Question 1

Which dental implant is best and how do implants differ from each other?

Accepted Answer

Implants fall into three classes. Premium class (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Astra Tech) uses patented surface treatments that integrate with bone in 3–4 weeks instead of months — essential for bone deficits, systemic conditions, or immediate loading. Business/Medium class (German and French brands) achieves 97–98% success with standard 2–4 month healing. Economy class (Israeli and some Korean brands) is suitable for straightforward cases with healthy bone. Four key rules when choosing: (1) Choose the surgeon, not the brand — 90% of success depends on the doctor's skill and 3D CT planning. (2) Select a globally recognized system so any clinic worldwide can source spare components. (3) Avoid brands with under 2 years of clinical history. (4) Insist on a lifetime factory warranty and an implant passport with the LOT serial number.

Question 2

How long does a dental implant last?

Accepted Answer

A dental implant (the titanium root) can last a lifetime when placed correctly and maintained with proper oral hygiene. Premium implants from brands like Straumann and Nobel Biocare come with a lifetime factory warranty and have clinical studies confirming success rates above 95% at 20+ years. The ceramic crown on top typically lasts 10–15 years and may eventually need replacement due to normal wear. Key factors that affect implant longevity: surgeon experience, correct 3D CT planning, implant brand quality, patient's systemic health, oral hygiene, and regular annual dental check-ups. Smokers have significantly higher failure rates — quitting smoking is the single most effective thing a patient can do to maximize implant lifespan.

Question 3

Is dental implant surgery painful?

Accepted Answer

The implant placement itself is painless — performed under local anesthesia, patients feel only gentle pressure but no sharp pain during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off (2–4 hours post-surgery), mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and sensitivity are normal for 3–5 days and are well-managed with prescribed analgesics (ibuprofen, paracetamol). Most patients return to normal activities the next day. At 32 Dental Medical Center, anxious patients can choose sedation options, and our team is available 24/7 for any post-operative concerns. Complex cases involving bone grafting may involve more post-operative discomfort for 7–10 days, but this is still manageable with medication.

Question 4

How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

The total timeline depends on the implant class and whether bone grafting is needed. With a Premium-class implant (Straumann, Nobel Biocare) and adequate bone: 6–8 weeks total — 3–4 weeks osseointegration, then abutment and crown placement. With a Business/Economy-class implant and healthy bone: 3–5 months — 2–4 months for osseointegration plus crown fabrication time. If bone grafting is required first: add 3–6 months for bone healing before implant placement. With same-day (immediate loading) protocols, a temporary crown can be placed the same day as surgery — though final permanent crown placement still requires the full healing period. Our implantologists will give you an exact timeline after your 3D CBCT scan and consultation.

Question 5

Can I get a dental implant if I have bone loss in my jaw?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases bone loss is not a permanent barrier to dental implants. Several techniques restore sufficient bone volume: (1) Bone grafting (GBR — Guided Bone Regeneration): A bone substitute material or your own bone is placed at the deficient site and allowed to mature for 3–6 months before implant placement. (2) Sinus lift (sinus augmentation): For upper jaw implants where the sinus cavity sits low, bone is added beneath the sinus membrane to create adequate height. (3) Short implants: In cases of moderate bone deficit, specially designed short implants (4–6 mm) can be placed without augmentation. (4) All-on-4/All-on-6: Full-arch protocols use angled implants that bypass areas of bone loss entirely. At 32 Dental Medical Center, our surgeons will assess your CBCT scan and recommend the optimal solution. The majority of patients who are told 'you can't have implants' elsewhere are successfully treated here.

Question 6

What is the difference between immediate loading and standard dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Immediate loading (same-day implants) means a temporary crown or bridge is attached to the implant on the same day as surgery, so you leave the clinic with a tooth. This is possible when: bone density is excellent, primary implant stability (insertion torque) is sufficiently high, and a Premium-class implant system with accelerated osseointegration surface is used. The implant still needs to integrate with bone — the temporary restoration is carefully designed to minimize chewing load during healing. After 3–4 weeks, the final permanent crown replaces the temporary one. Standard delayed loading: the implant heals under the gum with no crown attached for 2–4 months, then abutment and crown are placed. More conservative, with slightly higher long-term success rates in compromised bone. Our implantologists will determine which protocol is appropriate for your specific case after examining your 3D CT scan.

