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dentistry

Will Dentures be Ugly

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I’m losing my teeth. It’s too late to do anything about that, but I’m in a tough spot. I can’t yet afford dental implants, though I am saving up. I need teeth so told my dentist to go ahead and start the process for dentures. He told me I am going not going to be happy with dentures. I”m in tears. Does this mean my smile will be ugly? I know that’s better than no teeth, but I just want to be prepared.

Sylvia

Dear Sylvia,

The way your smile looks depends more on the cosmetic skills of your dentist more than it does on whether you get dentures or dental implants. In reality, when you lose all your teeth, what you get is implant-supported dentures. Your dentist would know that, so this tells me he meant something else when he told you that you wouldn’t be happy with dentures.

The Problem with Dentures

Two profile photos of a woman who experienced jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse, which can be prevented with implant overdentures, available from Philadelphia cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

The results in facial collapse

Even the best fitting dentures will reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. Additionally, there isn’t anything keeping them in so they will move around. The top arch is held in by suction, but also requires a plate to do that. Some people find that difficult to deal with. Those with a sensitive gag reflex find it almost impossible.

The bottom arch simply rests on top of the jawbone. Therein lies the biggest problem with dentures. When your teeth are removed, your body recognizes that. As a result, it begins to slowly resorb the minerals in your jawbone. This shrinks your jawbone. After around ten years, you no longer have enough jawbone left to support your denture. This is known as facial collapse.

If you place dental implants in your jawbone, the prosthetic roots signal to your brain that you need your jawbone to sustain the roots.

I do know you said you couldn’t afford dental implants. As you’re saving up for them, you should be fine. You could start with snap-on dentures which use as few as two dental implants and then work your way up to more. However, there are some options you can use for paying for this you may be unaware of.

Generally, the procedure is paid for in two installments. The first when you have the implants placed. The second, after a period of healing, when they place the dentures. In addition, most dentists are willing to work through Care Credit which is a medical payment plan. This can break up the payments even further for you.

Getting a Beautiful Smile with Dentures

before and after smile makeover

A case done by Dr. Weiss

A great cosmetic dentist can give you a beautiful smile, even with dentures. I would do your research on the dentist before deciding. Your family dentist may not be one who is capable of the artistry and skill necessary to give you a smile you’ll be proud of.

The top of the line cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited. You’ll want one who is also highly trained in dental implants. This way he can plan ahead for when you are able to get the implants you want.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Gross Dental Implant Incompetence

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I am not sure where to go from here and need some advice. I had a dental implant placed. It felt like the crown was loose so I went to see my dentist. He said the crown was loose and needed to be re-cemented. When he tried to take the crown off he had a bit of trouble. His next step was to use a special tool, but when he got the crown off the dental implant came with it. What do I do now?

Phylicia

Dear Phylicia,

Three stages of a dental implant

Can you get a dental implant while on Fosamax?

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but your dentist is completely incompetent. First, if a dental crown is loose, it is incredibly easy to remove them. Most often, they fall off of their own accord. What was actually loose was your dental implant. If your dentist wasn’t incompetent then he was incredibly dishonest. Neither scenario bodes well for you as his patient.

Some Reasons for Loose Dental Implants

If the implant came loose right after the dental crown was placed, then it means the crown was placed prematurely. Before you can place an implant crown there has to be sufficient osseointegration. Without that, the crown will pull the implant loose. Another option is there wasn’t enough bone support to begin with. Doing implants requires substantial diagnostics. A dentist should determine how healthy the bone structure is. Then, if there isn’t enough, suggest bone grafting to make sure you have the best chance of a successful outcome.

Some implants fail because of an infection. You didn’t mention either pain or a fever. In most cases of infection, one or both of those would be present.

Fixing a Failed Dental Implant

The first thing you need to do is demand the dentist who botched this so badly pay to get it fixed by a dentist you choose. That is important. Fixing this involves more than your original procedure, so just getting a refund will not be enough. You also want it to be a dentist you choose, so you can make sure they have the expertise to do this right.

It will require significant post-doctoral training. For instance, Dr. Weiss trained at the esteemed Dawson Academy. He’s also an instructor at the Academy of Osseointegration. This is what you want to look for. Not only that, he’san AACD accredited dentist which means he can create a beautiful crown.

