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Fastbraces® & FASTBRACES® TURBO™
FASTBRACES® Technologies, a true American original now in almost 50 countries, is celebrating its quarter of a century anniversary of helping dentists and orthodontists straighten teeth. Teeth are crooked because they didn’t erupt properly and came in tilted, sideways, overlapping or spaced apart and, as a result, they are not upright.
FASTBRACES® Technologies high performance bracket systems upright the roots of the teeth from the beginning of treatment with just one square wire by torquing and tipping them from the very first appointment. Treatment time for comprehensive orthodontic therapy should take more than 120 days with the FASTBRACES® CLASSIC™ SERIES™ and could take less than 120 days for non-deep bite cases with the FASTBRACES® TURBO™ SERIES™, depending on the patient cooperation.








Fast, Safe, Affordable

Many of us remember the days of wearing braces when we were kid and the feeling was not pleasant. We would wear them for years, feel constant pain while going back and forth to the dentist with brackets off, and we can’t forget the dreaded head gear. Fortunately, things have changed and with comfort and safety in mind, Fastbraces® Technology was developed to straighten teeth differently – allowing for a fast, safe and affordable solution.
Traditional braces move teeth into position in two stages, usually over a period of about two years. In the first year, the crown of the tooth is moved into alignment. In the second year, treatment addresses the position of the root of the tooth. However, the brackets used with Fastbraces® work on a different mechanical principle altogether. The patented system uses an innovative bracket and a specially- shaped wire to correct the position of the root of the tooth from the beginning of treatment. This is key in realigning the root and crown simultaneously. Patients can now get results, often with less sensitivity, in about a year, and in some cases, just a few months.
Twenty years of history, thousands of patients treated and university research have shown that Fastbraces® are not only safe, but offer many additional benefits. Traditional braces often change the natural bite and frequently require extractions. Fastbraces® preserve the patient’s natural bite and is almost always extraction free. Additionally, the fact that the braces are on for less time means that there is a reduced chance of tooth decay due to improper oral hygiene. Treatment with Fastbraces® Technology improves the patient’s lifestyle because treatment typically takes just a few visits at the doctor’s office. Less doctor visits mean less money spent, less gas used getting to and from the doctor’s office and less time off school or work. Patients oftentimes experience less discomfort than with traditional braces as well.
Fastbraces® have been developed and tested over the past 20 years and is now becoming available in countries around the world. Fastbraces® Technology is fast, safe, easy and affordable treatment. With the patented triangular design of the braces, cutting edge techniques and a special heat-activated wire, this new technology is revolutionizing the field of orthodontics.
Fastbraces® is safe for children AND adults! Call to schedule your free consultation today with Fastbraces® Master Provider Dr. Matt Gaebelein.
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Implant Dentistry

