Esthetic dental implants have been a part of restorative and cosmetic dental procedures for over 35 years. Through the years, the dental profession has seen incredible progress in all aspects of implants, from placement techniques to implant materials to longevity and esthetic outcome. Originally invented in Sweden, dental implants are made of ultra-strong titanium alloy and look like a large screw.

Dental implants are used to replace a single tooth, several teeth or a whole arch of teeth. Implants not only stabilize the restoration that sits on it, but also stimulates bone growth around the implant. If a tooth is missing, the gums and bone it was attached to are no longer stimulated by the blood supply and activity of that tooth. Therefore, with the tooth gone, the surrounding bone and gums may resorb or melt away. Furthermore, the opposing tooth (on the opposite jaw) no longer has something to bite against, and may grow towards the missing tooth’s space.

Technology Makes it Easier to Get a Smile Makeover

For implant placement, the diagnostic information provided by the two-dimensional x-ray or radiograph used is limited. Critical questions which need to be answered prior to surgery include if there was enough bone level to place an implant, the location an implant could be placed, positions of the sinuses, location of nerves and other important aspects. More recently, the CT or computed tomography scan tremendously improves the diagnostic abilities of the implant dentist by providing more detailed information needed not only during the initial diagnostic phases, but also during the actual surgery.

CT scans assist in lowering risks of irreversible nerve damage and developing predictable success in attaining the best outcome for most situations. This is especially true if there is question if adequate bone is present in a site with a missing tooth or teeth.

Implants are placed during a surgical procedure, directly in the jawbone. The number of implants required depends on each person’s individual situation. The surgical site with the implants are then left (under the gums) to allow the bone to grow around the implant and “osseo-integrate”. Four to six months after the first surgery, the implant is uncovered from under the gums. An “abutment” or implant post is then connected to it, and the gums are given time to heal around this abutment. About a month later, a final tooth restoration is custom-made to fit onto the abutment. This final restoration could be a crown, bridge or denture. Thanks to advances in cosmetic dental technology in materials, the final restorations look more natural.

A second factor in natural-looking restorations has to do with periodontal (gum) esthetics. In the placement of a dental implant, the gums must first be prepared in achieving an optimal normal appearance. When the gums are not esthetically sculpted, it is difficult to attain a natural result. Gum sculpting is a cosmetic dental procedure that maximizes the natural appearance around a restored implant tooth.

Implants can ensure a healthy diet is maintained. Before implants, people with dentures (a full arch of false, removable teeth) or partials (several false, removable teeth) had no options when they were unable to get a firm, strong bite on food. Nutrition and overall health is highly dependent on a person’s ability to chew a variety of foods. A person may shy away from certain foods either because certain teeth are missing, their teeth don’t meet each other (occlude) properly, or there is not enough force due to slippage of a denture. For example, the inability to chew foods with a firmer consistency may lead a person to eat more unhealthy foods like french fries instead of fresh vegetables. It is challenging to eat a balanced diet of only softer foods.

Most Patients are Pain Free Once They’ve Healed From Cosmetic Surgery

There seems to be a common misconception that implants will continually hurt as long as they are in. The fact is that this is not the case if the implant is properly placed and heals correctly. Naturally, there is some discomfort immediately after surgery. However, advancements in medication for dentistry can address the pain. As the site quickly heals, post surgical pain subsides.

How long a implant can last is reliant on many factors. Although no restoration in dentistry is guaranteed to last forever, dental implants could last ten to fifteen years, or more, depending on how well the implant is cared for professionally and at home.

Dental implants may sound too good to be true, but unfortunately not everyone is a good candidate for implants. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, each patient must: (1) Have a comprehensive exam to determine if they are a candidate, (2) Be in good health, (3) Have healthy gums, (4) Have adequate bone structure, (5) Have excellent oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, (6) Maintain regular dental visits.

We live in such a great era of cosmetic dentistry where people are able to benefit incredibly from technology in implant dentistry. Combining cosmetic dental procedures with implant dentistry allow people to have implants in the most visible area of their smile and have it look natural. Implants offer bone and gum stimulation, and stability to restorations which lets people eat to their heart’s desire. Although there is no exact replacement to a healthy, natural tooth, dental implants that are assisted with the latest in CT scans allow dental professionals to give their patients one more reason to smile.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is an award winning international leader in cosmetic dentistry. He is one of only 280 dentists in the world to be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Okuda turned the dental profession on it’s head nearly a decade ago , replacing pain, fear, & discomfort with the Dental Day Spa system. His offices for cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry are located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr. Okuda has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, American Spa, Shape Magazine, Better Homes & Garden, Health & Fitness Sports Magazine, New Woman, and dozens more!

Dr. Okuda is the founder of “Give Back a Smile”, a charitable foundation of the A.A.C.D. which helps survivors of domestic violence throughout the nation to restore their smiles and lives. He has assembled nearly 1,000 cosmetic dentists nationwide to help fight against domestic violence.

