When it comes to restoring your smile, the options are as diverse as the needs of each patient. Whether you’re looking to replace a single tooth, fill a gap left by several missing teeth, or require a solution for a completely toothless arch, modern dentistry offers tailored treatments to bring back both functionality and aesthetics to your smile. At Harmony Dental, we utilize cutting-edge technology and personalized care to ensure that each dental solution—be it implants, bridges, partial or complete dentures—meets your specific requirements. Let’s explore the various options available and understand how each one can contribute to a rejuvenated smile and improved oral health. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most common and effective dental restoration methods we offer.
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Dental Implants
This is a great single tooth replacement option, that does not affect teeth around it. A dental implant is a complete system of an artificial tooth and root. A specialist will surgically place the implant in your jaw, and you will return to us to restore it with an abutment and crown to complete your smile again. Dental implants look and function just like a natural tooth. These can also act as anchors for bridges or dentures. Due to the necessity of the implant being integrated into the bone, this can be a long process. Learn more
Bridge
A bridge is another fixed option to replace missing teeth. A bridge is an artificial tooth suspended between two crowns, so it requires a front and back tooth next to the missing tooth/teeth to serve as anchors. The teeth next to the space will need to be prepped like a crown, and they are included in the bridge. The artificial tooth is called a pontic, and it is connected to the adjacent crowns and rests above the gums in the space of the missing tooth. We utilize a Cerec machine at Harmony Dental, so in some cases, bridges can be made in house and cemented the same day. If the space is too long, a temporary bridge will be made and a scan or impression sent to the lab. You would come have the definitive bridge cemented on when it is returned to us. It is then important to clean underneath the bridge to prevent the adjacent teeth from getting a cavity.
Removable Partial Denture
Like the name suggests, this is a removable device that is beneficial when replacing multiple teeth. There are different materials that a partial can be made from. Once you decide with your dentist which material you would like, an impression would be made of both arches and then sent to the lab. This is a process and may require multiple trips to our office. Once you are happy with the color, shape, and placement of the teeth, we send it back to the lab for processing and can deliver it to you at the next appointment.
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Complete Denture
For patients with no teeth in an arch, or requiring the rest extracted, a complete denture is a way to restore esthetics and function. It is important to wait at least 4-6 weeks after extractions before starting a denture for the purpose of initial healing of the bone and gums. This is a process that would include multiple trips to our office and would begin with impressions. We would work with the lab to get your accurate bite, and the lab will send us teeth set in wax. If you are pleased with the shade, shape, and midline of the teeth, the lab will process the denture and return it to us to deliver it. Some sore spots are possible, and it is common for patients to return multiple times to make the dentures as comfortable as possible.