I’m sorry this happened to you. Hopefully, this can be rectified soon.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Dental Insurance for Dental Implants

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I want to replace all of my teeth with dental implants. They are in pretty bad shape and I want a smile I can be proud of. Is there a dental insurance that will cover these?

Kevin C.

Dear Kevin,

When you say your teeth are in pretty bad shape, you didn’t specify whether you meant in appearance or in health. If it is just an appearance issue, getting dental implants would be an overtreatment. This is designed for patients who need to replace their teeth because they have to be removed as a result of decay and infections. If that’s not you, a great cosmetic dentist can create a stunning smile for you, while enabling you to keep your natural teeth using porcelain veneers.

If, however, the teeth are unhealthy and have to be removed, then dental implants will be the right way to go. If you already have dental insurance, they will cover part of the cost but probably not as much as you would hope. Dental insurance tends to only want to cover the least expensive option. For tooth replacements, that is dentures. Though I only recommend dentures as an absolute last resort for reasons I’ll go over in a moment.

If you don’t already have dental insurance, be aware that most policies have a waiting period for anything other than cleanings and checkups. That may defeat the purpose if your teeth need to come out right away.

Why Not Dentures?

Two profile photos of a woman who experienced jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse, which can be prevented with implant overdentures, available from Philadelphia cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Jawbone shrinkage results in facial collapse

When your teeth are removed, your body begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. This is in an effort to be efficient with its resources. Unfortunately, this also has the result of slowly shrinking your jawbone. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to retain your dentures. This is known as facial collapse.

Getting dental implants signals to your body your jawbone is still necessary and will leave the minerals in place, thereby protecting you from facial collapse.

Implant Overdentures

Implant overdentures

Implant overdentures are a combination of dental implants and dentures

You don’t have to get a dental implant for every tooth. Instead, you can get implant overdentures. This will use between four and six dental implants and will anchor a set of dentures to them. This has the benefit of being more affordable while still providing you with all the benefits of dental implants.

If You Want a Stunning Smile

Whether you get dental implants or porcelain veneers, you still need a dentist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry to give you that gorgeous smile you want. The top cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited. When you’re looking for natural results that look great, then you need to see an accredited dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Will Dental Implants Look Fake?

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My mother had dentures and, to me, they always looked fake. I now need to get my teeth replaced. I want to get implant-supported dentures and am hoping they look more natural these days. I’m rather young for dentures at 40 so I don’t want to look old before my time.

Pamela

Dear Pamela,

Implant overdentures

Implant overdentures are a combination of dental implants and dentures

First, I’m going to say you were wise to choose implant overdentures, especially at your young age. Once your teeth are removed, your body will recognize that and begin to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body where it perceives it will be more useful. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to retain your dentures. This is known as facial collapse.

Getting implant-supported dentures, puts prosthetic roots into your jaw. This tells your body there are still “teeth” that need to be retained, therefore preventing facial collapse. You’ll also find it will improve your chewing capacity.

The Secret to Beautiful Dental Implants

Both dentures and dental implants can be made to look both natural and beautiful. That was true when your mother received her dentures. The beauty of dental implants is correlated to the artistic skill of the dentist. If you want a gorgeous smile, you need to find a dentist who creates beautiful smiles.

In your place, I’d look for a dentist who has reached accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) dentists have done extensive training and are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. They will give you a stunning smile. You’ll actually be thrilled to share your smile with the world.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Are Implant Overdentures Permanent

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I need to replace my dentures, but this time I’m looking for something that stays put and is permanent. My dentist only does dentures and can’t help me figure out what’s best. I keep hearing dental implants are better than implant overdentures, but overdentures are more affordable. Are the overdentures permanent like the implants?

Morgan

Dear Morgan,

Implant overdentures

Implant overdentures are a combination of dental implants and dentures

I’m afraid you are getting some mixed information. Implant overdentures use dental implants. The reason they are considered more affordable is because with a traditional dental implant you are using a single implant with a dental crown on top. You are talking about replacing every tooth, as I’m assuming you had complete removable dentures. To put a dental implant and crown on every single tooth would have an astronomical cost, as it would require 32 implants.

To make that more affordable implant overdentures use around six dental implants per arch. Then a set of dentures are anchored to the implants. They are definitely permanent and stable. Like all dental implant procedures, their biggest benefit is that they protect you from facial collapse.

