Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an innovative, permanent solution to missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. These titanium posts are implemented into the jaw, becoming a stable support for restorations that replace the visible parts of the tooth. At Grandon Village Dental, we place and restore dental implants in-office. However, patients must meet certain requirements to be eligible for implant placements.

Oral Health and Gum Disease

Dental implant treatment requires a patient to be at optimal oral health prior to placement. It is essential for the implant to integrate with the jawbone, and if there is an infection from previous decay or gum disease, it can impact the success of placement. Many patients may have lost teeth due to gum disease and are looking towards dental implants to replace those teeth. Periodontal disease treatment may push back implant placement but will ensure your smile is protected and healthy.

Jawbone Density

When you lose teeth, your jaw bone loses the support it needs to stay in place. As a result, your jawbone density slowly recedes which can cause teeth to shift, creating a misaligned bite. With this loss of jawbone density, which upholds the shape of your jaw, your chin may come close to your nose. Your upper lip will become puckered and deep wrinkles will develop around your cheeks and mouth.

Dental implants rely on a sufficient amount of jawbone for effective placement. If you have been missing teeth for some time, your density may need to undergo bone grafting procedures. These procedures must take place and properly heal before placement surgery.

Healthy Habits

Patients who smoke or chew tobacco should pause these habits when going through dental implant treatment. Those who practice these habits have a harder time healing. When implants are placed, they require three to six months to fully integrate with the jawbone. This process can be delayed or impact the success of placement.

Becoming a Candidate for Dental Implants

An ideal patient for implant treatment is one who may have missing teeth, need teeth removed, or have ill-fitting dentures. They should be of optimal oral health and have the adequate bone density to ensure proper integration. At Grandon Village Dental, we conduct an in-depth consultation to determine your eligibility and recommend treatments to help you become the ideal candidate.

For more information about dental implant services, contact our San Marcos practice today.

Invisalign® vs Traditional Braces

Invisalign® vs Traditional Braces

Do you feel self-conscious about smiling due to misalignment or gaps? If your smile has turned into a close-mouthed grin, you may wish for an effective option to straighten your teeth. With many treatments at your disposal, picking the right method to align your smile can be a difficult decision.

At Grandon Village Dental we provide traditional metal braces and Invisalign® clear aligners. Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of each treatment:

Advantages of Each Treatment

Invisalign®

Invisalign clear braces allow freedom due to their removable design, allowing a normal diet. It is a teeth straightening method that subtly improves your smile, and can be an alternative to traditional braces. This treatment is ideal for those whose jaws have finished developing and are seeking a cosmetically-appealing way to treat minor or moderate alignment problems. Invisalign clear aligners are removable but must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day. It is required that they are taken out when eating food and drinking liquids to prevent the chance that they will be stained or tarnished by food debris.

Braces

Made of metal brackets and wires, braces can be customized with colored rubber bands, making treatment fun and personalized. To increase aesthetics without forgoing the strong treatment power of braces, there are clear braces options with brackets and wires that are unnoticeable in the smile. Since brackets are bonded to the surface of your teeth, patients do not need to remember to put them in or take them out after eating or drinking.

Metal braces are essential for both preventive and proactive measures. Used for extensive phasal orthodontics, metal braces allow for reliable results due to tried-and-true treatment plans. If a patient has severe malocclusion, crowded teeth, or teeth that are rotated, this is a method that specializes in improving those conditions.

Disadvantages of Each Treatment

Invisalign®

While these clear aligners are a quality treatment due to their clear plastic, they are not effective when treating complex or severe cases of alignment issues. Patients must remember to wear clear aligners since they are removable. If they are not worn consistently, the treatment may be extended or will not result in the projected outcome. It also demands the wearer add oral cleaning steps to their daily routine because you must remove the clear braces and individually clean each tray under lukewarm water or with the Invisalign cleaning system.

Braces

Traditional braces do not have the same aesthetic appeal as Invisalign clear aligners do, and are not as comfortable either. Metal brackets and wires can cut the insides of the mouth and cheeks, especially if broken. Braces are not removable and have dietary restrictions such as avoiding foods that are sticky or hard as they can cause the brackets and wires to break. While you do not have to add steps to your daily oral care routine, you need to use special instruments to effectively and comfortably floss.

Contact Us!

Call our San Marcos practice to schedule a consultation to match the best orthodontic care to your needs. We provide both orthodontic treatments and will we make sure to reach your dental goals.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

If you have teeth that don’t agree with your sense of uniformity, there are corrective treatments that can improve the structure and aesthetics of your smile. While traditional braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign® can straighten your teeth, they also provide other benefits that aren’t as obvious. Orthodontic treatment can also improve the health and function of your smile, which will help preserve your overall health.

Sealing Your Smile

Teeth that are crowded in the smile tend to harbor harmful bacteria, small bits of food, and the buildup of plaque. All of these can lead to gum disease and other complications, and that harmful bacteria doesn’t stay it in your mouth; it actually travels through your blood stream, which can compromise the health and function of essential organs. There is a strong association between gum disease and conditions such as heart disease, but with less space for bacteria to hide in your mouth these complications can be avoided. Orthodontic treatments help restore the proper alignment of your smile and improve oral health.

Improving the Structure

Orthodontic treatments can also improve the alignment of your jaw. It’s not enough to improve your smile; if you’re having issues with a misaligned bite, it’s best to address all issues at once to prevent further discomfort. TMD (or temporomandibular joint dysfunction) can arise from misaligned teeth, which can also lead to chipped or broken off teeth.

Healthy Smile, Healthy Body

An improper bite alignment can also lead to poor digestion and difficulty chewing. Improperly chewed food can negatively impact a patients’ ability to receive essential nutrients and may result in a higher risk of reflux. Protruding teeth, if left untreated, are also more likely to be affected during outdoor physical activity, such as touch football and other sports.

Your Options

Traditional braces have long been a reliable method for straightening crooked, twisted, or unevenly spaced teeth. But if you’re looking for a more discreet option, Invisalign is potentially more aesthetically pleasing solution. Invisalign clear braces are removable, allowing you to brush your teeth and eat freely.

Call Today!

If you are in need of orthodontic treatments in San Marcos that can help restore the beauty, health, and function of your smile, call our office today to set an appointment. Grandon Village Dental Office offers traditional braces and Invisalign for patients of all ages in need of a straighter, healthier smile.