Many people lose teeth due to issues like tooth decay, periodontal diseases, accidents, etc. For years, the best solution was bridges and dentures. But today, a dental procedure called dental implants has replaced those.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a replacement surgery where metal screw-like posts are used to replace tooth roots. The damaged or missing teeth are replaced by new artificial customized crowns to fit your natural teeth.

Instead of crowns, sometimes attachments are placed on the implant to support the denture. There are 4 stages to this procedure. It includes placement of the implant, healing which takes 3months, abutment placement after which it takes 1-2weeks for placement of the permanent crown.

But how is this procedure done?

Via surgery, they are positioned into your jawbone beneath your gums. Metal posts or frames are used for implants. A replacement tooth is placed onto it. These serve as a foundation for permanent or replaced teeth made to match your natural ones.

The first step is preparing the right treatment plan. Every patient will have a different plan depending on the placement and structure in which the implant needs to be fitted. Dental 3Dimages and X-rays are then taken. Then an implant option is chosen for your intended treatment plan.

I have heard about osseointegration as part of the dental implant procedure. What is it?

The actual procedure begins when the tooth root implant, a small post-like structure made from titanium material, is placed in the bone socket of the tooth that’s missing. It’s done by cutting the gum and drilling holes right in the bone. The gap remains visible. Over time, the jawbone heals. It then grows around the implanted post, securing and keeping it in place within the jaw. This part of the treatment is called osseointegration.

When does abutment come into the scene?

After it gets secured and bonded to the jawbone, an abutment is attached. It is a small connector post wherein the piece where the crown is attached in connection to the screw securely holds the new tooth in place. The abutment is visible here. To make this new tooth or teeth, impressions of other teeth are taken and a model of your bite is made. This acts as the base for the new tooth/teeth. The gum is reopened and the abutment is attached to the implant. The gum tissue is closed around the abutment, not over it.

Will the dental implant look realistic?

Yes. The color of the new teeth will match the color of your natural ones. The reason being, the implant secured within the jawbone and replacement teeth need to look and feel exactly like your natural ones. You can get an implant either for a single tooth or all teeth. Sometimes, the bone may refuse to fuse. In such cases, the implant is taken out and cleaned. You can try the procedure again within 3months. If you are lucky and have amazing bone structure, the entire process can be completed in one day.
The healing process takes 6-12weeks. The entire treatment can last up to 4months.

Are there risks or pain involved?

There is a slight experience of discomfort in this procedure. Patients say it involves very little pain compared to tooth extraction. Local anesthesia is used during the treatment. Side effects like mild soreness, swelling, bleeding or slight pain occur post-treatment that can be treated with medicines prescribed by the dentist. The dentist may suggest other pain relief methods like ice packs too.

However, sometimes side effects can take a different turn. You might face major side effects like infection, injury to other teeth and blood vessels, nerve damage in the mouth area, or even sinus problems if the implant is placed in the upper jaw. You will need to visit your doctor if you experience any of these issues post-surgery.

Your dentist may use self-dissolving stitches or normal stitches that need to be taken out after a week or few days. If you are fit for undergoing any sort of oral surgery, then you are fit for dental implants. If you have diabetes or heart disease or are a heavy smoker, then you need to have an evaluation before getting dental implants. Discuss with your dentist first to see if getting implants is the right decision for you or not.

What does post-operative care include?

You need to continue caring for the implants like you would for your real teeth. Brush, floss, rinse with mouth wash, and visit the dentist for regular checkups. Do not touch the wound, consume hot beverages, do extreme exercising since it can make you weak, and also avoid tobacco products.

How do I know if dental implants are good for me?

Dental implants work when dentures or bridgework don’t fit well. You can undergo a dental implant procedure if you have the following:
• Missing teeth
• Jawbone has reached complete growth
• Have a healthy set of gums
• Unable/unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to avoid slurry speech
• Willing to be patient for the month-long procedure
• Having a good bone structure to hold the implant

What is bone grafting and will I need it?

