From the Office

Stop hiding your smile — a state-of-the-art dental implant can restore a glorious grin that you are excited to show off, and it’s a smart move for your dental health, too.

While dental bridges and dentures are effective methods of tooth replacement, dental implants are the only solution that provides a permanent replacement tooth root — and they are also the strongest, most durable option. A titanium tooth root is surgically implanted into the jawbone, and a crown or “false tooth” is attached to the root for a complete tooth restoration.

The dental crown is crafted from composite ceramic material that is color-matched to your natural teeth. Not only does your dental implant recreate the missing tooth structure in its entirety, it also looks very natural when it is finished. In fact, people who meet you after you receive an implant may never know you once had a missing tooth!

As we discussed in our previous blog How Missing Teeth Can Harm Your Dental Health, deciding on a dental implant has many benefits to the health of your entire smile. It prevents jawbone loss, shifting of teeth, and bite imbalance, and can even improve speaking and chewing. Dental implants are also a wise option to stabilize and support dentures, thanks to the solid foundation they provide.

I recommend dental implants as a comprehensive dentistry procedure that addresses both form and function extremely well. For examples of the difference a dental implant can make, please browse our smile gallery.

For a more in-depth discussion of dental implants and their powerful role as a smile makeover solution, please schedule an appointment at my Boulder comprehensive dental practice today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth gaps are a sore spot for some people and a trait that they’d rather give up. While small gaps may add character to a smile, a sizable gap can make you self-conscious about your smile.

At my Boulder, Colorado dental practice, we offer several solutions for fixing gapped teeth. Depending on the size and position of your gap, and how it affects your neighboring teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry can be very effective for improving both the appearance and function of your teeth.

• Invisalign braces — These clear, plastic aligners work to gently realign teeth in order to close gaps and relax overcrowding. Once treatment is finished, your teeth will be in a more advantageous position, giving you the ability to use them more effectively and creating a more attractive appearance.

• Porcelain veneers — Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that sit on the front surfaces of teeth. They can cover several teeth at once, effectively masking small gaps and other physical issues. While veneers do create a natural-looking solution, they are recommended for appearance improvement only and should not be used in instances where a gap is causing chewing or speaking problems.

• Dental implants — If you have large gaps that exist due to lost teeth, a dental implant is the cosmetic dentistry option that comes closest to having a real tooth. Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone and shaped to look just like your natural teeth. If you fill in a gap with an implant, you can minimize jawbone loss, regain full chewing power, and stop neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.

If you’d like to see how cosmetic dentistry can help with tooth gaps and other smile problems, please visit our Smile Gallery for before and after images.

To discuss your solutions for filling in tooth gaps, please contact my Boulder, Colorado dental practice today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Missing teeth are — literally — nothing to laugh about. Not only do noticeable gaps in your smile affect your self-confidence and keep you from smiling, they also may prove detrimental to your dental health, causing an uneven bite and allowing teeth to shift.

At my state-of-the-art dental practice in Boulder, Colorado, we suggest two highly effective methods for closing those missing teeth gaps: dental implants and dental bridges. The option that is best for you will depend on several factors, including the condition of neighboring teeth, your budget, and the health of your underlying jawbone.

Dental Implants for Long-Term Security

A dental implant is the preferred method of tooth replacement for many reasons. Firstly, it is a solution that will last a lifetime, and it’s the closest thing to a natural tooth modern dentistry can provide. Implants consist of a titanium tooth root that is implanted into the jawbone that is attached to a false tooth, also known as the dental crown. These false teeth are designed from safe, biocompatible material to look, feel, and function just like normal teeth. Despite the many benefits, due to the time involvement and cost of dental implants, many patients choose dental bridges as an alternative.

Dental Bridges for Convenient Tooth Replacement

Dental bridges are a permanent fixture, but since they are not attached to the jawbone, they will most likely need replacing at some point. A dental bridge involves three fixtures, two crowns on either side of a false tooth. These crowns will be bonded to neighboring teeth, allowing the replacement tooth to sit firmly between. In some cases involving multiple missing teeth in a row, patients may choose a dental implant to fill one space, and then use the implant as one of the supportive teeth for a dental bridge.

Whether you choose a dental implant or a dental bridge, you’ll find the benefits of tooth replacement to be very positive. Filling gaps can restore your smile, improve chewing ability, help maintain facial harmony, prevent tooth shifting, and maintain a healthy bite.

Long after your procedure, my dental team and I will regularly check your bridge or implant during your dental wellness visits to ensure full functionality and a natural appearance.

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist to explain all of your options for tooth replacement, please consider us for this and all of your smile health needs. Feel free to contact my Boulder, Colorado dental office for a one-on-one consultation.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry