More Information
Porcelain Bridges
A bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth without requiring surgery. The bridge will be custom made and will be permanently cemented to your teeth just like a crown (cap).
There are several types of bridges. Dr. Sackheim will discuss with you the best options for your particular case. A typical bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth. They are then attached to artificial teeth, filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. People normally get fixed bridges if they need to:
- Replace missing teeth
- Prevent teeth from moving
- Restore chewing and speaking ability
- Restore your smile
Bridges are highly durable and typically last many years. However, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
What can I expect during my appointment?
After your teeth have been numbed, two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of the tooth to allow space for the bridge. Then, Dr. Sackheim will take a digital scan of your mouth; we will use this digital model to create your new bridge. After we verify that the bridge fits comfortably, we will bond it permanently to your teeth.
You will be given some take-home instructions after your appointment. Good oral hygiene, mindful eating habits, and coming in to see us on a regular basis will help to lengthen the life of your new bridge.
Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable synthetic teeth that are used to enhance your smile if you are missing teeth or surrounding dental tissue. There are two types of dentures that a patient can receive: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all of your teeth are missing. On the other hand, partial dentures can be utilized if you are only missing a few of your teeth; they can even help the remaining teeth from shifting. Dentures are made to look as natural as possible and can be a convenient option depending on your circumstances. You might consider dentures if:
- You are missing all of your teeth
- You are missing some of your teeth
- You need your smile and facial tissue enhanced
If you are in need of a complete denture, we need first to determine if you need immediate dentures or conventional dentures.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are made in advance and are placed directly after your teeth are removed. This means that you will not have to go without teeth while your gums heal. Once your gums heal, we can make adjustments if needed.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures are made after your gums have healed completely after tooth removal. You will need to go about 4 to 6 weeks without teeth.
What can I expect during my appointment?
Unlike some of our other procedures, getting your dentures will require multiple appointments over several weeks. We will take a mold of your mouth and use it to create your personal dentures. There will be several try-on appointments to ensure that the dentures fit properly and are a natural color. During your final appointment, Dr. Sackheim will adjust and place your denture, ensuring that you have a long lasting and beautiful smile. While dentures are very durable and will last many years, they may need to be remade, repaired, or adjusted due to normal wear.
You will also be given some take-home instructions after your final appointment. Good oral hygiene, mindful eating habits, and coming in to see us on a regular basis will help to lengthen the life of your new denture. It is normal to experience soreness, chewing difficulty and increased saliva flow after your new dentures are placed. We need to allow time for your mouth to adapt to your new dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are synthetic teeth that are placed into the upper or lower jawbone. The teeth implants are natural looking and will give you back your beautiful smile. Dental implants can assist in replacing missing teeth and are a great alternative to having removable dentures; Additionally, implants can provide support for dentures if needed.
There are a few reasons why you might need dental implants including:
- Replacing one or more missing teeth
- Restoring ability to chew, speak, and digest food
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restoring or enhancing facial tissues
- Supporting a bridge or denture (restoring stability and comfort)
What can I expect during my appointment?
Unlike other procedures, this process can take several appointments over the course of a few months. We will take a digital scan of your mouth and will use this digital model to create your new implants. Once the implants are prepared, we will numb your jaw and insert it directly into the jaw. We will need to allow up to six months for your jaw to heal and get used to the implant. After your jaw has healed, we will create a custom crown to be placed on top of the implant.
You will be given some take-home instructions after your appointment. Good oral hygiene, mindful eating habits, and coming in to see us on a regular basis will help to lengthen the life of your new dental implants.