implants after dentures

implants after denturesMiami and Coral Gables, FL

One of the downsides to dentures is that they do not prevent bone loss. In time, denture wearers will experience bone loss in their upper and lower dental arch, which means the bone is resorbed by the body. When this occurs, it could make your dentures loose, or they may not fit at all. You might wonder if you are a candidate for dental implants since the success of an implant relies heavily on the amount of bone there is to support the implant posts.

If you have worn dentures for years, you may still be a candidate for dental implants via the All-on-4 Implant System. Here is how it works, and why you may still be a candidate even if you have a substantial amount of bone loss.

What is All-on-4?

The All-on-4 Implant System also known as Teeth-in-a-Day offers a revolutionary tooth replacement option that is permanent. The procedure consists of surgically placing four mini implants into the upper and lower dental arch. Since these implants are shorter than traditional dental implants and are placed at an angle using the frontal bone (bone in the front of the mouth), your Miami implant dentist can generally work with patients that have substantial bone loss. 

Attached to the implants is an overdenture, a single unit of replacement teeth with a specific amount of acrylic made to look like natural-looking gum tissue, which fits over the boney ridge or your dental arch. The overdenture is permanently attached to the implants, which means they never have to be removed, and will provide you with a gorgeous new smile that instills confidence like never before.

Benefits of Teeth-in-a-Day

Patients who have undergone treatment for Teeth-in-a-Day enjoy many benefits of this permanent tooth replacement option. Teeth-in-a-Day is permanent, so you never have to worry about ill-fitting or loose dentures again. No taking your teeth out all of the time to clean them or soak them overnight. No dealing with discomfort or sores in your mouth from your dentures. Plus, Teeth-in-a-Day looks completely natural, even more so than dentures.

The Process

The best part about Teeth-in-a-Day is that you never have to go without any teeth! Even if you are not currently a denture wearer, and are about to have your damaged teeth extracted, you do not have to wait weeks to receive your new teeth.

We begin by gathering information to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Gathering of this information may include an oral health assessment, digital scans, impressions, or digital X-rays, all which are to be used for the construction of your new teeth.

We send off this information to our trusted dental lab, which will handcraft your replacement teeth. When you return to our office after the teeth are made, we begin the work of removing any damaged teeth and placing the dental implants. If you already have all of your teeth extracted, we will just move forward with placing the implants. And then, we attach the overdenture to your implants during the same appointment. There are no repeat visits necessary, no healing time required, and no downtime.

Caring for your Teeth-in-a-Day

You should care for your new teeth just like you would your natural ones, by brushing and flossing daily, and remember to still visit your family dentist in Miami at Miami Designer Smiles for routine checkups and cleanings. Even your replacement teeth and implants will need to be evaluated and cleaned, just like natural teeth.

Teeth-in-a-Day in Miami

Ready to learn more? Contact Miami Designer Smiles today by calling (305) 595-4616 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about this revolutionary procedure.

Miami Designer Smiles serves patients in Miami and Coral Gables, FL.

Categories: Implants
natural looking smile with all on four

natural looking smile with all on fourMiami and Coral Gables, FL

If you are on your way to having all of your teeth extracted, or are currently a denture wearer, you may assume that dentures are the only tooth replacement option available. While dentures have been a standard tooth replacement for people who are missing all of their teeth, they are not the only option that you have to restore your smile.

Your Miami implant dentists at Miami Designer Smiles can install dental implants into your upper and lower jawbone and affix permanent replacement teeth with the All-on-4 Implant System. The results are outstanding, providing you with a new set of teeth that do not shift or slip, never have to be removed for cleaning, and looks completely natural.

When it comes to dentures, they certainly get the job done by establishing an even bite, preventing that collapsed face look that is inevitable when all your teeth are missing. Dentures also provide aesthetics by restoring your smile. Plus, dentures help you chew better when eating. Dentures, while not always the best option, are typically an affordable option for those who have lost all of their teeth on the same dental arch.

However, many denture wearers complain about the inconvenience or embarrassment of wearing their replacement teeth. Dentures tend to not fit well over time, as the jawbone resorbs into the body, a natural consequence of lost teeth. This means the dentures may slip or shift in the mouth, requiring messy adhesives. Loose fitting dentures may also result in sores in the mouth that can make wearing your dentures uncomfortable. Sometimes, dentures simply are not made well, which results in an unnatural look.

When you weigh the pros and cons of dentures, you may find yourself still searching for a better alternative for your tooth replacement needs. Your implant dentists in Miami offer a revolutionary tooth replacement option known as the All-on-4 Implant System referred to as Teeth-in-a-Day.

What is Teeth-in-a-Day? 

This implant system varies from traditional implants in that it requires only four mini implants placed in the jawbone at strategic locations. Since these implants are placed at a precise angle in the front of the jaw, loss of jawbone that results from missing teeth is usually not an issue with this implant system.

