Restoring Confidence: A Full Smile Makeover with Dental Implants by Dr. Ethan Erwin

Transforming a Smile, Restoring Confidence, and Rebuilding Function

When our patient came to Smile Hot Springs earlier this year, he was struggling with severe tooth wear and tooth loss that affected both his ability to chew and his confidence to smile. He wanted to restore his natural function — and finally love his smile again.

After a comprehensive consultation and digital planning process, Dr. Ethan Erwin developed a custom treatment plan that combined advanced implant dentistry with cosmetic restoration techniques to completely rebuild his smile.

The Case: Extreme Wear, Tooth Loss, and a Desire to Smile Again

Over time, our patient had worn through the hard enamel layer of his natural teeth, leaving them weak, short, and unable to provide the chewing support he needed. Traditional dentures were an option — but Dr. Erwin recommended a modern, long-term alternative: implant-supported restorations.

Working closely with Arkansas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AOMS) and Dr. Daron Praetzel, the patient underwent a transformative procedure that combined precision oral surgery and cosmetic reconstruction for ideal function and aesthetics.

The Procedure: “All-on-4” and Lower Implant Reconstruction

In partnership with AOMS, the surgical team performed a full upper All-on-4 dental implant procedure and placed three lower single implants. This provided a stable foundation for a natural-looking, fully functional smile.

Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on the gums and can shift or cause discomfort, All-on-4 implants permanently anchor the teeth to the jawbone — offering patients a stronger bite, natural appearance, and long-term stability.

Dr. Erwin was able to save several of the patient’s remaining lower teeth, rebuilding them to healthy dimensions with a highly durable restorative material designed to resist future wear.

Digital Dentistry at Its Best

From the very first consultation to the final placement, this case was completed using a fully digital workflow — combining 3D scanning, digital smile design, and precision fabrication.

This 8-month smile transformation allowed Dr. Erwin to plan every millimeter of the patient’s new smile before treatment began, ensuring predictable results and natural-looking aesthetics.

📸 Before-and-after smile photos and internal 3D renderings highlight the precision and artistry behind this transformation.

The Result: Function, Beauty, and Confidence Restored

The result speaks for itself — our patient now enjoys full chewing ability, a confident smile, and a bite designed to last for decades.

“The patient is absolutely thrilled with his new smile,” says Dr. Erwin. “We were able to rebuild his natural tooth structure, preserve what was healthy, and replace what was missing with implants that look and feel just like natural teeth.”

This case exemplifies how Smile Hot Springs blends implant dentistry, cosmetic artistry, and cutting-edge digital technology to help patients achieve life-changing results.

Why Choose Implants Over Dentures?

While dentures have long been the standard for replacing missing teeth, dental implants offer several major advantages:

• Permanent & Secure Fit – Implants bond with your jawbone for unmatched stability.
• Natural Look & Feel – Mimic natural teeth in color, shape, and bite strength.
• Preserve Bone Health – Prevent jawbone loss and facial sagging caused by missing teeth.
• Long-Term Investment – With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

If you’ve been told you need dentures, you may be an ideal candidate for implant dentistry or a hybrid solution like All-on-4.

Schedule a Consultation

Thinking about transforming your smile? Whether you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Arkansas, a smile makeover, or dental implants as an alternative to dentures, Dr. Ethan Erwin and the Smile Hot Springs team are ready to help.

📍 Located in Hot Springs, AR, we proudly serve patients from across Arkansas and beyond seeking expert-level cosmetic and implant dentistry.

👉 Call or schedule online to start your personalized smile consultation today.

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