Dental Implants Houston. Single-Implants. All-On-4. Dentures.

II. FMR Smile Design

Dentiq Smile Design has pioneered a proprietary process that combines leading imaging, software and refinement technologies to evaluate color, shape, shade, symmetry, size and style with the artistic expressions of design masters (the master ceramist, the principal cosmetic dentist and of course, the patient). Every detail is incorporated into a digital smile design prior to casting to the temporary veneers (the prototypes). This stage of the protocol requires the master ceramist and the principal cosmetic dentist to submit their design recommendations independently. The patient can be as involved as they would like to be throughout every step of the smile design process. That said, we recommend letting the principal cosmetic dentist and master ceramist develop a design based on measurements, color contrasts, hue, chroma, translucency and applied principles. From this point, patients can typically better articulate design discretions that they would like incorporated into the next prototype for re-evaluation.

Golden Proportion

The physical components which make up the sense of beauty and attractiveness come down to balance and proportion. This natural law of beauty is known as Golden Proportion (or Golden Ratio 1.6: 1). Golden Proportion is an essential element in need of understanding, in order to create the perfect smile. With that said, Dr. Johnson and the Master Ceramist incorporate the 7 natural laws of beauty in smile design. Golden Proportion assembles your new smile with the natural shape, size and contour to best fit your face and jaw function. Beautiful and timeless smiles must be proportionate and remain in harmony with your unique facial features in order to successfully emphasize your true beauty. The roots of this theory can be traced back to hypotheses used during the renaissance, in both art and science. It is a mathematical equation based on the principles of ratio and geometric proportion. This relationship best conveys the philosophy of perfect aesthetic composition, using ratio and dimensional connection. The application of Golden Proportion principles can be applied to the human face. Golden Proportion has been equally applied to the practice of Cosmetic Dentistry, and where consideration is made to essential components of the ‘perfect smile’. These principles of symmetry and balance are the critical ingredients in the development of a ‘beautiful’ face and smile.

THE DIAGNOSTIC PHASE: ALL ON 4™ (FOUR) DENTAL IMPLANTS 

Many patients who have compromised teeth or that wear dentures want to know if they are indeed a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure. The good news is that most people do meet the requirements to efficiently, effectively and safely perform the All On 4 procedure — in fact, 96% of our patients are candidates.  In  order to definitively determine who is an appropriate candidate for this  procedure, (or a treatment alternative) we utilize various diagnostic technologies including 3D imaging and pressure mapping.    

At the first visit, hi-resolution photos, digital  x-rays, a 3D CAT scan, pressure mapping and a thorough clinical evaluation will take place  followed by expert explanation of the case diagnosis and treatment options inclusive of the "All On 4" and alternative treatments which can range from single-site implants to replace each missing tooth space, implant retained and implant supported dentures, mini implant solutions and non-implant options.  During this visit, impressions are taken for diagnostic modeling and diagnostic design (which will also be used to make the  replacement teeth), and a clear financial overview is presented.

THE SURGERY PHASE: ALL ON 4™ (FOUR) DENTAL IMPLANTS 

For most cases, this phase involves the extractions, bone grafts (if necessary), bone re-contouring and the surgical placement of the 4 dental implants per upper and / or lower arch. The "All On 4" patient receives implant-secured teeth immediately following surgery — ONE-visit!    

RECOVERY & FOLLOW-UP VISITS 

Patients typically resume a full schedule of activities within 24 to 72 hours. Generally speaking, follow-up visits are 1, 4 and 12 weeks after surgery.  Specific post operative instructions will vary on a case by case basis. A modified diet is required until patients receive the final teeth, which incorporate concealed titanium reinforced framework OR an all-zirconia substructure. In the mean time, patients can eat anything that can be cut with a fork, and does not involve biting or tearing with your front teeth (e.g. hamburgers, salmon, pasta, cooked vegetables, etc). Hard foods and foods that require tearing such as hard breads, pizza, carrots, corn on the cob, steak, and crunchy and sticky snacks treats such as nuts, hard candy and gum should be avoided until otherwise instructed by the principal dentist.    

Following surgery, the first 3 follow-up visits are simple thirty minute post-op / follow-up visits to ensure that everything looks, feels and heals as indicated. For traveling patients, these follow-ups will take place within a 2 day to 2 week span.

THE RESTORATIVE PHASE: OVERVIEW: ALL ON 4™ (FOUR) DENTAL IMPLANTS

The restorative phase can start 16 weeks after the initial surgery when the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone. At "The Prep" visit, the implants are prepared for master impressions so that the final teeth can be made. Depending on the smile design and revision requests, this final fabrication process takes 2 to 4 weeks at which point, the “final” teeth are secured. A standard adjustment visit is scheduled 1 to 2 weeks later to ensure that everything looks, feels and functions exactly as it should.

Week 16: The Prep (4 to 6 hours)

Week 18: The Finals (2 to 4 hours)

Week 20: Adjustments (1 hour)

Following surgery, the first 3 follow-up visits are simple thirty minute post-op / follow-up visits to ensure that everything looks, feels and heals as indicated. For traveling patients, these follow-ups will take place within a 2 day to 2 week span.