Dental Implants and Roots
Did you know that dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth? Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35-44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay.
A dental implant is actually a replacement for the root of a tooth. Implants are used to replace one or more teeth or provide support and stability for a full or partial denture. They are surgically placed into the jaw and fuse with the bone. It is obviously not the same as the original connection, but it functions just the same. Over the past twenty years that implants have been used, they have greatly changed the face of dentistry.
Implants are made of titanium, which is lightweight, strong and biocompatible, which means that the body does not reject it. Titanium and titanium alloys are the most widely used metals in both dental and other bone implants, such as orthopedic joint re-placements. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device. Because the titanium biochemically joins to bone to replace the root, you get a bond that more accurately replicates the one found in nature.
What Happens When You Lose a Tooth?
When a tooth is lost, there is bone loss that will take place under the surface. This will eventually occur in that region because the root is no longer stimulating and stabilizing the bone. Surrounding each tooth is an alveolar bone that supports the tooth. When a tooth is lost, that bone basically melts away.
Besides causing damage to the immediate area, tooth loss affects remaining teeth as well. Teeth create a structure for the face and their loss can shift the surrounding teeth, creating esthetic issues and bite problems. A lost tooth can also affect facial structures such as the jaw, muscles, jaw joints, and even the skin. If several teeth are lost, it’s not uncommon to suffer from social consequences and poor nutrition.
Rebuilding Bone
When the supporting alveolar bone melts away, it’s gone for good. However, this does not mean nothing can be done about it. Through grafting, a skilled dental professional can recreate bone to fuse with and support an implant. This is wonderful news, but it is still best to have a dental implant as soon as possible after the tooth is lost for the most predictable esthetic outcome.
Timeline
Replacing a tooth with an implant and a crown is not a one-day procedure. It is actually a series of steps. Before the implant is placed, Dr. Gaebelein will do a comprehensive dental examination. During the exam there will be a review of your medical and dental history. A 3D scan will be taken at your examination to determine if you have adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. Using the latest technology, Dr. Gaebelein can create a custom treatment plan that fits your dental needs. Once the implant is placed, it needs time to properly adhere to the bone and create a healthy fusion before the crown can be attached and full bite force can be applied. In most cases, it can take 6 months to a year to fully complete the process.
Advantages
They offer many advantages over traditional methods of tooth replacement such as:
Better Esthetics: Implants look and feel like your own teeth.
Tooth saving: Dental implants don’t sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does. Your natural teeth are un-touched and are not needed for support.
Confidence: Dental implants will allow you to speak and eat with comfort. They secure and offer more support for a full or partial denture.
Reliable: The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable.
If you would like to know if you are a candidate for dental implants please call our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gaebelein can consult with you and discuss your options. Implants are a worthwhile investment and sometimes, insurance companies cover a portion. Our staff can work with you to come up with a financial plan to make this procedure affordable.

Preventative Care
General & Preventive Dentistry
At every check-up appointment, Dr. Gaebelein performs a visual oral cancer exam. With the rise of oral cancer, we offer and extra VELscope exam. VELscope is an early detection device that is used along with the traditional oral cancer exam. The exam only takes 2-3 minutes, is pain free and does not involve any distasteful rinses or messy dyes. It was the first system approved by the FDA to help spot cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions that might not be visible to the naked eye.


The VELscope emits a cone of safe, high energy blue light in the mouth that causes the cells to absorb the light energy and re-emit visible fluorescence. Special optical filters in the VELscope hand piece enable the clinician to immediately view the different fluorescence patterns which highlight areas of concern. Typically, healthy tissue shows up with a green glow and the abnormal suspicious tissue may cause a loss of fluorescence and thus appear dark. This allows the area of concern to be highlighted in the mouth. It is also important to understand that the VELscope system is used only to detect tissue that appears to be abnormal.
If an abnormal area is detected you will be referred to an oral surgeon for a biopsy to be completed for an accurate diagnosis. This allows not only for early detection of oral cancers but to detect and treat areas of pre-cancerous lesions before they become a problem. Here at our office, we believe in this enhanced screening so strongly that we have created a program called “Peace of Mind for Life”. For a one time fee you will receive annual oral cancer checks with the VELscope for as long as you remain our patient. There will be no other fees charged to you. We believe very strongly in prevention and urge all of our patients to take advantage of this service. If you have any questions regarding the VELscope, or oral cancer in general, do not hesitate to bring it up at your next visit!
Early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment.
General & Preventive Dentistry
General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall oral health. This is crucial to your total health. As your general dentist, we take responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment and overall coordination of services to meet your oral health needs. If you need a specialized dental procedure performed, we may work with other dentists to make sure you get the care you need.