Implant Overdentures and Facial Collapse

When your teeth were removed for your dentures, your body recognized you no longer had any teeth roots in your jawbone. In an effort to be efficient, your body begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body where it perceives the need to be greater.

This has the unfortunate result of shrinking your jawbone. Eventually, you won’t even have enough jawbone left to even keep your dentures in. Getting dental implants prevents this because the implants themselves stand-in for your tooth roots, allowing your body to recognize there are still “teeth” there.

Depending on how long you have had your dentures, you will have lost some jawbone. There is a chance you won’t have enough jawbone left to secure dental implants. If that is the case, you can still get that treatment option; however, you’ll need to have one additional procedure done. Bone grafting can build up the bone loss in order for you to get the best procedure.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Can I Get a Beautiful Smile with Dental Implants?

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I’ve had dentures for about ten years. I’ve hated them from the very beginning. They’re unattractive and uncomfortable. Their comfort has been going downhill from the beginning. I’m wondering if dental implants will be better. Will they be more attractive than the dentures? And possibly even fit better?

Kitty

Dear Kitty,

Implant overdentures

A beautiful smile isn’t dependent on whether or not you have dental implants or dentures. What creates the beauty is the skill of the dentist. The other issues you mentioned, however, are specifically a denture issue. Those can be fixed with dental implants. Let’s go over that first, then we’ll talk about how you can be sure they’re beautiful.

When your teeth were removed, your body recognized there were no longer any teeth roots in your mouth. As a result, it began to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in an effort to be as efficient with your body’s resources as possible. This has the unfortunate result of shrinking your jawbone. This is known as facial collapse and why it feels like your dentures no longer fit properly. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to even retain your dentures.

The dental implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots, thereby letting your body know the minerals in your jawbone are still necessary. This preserves your jawbone.

When you’re talking about full removable dentures, such as you have, you wouldn’t do a one-to-one ratio dental implants to teeth. While you could, it is the “Cadillac” of tooth replacements and would cost a pretty penny. Instead, it’s usually recommended you get implant overdentures, which you see pictured above. This uses dental implants spaced around your arch and anchors your dentures to them. They’ll fit perfectly and be completely secure. You won’t feel uncomfortable with your dentures any more.

Dental Implants after Years of Dentures

You will have to deal with the loss of jawbone you’ve likely experienced after ten years with dentures. In order for the implants to be secure, there needs to be enough bone there to retain them. It’s possible you won’t have enough, but that can be solved with an outpatient bone grafting procedure. This builds up the bone enabling you to get the secure treatment you want.

Getting Beautiful Dental Implants

As I mentioned earlier, the best way to get a beautiful result is with an excellent cosmetic dentist. The best of the best cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited. That’s what I’d look for in your case. In a way, this is a blessing in disguise. It gives you a chance to get a stunning smile, like you see celebrities get.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Replacing a Front Tooth While on Fosamax

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I had to replace a tooth adjacent to my right front tooth. Right now I have a dental flipper and absolutely hate it. I wanted a dental implant but my dentist said that’s not possible because I take Fosamax. I suggested a dental bridge and he doesn’t want to do that either because it will crown the adjacent teeth which he says are fine. That’s true, but I want to get rid of this flipper. Would an Encore Bridge be an option?

Bruce

Dear Bruce,

Three stages of a dental implant

Can you get a dental implant while on Fosamax?

It is possible to get a dental implant while on Fosamax. Your dentist’s concern has to do with the increased risk of local bone problems when having oral surgery. While the risk is small, the complications are serious. Don’t minimize the risk. One possibility is to temporarily suspend taking Fosamax, under the cooperation of your physician who should oversee this.

If you decide against getting a dental implant, a dental bridge is fine, and a better permanent option for you than a dental flipper. That being said, let your dentist pick the type of bridge. You definitely don’t want to be the first patient he or she has done an Encore Bridge on. Some dentists are your basic bread and butter dentists who can only do the “standard” work. That brings up an important point about your dental implant.

Who Should Place Your Dental Implant?

The concern your dentist mentioned is legitimate, however you should be aware that sometimes a dentist will steer you away from a procedure because they aren’t comfortable or qualified to do it. They don’t want a patient to lose confidence in them so instead they come up with reasons to discourage that particular procedure.

You don’t want to push a dentist into a procedure they are not comfortable doing. This usually ends in disaster.

