Whether you lose a tooth, chip one, or are naturally missing one, there are options for replacing and repairing that tooth to give you back your smile. Modern dental implants and veneers have been used successfully for years and are a great option for many people. Dental Implants are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth – and even better, they allow these new teeth to feel, look and function naturally. When performed by a trained and experienced dentist, dental implant surgery is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry. Veneers can help restore your smile and give you more confidence. The material used to make veneers is very durable and resists staining better than natural teeth. With proper care and regular dental visits, veneers can last for many years.

What are Dental Implants?

Each patient is different. After an initial consultation, your dentist should provide you with a treatment plan with the estimated time to complete the process. Total treatment time depends on your needs, medical and dental history, jawbone condition, and the technique and materials used. It can be as short as a few months or more than a year for more complex conditions.

Dental implants are made up of a titanium post, which is implanted into the jawbone, and a crown to replace the missing tooth. The advantage of this technique is that it replaces both the root and the visible part of the tooth – offering an incredibly strong foundation onto which natural-looking replacement teeth can be fixed.

Why are Dental Implants a great option to replace missing teeth?

Dental implants are the most natural-looking and feeling replacement for missing teeth. They look and feel like your own teeth. Because the implant is fixed directly to the bone, the attached tooth functions like your other teeth, making eating and talking easier. 

Unlike other tooth replacement options like bridges or partial dentures, implants do not affect the teeth around them. You have regular access to cleaning, brushing, and flossing around the tooth, which leads to better oral health. They also help keep your jawbone healthy so your facial structure stays intact.

3 million people in the United States have dental implants, a number that is growing by 500,000 annually.

What are Veneers?

Veneers can give you a dramatically different look from your natural teeth and are often seen as a more permanent solution than other cosmetic treatments. With veneers, you may be able to achieve straighter, brighter, whiter, and more even-looking teeth. Veneers can also help protect the surface of your damaged tooth from further damage or decay and in some cases, may even improve the function of the tooth. 

Veneers are a great solution if you have chipped, broken, too small, or misshapen teeth. In addition, they can fill gaps in your teeth (diastema) and cover up stains that don’t respond to whitening. Veneers are also an excellent option for people who want to make minor changes to their smile. With veneers, you can make minor adjustments to the shape and color of your teeth, giving you a more symmetrical and beautiful smile..

The process for getting veneers begins with a consultation with your dentist, who will examine your mouth and decide if veneers are an appropriate option for you. If so, impressions of your teeth will be taken, which will then be used to create customized porcelain or composite veneers that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. When the veneers are ready, you will return to your dentist and bond them to the fronts of your teeth.

What are Implant Dentures?

Implant dentures offer a long-lasting and reliable solution for missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, they don’t require regular maintenance or replacement every few years as they are designed to last much longer. They also provide greater stability than dentures due to the titanium posts that are surgically implanted in the jawbone. This helps to reduce movement associated with dentures and provides a more secure chewing function by anchoring the artificial teeth in place. Additionally, implant dentures give you the natural look and feel of real teeth, so you can smile confidently, knowing your new smile looks great. 

For patients considering implant dentures, consulting with a qualified dentist is important. Your dentist will assess your suitability for this type of treatment and help you understand the costs involved. With proper care, implant dentures can be a great solution for missing teeth and give you a beautiful new smile that lasts for years. 

Overall, implant dentures provide an excellent alternative to traditional dentures by offering greater stability, more secure chewing function, and the look of real teeth. This makes them an ideal choice for people looking to replace their missing teeth with a reliable, long-term solution. Plus, they require minimal maintenance and upkeep so you can enjoy your smile without worrying about regular replacement or repairs. If you think this could be the right option for you, talk to your dentist today. They will help guide you through the process and answer any questions that may arise throughout. 

The Technology Behind A New Smile

CEREC technology is a revolutionary way to get dental restorations done quickly and accurately. This advanced process starts with digital scanning, which takes mere seconds to accurately capture the shape and size of your tooth. The digital scan is then used to create a 3D image of your tooth, which can be used to create a custom-fit crown, bridge, prosthetic, splint, or surgical guide. 

Once the 3D image is complete, the CEREC machine mills and grinds the restoration in just 5 to 15 minutes. This makes it much faster than traditional methods, which can take days or even weeks.

But CEREC technology isn’t just fast—it’s also incredibly accurate and hygienic. The digital scan eliminates the need for messy impressions, and because the restoration is created with a single block of ceramic instead of several individual pieces, it fits perfectly with the rest of your teeth. 

With CEREC, digital chairside dentistry isn’t just about convenience — it’s about providing the highest quality of care to patients. Thanks to advanced technology, practitioners can craft precise restorations in less time with greater precision. CEREC allows practitioners to confidently perform a variety of dental procedures, from dental implants, crowns to bridges to veneers, in a single visit. And you can be sure that the end result will always be excellent, with long-lasting, natural-looking restorations that provide superior aesthetic and functional results. 

Patients love the convenience of getting the dental care they need in a short time, and practitioners love the confidence that comes from delivering superior results every time.  CEREC has the technology and expertise to handle any dental challenge. 

With the right information and provider, you can find a solution that works for you and enjoy your confident new smile for years to come. Call the doctors at Prairie Lakes Dental and set up a free consultation to find the right option for you.