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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Why Is My Bite Off with My New Implant Bridge?

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Man holding the side of his face after biting an appleMy new implant bridge replaced two upper left teeth. Biting on that side of my mouth feels weird, like my bite is off. I did not have the issue before I got the bridge. My dentist tried to correct my bite twice, and after that, she suggested that I need orthodontics. She said that she does Invisalign, and we can discuss it during my next appointment. I feel like my dentist is trying to sell me something that I do not need. I am not sure what to do about it. How should I answer my dentist? Thanks. Luke, Austin, TX

 

Luke

With or without a dental bridge, your upper and lower teeth should touch simultaneously when you bite. If the problem continues, you can develop TMJ disorder.

What Causes Bite Misalignment with a New Implant Bridge?

When your bite is off with a new implant bridge, two possible causes are:

  1. The dentist restored the implants incorrectly
  2. The implant dentist or surgeon placed the implants in the wrong place

Dental implants restored incorrectly

A dentist must correctly attach implant crowns, a bridge, or a denture to implants. Also, the dentist must ensure the new replacement teeth harmonize with your bite.

Dental implants in the wrong place

If a dentist and oral surgeon do not communicate closely, the surgeon may position the implants in a way that makes it challenging or impossible to place your bridge correctly. This problem occurs if the dentist does not give the oral surgeon a surgical guide for your mouth. A surgical guide is a template for your implants’ exact angle and position.

Schedule a Second Opinion

Please do not consider orthodontic treatment. Although your dentist may want you to get Invisalign, it does not seem that orthodontic treatment is the solution to your issue. We recommend getting a second opinion from an implant dentist with advanced training or who partners with an oral surgeon to place dental implants. The implant dentist will determine if the location of your implants, your bridge—or both—must be corrected to fix your bite.

Best wishes for a speedy resolution.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

How Can I Switch Out a Partial Denture’s Metal Clasps?

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After spending $1925 for a titanium upper partial denture, I still wish I had dental implants. It’s the clasps around my teeth that bother me. I feel like they disrupt my smile. Maybe I’m too self-conscious. Is there a way to replace the metal clasps with gum-colored ones? Perhaps my dentist told me about the clasps, or I didn’t consider how I would feel about them. The two replacement teeth in the partial denture look natural, but what good is that when you can see metal strung around my teeth to keep the partial in place? Thanks. Geno from NJ

Gene,

We understand your concerns about the clasps on your partial denture.

Can You Switch the Clasps on Your Partial Denture?

The metal claps on your denture are a part of the framework, so you cannot switch them out. Too many alterations to the claps will cause them to break. Adding anything over a partial denture’s clasps to hide the metal will make getting them on your teeth impossible. If you could get the clasps on, they would be uncomfortable. Sometimes, a dentist may be able to reduce the shine on the clasps. You can ask your dentist if it is an option for you.

Alternatives to a Partial Denture with Metal Clasps

Clasps made of biocompatible nylon and thermoplastic resin are an alternative to metal. Although not as sturdy as a metal denture, a Valplast partial denture is flexible and less noticeable because the base and clasps are gum-colored.

Dental Implant vs. Partial Denture

Model of a dental implant, including the crown, abutment, and artificial root

A dental implant mimics a natural tooth for optimal function and long-lasting results.

Although a dental implant costs more than a partial denture, consider the differences in longevity, support, and reliability.

  • Longevity – A quality partial denture can last five to ten years. A dental implant can last ten years or longer—even a lifetime.
  • Support – Your jawbone supports a dental implant. It does not rely on or clip onto adjacent teeth, so it will not weaken them over time.
  • Reliability – Dental implants function like natural teeth. Regular flossing and brushing keep them clean.
  • Cost – You will need one dental implant for each missing tooth or an implant bridge for multiple missing teeth in a row. Depending on your needs, a complete dental implant can cost $3,000 to $5,000.

Talk to Your Dentist

Talk to your dentist about your concerns with your partial denture. When it’s time to replace the denture—or before, if you prefer—find a skilled implant dentist to discuss replacing your missing teeth with dental implants.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. His office is near Dracut, Methuen, Andover, and Lawrence.

Large Tooth Gap Left After Gum Disease

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There is a very large gap between 2 teeth on the front left side of my mouth. I went to the dentist 2 weeks ago and found out that I have gum disease, which is causing the gap. I have an appointment with a periodontist on the 26th of this month. I know she will get the gum disease under control. At least, I hope she can, but what can be done about the gap between my teeth? What are my options for closing it? Thanks, Michele

Michele –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Szarek’s office

You are correct. Getting your periodontal disease under control is the first priority. Afterward, a cosmetic dentist can examine your teeth and evaluate your oral health to determine if you are ready for cosmetic dentistry for the gap.

