
- Increased exposure to fluoridated water.
- Dental infection, faulty or old fillings, and dental treatment such as root canal treatment.
- 1What is an Implant?
An implant is a man-made replacement for natural teeth which allows the person to return to fixed teeth. It is not a transplant, which is taken from another person. There are several categories of dental implants, which will be selected by the doctor depending on your specific needs and general dental condition. You would require an x-ray to evaluate the amount of bone remaining, models of your mouth to determine space available and a thorough examination to decide which type of implant can help you the most.
- 2How long does it take?
To complete treatment can take from 4 to 9 months and in some cases, longer. It should be understood that this procedure is advanced and can be a longer process than usual to assure it’s success. We do, however, provide patients with temporary teeth during this time frame. AT NO TIME are you without teeth unless you elect to do so.
- 3Is there a chance of rejection?
The body does not reject a dental implant, as it might a soft tissue transplant, such as a lung, heart or kidney. This does not mean that an implant cannot fail, but it would be due to other factors, such as misalignment, improper force on the implant or other conditions or existing diseases of the patient. Dental implants are made of a material, titanium, that is totally bio compatible(compatible with body tissues) and actually integrates with the surrounding bone and becomes part of the body.Titanium is also being used more and more in the medical field to replace body parts.
- 4Who is a candidate for implants?
Anyone who is missing one or more (even all) of their teeth may be a candidate for implants. If one or a few of the teeth are missing, implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those teeth and function as normal teeth without losing more bone and being subject to decay. If all or most of your teeth are missing, then implants may be placed to anchor a loose denture. Sometimes, if there is already some bone loss, bone can be added and regenerated or a technique called bone expansion can be used to create a more ideal site for the implant(s). More detailed information and images are available from the treatment menu. Ultimately, a consultation with a dentist who is knowledgable on these procedures can help determine your individual needs.
- 5What factors contribute to long-term success of Dental Implants?
Long-term success depends on multiple factors. First off, success will depend on the quality and quantity of bone. The better the bone and the more available, the greater the chance of long-term success. Secondly, the experience and ability of the dental surgeon will be a factor. As with any surgical procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and individual talent of the dentist. And finally, the quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant will play a big role in long-term success. If the design of the implant crowns or overdentures are poorly constructed, and biting forces are not balanced, even the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised survival rate.
- 6What might be some of the factors that would prevent me from being an implant candidate?
There are some medical factors that might prevent a person from being a good candidate for dental implants. Some of these may be uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare bone disorders or bone marrow cancer. Some physical factors may include insufficient or poor quality bone, low sinuses or nerve bundles.
- 7What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants have given countless patients many amazing benefits.
- You will smile again
- Improved appearance
- Improved comfort
- Improved speech
- Eat better, enjoy more foods, better nutrition
- Improved self-esteem
Dental implants are also a great value for your investment. You will be getting a product that you will be using 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year, probably for many, many years of your life.
- 8What precautions will I need to take after the procedure?
Dental implants are not susceptible to dental caries but they can develop a periodontal condition called peri-implantitis where correct oral hygiene routines have not been followed. Risk of failure is increased in smokers. For this reason implants are frequently placed only after a patient has stopped smoking as the treatment is very expensive.
- 9What are the risks/complications associated with dental implants?
Although there are not many things that can go wrong with dental implants, some of the problems could be:
- Failure to integrate into the bone resulting into the falling out of the implant.
- A fracture or breaking of the implant.
- Problems with the connection between the implant and the prosthesis.
- An infection or an inflammatory condition in the soft tissue and sometimes in the bone as a result of the implant placement.
- Eat better, enjoy more foods, better nutrition
- Damage to the nerves in the lower jaw and to the maxillary sinus or the nasal cavity. All of these complications are rare and can usually be easily corrected.