Same Day Crowns & Bridges
One-Visit Crowns, Veneers, Onlays & Inlays
Using our in-office CEREC laboratory, we can create crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays in only one visit.
One-Visit Crowns
Crowns can take up to three visits and the use of a temporary to fully restore your tooth. With CEREC technology this can be done in a single visit while you are in the chair! CEREC’s precision 3D technology allows us to create a customized crown that fits your teeth perfectly and is completely biocompatible with your own tooth structure.Using our in-office CEREC laboratory, we can create crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays in only one visit.
We take a 3-dimensional photo of your tooth and custom-craft a perfectly molded restoration, using computer-assisted design. Minutes later we bond your final restorations in place.
CEREC restorations are milled from a single block of high-quality ceramic, a substance that is particularly compatible with the body and that has the same characteristics as normal, healthy dental enamel.
Natural Looking Restorations
In the past, tooth-colored filling material were not durable enough to withstand the tremendous biting forces required by back teeth, which limited cosmetic dentistry to front teeth restorations. The CEREC system allows us to create beautiful tooth-colored restorations both for front and back teeth that match the color and appearance of the rest of your teeth. It creates the same translucence, color and brilliance as that of your natural healthy teeth.
Tooth-Colored, Durable Fillings, Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are a type of restoration that is used to repair a broken-down tooth or may replace an existing large filling. Inlays are designed for tooth damage affecting the indented portion of the top of the tooth and onlays are for more extensive damage. They are used when the damage is not severe enough to require a crown. Like crowns, typically these can take up to three appointments and the use of a temporary. With the CEREC technology, we can fabricate them while you wait and leave you with the finished restoration.


Bridges in one visit
Cerec’s latest software upgrade now allows us to fabricate anterior bridges in our office – in a single visit! Using the same CAD-CAM system as out one-visit crowns, we can create all porcelain restorations chair side while you wait. No multiple trips to the office, no temporaries, and best of all, no impressions!
Call today to set up a consultation to see if you qualify!


Cosmetic Dentistry

From subtle changes to major repairs, your Cosmetic_Dentistry dentist can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. Your dentist can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers and reshaping and contouring.
These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as your bite.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain porcelain_veneers used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. It is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, or to change tooth shape, size, and/or color.

Veneer Consultation
Visiting a dentist and asking about veneers is the first step in determining if veneers are the right option for you, or if there are alternate solutions available. Communication with your dentist about what you want corrected is critical for a successful result. Spend time clearly identifying what cosmetic improvements you want to accomplish.
You’ll often hear people say that celebrities have veneers and this may seem like the best way to replicate picture-perfect teeth, but each mouth is different and veneers need to be carefully researched.
Your dentist will most likely begin with a smile analysis to determine what steps are necessary to achieve the smile you desire. In addition, your dentist may create a diagnostic mock-up that will allow you to “try on” veneers and other procedures to see if the final result is actually what you’re looking for.
Your dentist may also show you a photo of how your new smile will look. This is called cosmetic imaging.
Deciding that porcelain veneers will create the look you want is only one step in the process. There is much more to learn before proceeding further.
The Hows and Whys of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain laminate veneers consist of a compilation of several thin ceramic layers which replace original tooth enamel, and an adhesive layer. To apply a veneer, a very small amount of the original tooth enamel must be removed, usually less than a millimeter. This is essential as it creates room for the porcelain veneer to fit within the mouth and most accurately restore natural tooth function while creating an even better appearance than the original tooth.
The bond between original tooth and porcelain veneer is critical as it not only provides the esthetic perfection desired,but also a strong bond which is essential for correct veneer function. Light-sensitive resin is placed between the original tooth and the veneer and then hardened using a special curing light.
Porcelain veneers are a very successful option in many situations where the original tooth has developed poor color, shape, and contours. It is also a good choice for fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, and in some situations where the tooth position is compromised and there are minor bite-related problems. For some people, superficial stains do not respond well to tooth whitening or bleaching. In these situations, a porcelain veneer may be the best option.
Minimal Prep or “No-Prep” Veneers
Some patients are looking for an alternative to traditional dental veneers or bonding, but be aware that this treatment option is not appropriate for everyone.
Just as with porcelain veneers, “no-prep” or minimal preparation veneers— so called because they typically don’t require the dentist to remove as much tooth material—are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Often, the placement of no-prep veneers can be done more quickly and with less discomfort than traditional veneers.
Your dentist will let you know if you are a good candidate for minimal preparation or “no-prep” veneers and if this option makes a sensible treatment plan.
The Benefits of Veneers
Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. Unlike natural teeth, custom-made veneers resist coffee and tea stains, and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech materials.
With veneers—as opposed to crowns—your natural teeth remain largely intact with only a minimal amount being altered to fit the veneer.
For teeth that resist whitening, veneers can make even the darkest teeth appear bright white.
Dentists may also recommend veneers to quickly fix minor twists, overlaps, and small gaps.
Potential Veneer Downsides
Because a portion of the original tooth enamel is reduced, a veneer is not considered a reversible treatment. Although adjustments and even new veneers can be made, you can never reliably return to the original condition of the tooth.
Creating porcelain veneers requires some laboratory time, so expect at least a week before they’re ready to be applied.
After the porcelain veneers are attached you will probably have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures due to the removal of that thin layer of enamel. This typically disappears within a few days. In a healthy mouth properly treated with porcelain veneers—and where destructive forces are minimized or eliminated—a patient should be able to use porcelain veneers like his or her own teeth. Although they’re very strong, veneers are also brittle. You should avoid the same excessive stresses you would avoid with non-veneered teeth: don’t bite your fingernails, chew ice, or open beer bottles with your veneers!
Maintenance of a Porcelain Veneer
Maintaining porcelain veneers is actually quite simple: Treat them as you would your original teeth, with routine brushing and flossing. Using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste will typically be suggested by your dental professional.
If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, your dentist may fit you with a nighttime bite guard so you do not damage your veneers.
You should also return to your dentist for regular professional maintenance because porcelain veneers should be polished with a specially formulated, non-abrasive paste, and because your dentist needs to inspect your dentistry for any sign of potential failure.
Same Day Veneers
At Brunswick Smile Keepers, we have the technology to complete veneers in a day! Call today for a consultation!
Smile Makeover
Transform Your Smile
Is there anything you wish you could change about your smile? Have you always hoped your teeth could be a little longer, a straighter, or whiter?
With a smile makeover, you can choose to improve several aspects of your teeth and finally have your dream smile.
A smile makeover generally combines several cosmetic dentistry techniques to focus most prominently on improving the appearance of your smile. Therefore, any oral health issues will need to be treated beforehand. An extreme makeover dentist will carefully listen to your goals for your smile and discuss the options with you for how to achieve the more youthful, attractive smile that you desire.