In a recent Forbes magazine article, executive smile makeovers were featured. It mentioned that CEOs may not be worried about their wrinkles, but rather are more concerned about their “not so pearly whites”. “Executive Esthetic Dentistry” is cosmetic dentistry for high level executives, but differs somewhat from cosmetic dentistry that let’s say a model or actor would want.

Although Executive Esthetic Dentistry is not necessarily a new trend, it probably does get more attention in the media these days along with other cosmetic surgery procedures. And it may make some people perplexed. They can understand someone wanting a professional makeover when they are working their way up the ranks, but once they get there? In the Forbes article, Cendant’s Henry Silverman said, “I was going on TV a lot, and I didn’t like the way my teeth looked.” Having it, he confides, “gives you a sense of self-confidence, which never hurts.”

Executives, too, want to have a natural smile that takes years off their appearance. As business is becoming more competitive worldwide, even business people in Japan are starting to turn to cosmetic dentistry. Although each individual is different, the Executive Esthetic Smile tends to have certain traits.

Although many executives may enjoy the spotlight, they tend to prefer a more conservative approach to the smile. Whereas someone who is a model or actor would be more likely to want their teeth to be more perfect looking or a brighter white, executives may lean towards a something more subtle. There are exceptions, but the tendency is away from a Hollywood-white smile.

Younger, Healthier Smile, Rather Than Brilliant or Dazzling

The look that executives tend to feel comfortable with is a natural, youthful and healthy look. It’s a rejuvenation of their current smile. Perhaps the shapes and sizes of the teeth will stay similar, or perhaps slight alterations for a more enhanced look. They don’t necessarily want to call too much attention to their smile. But the overall effect will be to make the smile look 10 – 15 years younger, to brighten their appearance and to look more professional in front of prospective clients.

For one thing, because of the age group of corporation presidents and CEOs, teeth bleaching alone tends to not be an effective solution. Reasons for this includes the build-up of stain over the years leaves the stain too engrained to be lightened enough with bleaching. Or perhaps existing restorations in the front teeth would also prevent a uniform color. Or even if their teeth were whitened through bleaching, they may still be unhappy with the overall look and shapes of their teeth.

Therefore executive restorations would most likely be performed using porcelain veneers or crowns, depending on the amount of healthy tooth available and desired end result. If teeth are missing, an implant may be needed to fortify the foundation under a crown or bridge for an increased biting strength. If teeth are worn down through years of grinding, then the restoration may rebuild the length of the tooth to its natural, previous length. And if old, failing restorations are being replaced, the new restoration will give the illusion of a natural tooth, not an old crown.

One local executive came to my office saying he was extremely dissatisfied with the look of his smile, and also suspected that years of avoiding the dentist had placed his overall dental health in jeopardy. His teeth had the appearance of being crooked and worn down, to the point where he was beginning to feel more self-conscious about his smile. Although he had attained the position of president within his corporation and certainly was a success in his professional life, he still felt held back by not being able to express himself comfortably. He did feel he could become a better communicator and seem more approachable if he could express himself with his smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Success – Helps Patient’s Self-Esteem

After extensive gum therapy, this patient’s old restorations and decay were replaced with natural-appearing porcelain restorations. The results were amazing to him. Little by little, he found himself smiling more when meeting people, when talking, or taking photos. He was also happy with the youthful look it gave him. And most importantly, the treatment received allowed him to continue on a road of good oral health, allowing him to keep his natural teeth. He had self-confidence again, and a bright smile.

One of the best things about state-of-the-art dentistry is the ability for cosmetic dentists to custom make each individual smile to fit face shape, personality, age, gender, and profession. This is due to a combination of advancements in dentist technique and smile design, dental materials used, and laboratory expertise. For example, in my office we use a technique that allows patient input and feedback on the smile we are creating together. Patients can feel comfortable knowing their final smile is a collaboration of science, art and their ideas, too.

So regardless of if you’re an aspiring super model hoping for jobs in New York or a CEO who has already arrived in their penthouse office, cosmetic dentistry can create a smile makeover well suited to your wants and needs to upgrade both personal and professional life.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is an award winning international leader in cosmetic dentistry. He is one of only 280 dentists in the world to be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Okuda turned the dental profession on it’s head nearly a decade ago , replacing pain, fear, & discomfort with the Dental Day Spa system. His offices for cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry are located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr. Okuda has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, American Spa, Shape Magazine, Better Homes & Garden, Health & Fitness Sports Magazine, New Woman, and dozens more!

Dr. Okuda is the founder of “Give Back a Smile”, a charitable foundation of the A.A.C.D. which helps survivors of domestic violence throughout the nation to restore their smiles and lives. He has assembled nearly 1,000 cosmetic dentists nationwide to help fight against domestic violence.