How Can You Close a Large Gap Left from Gum Disease?

The severity of the periodontal disease and the gap size will affect how the space between your teeth should be treated. Two options include porcelain veneers and dental implants, both of which require good oral health before treatment begins.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

Porcelain veneers can close a tooth gap after you achieve good oral health

If the teeth can be saved, porcelain veneers may be used to close the space between them. Or, it is possible that braces can be used to move your teeth into position. Dental bonding works for small gaps.

Dental Implants

If the teeth cannot be saved, a dentist can replace them with dental implants and ensure the results look natural, without a gap between your teeth.

A cosmetic dentist is concerned with the appearance of your smile—that it is beautiful and natural looking. If your dentist is not a cosmetic dentist, consider finding one to restore your smile after treating your periodontal disease.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

How Soon After Tooth Infection and Removal Can I Get an Implant?

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How do I know the infection is gone from a tooth my dentist extracted? Is there a waiting period before I can receive a dental implant? I want to be sure that the infection is gone before putting an implant there to avoid having problems with the implant. The dentist is ready to place the implant, but I just finished antibiotics, and I think she should wait. I had wisdom teeth removed years ago, and it took some time to heal and for the infection to resolve. Is it safe to move forward? Thank you. Andre from Boston

Andre,

Thank you for contacting us with your questions. We understand your concerns about getting healthy dental implants that last.

Does Tooth Infection Remain After Extraction?

Model of a dental implant, including the crown, abutment, and artificial rootTooth extraction and antibiotics remove the source of the infection and prevent it from lingering.

  • Your body quickly eliminates the condition in the bone.
  • A drainage opening is left that prevents the infection from lingering.
  • Your dentist prescribed antibiotics to ensure the infection was gone.

How Does Wisdom Teeth Infection Compare with Other Teeth?

The infection in wisdom teeth is usually between the tooth and the gum rather than inside the tooth pulp. A dentist must remove tissue and bone while removing an impacted wisdom tooth, and infection can spread to the surgical site. After the surgery, the wound is sutured closed. It is more likely to have an infection after the impacted wisdom tooth is removed, so dentists prescribe antibiotics to prevent it. But wisdom teeth are not replaced with dental implants, so it is not an issue.

Although it is probably safe to get an implant, you can ask your dentist to wait a few weeks to ensure you have no symptoms. If your dentist is concerned about your comfort, she will respect your wishes.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.

Why Do My Dental Implants Hurt When I Chew?

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In August 2020, my dentist finished my full-mouth reconstruction, including five implants, seven crowns, and veneers. Two of the crowns on my natural teeth fell off last week, and I have an infection around three of the five implants. My gums are swollen around the implants, and chewing hurts. My dentist relocated last December, and I cannot find a listing for his new dental office. I am anxious about finding a new dentist to reattach the crowns and worried that I would need to repeat the full-mouth reconstruction. Where do I begin? Thank you. Baldwin from CT

Baldwin,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Szarek’s office.

We are sorry to hear about your stressful experience. You can benefit from an exam and a 3-D CT scan to identify the cause of your discomfort. Also, a skilled restorative dentist can determine why your crowns have fallen off.

What Causes Dental Implants to Hurt When You Chew?

Model of a dental implant, including the crown, abutment, and artificial rootDental implants can hurt when you chew if you have an infection around the implants. Usually, the condition is a form of gum disease that can lead to dental implant failure. Signs and symptoms of infection include:

  • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • Bleeding around the implants
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Loose implants
  • Pain, aches, or discomfort around the implant
  • Pus around the implants
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Visible implant threads

Treatment for Infection Around Dental Implants

Depending on the cause and extent of infection around dental implants and the quality of your dental implants, treatment options may include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Antimicrobial therapy
  • Laser therapy for your gums
  • Surgery
  • Implant removal, bone grafting, and implant replacement

Find a Skilled Implant Dentist

Look for dentists with advanced implant and cosmetic dentistry training. Dentists who restore implants but do not perform surgery partner with an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery. Dentists with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training are skilled at identifying the cause of faulty crowns and restoring dental implants.

We recommend scheduling consultations with two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss your options.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Szarek, sponsors this post.