Choosing an Extreme Makeover Dentist
While many dentists can restore teeth to functionality, it takes additional artistic skill to blend restorations into a natural-looking smile that compliments your features. Your extreme makeover dentist will consider your entire facial appearance as part of the artistic process of shaping your beautiful smile.
While cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty, it is important to pick an extreme makeover dentist who has extensive training in the cosmetic dentistry procedures you will need in your smile
Smile makeover options
In addition to correcting tooth proportions, your smile line, and other aesthetic elements of your smile, most cosmetic dentists look at the following when deciding on the combination of treatments for your smile makeover:
Missing Teeth: Tooth gaps can easily distract from the overall appearance of your smile, in addition to being an oral health hazard. While a missing tooth increases the chances of tooth decay, it also provides a space where surrounding teeth can easily shift—destroying the alignment of your teeth over time. When helping you plan your smile makeover, a cosmetic dentist will probably suggest a dental implant, dental bridge, or partial denture to fill out your smile and preserve tooth alignment.
Tooth Color: The color and clarity of your teeth greatly affects your appearance. Stains and discoloration can be distracting, even if you have perfectly aligned teeth. Your cosmetic dentist can pick out the color shade that will best match your complexion and perform in-office or at-home tooth whitening. Tooth color and shade is also taken into consideration during smile makeover procedures such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and composite bonding.
Alignment: Smiles that are severely misaligned will need to undergo full mouth reconstruction or orthodontic treatment prior to a smile makeover. However, slightly misaligned or overlapping teeth can be improved with cosmetic dentistry options such as porcelain veneers or braces.
Face Shape: As teeth age, wear down, or fall out, your face shape can alter as well—making you look older. A cosmetic dentist may recommend orthodontics or oral maxillofacial surgery as part of the smile makeover to fill out your cheeks and face, reviving a more youthful look.
Tooth Shape: An extreme makeover dentist pays attention to small details such as tooth shape and size. Teeth can be lengthened or shortened to a more attractive size using gum reduction or porcelain veneers. Tooth shape can also be altered using cosmetic bonding or veneers.
After treatment care
No matter which cosmetic dentistry procedures are used during your smile makeover, the lifespan of your beautiful new smile is almost entirely up to you. While some tooth restorations require eventual replacement, you can increase their duration through daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits. Be sure to avoid chewing hard foods that can chip or crack your porcelain restorations or original teeth. Habits such a biting fingernails or writing implements can be harmful to restorations and decrease their lifespan. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard to protect your teeth.

