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Cosmetic facial
changes from the use of dental implants |
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Extractions with
Immediate
One Stage
Implant Surgery
Screw Retained
"Fixed
Bridgework" |
The success of prosthodontic treatment for improved facial appearance is
directly related to good treatment planning. The goal of modern implant dentistry is to
achieve integration of dental implants and restorative treatment which replaces a missing
tooth or teeth and lost supporting structures, as well as to restore proper aesthetics and
function. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary for the patient and dentist
to be able to visualize the final prosthetic results, prior to implant/restorative
treatment. Therefore it is essential for the dentist to have a thorough understanding of
all phases of treatment in order to diagnose, treatment plan, and restore natural
appearance.
An approach to improved facial and dental appearance is by whitening teeth
with home or in office power bleaching. Many times however, there might be conditions such
as wear, stained teeth or rotations that can best be corrected by (veneering) improving
tooth aesthetics with thin porcelain veneers to create a more symmetrical arrangement and
appearance. Whenever this is done, designing the final shapes of the teeth with
computer
generated imaging and diagnostic wax-up prior to treatment is critical.
Traditional crowns may also be used to correct tooth appearance and
problems. There are different types of crowns and materials used. Some are all
porcelain that are constructed by pressing molten ceramic materials, that are Lucite
reinforced and are bonded directly to the teeth. Others types are constructed of
porcelain fused to a noble or high noble metal substructure. Since these crowns are
often in the aesthetic zone, appearance is highly important.
The type of laboratory porcelain building technique used can determine how
real the color appears. The more sophisticated porcelain crowns use a multi-porcelain
layering technique and the color is built within the crown's porcelain. Simpler or
standard crowns might have only three layers of porcelain for color control, while the
more cosmetic crowns may have eight or more layers. The margins or junction of the crown
to the teeth might also be made totally of porcelain and blend into the root without a
dark line. The type of tooth preparation by the Prosthodontist, the material used in the
building crowns as well as the skill of the technicians are the final determinants for
clinical success.
Since the dental laboratory plays such an important roll in the treatment,
having an in-office laboratory with skilled technicians is critical to achieve the desired
fit, aesthetics, and functional results. The coordination of the artistic skills of
the dentist and technician as a team determine the end result.
Dr. Edward M. Amet, an American Board Certified Prosthodontist and
American Board Certified Implant Dentist, provides comprehensive dental treatment. He
founded the Reconstructive & Implant Dental Center in 1988, the Reconstructive &
Implant Dental Laboratory in 1994, has clinically practiced for 35 years. He placed his
first dental implant in 1974. He has extensive training and experience in both the
surgical and prosthodontic phases of therapy, with skilled and talented on site dental
staff and technicians. These on staff dental technicians with Dr. Amet make the
prosthodontics personalized and cosmetic for each patient. "Our goal, states Dr.
Amet, is to provide our patients with the finest quality of care as comfortably and
pain-free as possible."
