Comfortable, Precise Implant Restorations to Complete Your Smile from Whiteman Dental Associates
Dental implants are made of more than just the titanium post in your jaw. Once that post is secure, the visible tooth — and the small connector piece that supports it — are what complete the restoration. At Whiteman Dental Associates, we provide custom abutments and implant crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring both function and appearance with care and precision.
Led by Dr. Daniel Whiteman, our boutique Brookline practice takes a personal, detail-oriented approach to every restoration. We focus on both how your implant will look and how it will feel in your everyday life, making sure your bite is comfortable, your smile is natural, and your restoration is built to last.
Whether you’ve recently had an implant placed or need to replace an existing crown, we’ll guide you through each step so you feel confident in the process and the result.
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What Is Implant Restoration?
An implant restoration is the visible part of a dental implant — the portion you see when you smile and use when you chew. It includes two main components: the abutment and the crown.
Abutement
The abutment is a small connector that attaches to the top of your implant post. It holds the crown securely in place and can be shaped to help the gum tissue heal in a way that supports a natural look.
Crown
The crown is the custom-made replacement tooth that sits on top of the abutment. Designed to match your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and size, it completes the function and aesthetics of your smile.
While the implant post is placed surgically, the restoration stage happens after healing, once your implant is ready to support a new tooth.
The Brookline Dental Implant Restoration Process
Every restoration we create at Whiteman Dental Associates is tailored to your needs. Here’s how we approach it:
1. Assessment and Planning
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your mouth and the implant site to ensure it has healed properly. We’ll review your goals for comfort and appearance, and talk about material and design options that suit your needs.
2. Impressions or Digital Scans
Precise measurements are essential for a great fit. We use impressions or digital scanning technology to capture the shape of your teeth, gums, and implant position. This allows us to create a restoration that fits perfectly and functions naturally.
3. Custom Abutment Selection
Depending on your case, we may recommend a prefabricated abutment or a custom-designed one. A custom abutment allows us to refine the shape for better gum contour and improved aesthetics, especially in the front of the mouth.
4. Crown Design and Fabrication
We design your crown to match the color, translucency, and shape of your natural teeth. This step combines advanced technology with Dr. Whiteman’s artistic approach to ensure your new tooth looks like it belongs.
5. Placement and Adjustment
Once your crown and abutment are ready, we secure them to the implant. We check your bite, make fine adjustments, and confirm that everything feels comfortable and stable before you leave.
Types of Implant Abutments and Crowns
Stock Abutments
These are prefabricated connectors that come in standard shapes and sizes. They’re often a cost-effective choice and work well in situations where implant placement and gum contours allow for a straightforward fit.
Custom Abutments
Custom abutments are made specifically for your mouth. They allow for more precise control of gum contour, angle, and crown positioning, which is especially important in visible areas. This option can create a more natural emergence of the tooth from the gumline.
Screw-Retained Crowns
Screw-retained crowns are attached directly to the implant or abutment with a small screw. They’re easy to remove for maintenance or repair without damaging the crown, making them a practical choice for certain cases.
Cement-Retained Crowns
These crowns are cemented onto the abutment, offering a smooth, natural appearance with no visible screw hole. They’re often chosen for their aesthetics, especially in highly visible areas.
Material Options
Implant crowns can be made from several materials:
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Strong and durable, with a porcelain surface that matches natural teeth.
- All-ceramic: Excellent aesthetics with a lifelike translucency.
- Zirconia: Highly durable and fracture-resistant, ideal for back teeth while still offering good aesthetics.
We’ll help you choose the combination that best suits your bite, your smile, and your long-term goals.
Benefits of Quality Implant Restoration
A well-designed implant restoration does more than fill a space — it restores the way your teeth look, feel, and function. Benefits include:
- A natural appearance that blends with your smile.
- Strong, reliable chewing function.
- Long-lasting results with proper care.
- Support for healthy gums and bone structure.
- Renewed confidence in speaking, eating, and smiling.
What to Expect at Whiteman Dental
Your first visit for an implant restoration is focused on comfort and planning. We’ll review your dental and medical history, examine your implant, and assess how the gum tissue has healed.
You’ll meet with Dr. Whiteman and our consistent care team to talk about your options for abutments, crowns, and materials. We’ll also explain the process, timeline, and what you can expect at each step.
Our goal is for you to leave feeling informed, confident, and comfortable about moving forward.
Caring for Your Implant Restoration
Implant crowns and abutments need the same daily care as natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and floss or use an interdental cleaner to keep the gumline clean.
Regular professional check-ups are essential for monitoring the health of the surrounding gum tissue and ensuring your restoration stays secure. Avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice or pens, as these can damage the crown over time.
With consistent care, your implant restoration can last many years while keeping your smile healthy and strong.
Choose Whiteman Dental Associates for Implant Restoration in Brookline, MA
Implant restoration is both a science and an art, and we approach it with equal parts precision and creativity. At Whiteman Dental Associates, you’ll receive care in a boutique environment where your comfort comes first.
Dr. Whiteman’s decades of experience and commitment to in-house quality control mean your restoration will be tailored to your unique smile. You’ll see the same dedicated team at every visit, making the process more personal and less stressful.