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They sit on top of the gums, so they don't feel like real teeth. And--with only ¼ the chewing force-- they don't work like real teeth, either. Most people with dentures have to limit the foods they eat.
Dentures can cause embarrassment--by slipping when you speak and by the bad-mouth odors they often harbor. They can cause gum irritation and pain. They take extra work to keep clean. And a drop on the floor or in the sink can mean cracked dentures...often at the most inconvenient time.
Worst of all, without the constant exercise of chewing with firmly anchored teeth, the bones and muscles in denture wearers' jaws progressively deteriorate--making them look prematurely old.
What about conventional bridgework?
Ordinary bridges must be attached to adjacent natural teeth. Doing this destroys the enamel of these healthy teeth. It may also irritate the nerve, requiring root canal treatment. And it may affect the gums, creating unsightly black lines at the base of teeth.
Worst of all, bridges are only a temporary solution. National studies indicate that fixed bridges supported by natural teeth last only five to seven years on average.
What is the Brånemark System®?
The Brånemark System® is a method of permanent tooth replacement developed by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, MD, Ph.D., of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Over 35 years ago, Dr. Brånemark made the startling observation that living bone forms a biological bond to the space-age metal titanium.
He ingeniously saw that this natural process--which he called osseointegration--could make permanent replacement of lost teeth possible. The method he developed--using very specialized surgical techniques and high-purity titanium materials manufactured by Nobel Biocare--came to be called the Brånemark System®.
How does it work?
Replacing lost teeth with permanent implants is done in three steps.
In the first step, a skilled dental specialist makes one or more small incisions in your gums and gently places tiny titanium implants that will anchor your replacement teeth into your jaw--much like natural roots.
Then, the incisions in the gums are closed, and the implants are left in place for three to six months to let them become firmly integrated to the jawbone.
Once the implants have fully integrated with the bone, the specialist again gently opens your gums and attaches a small titanium post--called an abutment--to each of the implants.
Finally your replacement teeth are carefully crafted to complement the natural teeth and unique characteristics of your face, and attached to abutments.
Why does the whole process take so long?
Two reasons. The first is to make sure that the implants are fully integrated. Because firm integration of the implants with the bone tissue in your jaw is so crucial to the long-term success of the replacement teeth, your prosthodontist will allow plenty of time to make sure this has happened.
The other reason is to make sure your replacement teeth fit absolutely correctly. Several fitting visits--over the course of a few weeks--may be needed to ensure that your replacement teeth look attractive and function efficiently--as healthy teeth should.
Why choose the Brånemark System®?
The special high-purity titanium components used in the Brånemark System® are supplied by their manufacturer, Nobel Biocare, only to dentists who have completed an approved training program, in which they learn how to use the specially designed instruments and the meticulous techniques necessary to performing the surgery and handling the titanium materials.
In the United States, Dr. Thomas Balshi was one of the first doctors trained to use the Brånemark System®, over fifteen years ago. Since then, he and his associates at Pi Dental Center have placed thousands of titanium implants.
At Pi Dental Center, in the Philadelphia suburb of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, Dr. Balshi established the first Brånemark System® training center in the state. There he has taught the procedures to hundreds of doctors from every part of the world.
A charter member and Fellow of the Academy of Osseointegration, Dr. Balshi is also founder and past president of the Pennsylvania Prosthodontic Association, a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. In addition, the entire staff of Pi Dental Center are active contributors to the field of dental medicine--as teachers, researchers, lecturers, and authors.
What proof do you have that the Brånemark System® really works?
Hard research data. The Brånemark System® is one of the most extensively and carefully researched procedures in modern dentistry.
Building on a decade of careful development in the laboratory, 25 years of clinical experience worldwide and over 50,000 patients in America alone, the Brånemark System® has posted an extraordinary long-term success rate. (At Pi Dental Center, more than 95% of patients enjoy truly permanent replacement teeth.)
The Brånemark System® is accepted by the American Dental Association and practiced at leading medical centers, such as the Mayo Clinic.
Is it just for people who need full dentures?
No. Anyone with missing teeth may benefit. The Brånemark System® can be used to replace a few missing teeth--or even just one. And because replacement teeth are anchored directly to the jawbone--rather than to adjacent teeth, as in conventional bridgework--there's no need to compromise healthy teeth.
Does it hurt?
Very little. The minor surgical procedure required to insert the implants is surprisingly gentle and normally requires only local anesthesia. Afterwards, most patients have minimal discomfort that is easily controlled by mild pain medication.
Do replacement teeth require special care?
Yes, but only the special care everybody should normally give their teeth--daily brushing and flossing and regular cleaning by a Registered Dental Hygienist.
* Graphics provided by Nobel Biocare
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