Attached to the implants is a solid unit of replacement teeth, similar to a dental bridge, except it has enough teeth to fill an entire dental arch.

Advantages

The implants help stimulate the jawbone, which helps lessen the likelihood of bone resorption, something that dentures cannot provide. Plus, the implants are permanent, and should never have to be replaced.

The single unit of replacement teeth is permanently attached to the implants, meaning you never have to worry about them slipping or shifting out of place. Furthermore, the All-on-4 Implant System even feels natural, and will not cause sores or irritation to your gums. Possibly one of the greatest advantages of Teeth-in-a-Day is that you can have your replacement teeth placed in one day!

Keeping your implants clean

Made of high-quality dental porcelain, the replacement teeth are handcrafted to look just like individual, natural teeth. Cleaning your new teeth is easy, simply brush your teeth twice a day as usual, and be sure to floss under the unit and around the implant posts to prevent plaque buildup that can lead to a gum infection. 

Even with replacement teeth such as with the All-on-4 system, you are still at risk for developing gum disease that could result in implant failure, which is why practicing good oral hygiene is essential to your health, as well as the longevity of your new teeth.

Is Teeth-in-a-Day right for me?

While these advantages are appealing, keep in mind that Teeth-in-a-Day may not be the best fit for every patient. To see if it is the right fit for you, set up a consultation with us at Miami Designer Smiles. We will assess your oral health, as well as consider your goals for a healthy, new smile in determining if Teeth-in-a-Day is right for you.

Teeth-in-a-Day in Miami

To learn more about this revolutionary tooth replacement option or to see if you are a candidate, please contact Miami Designer Smiles by calling (305) 595-4616 to schedule a consultation today.

Miami Designer Smiles serves patients in Miami and Coral Gables, FL.

Categories: Teeth in a Day
are dental implants worth cost

are dental implants worth costMiami and Coral Gables, FL

Are you living with lost teeth? If so, consider a dental implant in Miami, the finest tooth replacement option currently available. Not only do dental implants look and feel like real teeth, an implant is the only restorative treatment that also replaces the tooth’s root. Despite the quality of implants as a treatment choice, many people shy away from receiving dental implants because of financial concerns. Here are a few reasons why Miami Designer Smiles believes that dental implants are worth the cost.

The needs and desires of each patient vary, but dental implants have several significant benefits, such as:

  • Convenience – Because an implant is fixed into the mouth, you maintain it by brushing and flossing the same way you do your natural teeth. Other tooth replacements have to be removed from the mouth to be cleaned.
  • Aesthetics – Our dental implants are matched in shape and color to look like your other natural, healthy teeth. Implants often improve the overall appearance of the smile.
  • Comfort – Anchored by the implant screw, which is inserted surgically into the jawbone, a dental implant will not slip or shift the way other tooth replacement options such as dentures do, which can irritate the gums.
  • Durability – Dental implants also are considered the only permanent tooth replacement option currently available in restorative dentistry. Made from titanium, the implant post itself is designed to last a lifetime. Also, the crown portion is constructed of high-quality dental porcelain, which means it can withstand normal chewing pressure exerted as you eat.
  • Bone health – Bone deterioration is an inevitable long-term consequence of tooth loss. This deterioration occurs because the supporting bone structure loses the constant stimulation that was provided by the root of the missing tooth. However, the implant post provides this necessary stimulation to the jawbone to prevent resorption by the body.

In addition to the following advantages, dental implants often serve to restore dental functionality that may have been lost due to your missing teeth.

Implants have a significant cost upfront because of the quality of the materials, as well as the installation procedure involved. The implant screw is made of titanium, a strong and durable metal. Miami implant dentists, Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia, complete each dental implant procedure with a crown made of high-quality dental porcelain. This crown is made to look indistinguishable from your other natural teeth. Although dental implants have a substantial upfront cost, the investment is long-term because you should not need to replace your implant, unlike other tooth replacement options that generally need replacing every decade or so.

As for the installation of an implant, it is important to remember that this is considered a form of oral surgery. Not every dentist in Miami is qualified to install a dental implant. You should choose one with significant training and experience in implant dentistry—preferably with a background in oral surgery. Placing a dental implant requires skill and experience to ensure the proper placement and success of the implant.

Dental Implants in Miami

To learn more about dental implants or any of the other tooth replacement options available from Miami Designer Smiles, call our office today at (305) 595-4616.

Miami Designer Smiles is proud to care for patients in the areas of Miami and Coral Gables, FL.

Categories: Implants
stop putting of gum disease treatment

stop putting of gum disease treatmentMiami and Coral Gables, FL

Even when you take seemingly good care of your teeth, and visit your dentist regularly, gum disease can still occur. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, which causes chronic infection in your gums and jawbone. Eventually, if left untreated, it can lead to significant tooth loss, and even increase your risks of certain diseases. 