If your jawbone is too soft or thin, bone grafting is needed. It will be done prior to the main surgery. It can be done either by taking apart a bone from the body making it a natural bone graft or using bone grafting materials like a synthetic bone graft. Sometimes, you may need minor bone grafting. The graft will act like a solid base providing support to the implant. Suppose it doesn’t then the surgery will fail. It depends entirely on your jawbone strength.

How much will dental implants cost me?

The cost of dental implants ranges anywhere between 25,000INR-55,000INR in Mumbai. It depends on the prevailing market rate. The cost includes everything like placement, required components, and the implant crown itself. Additional costs are incurred if bone grafting is necessary. The cost depends on factors like location, dentist experience, and type of implant needed.
Enlighten me with some advantages of Dental implants
 They improve your appearance.
 Help you with slurred speech.
 Take away discomfort caused by dentures.
 Makes eating easier.
 Make you feel more confident.
 Help you achieve a great smile.
 Improves overall oral health.
 Have a durable and long-lasting nature.
 Avoids causing any inconvenience.

Dental implants are a successful procedure and if you take good and proper care, it will last you a lifetime.

Invisible braces

What are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces, also called clear aligners are a type of braces that use a clear tray of aligners and which are made up of Invisalign’s blend of the plastic set onto the molds of your mouth. These aligner trays need to be replaced every 1-2 weeks. They are not noticeable from afar. Each tray used will be different as it is designed to move and shift your teeth gently to the required position.

They are custom-made with a digital scan. In total, 25-40 sets are needed to get a complete alignment. You need to wear it compulsorily for 20-22hours every day. You can easily take them off for eating, brushing, and flossing. It is recommended they be worn full-time day and night. Avoid removing while sleeping. This procedure proves far better results than traditional braces.

How have invisible braces helped people?

Invisible braces have taken away the stigma of the attachment of metallic wires in the mouth. Invisalign braces have helped people gain the confidence they wouldn’t obtain otherwise from regular braces. These are comfortable and secure with the right orthodontic care. It’s never too late to undergo a treatment like this. What other better option than Invisalign aligners as it suits children, teens, and adults to align teeth properly at an early stage. Here, age doesn’t matter. Anyone can undergo it.

I am an adult, can I get invisible braces too?

Invisible braces are making a difference in today’s time. Adults are seeing the benefits of clear braces. Usually, childhood is the right time to make changes if teeth are misaligned but innovations in the dentistry field encourage adults aged20-40years to undergo such treatments. These braces have helped adults in many ways. One being, confidence and the second improvement in oral health because of properly aligned teeth.

They are easier to clean and gather less plaque. The right flossing and brushing lower risks of periodontal diseases. It’s never too late to undergo any kind of orthodontic treatment especially something like invisible braces. With the right treatment plan designed by your orthodontist, age is hardly a factor to be considered.

Are there risks involved?

No pain is involved. There are a speedy recovery and no side effects. It is easy to take it off making it convenient and time-saving. There is no poking in your gums or cheeks. It ensures precision in the movement of teeth.

Tell me more about the Invisible Braces clinic in Mumbai?

‘Invisible Braces’ – the best dental clinic in Mumbai, consists of a professional team led by Dr. Jignesh Kothari, called clear aligners. They offer a complete range of aesthetic orthodontic and advance cosmetic dentistry procedures. You can get treated with aesthetic orthodontic for their advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures that include the following: Invisalign or invisible braces, clear aligners, ceramic braces, bonding, crowns, dental implants, teeth veneers, teeth whitening, and bridges. Along with the Invisalign procedure, you can also get treated for gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, overcrowding, and misshapen teeth.

How much does this procedure cost?

Clinics in Mumbai offer good rates for different treatments. Invisible braces cost in Mumbai ranges from 1-4lacs. But that depends on the complexity of the case and the number of aligners needed. Payments can be done in installments. The cheapest invisible braces themselves will cost you 1lac. But it depends on the complexity of it. Although expensive, one should keep in mind that it’s a lifetime investment.