Service Whitening
When asked, “What would you like to improve most about your smile?” The most common response is: Whiter & brighter teeth. If you are not happy with your smile, teeth whitening may be a good first step.
Smiles Are Valuable
A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. A bright smile is perceived as a healthy smile. Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile. You may want to whiten for a special event, such as a wedding, job interview, or class reunion, or simply to reverse years of everyday staining and yellowing.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
There are several different ways for teeth to become discolored. The main causes of darkened teeth are genetics, antibiotics, and certain foods, plus teeth tend to darken as we age.
Internal tooth discoloration is caused by changes in the enamel of the tooth and the dentin. The main causes of internal tooth discoloration are exposure to high levels of fluoride, tetracycline, use of antibiotics as a child, developmental disorders, tooth decay, restorations, root canal issues, and trauma.
External tooth discoloration is caused by factors outside the body, mainly foods and tobacco. The main causes of external tooth yellowing are smoking, foods with tannins, coffee, tea, carrots, oranges, and other foods.
Types of Teeth Whitening
There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are in-office treatment and the do-it-yourself approach, with over the counter products or home whitening sysyems.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Professional tooth whitening in a dental office is the preferred whitening method because even though stronger agents are applied, the rest of the mouth, including the gums, is protected from these materials. Here at Brunswick Smile Keepers, we use the ZOOM! Professional Whitening System. ZOOM! Is ideal for patients looking for immediate results. This system features a buffer in the gel that protects the tooth enamel from damage. It is extremely effective and can transform teeth in a single office visit. Your teeth can literally brighten a few shades in about an hour. Included with ZOOM! you will receive custom home whitening trays.
ZOOM! is a great jump-start for take-home whitening, which is always part of an effective whitening program. It can last for one or more years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth, and if you’re following up regularly with a home whitening product for regular maintenance.
Home Tooth Whitening Systems
You can purchase a custom at home whitening kit here at our office. This will include custom made upper and lower trays.
You can purchase boxes of bleach to use with your trays.
We also offer our “White for Life” program. With this program, you will initially receive your upper and lower custom trays and 4 boxes of bleach to take home. You will receive a touch up kit, one box of bleach, at your 6-month cleaning appointments FOR LIFE! (As long as you keep up with your 6-month recare appointments) You get all of this for a one-time fee!
Over the Counter
Commercially available tooth whitening systems have become popular, mainly because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
There are a few over-the-counter tooth-whitening methods that can be purchased without your dentist’s supervision. They include whitening strips, paint-on tooth gel, mouth trays with gel, whitening toothpaste, and even whitening gum. These are typically safe products, but if you have oral concerns, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist if these products are safe to use.
While over-the-counter tooth whitening products are available, dentist-supervised tooth whitening remains the safest, most effective method for brightening your smile.

