Missing teeth can make life harder. It can change how you eat, talk, and even smile. You might feel embarrassed or hide your teeth when you laugh. If that sounds like you, dental implants might help.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small metal posts. They go into your jawbone and act like roots. Once they heal, your dentist adds a crown on top. That crown looks and works like a real tooth.

They can replace one tooth or many. Some people even get full sets of implants.

Why People Choose Implants

Lots of folks pick implants because they feel real. Dentures can slip or feel loose. Bridges rely on other teeth. Implants stay put. They let you eat and speak like normal.

They also stop bone loss. When you lose a tooth, the bone under it can shrink. Implants help keep your jaw strong.

Who Should Get Them?

Not everyone can get implants. You need healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw. People who smoke a lot or have gum disease may not heal well.

Your dentist in SW Calgary will take x-rays to check your bone. They’ll also ask about your health history. Some problems like diabetes can make healing slower.

Age doesn’t matter much. What matters is if your body can handle the healing.

The Implant Process

Getting implants takes time. First, your dentist checks if you’re a good fit. Then, they place the post in your jaw. This is done under local freezing.

After that, you wait. The bone needs time to grow around the implant. This takes a few months.

Once it’s healed, your dentist adds an abutment. That’s a small part that sticks out of your gums. Then they attach the crown on top.

The full process might take several months. But the results last years, even decades.

What If You’re Missing More Than One Tooth?

If you’re missing a few teeth, you might need more than one implant. Or, your dentist may suggest an implant-supported bridge. This means two implants hold up a group of teeth.

If you’re missing all your teeth, there’s another option. You can get full arches supported by four to six implants. These are called all-on-4 or all-on-6. They don’t come out like dentures.

Pros and Cons of Implants

Pros:

• Look and feel like real teeth

• Don’t affect nearby teeth

• Help stop bone loss

• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Cost more than other options

• Need time to heal

• Not everyone is a good fit

• Can need surgery if bone is too thin

Talk to your dentist about what works best for you. Some people may need a bone graft. That’s when they add bone to your jaw before the implant. It adds time but helps support the implant.

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Types of Braces Explained by a Trusted SW Calgary Dentist

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. More adults are choosing them too. If you want straighter teeth, there’s a type of braces that fits your needs.

Why People Get Braces

Braces fix more than just looks. Crooked teeth can make it hard to clean. That can lead to cavities or gum disease.

They also fix bite issues. If your top and bottom teeth don’t meet right, it can hurt your jaw. Braces help align your teeth and make chewing better.

Traditional Metal Braces

These are the kind most people think of. They use metal brackets and wires. A dentist sticks the brackets to your teeth. Then they run a wire through them.

Your dentist tightens the wire over time. That moves your teeth slowly.

These braces are strong and work fast. But they’re easy to see. Some people don’t like how they look.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work like metal ones. But the brackets are clear or tooth-colored. This makes them harder to see.

They still use a metal wire. Some versions use a white wire to blend in more.

They look nicer but cost more. Also, the ceramic parts can stain if you don’t clean them well.

Lingual Braces

These go on the back of your teeth. That makes them invisible from the front.

They work like regular braces but can feel strange at first. Your tongue might touch them a lot.

They can be hard to clean and cost more than other types. Not all dentists offer them.

Clear Aligners (Like Invisalign)

These are clear trays you wear over your teeth. You switch them every couple of weeks. Each one moves your teeth a little more.

You can take them out to eat and brush. That’s a big plus for many people.

They only work for certain cases. If your teeth are too crooked or your bite is severe, you may need regular braces.

What to Expect With Braces

All braces need time. You won’t see results overnight. Most people wear them for one to three years.

You’ll need check-ups every few weeks. Your dentist will adjust your braces or give you the next aligner.

You may feel sore after visits. That’s normal. It means your teeth are moving.

You also have to keep your teeth extra clean. Braces can trap food and plaque.

With aligners, you still need to brush often. And you must wear them at least 22 hours a day.

Picking the Right Type

Your dentist will help you choose. They’ll check how crooked your teeth are and what your bite looks like.

They’ll also talk about your budget and what look you want. Some types cost more. Some work faster. Your lifestyle matters too.

For example, if you play sports, metal braces may be risky. If you eat out often, clear aligners might work better.

Ask your dentist what’s best for your mouth and your life.

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Talk to Cedarbrae Family Dental Today

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a local team you can trust. Cedarbrae Family Dental in SW Calgary offers both dental implants and braces. They’ll check your teeth, explain your options, and help you feel good about your smile again.

Whether you’re missing a tooth or want straighter teeth, they’ll guide you each step of the way.

Call Cedarbrae Family Dental to book a visit. A better smile could be closer than you think.