What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in place, they allow us to mount replacement teeth onto them. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
he Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants are designed to look and feel like your own teeth.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants do not require reducing other teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Durability: Implants are very durable and can last many years, even a lifetime with good care.
- Improved Comfort and Speech: Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures and improve speech.
The Dental Implant Procedure
- Initial Consultation: We assess your oral health and discuss the best treatment plan.
- Implant Placement: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone.
- Healing Process: A period of healing is required for the implant to osseointegrate (bond) with the jawbone.
- Placement of the Crown: Once the implant has bonded, a replacement tooth (crown) is placed onto the implant.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
- Practice good oral hygiene – brush and floss regularly.
- Regular dental check-ups are essential.
- Avoid damaging habits like chewing hard items or smoking.
Loose Teeth
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
Playing Sports
with Braces
Game, Set, Match — we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it’s recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Take Care Of Your Appliances
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Loose Wires And Bands
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
FAQs About Dental Implants
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