Should I Get Veneers or Dental Implants?

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There are lots of great ways to improve the appearance of your smile these days, and dental veneers and dental implants in University Heights, OH are just two of them. It can be hard to decide which option to go with, especially when your dentist at Innovative Smiles offers both of them to new and existing patients. Just bear in mind that veneers and dental implants resolve different issues, although both look gorgeous and natural when they’re completed. Your dentist can help to guide your final decision, but here are some things to think about.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells—typically made of porcelain or composite resin—that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They’re mainly done for cosmetic purposes, covering issues such as discoloration, minor misalignment, chips or gaps. Veneers provide a natural-looking, durable solution for patients who want to enhance the looks of their teeth without major structural changes.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants require a bigger commitment on the part of the patient, since oral surgery is involved, and the process can take several months to complete. But they’re a long-term solution that’s permanent, so the extra effort is well worth it! Implants are designed to restore both the appearance and function of missing teeth while preserving jawbone health.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The choice between veneers and dental implants depends on the condition of the teeth and the overall dental goals.

Veneers are best for patients who have healthy teeth but want to improve their appearance. They can correct stains, chips, gaps, and slight misalignment while maintaining the natural tooth structure. Veneers require minimal tooth preparation and can last for many years with proper care.

Dental implants are ideal for those who have missing or severely damaged teeth. Since implants replace the entire tooth structure, they offer a permanent and functional solution for tooth loss. They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw, making them a great long-term investment in oral health.

Still undecided? That’s okay. Book an appointment with your dentist in University Heights, OH at Innovative Smiles for a consultation where you can get all your questions answered. The final result will be a beautiful new smile, no matter which option you land on!

Single Tooth Dental Implant

Can You Afford Dental Implants?

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If you’ve ever wanted dental implants in University Heights, OH, but thought you couldn’t afford them, then this article is for you! We are going to give you some great ways to find the money you need to get your dental implants now versus having to wait.

Let’s take a look.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Getting Dental Implants

Your situation might meet one or more of the following factors, which will determine how much your dental implants will cost after all is said and done.

  • Number of Implants You Need
  • Whether You Need a Bone Graft
  • Your Dentist’s Level of Expertise
  • Where You Live (the cost of dental implants varies depending on your location)
  • Dental Implant Brand
  • If Additional Procedures Are Needed

What to Do If You Can’t Afford Dental Implants

If you don’t think you can afford dental implants, we urge you to consider looking into some of the options below. These might give you some ideas that would allow you to go ahead and get your dental implants now instead of waiting.

  • Check with Your Insurance (some insurance companies will pay for dental implants if they are medically necessary)
  • Financing Options or Dentist Payment Plans
  • Discount Dental Plans
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Home Equity Loan
  • Dental Grants (check with your local nonprofit organizations, community health centers, and the American Dental Association Foundation to see if you qualify for a grant)
  • Borrow from Your Retirement Fund

Talk with Your Dentist about Dental Implant Alternatives

If you still can’t afford dental implants using the above-mentioned options, please talk with your dentist in University Heights, Ohio, about alternatives to dental implants or variations of traditional dental implants.

Here are a few dental implant variations and alternatives. Your dentist will make some recommendations after performing your dental exam and talking with you about your budget.

  • All-on-4’s
  • Snap-on Dentures
  • Dental Bridge (full or partial)
  • Flipper

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in University Heights, OH?

Now that you realize you can afford to get dental implants, you will need a dentist to perform the procedure. Please Contact Innovative Smiles today to schedule a consultation and exam. We’d love to show you just how easy and affordable getting dental implants can be!

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How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?

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Getting dental implants can be a major decision in a person’s life. Whether you’re tired of having a gap in your smile or just want a stronger set of chompers, it’s a smart way to simultaneously improve your dental health and smile. Of course, dental implants are more than just a financial commitment; they’re also a time commitment. Here, we’ll look at how long you can heal from dental implants.

The Implant Process

The most important part of a dental implant in University Heights, OH is the metal post that anchors the artificial tooth to the jawbone. Acting as close as to your real tooth as possible, the fusion of the post to the jawbone is what makes the tooth stronger than other services, including bridges. Of course, everyone’s jaw reacts differently to the foreign object next to it. Some people heal in as little as six weeks. Others take closer to six months.

Breaking Down Your Implants in University Heights, OH

Your healing time depends on any number of factors, including anything from your age to your overall dental health to your family history. If you want to learn more about each step of the process and ask questions about your healing time, it pays to talk to a qualified dentist in University Heights, OH. An expert in this procedure may not have seen every possible case and complication, but they can tell you about their experience and apply those patterns to your case. A tiny fraction of people ultimately reject their implant, though you can lower your rejection odds by choosing the right team.

Get Your Questions Answered

If you have questions about the next step in the implant process, whether you’re just idly reaching out or ready to commit, the staff at Innovative Smiles can give you the answers you’re looking for. While the implant process can feel murky to patients, especially if you’re frustrated by the open healing timeline, you should know that there are ways to work around even the most stubborn jawbones. Contact us today to learn more about what we can to help!

