A natural tooth or dental implant substitute used to support or anchor a dental prosthesis

ClearChoice uses the highest-quality acrylic composite resins specifically formulated to withstand the great pressures and functional demands of the oral environment. These teeth bond to an underlying naturally colored gum material to complete a natural smile. Acrylic teeth are extremely lifelike in appearance. The variety of shade, shape, and size in our wide selection allows ClearChoice to match any existing teeth or a patient’s specific preferences.

The All-on-4 Procedure is used for fitting a full or partial arch of replacement teeth on the upper lower jaws. The procedure uses just four implants, with the back implants angulated to take maximum advantage of existing bone and allow immediate fitting of replacement teeth. Patients who receive the All-on-4 Procedure, often receive a full set of new replacement teeth in just one appointment.

An arch of teeth is the formation of a curving structure of teeth in their normal position; the inferior dental arch is formed by the mandibular teeth (lower jaw); the superior dental arch is formed by the maxillary teeth (upper jaw).

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When a patient loses one or more teeth to injury, extraction, or gum disease, the tooth root(s) cease to stimulate the bones. Without stimulation, bone mass and bone strength is decreased and the jaw begins to receed or atrophy. (See “Resorption”)

(See “Bone atrophy”)

(See “Dental appliance”) 

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The state of sedation administered by a ClearChoice Oral Surgeon in which the patient remains aware of his or her person, surroundings, and conditions but without experiencing pain or anxiety

a. The upper, enamel-covered part of a natural tooth.

b. A reproduction of a natural crown affixed to the remaining natural structure of a tooth

c. The reproduction of a natural crown affixed to a dental implant 

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A dental appliance is any device placed in or on a patients teeth by a dentist as part of a treatment protocol. ClearChoice dental appliances include prosthetic teeth and dental implants. Other dental appliances used by dentists include bridges and full and partial dentures.

A ClearChoice dental implant is a titanium anchor that is inserted into the jawbone to provide permanent support for a crown, fixed bridge, or denture when the bone itself would provide insufficient support or healthy adjacent teeth may be compromised by old-fashioned, conventional dental techniques. After an unhealthy tooth (teeth) are removed, the anchor is screwed into a hole that has been carefully drilled into the jaw. New bone bonds to the titanium anchor and and permanently affixes replacement teeth to the jaw. ClearChoice Dental Implants allow more than one tooth to be anchored by fewer anchors. (See, “Four-on-4 Procedure,” See “Osseointegration”)

Conventional dentures and bridges are often removable for cleaning. Over time, as bone loss continues and natural teeth drift, removable dentures and bridges loosen and fit poorly. Often they have a tendency to slip causing pain and difficulty when eating, trouble enunciating and speaking clearly, and the fear of  and embarrassment when they slip or fall out.

The development of teeth and their arrangement in the mouth

Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs, some of which rely on bonding adhesives or clamps which affix to other teeth or dental implants. There are two main categories of dentures, mandibular (lower jaw) and maxillary arch (upper jaw).

Currently, as much as 20% of the adult population in the U.S. is missing multiple teeth, and wearing a full or partial denture. As much as 50% of the population 60 years of age and older is wearing a full or partial denture. 

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A dental extraction (also referred to as exodontia) is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. ClearChoice Oral Surgeons perform extractions for a variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration, gum disease, and chipped or cracked teeth that need to be removed for a patient’s dental implant treatment plan. 

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Bone graft

A bone graft is the replacement or augmentation of the bone around the teeth performed to reverse the bone loss or destruction caused by periodontal disease, trauma, or ill-fitting removable dentures. It is also used to augment bone to permit implant placement, such as augmenting bone in the sinus area for implant placement, or to enhance esthetics of a missing tooth site in a patient’s smile.  

Gum (tissue) graft
A gum (gingival) graft is used to replace missing and/or receded gum tissue. Gingival grafts are used to replace missing thick tissue, which has worn away from the necks of the teeth for a variety of reasons. The purpose of gum grafting is to minimize and/or arrest the progression of recession and improve the success of dental implant procedures. 

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Immediate Function Procedure

Nobel Biocare Immediate Function™ Procedures, including the All-on-4 Procedure, an advanced alternative to traditional dentures, are revolutionary dental implant techniques that allow Oral Surgeons to place fewer implants for a greater number of teeth—and to fit replacement teeth during the same appointment.  Immediate Function Procedures allow most ClearChoice patients to walk out the door with new replacement teeth! 

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ClearChoice Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are regional specialist surgeons that treat the anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, skull, as well as associated structures. They are trained for extractions, dental implantation, and other surgical techniques, and the administration of sedatives. 

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Nobel Biocare is a world leader in innovative restorative and esthetic dental solutions, providing dental professionals with state-of-the-art, evidence-based root-to-tooth solutions, including dental implants, all-ceramic crowns, bridges and laminates. 

