Frequently Asked Questions

What is NeXsmile?
NeXsmile is a 21st century dental procedure that transforms the lives of patients whose teeth are failing.  It gives these patients a whole new set of beautiful, permanent teeth mounted on dental implants. Many patients tell us it has given them their lives back.  NeXsmile enables the patients to chew and eat normally and to socialize with confidence.
What is the NeXsmile procedure like?  How long does it take?
The surgery is generally completed in one day, with follow-up appointments as needed.  You would need to meet with the doctor for your personalized treatment plan.
I think I might be too old/young for this procedure.
Patients who have had the procedure done have ranged in age from the teens to the mid-80s. Come and see us. Don't let age keep you from finding out more. 
Is NeXsmile a denture?
No.  A denture may be a substitute for no teeth, but it is not a substitute for teeth.  NeXsmile is just like a real set of teeth (mounted on permanent, fixed implants) that look and feel natural.  You can eat all the foods you love comfortably.  You will speak clearly, look younger, and preserve healthy bone.  Unlike dentures, your NeXsmile will not slip or accelerate bone loss and facial aging.  NeXsmile is the superior alternative to dentures.  In some cases, a denture is medically the best or only option.
How do I take care of my NeXsmile?
Just like you would take care of your own teeth!  Regular brushing, along with checkups recommended by your regular dentist are the best ways to maintain your NeXsmile.  Your dentist may also recommend using a Waterpik®.
What happens if my NeXsmile breaks?
Your NeXsmile is good for life and our titanium frame is guaranteed for life.  Once in a while, just like natural teeth, a NeXsmile tooth might break or wear. These can be easily and inexpensively replaced by your regular dentist, or by us if your dentist sends your NeXsmile framework to us.
What if I have health problems?  Can I still have the procedure done?
During your initial consultation, the doctor can determine if your health problems will be a factor in you having the NeXsmile procedure.
How does NeXsmile differ from other providers who offer a similar service?
See the answer to How is NeXsmile different from "All-on-Four"?
How is NeXsmile different from "All-on-Four"?
Dr. Paulo Malo, a dentist in Portugal, in cooperation with Nobel Biocare, developed what he calls the "All-on-Four" technique for placing 4 dental implants. All-on-Four primarily addresses restoring the mouths of patients who have lost all their teeth and don't have much bone left to retain any more than four dental implants. Dr. Malo found that if he placed the four implants in the anterior of the jaw, where there is usually better bone density, and if those implants were highly angled, they could provide stable support for a complete denture.

When fewer implants are used to restore an entire arch of teeth, it usually requires that the arch length (or the number of teeth that can be placed into the prosthesis) be reduced in order to control the chewing forces, especially those forces that are not directly down the long-axis of the implant.

Although there are studies that indicate that implants placed into bone at angles can work, this is still considered by many specialists as a compromise. There is not yet sufficient long-term data to make any strong statements one way or the other at this time. If there is inadequate bone in the back of either jaw, the implants will either have to be placed further forward (a compromise and the All-On-Four method), or grafting may first be indicated in order to establish a better bone ‘foundation’ for positioning the implants further back. There are many grafting techniques that show consistent outstanding results. When reasonable, NeXsmile would design a treatment with grafting in mind.
What makes NeXsmile "21st Century" compared to other options?
Most dental laboratory methodology really hasn’t changed in the last 100 years. Laboratory technicians still make most dental crowns, bridges and dentures by hand - this is 20th century dentistry. NeXsmile begins by first virtually establishing the ideal position for the upper front teeth relative to the skeletal information in the CT scan data and the smile information from a digital photograph. This is the reason why every NeXsmile smile looks natural. It fits with the face and mouth of that particular individual.

From this ideal virtual plan, NeXsmile specialists then work backwards to determine the optimum position for the rest of the teeth so we can achieve the best chewing ability for the patient. Following this, they study the volume of bone in each jaw and identify where dental implants can be placed in order to best bear the chewing load required.

Once the treatment plan has been thoroughly reviewed and then accepted by the patient and all providers involved, all the necessary devices including the first set of teeth are rapidly and accurately manufactured by computer-driven processes. This means that the patient spends little time in a dental chair in the work-up phase before receiving the in-one-day transition to the new smile. This is the day we call FirstSmile.

When the patient is ready for the final NeXsmile delivery, we use the same computer-based 3D model to electronically direct our own milling machine to make the titanium framework to which the final teeth are attached. Using the same technology that is now used to design airplanes and modern skyscrapers, we can ensure that the entire NeXsmile process will be simple and accurate and look beautiful.
Do you offer payment plans?
Third party financing can be arranged in most NeXsmile cases.
Does insurance or Medicaid/Medicare cover the NeXsmile procedure?
Insurance may cover a portion of the exam and extraction, but check with your insurance company to be sure.  Medicaid and Medicare do not currently cover the NeXsmile procedure.
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
You do not have to have insurance to come see us.  The initial consultation is free of obligations. 
How do dentists learn more about NeXsmile and help support NeXsmile patients?
The first dentists who work with NeXsmile in a particular community are usually periodontists. These are highly trained implant surgeons who also are trained in delicate soft and hard tissue management techniques, making them ideal for performing the surgical aspect of NeXsmile. The periodontist is trained in the NeXsmile technique by another trained periodontist and proves his or her skills through a performance-based certification process.

General dentists already have the skills necessary to manage the maintenance functions of a NeXsmile prosthesis. Usually a general dentist will first see a NeXsmile patient at the stage called Wax Try-in. The patient already has healed implants in place and is being transitioned from FirstSmile to NeXsmile. The custom titanium frame has been made and teeth are set in wax on the frame ready for try-in. The dentist quickly learns how the frame is placed and removed and is able to provide his or her input on the esthetic arrangement of teeth prior to processing and final delivery.

Following the completion of the NeXsmile procedure it is anticipated that the general dentist will once again be the primary care-giver for the NeXsmile patient. Should general dentists wish to learn more, participate at earlier stages of NeXsmile care, and receive specific-skill certification, they may enroll in training programs through Voxelogix.