Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or secure dentures and other large prostheses. Dental implants consist of an artificial root and a manufactured tooth that can be placed on it.

Why a Dental Implant?

There are several benefits that can make dental implants the best option for replacing missing teeth:

• Dental implants stabilize bone levels and can prevent bone loss
• Dental implants provide greater long-term support and functionality
• Dental implants stabilize dentures
• Dental implants provide an artificial root system, which keeps the remaining teeth in line
• Dental implants do NOT require alteration of adjacent teeth.

Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?

Yes. The most common type of dental implant are endosteal implants. Endosteal implants consist of a metal rod installed into the jawbone and a supporting post that secures either a dental crown or a dental bridge.

Another common type of dental implant are All-on-4 implants. These revolutionary systems consist of an entire top or bottom denture that is supported by just four implants. The implants are placed so that replacement teeth remain steady and secure. The advantage of the All-on-4 implants is that they help patients recover faster and reduce the chances of complications.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

First, our dentist will examine the area in your mouth where you’re considering a dental implant. Then, an oral surgeon will need to decide if there are any current teeth that need to be removed and which type of bone graft needs to be done. These procedures will take place first, followed by enough recovery time to heal to ensure an adequate and strong bone is present at the implant site. Then, the dental implant is placed into the bone and a healing cap is placed over the implant. You will need to follow up with regular check-ups after to insure proper healing and that there is no infection.

Are Dental Implants Right for me?

If you have loose or missing teeth, or were born without a tooth, dental implants may be right for you. If you’re considering dental implants, give Love Dental in Avondale, AZ a call at 623-270-7420 or schedule an appointment online.

From Love Dental in Avondale, AZ

Braces can feel like a bit of a contradiction. You want a clean, straight smile, but you first have to wear a highly visible device on your teeth for months on end. You want a well-aligned bite, but for a while braces make some day-to-day tasks, such as brushing teeth and eating some foods, more difficult. Fortunately, for those who want to show off their pretty pearly whites as they go AND show off the results of their realignment as soon as possible, one option is Invisalign®.

The Benefits of Invisalign®

Invisalign® are clear plastic devices intended to straighten your teeth over time. They are nearly undetectable by observers. Not only are they more difficult to see (getting you closer to being able to show off that perfect smile), but they can be taken out temporarily when needed, allowing you to brush your teeth or eat without distraction.

The Invisalign® Fitting Process

For Invisalign®, Dr. Abedini will take a scan of your teeth using the iTero Digital Scanner and send it in. From there, orthodontic experts will determine the difference in positions between where your teeth are and where you want them to be and will create several stages of aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. You’ll have to wear the aligners most of the time—about 22 hours a day. At certain points in the process as your teeth change position, you’ll move on to the next device, switching them out until your teeth are right where you want them to be.

Alternatively, there are kits you can order to take a mold of your teeth at home. This is an overall less expensive process, but you aren’t likely to achieve the same results and you lose the benefit of your dentist’s expertise. Invisalign® may not be the best solution for you, so it’s best to consult your dentist beforehand even if you decide to go this route.

How to Pay for Invisalign®

Depending on the degree of work your teeth need, an Invisalign® treatment can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. Your insurance may be able to cover some of the cost. For the amount your insurance doesn’t cover, you have some options.

Love Dental offers a dental savings program as well as external payment plans, which allows you to split a large bill into smaller payments over time. This makes payment much more manageable for some people and can be useful in emergency situations when you don’t have time to save money for the treatment before you begin.

Of course, if you can save the money ahead of time, that’s probably the better option. If you’re planning to save up for Invisalign® or something similar, you may want to consider opening a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Accounts such as these allow you to take a certain amount of money out of your paycheck, pretax, to pay for some expenses—including, in some cases, Invisalign®. The types of accounts you’re allowed to open and the amount of money you can put into them will vary depending on your situation, so talk to your bank or another financial professional about your options.

For those who can use them, Invisalign® can be the least intrusive solution for straightening teeth. It’s nice not to have to worry about the looks and inconveniences of traditional braces! The initial cost of Invisalign® may seem daunting, but options are available to help pay for them. If you have any questions about Invisalign® or other methods of straightening your teeth, please contact us. Love Dental in Avondale, AZ will be happy to walk you through your options and help you find the best possible solution for your smile.