Dental Bonding
Bonding is a popular treatment option because it provides a successful attachment teeth_bonding between the filling material and the tooth’s original enamel and dentin. It looks like the original tooth and functions like it as well.
Direct composite bonding is used to recreate a smile in an additive manner, where little or no tooth reduction is needed. Direct bonding, in the hands of a skilled operator, is less costly than porcelain veneers and crowns and can be long-lasting with proper maintenance

Enamel and Dentin
Teeth are a perfect combination of both strength and resilience and this is created through the fusion of enamel and dentin.
Enamel is the outer shell of the tooth or the portion that is visible within the mouth. It is composed of densely packed calcium crystals which are very hard and resistant to wear. Enamel is composed of no living material and is effectively mimicked by dental porcelain.
Dentin is the inner core of the tooth and is much more porous. Constructed of collagen tubes with calcium crystals, dentin is living tissue and transmits nerve sensation. Composite resins have properties similar to dentin and are a combination of a plastic resin and silica filler. This combination of materials allows for excellent tooth color replication and reliable adhesion.
Bonding to Repair Broken or Chipped Teeth
Tooth bonding is used in several different ways, but is probably most useful for repairing chipped teeth.Bonding materials (high-density, modern plastics called composite resin) and porcelain—are more natural in color and can be designed to perfectly match the surrounding teeth making it difficult to discern there ever was a broken tooth.

Tooth Colored Fillings
In the past, teeth were filled with a mixture of different metals. These are called amalgam fillings. Today that is changing as more natural-looking and metal-free fillings are becoming the preferred approach.
Dentists are using more tooth-like materials that are both safe and predictable. The most important feature, for many people, is that they look and react more like natural teeth.

Composite resin fillings
Composite resin fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds. Because resins mimic the appearance of natural teeth, these fillings have been used in front teeth for years. Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.

Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge
What options are available when your teeth have worn out before you have?
If you have been suffering with bad teeth or major dental problems, have failing teeth, failing dental work, missing teeth or are wearing removable complete dentures, you may have been wondering what to do to improve your ability to chew food comfortably, speak clearly and smile again with confidence. The Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge may just be the solution you’ve been looking for!
Many Americans are faced with the prospect of loosing all of their teeth. Here in Ohio the Center for Disease Control reports that 26% of adults 65 and over have lost all of their teeth, 44% are missing 6 or more teeth. That is an incredible number of missing teeth, and an important consideration is how to replace those teeth.
Tooth loss can actually cause speech impediments. Tongues are unable to function effectively, as air from the gaps can disrupt normal speech. Lisps and stutters can potentially develop. Eating will also become a more difficult task once you’ve lost one of your teeth because each tooth has a specific function.
A loss of one of the incisors will impede the proper cutting and biting of food into manageable chunks. A molar that has fallen out will render it hard for you to adequately grind your meal enough to aid your digestion.
Aside from their biological functions, tooth loss can also cause repercussions in your social life. A lot of people withdraw from social interactions simply because they are too embarrassed about missing a teeth.
There are several options for replacement of these missing teeth, and in this discussion, I will cover the options of a person who has lost all of their teeth, or is going to loose all of their teeth.
If someone still has failing teeth, and the teeth need to be removed, an immediate denture is one option. This type of denture is made of acrylic. It covers the roof of the mouth and extends as far back in the mouth as possible on the top and bottom to give as much surface area to help hold the denture in. Before the day the natural teeth are removed an immediate denture can be made so when the teeth are removed the patient can wear the denture home. Since there is healing changes that occur after the natural teeth are removed and the denture is inserted, there are usually sore spots and a need for many adjustments over a few months until the denture gets comfortable.
Most of the time at around six months the denture will need to be relined so it will continue to fit as the natural healing changes cause the denture to become loose. This type of denture rests on the skin and therefore moves around and can be difficult to hold in. Sometimes sticky denture adhesives may be necessary to hold the denture in place. As the denture is used to chew, it wears the bone underneath and over time the denture becomes difficult to wear and needs to be replaced periodically.
A better option is a denture held in by implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that are anchored into the jaw to support artificial teeth. Dental implants reduce bone loss in the jaw by preventing the jaw from falling into disuse. Implants are great because they do not allow the bone to wear away like the standard denture. There are two options for dentures anchored with implants. One option is removable and one is fixed and doesn’t come out.
The removable option allows the patient to remove the denture. The denture is made of typical denture acrylic and usually is the size and shape of a regular denture. The denture is held in by attachments in the denture that snap onto the implants. There are many different styles of attachments and the dentist can decide which system is best for each case depending on the number of implants and needs of the patient.
The fixed option does not allow the patient to remove the denture as the denture is fixed or screwed onto the implants by the dentist. This option can take as few as 4 implants for one arch. This denture is typically made of acrylic with a titanium framework for support. Because the denture is attached to the patient through the implants, the dentures can be made quite small. Both the upper and the lower dentures are smaller, and the upper denture does not cover the roof of the mouth–a huge plus. All of the acrylic options will wear out and need to be replaced.
The latest innovation in fixed implant restorations is the Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge. This is similar to the fixed acrylic and titanium denture option but it has some key differences. The Prettau Bridge is made of zirconia and not acrylic. Zirconia has many key advantages. It is very strong, so it can be made smaller than the acrylic options. Because of its strength it does not wear. It is a naturally a white material, and therefore a beautiful replacement for natural teeth. It does not stain or chip like acrylic, and it is extremely biocompatable. The Zirconia Prettau Bridge is the most natural and functional option when replacing teeth.
The Advantages of the PRETTAU® Zirconia Implant Bridge
There are many dental implant options available to patients today, but the PRETTAU® Zirconia dental implant bridge is set apart by a number of unique advantages. Dr. Gaebelein is able to customize each implant so that it meets our exact design specifications. Once designed, the PRETTAU® Zirconia dental implant bridge is fabricated without the use of acrylic or metal, which can make dental restorations vulnerable to structural damage and cosmetic imperfections. Instead, the PRETTAU® Zirconia implant is fabricated using zirconia. Zirconia is the preferred material because of the following benefits it provides our patients:
Advantages of Zirconia:
- Zirconia is completely biocompatable with the human body.
- Zirconia is the strongest dental material available.
- Zirconia will not chip
- Zirconia will not crack
- Zirconia will not break
- Zirconia is tooth colored and will not discolor over time
- Zirconia will not stain
Dr. Gaebelein is one of the few dentists in the United States to offer this leading dental treatment, and the first to offer the Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge in our area! In fact, the PRETTAU® Zirconia dental implant bridge has been used in the United States for less than a year. Only those dentists with the most advanced experience and training are performing this treatment in the United States.
Stop the endless dental cycle of replacing failing root canals, large fillings, problematic gum disease etc. The Prettau Zirconia Implant Bridge is the future of dentistry to replace missing teeth, a denture, or failing dental work!
Call to schedule a free consultation on how we can help you eliminate your dental frustration!