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Each ClearChoice Dental Implant Center has an Onsite Dental Lab staffed with artistic and expert craftsmen called Master Lab Technicians to create dental implants (whether one tooth, multiple, or top or bottom full arches of teeth). Each lab features state-of-the-art equipment and access to the best materials available so that each patient receives replacement teeth that are perfectly matched to his or her natural teeth or meet or exceed the patient’s expectations and preferences for complete restoration of full arches of teeth.

ClearChoice Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are regional specialist surgeons that treat the anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, skull, as well as associated structures. They are trained for extractions, dental implantation, and other surgical techniques, and the administration of sedatives.

Osseointegration is a term used for the natural process by which the osseous tissues in bone integrates with titanium implants in the body. Osseointegration makes dental implants strong and sturdy so that they can last a lifetime. (See Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark”) 

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Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

A periodontist is a dental specialist that has not only completed 4 years of dental school, but has also completed an additional 3 years of specialty training in diagnosing, preventing and treating gum disease. Periodontists can also place dental implants as well as perform cosmetic periodontal treatments.

Dental porcelain (also known as dental ceramic) is used by a dental technician to create biocompatible, lifelike crowns for dental implants. Porcelain is an optional choice for patients receiving ClearChoice Dental Implants.

In 1952, Prof. Per-Ingvar Brånemark of Sweden conducted an experiment where he utilized a titanium implant blood flow in bone. At the conclusion of the experiment, he discovered that the bone had integrated completely with the implant. Brånemark called the discovery "osseointegration," and saw the possibilities for human use. The procedure was first implemented in dental implants and now is used for cranial and maxillofacial reconstruction as well.

Prognosis is a medical term that denotes the doctor's prediction of how a patient will progress. ClearChoice education consultants and doctors may use the term when citing variances in available treatment options.

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues.

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in prosthodontics, the specialty of implant and esthetic and reconstructive dentistry including dental implants. In Illinois, Prosthodontists are referred to as Restorative Dentists. 

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ClearChoice replacement teeth are custom made to restore a patient’s smile. With dental implants, a replacement tooth, multiple teeth, or a full upper or lower arch of teeth will be perfectly crafted in the ClearChoice On-site Dental Implant Lab.

The loss of the upper or lower jawbone due to atrophy from the loss of a tooth or teeth. Resorption has considerable effect on successful restoration.

ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers are focused on the restoration of a patient’s smile and quality of live through the restoration of teeth. Restoration

A root canal is the space within the root of a tooth. It is part of a naturally occurring space within a tooth that consists of the pulp chamber.

Root canal is also a colloquial term for a dental operation, endodontic therapy, wherein the pulp is cleaned out, the space disinfected and then filled. 

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The ClearChoice Dental Implant Center surgical and restorative team offers world-class patient care and specialties such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Prothodontists (Restorative Dentists), Master Lab Technicians, and Patient Education Consultants to provide the best restorative and health-returning procedures to our patients. 

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Titanium and titanium alloys, based on their physical and chemical properties, appear to be especially suitable for dental implants and prostheses. Many of titanium’s physical and mechanical properties, such as its strength and rigidity, make it desirable as a material for dental implants and prostheses.

Since titanium is biocompatible with living tissues, the body accepts it naturally. Dental implants are the best and most permanent way to replace missing teeth. (See “Osseointegration”)

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ or TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an term that covers covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.

TMJ symptoms can be caused by overusage of the muscles of mastication (chewing). Common causes include chewing gum continuously, biting habits (fingernails and pencils), grinding habits, and clenching habits. Impaired tooth mobility and tooth loss can be caused by destruction of the supporting bone and by heavy forces being placed on teeth.  

The movement of the teeth affects how they contact one another when the mouth closes, and the overall relationship between the teeth, muscles, and joints can be altered. Maybe the most important factor is the way the teeth meet together (bite). Because of tooth loss, teeth may drift into open spaces and cause problems with a patient’s bite. Restorative dental implants can sufficiently correct the bite and alleviate or avoid TMJ.

Enamel  Enamel is the hardest and most highly mineralized substance of the body and creates a hard surface to the crown of the tooth. The normal color of enamel varies from light yellow to grayish white. At the edges of teeth where there is no dentin underlying the enamel, the color sometimes has a slightly blue tone. Since enamel is semitranslucent, the color of dentin and any restorative dental material underneath the enamel strongly affects the appearance of a tooth.

Dentin  Dentin is the substance between enamel or cementum and the pulp chamber. It is a protective layer and supports the crown of the tooth. This porous, yellowish material is softer than enamel and decays rapidly and is subject to severe cavities if not properly treated.

Cementum Cementum is a specialized bony substance covering the root of a tooth. It is excreted within the root. It is yellowish in color and is softer than either dentin or enamel. Cementum serves as a medium for periodontal ligaments to attach to the tooth for stability.

Pulp The dental pulp is the central part of the tooth filled with soft connective tissue. This tissue contains blood vessels and nerves that enter the tooth from a hole at the apex of the root. The pulp is commonly called "the nerve" of the tooth. 

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Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. Though X-rays are an inexpensive and painless, ClearChoice also uses 3D CAT imaging technology to gain superior scans of a patient’s teeth, bone, tissues, and nerves. 

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