Missing a tooth creates more than just an aesthetic concern. The gap disrupts your bite, shifts neighboring teeth, and accelerates bone loss in your jaw. An implant crown offers a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like your natural tooth.
At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, we combine advanced implant technology with personalized care to restore your smile. Dr. Naylor’s focus on dental implants means you receive treatment from a provider who prioritizes this exact procedure, ensuring precision and long-term success.
An implant crown sits atop a titanium post surgically placed in your jawbone. This post functions as an artificial tooth root, providing the stability needed for a permanent restoration. Unlike traditional dental bridges that require altering adjacent teeth, implant crowns stand independently.
The process begins with the placement of the implant post. Your jawbone then fuses with the titanium through osseointegration, typically taking three to six months. Once integration completes, we attach an abutment to the post, which serves as the foundation for your custom crown. This structure mirrors the anatomy of natural teeth, with the post replacing the root and the crown replacing the visible portion above the gum line.
Dental implants offer one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available, with success rates consistently above 90%. The titanium material proves biocompatible with human tissue, reducing the risk of rejection and promoting healthy integration with your jawbone.
Implant crowns offer advantages that extend far beyond filling a gap in your smile. These restorations provide benefits for your oral health, facial structure, and quality of life.
Implant crowns restore full chewing capacity, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without restriction. You can bite into corn on the cob, chew through a tough steak, and enjoy crunchy vegetables with confidence.
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone begins to deteriorate. Within the first three months of tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in that area. The implant post provides stimulation through chewing, maintaining bone density, and preventing the sunken facial appearance that often accompanies tooth loss.
Your custom crown matches the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. We craft each restoration to blend seamlessly with your smile, making it virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
With proper care, the titanium post can last a lifetime. The crown itself may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear, but this timeline far exceeds that of traditional dental crowns or bridges.
Traditional bridges require grinding down healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Implant crowns eliminate this need, preserving your natural tooth structure and maintaining optimal oral health for the long term.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive examination at our Centennial Hills office. We evaluate your jawbone density, gum health, and overall oral condition to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. Digital imaging helps us plan the precise placement of your implant, ensuring optimal positioning for both function and aesthetics.
During the first surgical appointment, we place the titanium post into your jawbone. Local anesthesia ensures your comfort throughout the procedure. The surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on the complexity of your case. You may experience mild soreness afterward, manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
The healing period allows osseointegration to occur. We monitor your progress through follow-up appointments, ensuring the implant integrates properly with your bone. This phase requires patience, but the wait ensures a stable foundation for your permanent restoration.
Once healed, we attach the abutment during a brief second procedure. This connector piece extends above your gum line and provides the attachment point for your crown. We take impressions of your mouth, which our dental laboratory uses to create your custom restoration.
Your final appointment involves placing the permanent crown. We check your bite, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure you’re completely satisfied with the fit and appearance. The color should match your adjacent teeth perfectly, and the crown should feel comfortable and natural when you bite down.
Maintaining your implant crown requires the same diligence as caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets your gum line, as plaque can accumulate there.
Floss once daily using proper technique. Slide the floss gently between your teeth and curve it around the base of each tooth, including the implant crown. If traditional floss proves difficult to maneuver around the implant, consider using a water flosser or interdental brushes designed for implant care.
Regular professional teeth cleanings help prevent complications and extend the life of your restoration. During these visits, we use specialized instruments that won’t scratch or damage the crown surface. We also check the health of the tissue surrounding your implant, looking for any signs of inflammation or infection.
Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or crack nuts. While implant crowns are durable, excessive force can damage both the crown and the implant. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom night guard protects your investment from the damaging effects of bruxism.
Schedule regular checkups every six months. These visits allow us to monitor your implant’s health, check for signs of infection, and address any concerns before they become serious problems. Early detection of issues leads to simpler, less expensive solutions.
Implant crowns represent a significant investment in your oral health. The cost reflects the complexity of the procedure, the quality of materials, and the long-term benefits you receive. When compared to the ongoing maintenance costs of bridges or dentures, implants often prove more economical over time.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the procedure, particularly if tooth loss resulted from trauma or decay. We maintain in-network partnerships with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Always Care, UFCW, and Unum, helping maximize your insurance benefits and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
We accept CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry, making treatment more accessible through flexible payment options. These financing solutions allow you to proceed with treatment while managing your budget effectively. Many patients choose extended payment plans that fit comfortably within their monthly expenses.
Our team provides detailed cost estimates before treatment begins. We explain exactly what your insurance covers and what you’ll pay. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about your dental care without financial surprises.
Dr. Naylor completed his dental education at Indiana University in 2017 and has dedicated his practice to providing comprehensive implant services. His focus on this specific treatment means you benefit from refined technique and extensive experience. We use the latest technology and proven techniques to ensure your implant crown integrates successfully and lasts for decades.
Our commitment extends beyond technical excellence. We prioritize clear communication, ensuring you understand each step of your treatment. From your initial consultation through your final follow-up, we provide the personalized attention you deserve in a calming and supportive atmosphere. Ready to restore your smile with an implant crown? Contact us to schedule your consultation today.
Invisalign aligners are made from a thermoplastic material that's BPA-free.
Source: invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions

