Even one missing tooth can wreak havoc on your oral health. The remaining teeth move toward the space, which can shift your bite. Bone deterioration begins as soon as the tooth is lost and gets worse the longer the opening remains. Without a full set of teeth, your confidence may wane, and your diet may become restricted. No matter how many teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with modern bridges and dentures can restore a smile to its full potential. Dr. Arnold, Dr. Shideler, or Dr. Wargo can evaluate your mouth’s condition and suggest the right treatment for your situation.

Dental Implants
Designed to mimic your natural tooth, a dental implant contains a small titanium post that serves as the root and a custom prosthetic that becomes the crown. With dental implants, we can replace just one tooth or utilize the implant as the base for bridges, dentures, or partials. After the implant is placed, one of our dentists will design the lifelike restoration that will attach to the post or posts.

Implant therapy is a two-part process. First, an oral surgeon will surgically position the titanium posts into your jaw bone, placing one post for each missing tooth. During a process called osseointegration, the bone adheres to the implants, creating a solid foundation for the custom restorations. Once your mouth heals, Dr. Arnold, Dr. Shideler, or Dr. Wargo will affix the prosthetic to the post, giving you back a solid, attractive smile.

Implant-Retained Dentures
Some patients can’t tolerate implant surgery or don’t have enough bone tissue to support a full set of implants. In this case, we can provide implant-retained dentures. First, you’ll have about three or four posts implanted into your jawbone. We can retrofit your current denture for dental implants, or we can create a custom design. The denture will fit snugly into place, eliminating the risk of slippage and the need for messy adhesives.

If you’re interested in this long-lasting, ultra-secure tooth replacement solution, call our Valparaiso or Chesterton office for a consultation with one of our dentists. They’ll be happy to discuss your options and provide a treatment plan that will have you smiling again.

Orthodontic treatment  is a wonderful service provided by many dental professionals. Straightening the teeth is a fantastic way to conservatively improve one’s smile and make chewing more efficient. Traditional braces have been very effective for a long time, but Invisalign usage has also become a very attractive option for many people.

Many patients – especially adults – don’t want to have metal brackets and wires in their mouths to move their teeth. They are often concerned about esthetics during the treatment process. Another common concern is the potential for abrasions or ulcerations on the inside of the mouth from the braces.

Invisalign minimizes these concerns with the use of clear “aligners” that are custom-fit to the teeth, are very esthetic, and aren’t as likely to rub the inside of the mouth. These aligners are similar to rigid bleaching trays, and they gradually move the teeth to more desirable positions. Each aligner is worn for two weeks and moves the teeth slightly until the final positions are attained.

Because patients remove the aligners before eating or drinking, there are no food restrictions or problems with brushing or flossing. Patients are usually seen only once every six weeks to check on the progress and to receive their next sets of aligners so they generally spend less time at the dental office.

Invisalign treatment generally costs between $5000 and $7000, but not everyone is a good candidate. Some people are still better served by traditional orthodontic techniques. You should consult with a certified Invisalign dentist or orthodontist to find out whether or not it will work for you.

The entire treatment plan is designed with 3-D computer imaging from the initial teeth positioning all the way until the desired final positions. This same 3-D imaging allows patients to preview the final positioning of teeth before even beginning treatment.

For information on this or any other dental topic, you may visit: www.SmilesByArnold.com.  Dr. Arnold may be reached via e-mail at: drarnold@smilesbyarnold.com.

I am in Baltimore for a fantastic dental seminar.  We are learning how to communicate more effectively with patients and the public utilizing social media.  It has been very interesting and tremendously helpful. 

My only concern is that Baltimore expecting more than 24 inches of snow!  It looks like I might be spending a little extra time here….

Hopefully, I get home on time because my training schedule calls for a 90 minute bike ride and a 60 min swim workout on Sunday. 

www.SmilesByArnold.com