Bridges, Dentures, and Implants

There are three basic ways to fix a missing tooth. These are: a fixed dental bridge, a removable denture, or a dental implant.

Bridges

A Fixed Bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. A Bridge will:

• Keep teeth from occupying the space created from a missing tooth
• Make teeth easier to clean, thus helping to prevent gum disease
• Help preserve normal function and normal bite

A Fixed Bridge is usually anchored to the teeth or a dental implant on both sides of the missing tooth for strong support. Dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

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Dentures

Dentures are simply replacements for teeth that are removable. There are two types: full and partial dentures.

A Partial Denture replaces one or more missing teeth, but there must be teeth remaining for the partial to attach to. Unlike a Fixed Bridge, a partial is removable. A partial will prevent other teeth from shifting, thereby preserving your remaining teeth.

Complete dentures are a treatment of last resort. After the patient has lost desire to save the natural teeth, they may have them extracted and replaced with a complete set of false teeth.

An Immediate Denture is placed the same day the teeth are extracted, so the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

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Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium screw or cylinder placed in the upper or lower jawbone. The implant replaces the root of the missing tooth, providing an anchor for your new tooth/teeth. For over 30 years, dental implants have brought naturally beautiful, confident smile to patients.

Dental Implants have several advantages over removable conventional dentures. Some of the advantages include:

• Implants look and feel like normal teeth.
• Implants minimize future jawbone shrinkage.
• Most implants last longer than 15 years.
• Dental implants never develop decay.
• Dental implants never require root canals.
• Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.

Disadvantages include:

• Higher cost than alternative procedures.

More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!

What can dental implants be used for?

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

Cost

There are many factors that determine the cost of dental implant and related fixed or removable prostheses. To be able to determine the cost and time to complete the treatment, an examination and x-ray are required. There are different types of implants or ways to replace the missing teeth. For any of these procedures, our office will be happy to help your treatment.

Veneers

Veneers are custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front surfaces of teeth to close gaps, whiten, straighten, or repair chipped or worn teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers usually do not require significant removal of the tooth itself. Veneers won't stain, making them a popular solution for many people seeking a flawless smile. However, this is usually an irreversible process, because it's necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth to accommodate the porcelain shell.

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Crowns

Crowns (sometimes incorrectly called a “cap”) are dental restorations that are coverings that fit over teeth. Crowns may be necessary because of worn, old fillings, or fractured, chipped or sensitive teeth. Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of malformed, malpositioned, or discolored natural teeth. Crowns are made of natural-looking porcelain to blend in with your own teeth. Sometimes an metal shell is used under the porcelain if additional strength is needed.

Some of the indications for a crown are:

• A previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.
• Extensive damage by decay.
• Discolorations and compromised esthetics.
• Fractures
• Root canal - After root canal, teeth tend to become brittle and are more apt to fracture. These teeth need to be protected by a crown.
• Bridges - When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.
• To cover a dental implant

Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression or mold is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted and adjusted and cemented into place.

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Bonding

Composite tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry technique that can close gaps between the teeth and eliminate spots, chips, and discolorations from your smile. Tooth bonding requires artistic ability on the part of the cosmetic dentist, since the work is done freehand with no outside help. Using materials that match the shade, translucency and texture of your teeth, Dr. Azari can sculpt and polish the tooth to a beautiful result. Bonding is normally a one-visit procedure.

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Fillings

Dental fillings are inserted as restorations in the treatment of dental cavities, after drilling out the cavities. The purpose of drilling is to remove the enamel and dentin that has had its structural integrity compromised by the invasion of acid-producing bacteria. However, once the infected hard tissues have been removed, the resulting cavity preparation must be filled in order to restore structural integrity to the tooth. This will prevent further damage to the tooth and hopefully avoid the need for the tooth to be extracted.

Types of dental fillings materials include: amalgam, gold, glass ionomer, and composite fillings. The most common type of filling material used in our office is the composite filling (or “white” filling).

Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations. Less tooth structure is removed when we prepare the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam filling. Composites can also be "bonded" or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth.

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What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth Whitening is a bleaching process that restores discolored teeth to a healthy, natural color. There are two types of bleaching, one using bleaching trays for at-home treatment, and one using in-office bleaching technology. Dr. Azari will evaluate your teeth and smile to determine whether bleaching is right for you. In some cases a different cosmetic procedure may better meet your expectations.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Teeth may become discolored for the following reasons:

• Frequently drinking sodas, coffee, or tea.
• Some antibiotics may darken developing teeth in children.
• Darkening of dentin under enamel as a result of aging.
• Use of tobacco products.
• Accidents - Sometimes the nerve of a traumatized tooth will gradually "die," and the tooth will become dark.
• After Root Canal therapy, a tooth may darken.

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What Is The Bleaching Process?

First, we will make impressions of your teeth so that we can create custom bleaching trays to fit your mouth. These trays will guide the bleaching agent to the areas of your teeth that need to be bleached.

Next, we will fit your custom trays in your mouth to ensure they feel comfortable. You will take the custom trays and bleaching agent home with you. 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.

In-office bleaching provides more immediate results compared to the at-home bleaching described above. We use a stronger bleaching material in more controlled environment to achieve a whiter smile.

When Will I See Results?

Immediately! Most patients see results after the first night. 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.

How Long Will The Results Last?

The effects typically last several months. 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 soda.

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