Question 7

What are the contraindications for dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Absolute contraindications (implants not advisable): active cancer treatment (chemotherapy/radiation to the jaw), intravenous bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis, severe uncontrolled blood coagulation disorders, active serious immunodeficiency. Relative contraindications (manageable with medical coordination): uncontrolled diabetes — once blood sugar is stabilized (HbA1c below 7–8%), implants can be placed successfully; heavy smoking — significantly raises failure risk; controlled hypertension, thyroid disease, and most other systemic conditions are not barriers with proper medical coordination. All patients under age 18 must wait until jaw growth is complete. At 32 Dental Medical Center, every patient undergoes a thorough pre-operative assessment to identify and manage any risk factors before proceeding. We work in coordination with physicians for medically complex patients.

Question 8

What are the types of dental crowns and how do I choose the right one?

Accepted Answer

The main crown types are: (1) Metal-ceramic crowns — durable and affordable, but the metal margin can show at the gumline over time. (2) Full zirconia crowns — the modern gold standard; biocompatible, extremely strong, and virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Best for molars and premolars. (3) Lithium disilicate (e.max) ceramic — the highest aesthetic option for front teeth; ultra-thin and naturally translucent. (4) Composite veneers — quick and minimally invasive for minor corrections. The right choice depends on the tooth position, bite forces, remaining tooth structure, and aesthetic goals. Your dentist will use digital smile design and shade matching to plan the optimal outcome.

Question 9

What is the difference between ligating and self-ligating braces?

Accepted Answer

Traditional (ligating) brackets use elastic rubber rings to hold the archwire. The rings must be replaced every 2–3 weeks, create higher friction, and can be harder to keep clean. Self-ligating brackets have built-in clips that allow the wire to slide freely (passive ligation). This reduces friction, causes less discomfort during treatment, extends adjustment intervals to every 4–8 weeks, and makes oral hygiene significantly easier. Self-ligating systems cost more upfront but often shorten overall treatment time. The best choice depends on the patient's specific malocclusion, budget, and hygiene habits — your orthodontist will recommend the optimal system after a digital diagnostic assessment.

Question 10

At what age should a child start orthodontic treatment?

Accepted Answer

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first orthodontic screening at age 7, when the first adult molars have erupted and the bite relationship can be properly evaluated. At this stage, interceptive (Phase 1) orthodontics can guide jaw growth and create space for incoming permanent teeth, potentially reducing the complexity of later treatment. However, most comprehensive orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) begins between ages 11–14, when most permanent teeth have erupted. Adults can start orthodontic treatment at any age — there is no upper age limit. Orthodontic tooth movement is possible as long as the gums and bone are healthy. At 32 Dental Medical Center, orthodontic consultations for children are available 24/7 — including evenings and weekends when school schedules allow.

Question 11

How long does orthodontic treatment with braces take?

Accepted Answer

Treatment duration depends on the severity of the malocclusion, the patient's age, the appliance type, and compliance. Typical timelines: mild crowding or spacing — 6–12 months; moderate malocclusion — 12–18 months; complex cases (severe crowding, significant bite correction, jaw discrepancy) — 18–30 months. Clear aligners often treat mild to moderate cases in 6–18 months. Self-ligating brackets may reduce active treatment time by 3–6 months in some cases due to lower friction and more efficient tooth movement. Age also matters — teenagers move teeth faster than adults because bone remodeling is more active. At 32 Dental Medical Center, your orthodontist will provide a projected timeline after the initial cephalometric analysis and digital treatment simulation.