Galileos 3-D X-Rays

The Sirona Galileos 3D Dental Imaging System provides high-definition, in–office, three-dimensional, digital imaging of the oral and facial regions. This system allows us to provide our patients with cutting edge diagnostic technology at decreased cost and reduced radiation exposure that is associated with traditional CT scans. This system provides complete three dimensional views of oral and maxillofacial structures, giving us the most thorough diagnostic information possible for a variety of treatment areas. This allows for the most accurate treatment planning and more predictable treatment outcomes. We are pleased and excited to provide this service to our patients.
Fast Scan Time – a scan time of 14 seconds minimizes radiation exposure and reduces the likelihood of patient motion.
The high resolution volumetric images produced by our scanner provides complete 3D views of critical anatomy for more thorough analysis of bone structure and tooth orientation allowing precision and accuracy in dental implant planning and surgery.

Root Canals
Root Canal Therapy
Inside of a tooth, under the white enamel and a layer called the dentin, is soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissue of the tooth during development.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is very important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature, it can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissue surrounding it.
Why Root Canal Therapy is Necessary
Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay due to bacteria, multiple dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain, and/or lead to an abscess. Signs of pulp damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
Treating the Tooth
A traditional root canal involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleaning and shaping the canals inside of the tooth, then filling and sealing the space inside the canal. In most cases, a crown holds the tooth together and reduces the likelihood of the tooth fracturing in the future. (This is a complete separate procedure)

Periodontics
Periodontology or periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them.
The following videos are designed to help you understand these conditions.
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