Creating your custom Invisalign trays has never been easier thanks to digital scanning. Say goodbye to goopy impression trays and hello to your best smile yet!

You deserve to feel confident about your Invisalign journey. That’s why we’ve invested in Digital Smile Design. This revolutionary tool allows you to see your Invisalign results before even starting treatment!

Our team can add small tooth-colored bumps to the surface of your teeth, which allows us to correct more complex misalignments than ever before.
Enjoy the flexibility to remove your aligners whenever you need to brush, floss, or indulge in your favorite foods.
Experience unparalleled comfort with Invisalign's smooth and gentle BPA-free plastic material, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Invisalign allows you to maintain your regular routine, including your diet, without any significant adjustments needed.
Prior to starting your treatment, you will have an opportunity to discuss your desired smile outcomes with Dr. Naylor. He will carefully examine your bite and smile to determine if Invisalign is the appropriate solution for you. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have regarding your smile, Invisalign, or other available treatment options.
Once you have been given the green light to proceed with Invisalign, Dr. Naylor will take scans or impressions of your teeth to ensure your aligners fit perfectly. Once your aligners are ready, you will visit our office to pick them up and begin your treatment. In some cases, Dr. Naylor may need to attach small fixtures to your teeth to aid in keeping the aligners securely in place.
While every treatment timeline is unique, you’ll most likely stop by our office every six weeks to pick up your next set of aligners. These check-ups are crucial as they ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned and that your Invisalign trays are fitting correctly.
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
The process begins with taking scans of your teeth to create a digital model of your mouth. This model is then sent to a local lab, where the aligners are crafted using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology. These tools enable the creation of highly precise aligners tailored specifically to your needs. Once the aligners are completed, they are sent to Dr. Naylor to be fitted and delivered to you.
Invisalign aligners are made of clear, thin plastic, making them virtually invisible when worn. Each tray is custom-made to fit your gum line seamlessly. However, if you eat or drink with your aligners in, they may become stained, potentially making them more noticeable.
Invisalign attachments, also known as buttons, are small tooth-colored composite resin dots placed on your teeth. When you insert your Invisalign aligners, they snap over these buttons, providing an anchor to keep the aligners securely in place. This allows Dr. Naylor to adjust the position of your teeth more precisely and effectively throughout your Invisalign treatment.
If you lose your aligners or notice any cracks, damage, or wear and tear, please contact us immediately. Delaying assistance could prolong your treatment and reverse the progress you have made. We will ensure you receive a fresh set of trays as soon as possible, allowing you to continue with your treatment plan.
Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional braces, but you may experience some tenderness and soreness as your teeth start to shift. The gentle pressure exerted by the aligners prompts your tooth roots to move, leading to minor inflammation and discomfort. If you experience pain, we suggest taking Tylenol rather than ibuprofen, as ibuprofen’s anti-inflammatory properties can affect tooth movement.
If you don’t have severe oral health or orthodontic issues, Invisalign could be the right solution for your smile. However, if your dentist identifies extensive orthodontic problems, they may recommend metal or ceramic braces instead. To determine the best treatment option for your needs, reach out to our team and schedule a consultation today.