Do Dental Implants Look Natural? And Other Frequently Asked Questions About Implants

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Dental implants are one of the most popular options for people who need to replace a missing permanent tooth. If you’re interested in dental implants for your mouth, you may have questions about how they work and look. Your dentist in University Heights, OH, can help answer these questions. At Innovative Smiles, we help patients seeking dental implants for their teeth. Here’s what you need to know about dental implants.

Do implants look natural?

Yes! Dental implants do look natural. The implant is surgically inserted into your jaw, and a crown is attached. The crown looks and functions like a tooth, so no one can tell the difference between a dental implant and your normal teeth.

How long does it take to install dental implants?

Dental implants are installed over several visits to the dentist’s office. Many dental implants are installed over four visits, but some require as many as five. If you’ve lost volume in your jawbone due to periodontal disease, you may need a bone graft. This adds at least one trip to the dentist’s office. To find out how many trips to the dentist over what period, talk to your dentist.

How are dental implants maintained?

Clean your dental implant with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Dental implants need to be brushed twice daily. You should also see your dentist twice annually for checkups to catch problems with your dental implant.

Can dental implants be whitened?

Dental implants cannot be whitened. If you whiten your teeth while you have a dental implant, your dental implant may stay the same color while your natural teeth get whiter. This could cause your dental implant and natural teeth to no longer match.

Do you want to know more about dental implants in University Heights, OH? If so, contact your dentist at Innovative Smiles. We can answer your questions and help you decide if dental implants are best for you. We perform dental implant installation to help our patients restore their smile after losing a permanent tooth.

Should You Get All-On-4 Dental Implants?

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More people are getting dental implants than ever before. But did you know that there is more than one option available when it comes to dental implants? Your dentist in University Heights, OH, will tell you which type they recommend for your situation. One of the options you might have is a type of dental implant called all-on-4s.

So, let’s talk about all-on-4s for a moment.

All-On-4 Dental Implants Explained

All-on-4 implants are dental prosthetics crafted to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They use dental implants to hold that arch of teeth in place.

How Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Work?

Traditional dental implants use a single implant. One for each tooth. All-on-4s don’t. All-on-4 dental implants in University Heights, OH, only use four implants per arch of teeth. In other words, instead of one implant for each tooth, all-on-4s only use four implants. And those four implants are strategically placed to hold a full arch of teeth in place.

Why Should You Choose All-On-4 Dental Implants?

Plenty of benefits come with opting for all-on-4 dental implants over other tooth replacement options.

  • Less expensive than a full mouth of dental implants.
  • Faster and easier to replace.
  • They are a permanent tooth restoration solution.
  • More stable than dentures.
  • No dietary restrictions.
  • Look and feel like natural teeth.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants, and What If You’re Not?

Some conditions might prevent you from getting all-on-4 dental implants. For example, if you have certain medical conditions like severe gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, significant bone loss, or if you have bruxism.

However, even if you’re not a candidate for dental implants right now, your dentist might have a workaround enabling you to get them later, such as bone grafts, etc.

If, for some reason, you are not able to get dental implants at all, your dentist will have several other tooth replacement options for you to consider. So, no matter what, you will have some tooth replacement options. You won’t have to worry about not having any teeth.

Are You Looking for an Exceptional Dentist in University Heights, OH?

You will need a dentist if you are considering getting all-on-4s or some other type of dental implant. Please Contact Innovative Smiles today to schedule a consultation. We’d love to show you how easy it can be to transform your smile!

Benefits of Dental Implants for Oral Health

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Have you been considering dental implants at Innovative Smiles? While dental implants are often considered a purely cosmetic dental treatment option, implants can have many positive benefits for your oral health. Take a look at some of the ways dental implants can benefit your oral health below. 

Improved Functionality and Bite Strength

Dental crowns offer enhanced functionality and bite strength, which is immediately lost when a tooth is severely damaged. By covering and protecting damaged or weakened teeth, crowns restore their structural integrity, which leads to improved chewing and biting abilities. This restoration of function enhances the ability to eat comfortably and helps prevent further damage to the affected tooth. This means that dental crowns may allow you to eat foods you may have avoided due to lacking bite strength.

Preservation of Jawbone Density and Facial Structure

When teeth are broken or extracted, it affects the bone density that makes up the jaws. With time, the bones can start to deteriorate to such a degree that the facial structure changes. By installing dental implants, the integrity of the bone is maintained. Therefore, changes in facial structure, such as the cheeks appearing to sink, are far less likely. 

Enhanced Smile Structure for the Long-Term 

If you have dental implants installed and still have natural teeth, implants provide a layer of protection for the remaining teeth. Natural teeth can bear more stress when their surrounding teeth are missing. This change can lead to higher risks of damage to these remaining teeth. The natural teeth can also shift and move with time due to the added space to do so within the jaw. Dental implants allow for even distribution of bite force, and the close fit between other teeth will prevent alignment issues from developing. 