- 10Which are the advantages of using dental implants?
a) The main advantage of dental implants consists on not trimming (damaging) the neighbor teeth to replace the lost teeth: even tough natural tooth supported bridges have been a good option, they are no longer the best, since their life is 7 to 10 years, and when they fail it is because one or more of the supporting teeth fail, due to overload or to decay coming inside the tooth. Then, the supporting teeth are lost too (sometimes they can be saved by root canals), and a longer bridge has to be done, so more teeth have to be trimmed. This problem had been avoided if an implant had been placed the first time, instead of the bridge.
b) The hygiene for maintaining healthy a bridge is more difficult than for implants, since regular dental floss cannot be used because the crowns in the bridge are fixed together. Therefore, a special technique with a special floss has to be used for bridges. On the contrary, implant-supported crowns can be easily flossed (same way as natural teeth), since the restoration is independent of neighbor teeth.
c) Life for an implant is longer than for a bridge or a removable denture: In 10-years studies, it was found that success rate for implants was 90%; meanwhile for bridges and dentures it was 50%. It was also found that when a bridge failed, supporting teeth had to be extracted or submitted to root canal treatment very often. The few times that implants failed, it only had to be changed, with no harm for the neighbor teeth.
d) Removable dentures induce a wider loss of the bone that held the natural teeth. Once that bone loss has advanced, it is impossible to retain a removable denture, and then a bone graft has to be placed. On the contrary, dental implants stimulate the bone; therefore its loss is avoided.
- 11How is the treatment?
The treatment consists on two stages
a. Surgical phase
b. Prosthetic phase
- 12What is the surgical phase?
The surgical treatment consists on the placement of the artificial roots or implants inside the jawbone. It is performed with local anesthesia, and is painless. Sedation and general anesthesia are options for nervous patients. The duration of the intervention is from one to two hours, depending on the number of implants, that will remain covered for two to six months (depending on the area of the mouth where they were placed). After that time sometimes there is a need of a very small second surgical phase, to uncover the tip of the implants, especially in esthetic related areas.
- 13What is Dental Bleaching?
Dental Bleaching is a procedure where by certain bleaching agents are applied to the teeth in order to remove external and internal stains thus leaving the teeth several shades lighter. Various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are available for this use.
- 14What are the advantages of Dental Bleaching?
This mode of treatment has solely been developed to lighten teeth in a simple and comfortable manner. It can bring about a dramatic change in almost everyone’s smile by changing a dull smile and yellow teeth to a bright smile with white teeth.
- Bleaching of healthy teeth is the safest and most conservative cosmetic treatment available for your teeth today.
- It generally requires no grinding of your teeth.
- It does not require any anaesthesia and is painless and well tolerated.
- The time taken for bleaching is relatively less considering the number of teeth that can be done at one sitting.
- Bleaching works very well even when combined with other cosmetic treatment options to enhance the aesthetics.
- The cost of bleaching is less when compared to other full mouth cosmetic treatment options.
- Bleaching does not damage your teeth or change the structure of your teeth, nor does it change the shape or form of your teeth.
- 15What are the different types of Bleaching?
Bleaching is basically of two types:
Office Bleach : This is done by your Dentist at the clinic using a higher concentration of bleaching material.
Home Bleach : This is done by yourself at home using bleaching material and a special tray dispensed by your Dentist.
Depending on your type of dental staining and your time restriction, the Dentist will advise either one or a combination of both of them.
- 16How is Bleaching Done?
Your Dentist will polish your teeth and check their current shade.
Office Bleach : After protecting your gums and lips, the dentist will apply the bleaching agent on the teeth to be lightened and leave it there for a specific period of time. Intermittently, your teeth may be exposed to a special light, which will accelerate the bleaching process. Alternatively you may be given a tray containing the bleaching agent to wear while in dental office.
Home Bleach : As part of your combinations bleaching procedure or as an independent procedure you may carry out this type of bleaching at home. This requires you to wear a custom made tray containing a lower concentration of the bleaching agent, dispensed by your Dentist, for a few hours everyday.
- 17How long does Bleaching take?
Office Bleach : Each sitting of bleaching done at your Dentist’s office can take between 30-60 minutes. The total number of sittings is usually 3-4, though this can vary depending on the severity of the staining. e.g. Tetracycline staining.
Home Bleach : This is generally done during the nights for one to two weeks. Certain materials also allow you to do the bleaching for lesser period of time twice a day. Your Dentist will tell you which one is suitable for you.
- 18What Precautions do we take?
Side-effects of Bleaching are minimal and transient. Beware of over-the-counter bleaching kits available. These can prove to be abrasive to your teeth in the long run and they may do more harm than good.
- 19What is Post treatment care after Bleaching?
Your diet and habits will largely determine how long the bleaching effects will last. With good oral hygiene and a close watch on the exposure of your teeth to external stains from tobacco, beverages, etc., your bleached teeth should maintain their colour for a long time. If you choose, regularly touch up sessions can be carried out once in a year to ensure your teeth look their best.