Question 12

Can adults get braces or clear aligners?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Approximately 30% of orthodontic patients worldwide are adults. Tooth movement is biologically possible at any age as long as the teeth, gums, and bone are healthy. Adults often prefer clear aligners or ceramic/lingual braces for aesthetic reasons. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than adolescent treatment because bone turnover is slower, but the results are equally successful. Adults with gum disease or bone loss must complete periodontal treatment first, then proceed with orthodontics under combined specialist supervision. At 32 Dental Medical Center, discrete options (clear aligners, ceramic brackets, lingual braces) are available for professional adults who require a discreet appearance throughout treatment.

Question 13

Do braces hurt? What to expect during orthodontic treatment?

Accepted Answer

The bracket bonding appointment itself is completely painless — no injections or drilling involved. For the first 3–5 days after brackets are placed and after each adjustment visit, patients experience mild soreness and pressure as teeth begin to move. This is normal and temporary, managed easily with over-the-counter analgesics (ibuprofen or paracetamol). Self-ligating brackets and clear aligners generally produce less discomfort than traditional ligating brackets due to lower friction forces. Sharp wire ends that poke cheeks are a common complaint in traditional braces — orthodontic wax provides immediate relief, and the clinic is available 24/7 to trim the wire if needed. Most patients adapt fully within 2–3 weeks. Patients describe the process as 'uncomfortable but manageable' rather than painful.

Question 14

What are clear aligners and how do they differ from braces?

Accepted Answer

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable transparent plastic trays that progressively move teeth into the desired position. Each tray is worn for 1–2 weeks before moving to the next. Key differences from fixed braces: (1) Appearance — aligners are virtually invisible; braces are visible. (2) Removability — aligners are taken out for eating, drinking, and brushing; braces are fixed 24/7. (3) Oral hygiene — significantly easier with aligners since teeth can be brushed and flossed normally. (4) Diet — no food restrictions with aligners; hard/sticky foods must be avoided with braces. (5) Compliance — aligners require 20–22 hours of daily wear; removing them too often stalls treatment. (6) Suitability — aligners work best for mild to moderate cases; severe bite corrections and complex rotations are still more predictably treated with fixed braces. (7) Cost — typically higher than metal braces, comparable to ceramic braces. A digital before-and-after simulation is generated before treatment begins so patients can preview the expected result.

Question 15

What happens after braces come off — do I need a retainer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, retainers are mandatory after all orthodontic treatment — without retention, teeth will gradually shift back toward their original position (relapse). There are two main options: (1) Fixed lingual retainer: a thin wire bonded to the inner surface of the front teeth, permanently preventing movement. Requires no compliance; completely invisible. Recommended long-term, especially for lower front teeth. (2) Removable Essix retainer: a clear tray worn every night indefinitely. Easy to remove but requires consistent wear. Most orthodontists recommend both: a fixed retainer for the lower jaw and a removable Essix retainer for the upper jaw. Retainers are provided and fitted at the debonding appointment at 32 Dental Medical Center, and our team remains available 24/7 for any retainer repairs or emergencies.

Question 16

Does 32 Dental Medical Center provide 24-hour emergency dental care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 32 Dental Medical Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with no exceptions. Emergency admission is available at any hour for acute toothache, broken teeth, dental trauma, abscess, or any sudden dental pain. No prior appointment is needed for emergency cases. Call +374 43 322200 at any time and our on-duty specialist will be ready to receive you.

Question 17

Is dental treatment under general anesthesia available for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 32 Dental Medical Center offers comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia (narcosis) for children and anxious adult patients. The procedure is supervised throughout by a certified anesthesiology team. All necessary dental work — fillings, extractions, and restorations — is completed in a single session while the patient sleeps comfortably. Post-anesthesia monitoring is provided, and our team is available around the clock for any follow-up concerns.

Question 18

Where is 32 Dental Medical Center located and how can I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

32 Dental Medical Center is located at 10/3 Gay Ave, Yerevan, Armenia. To book an appointment, call +374 43 322200 (available 24/7), send a WhatsApp message, use the online booking form on our website, or contact us via Telegram at @stomcenter32. You can also email us at 32stomcenter@gmail.com. Appointments are available at any time of day or night.

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