When replacing all the teeth in an arch (the upper or lower set of teeth), it's crucial that the new teeth look good and work well for eating and speaking.
Digital Smile Design ensures that the implants will not only be placed in ideal position but also look as natural and appealing as possible. It's about making sure that the final outcome is not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, fitting the patient's facial symmetry and personal preferences.
In essence, Digital Smile Design takes the guesswork out of dental implants, leading to happier patients and better treatment outcome.
I employ a fully digital workflow and use a Pilot guide/Stackable guide to ensure precise implant placement and optimal teeth alignment.
This advanced technology not only contributes to quicker and simple surgeries but also enables me to minimise the chance of critical nerve damage, excessive bone grafting and sinus manipulation, which can further increase the cost and post-op complication.
The surgery is designed to be one to two day procedure, allowing for discharge on the same day.
Placing temporary teeth is a straightforward process that involves hand-tightening a 3D-printed block onto the implants.
This block is enhanced with pink resin paint in the gum area to provide a pleasing aesthetic while awaiting the approximately 3-4 months of healing required before conversion to the final teeth.
During this healing period, the implants will fuse with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration, which further stabilizes the implant within the jaw.
This critical phase ensures that the foundation for the final teeth is strong and well-integrated with the body's natural structures.
Once the temporary stage concludes, the temporary teeth can be easily unscrewed, allowing for the healed surfaces and implants to be scanned. This sophisticated scanning technology enables the precise fabrication of the final teeth, which are made from either ceramic (recommended for its strength and aesthetics) or PMMA, supported by a titanium backbone.
A digital workflow plays a crucial role in ensuring that the distribution of biting forces is evenly loaded across all the implants on the same arch. This balanced force distribution is vital for the long-term success and comfort of the implants, ensuring that the final restoration not only looks natural but also functions effectively under the stresses of daily use.