Discuss Dental Implants with a Cuyahoga Falls Dentist 

Dental implants offer numerous benefits for individuals seeking a permanent solution to missing teeth. From improved oral function and enhanced aesthetics to long-term durability and maintenance of oral health, dental implants with a qualified dentist provide a comprehensive solution that can positively impact one’s quality of life. Contact Innovative Smiles today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team if you’re considering dental implants.

 

3 Things to Know About Maintaining Implants

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If you’re missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to fill the gap and restore your smile. Dental implants are a very popular type of prosthetic tooth because they look natural and they function much like your other natural teeth.

Once your dental implant is installed, your dentist at Innovative Smiles will tell you what you need to know about maintaining your dental implant. Taking good care of your implant can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Dental Implants Need Regular Brushing

Dental implants need to be brushed regularly, just like your natural teeth. To brush your dental implants, you’ll use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Watch out for toothpaste designed for smokers, stain-removing toothpaste, products containing activated charcoal or baking soda, and toothpaste that says they’re made for whitening or brightening your smile. These toothpastes can scratch up your dental implant, causing permanent damage to the surface of the crown.

2. You’ll Visit Your Dentist Twice Annually

Continue to visit the dentist twice annually after your implants are installed. During your visits, the dentist will inspect your implants for signs of damage, and if they are damaged, your dentist will recommend repairs or replacement, depending on the problem.

During your visits with the dentist, you’ll also be given an opportunity to ask questions about how to maintain your dental implants. Your dentist will show you how to brush and floss around your implants to ensure that they’re well cared for.

3. Know the Signs of a Problem

Once your dental implant is installed, it’s important to know the signs of a problem. If your dental implant starts to fail, here’s what you can expect:

  • Pain around the site of the implant
  • Swelling or discomfort around the implant
  • Gum recession around the implant
  • Implant is loose

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, this could be a sign that your dental implant is failing. If this happens, it’s time to see the dentist.

Tips for Taking Care of Your New Dental Implants

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Do you have plans to restore your smile with dental implants at Innovative Smiles? These new teeth will undeniably make you feel more confident about your smile. However, there will be a few tips to keep in mind to make sure your new dental implants stay healthy and look their best for the years to come. Take a look at a few important tips for taking care of your new dental implants.

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is paramount for the longevity and nice appearance of your new dental implants. Just like your natural teeth, brush your dental implants at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Further, flossing regularly removes plaque and debris, which protects the health of your gums, as well as the durability of your new implants.

2. Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for monitoring the health and functionality of your dental implants. Your dentist will conduct thorough examinations, including X-rays, to detect any potential issues early on. These routine visits are important because they allow intervention if issues arise that put the implants at risk.

3. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects

Preserving your dental implants requires adopting mindful chewing habits. Avoid biting down on hard objects such as ice, hard candies, or non-food items, as this can lead to damage or wear and tear on your implants. Treat your dental implants with the same care you would your natural teeth, and they will be far more likely to last a lifetime.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking poses significant risks to the success of dental implants but also can affect the longevity of the restorations in the long term. Smoking can impede the healing process, increase the risk of implant failure, and compromise overall oral health.

Discuss Dental Implants with at Innovative Smiles

For personalized advice and guidance on caring for your dental implants, consult with a qualified dentist at Innovative Smiles. Reach out to schedule an appointment with our experienced dental team at Innovative Smiles and embark on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.

Bridge Vs. Implant: What You Should Know

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Losing a tooth can be a difficult experience, but it can help to know that there are solutions available to you. A dental bridge or an implant at Innovative Smiles, can not only replace the tooth, it can help you maintain your facial structure and preserve the health of your teeth and gums. If you’re asking which one is better for you, we’ll look at the differences so you can make the decision.

The Basics of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is there to cover the gap between two teeth, and it works by placing a full crown between two partial crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The false tooth is held in place by the cemented crowns on either side so that you can talk and chew normally. The materials used can be made to match the surrounding areas, too, so it looks like your natural teeth.

The Basics of Dental Implants

A dental implant is attached not by crowns on either side but with a titanium post in the jawbone. Because the post fuses to the bone, it’s meant to act more like a real tooth. It can also potentially prevent the bone from shrinking because every new bite helps stimulate its growth.

How to Decide

Bridges and implants are both meant to fill in the gaps of a real tooth, but the truth is that implants are usually the preferred option for dentists. Not only does it tend to be more stable than a bridge, but it’s also better for the bone. It’s worth noting that people without strong jawbone density will not be good candidates for implants. In that case, a bridge can be a good compromise.

Dentists in University Heights

If you’re looking for a dentist that specializes in dental implants, the staff at Innovative Smiles are here to help. Implants not only fill in the gaps in your mouth, preventing other teeth from sliding in, but they give patients more motivation to keep up with thorough brushing and flossing routines. If you still have questions about bridges or implants, contact us today to see how we can help you decide.