The bad part is that many adults do not even know that they have early signs of gum disease. Left untreated, it can have devastating oral health, and even overall health, consequences. Your expert dentists in Miami at Miami Designer Smiles have some good reasons for why you should stop putting off treatment for your gum disease.

Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health

For centuries doctors have treated the mouth separately from the body, when in fact, what goes on in our mouths has a profound impact on our overall health. While you may think that gum disease only affects your gums, its effects are far-reaching. Gum disease is an active infection that will not go away unless you receive treatment. You would not allow an infection elsewhere in your body to continue without treatment, would you? Then your mouth should not be any different.

Ignoring your gum disease means that you increase your risk of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Some studies have even linked gum disease to an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. For pregnant mothers, untreated gum disease can go as far as harming an unborn child by resulting in premature births or low birth rates. Through research, it has become apparent that what goes on in the mouth does not stay in the mouth.

Your smile affects your confidence

For many of us, our smile has a lot to do with our confidence. If your smile is embarrassing because of how gum disease has taken over, then you are less likely to feel confident about yourself, especially when you smile. Aside from your confidence, smiling can boost your mood and help you have more positive thoughts in general.

Ignoring your gum disease will not solve anything. In fact, it will continue getting worse, resulting in significant tooth loss, as well as significant health consequences. Your Miami family dentists at Miami Designer Smiles have solutions to treating your gum disease. Depending on your case, we may treat your gum disease simply with repetitive deep cleanings in which we remove the bacteria buildup from below the gum line. In some instances, patients may require extensive treatments that involve laser dentistry to remove diseased tissue from the mouth. Treatments are chosen based on your individual need.

Gum Disease Treatment in Miami

The good news is that you do not have to neglect your gum disease any longer! If you would like to learn more about gum disease or how to stop it from getting worse, contact Miami Designer Smiles today calling (305) 595-4616 to schedule a consultation. Remember, treatment can only be effective so long as you hold up your end of the deal by continuing to practice good oral hygiene, and visiting your Miami dentist for routine checkups and cleanings to monitor your progress.

Miami Designer Smiles is proud to care for patients in the areas of Miami and Coral Gables in south Florida.

Categories: Gum Health
treating sleep apnea without cpap

treating sleep apnea without cpapMiami and Coral Gables, FL

Do you live with obstructive sleep apnea? This is a serious sleep breathing disorder that disrupts your rest, leaves you feeling fatigued throughout the day and significantly increases your risk of developing other potentially deadly health problems such as cardiac disease or stroke. If you are not already getting treatment for your sleep apnea, you should. Or, maybe you are but are unhappy with your CPAP machine. Here is how your Miami dentist can help with your sleep apnea – no breathing machine required!

A frequently prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients is a machine called the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). This machine is worn while a sleep apnea sufferer sleeps, forcing air into the airway during sleep.

While a CPAP machine is a common solution for sleep apnea, it has several disadvantages. It is inconvenient, especially when traveling because the machine is bulky and must be plugged in. Many CPAP machines encounter maintenance problems, and CPAP patients regularly experience issues such as discomfort and skin irritation from wearing the mask, as well as dry mouth. A CPAP machine also can disrupt intimacy or inconvenience family members, as sleeping with a CPAP patient can be difficult because of the noise.

At Miami Designer Smiles, we believe oral appliance therapy is a preferred treatment method for treating OSA. This oral appliance maintains an open airway by adjusting the position of the tongue and keeping the jaw in a preferred alignment, thus preventing the collapse of soft tissue in the throat, which causes an obstructed airway. These custom-made oral appliances are also adjustable to fit your changing needs as a sleep apnea patient.

To craft your custom-made oral appliance, we take impressions of your mouth, and send them to our trusted dental laboratory. Then, you return to our office after the appliance has been made, and your Miami sleep apnea dentist will make sure that your appliance fits properly. Any necessary adjustments can be made at this time to ensure a comfortable fit.

You are to wear your mouthpiece at night while you sleep. Remove it in the morning and clean it with mild soap and warm water. Be sure to store your mouthpiece in the case that we provide you.

You can find a wide variety of anti-snoring or sleep aid mouthpieces available over the counter for purchase. However, the oral appliances prescribed by a sleep apnea dentist in Miami are custom designed for each patient, ensuring an ideal fit and maximum effectiveness. Plus, these sleep appliance can be adjusted to fit your changing needs.

Treating OSA is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so why would you trust an over-the-counter mouthpiece from the store? It is important to note that by receiving an oral appliance from your Miami dentist, that we understand how to work with the neuromuscular dimensions of your mouth and jaw. This means that our appliances will not cause you jaw discomfort or pain. Those appliances you buy in a box at the store cannot guarantee this type of fit.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, do not settle for a CPAP machine. Consider oral appliance therapy. Call Miami Designer Smiles at (305) 595-4616 to schedule a consultation today.

Miami Designer Smiles serves patients in Miami and Coral Gables, FL.

Categories: Sleep Apnea