Dental implants are an advanced procedure. You’re in a high-risk group, so it makes it even more important you have an experienced, qualified dentist to do it for you. Look at Dr. Weiss’ qualifications to get an idea of what type of dentist you are looking for.

Another consideration is cosmetic. You’re talking about matching a single crown to your front teeth. You want someone with the cosmetic skill to make it blend both beautifully and naturally. The best cosmetic dentists are accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

In your place, I’d look for an AACD accredited dentist who has a high success rate in dental implants.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Advice on Picking Dental Implant and Crown Materials

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I’m about to get my smile completely made over with dental implants and crowns. I want it done right so I have some questions.
1. Is Staumann or Nobel Biocare better for implants?
2. Is zirconium or porcelain better for the dental crowns?
3. My dentist said a white porcelain fused to metal crown will not show a black line at the gumline. Is this true?

I am spending a lot of money so want this to end up beautiful.

Laurie

Dear Laurie,

A woman smiling with a beauttiful smile

Getting a beautiful smile makeover requires an artist

I want to refocus your question using an analogy. If you were to commission someone to do a painting to be the centerpiece of your living room, would you spend time investigating paints or the artist? It’s the artist who makes the difference. They have the knowledge and skill to know which paints are good for which situation. Maybe a particular scene look does better with one brand, but for something else another is preferred for its pigment. The artist who works with the materials every day will know their strengths and weaknesses.

So, instead of researching which dental implant or crowns to use, research the dentist. You have a two-fold requirement. They have to be skilled in placing dental implants, including implant overdentures. But, they also have to be skilled cosmetic dentists.

Finding a Dentist Who Can Give You a Beautiful Smile Makeover

Doing smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school. Instead, dentists who are interested in the art of cosmetic dentistry have to invest time in training for it post-doctorally. Even with that, there is no recognized specialty in cosmetic work. Because of that, patients often find it hard to know who is skilled and who isn’t.

Fortunately, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry offers an accreditation program which gives patients a way to know who they can trust to give them a stunning smile makeover. In order for a dentist to reach accreditation, they have to pass stringent oral and written exams, as well as provide visual evidence of a large number of cosmetic cases they’ve done to show they are not just technically skilled, but artistic as well.

Any AACD accredited cosmetic dentist can give you a celebrity smile you’ll be proud to share. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Implant Overdentures with Diabetes

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I’ve had dentures for a few years and really hate them. Now I learned that they’re the worst replacement I could have gotten because they will contribute to my jawbone shrinking. I’d like to get implant overdentures to replace them, but I have Type 1 Diabetes. My dentist said that is a contra-indication for dental implants. If so, what can I do?

Martin

Dear Martin,

Implant overdentures

 

I feel like you haven’t been getting the best dental advice available. Your dentist should have forewarned you about facial collapse when he suggested dentures. He also hasn’t been completely forthright in regard to your question about diabetes. It is not a contra-indication. However, it does put you at a greater risk of implant failure than other patients.

What you’ll need is careful diagnostics previous to your procedure and close monitoring throughout. Make sure they are willing to take more care with you. I want you to see a dentist with significant post-graduate training in the dental implant procedure. Look for someone who’s trained at the Dawson Academy or the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies.

I think it’s also important you go to a dentist who is skilled in both the placement and the restorative (cosmetic) aspect of your case. If they can’t be the same person, they’ll need to work in close communication so there is complete coordination between them to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Benefits of Implant Overdentures

You’ve already mentioned the biggest benefit to implant overdentures. You will no longer have to worry about losing the minerals in your jawbone. Instead, having implants will signal to your brain that those minerals are needed. You will not suffer from facial collapse the way you will if you continue with dentures.

There are other quality of life improvements as well. You won’t ever have to worry about your overdentures slipping or sliding. They will be completely secure. You can eat what you want. You can brush and floss normally. It’s like having a healthy set of teeth again.

Who Should Do the Cosmetic Work?

When it comes to the appearance of your new teeth, you’ll want them to look natural. However, this is also an opportunity to improve the look of your smile at no extra cost. As I said earlier, your dentist should also be skilled in cosmetic work along with the implants. The best cosmetic dentists are accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He or she can help you design the smile of your dreams.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Safety of Dental Implants from a Dental Student

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I wanted to get a dental implant and spoke with my dentist about it. He said I was a good candidate, but the price he quoted me is beyond what I have. Someone from church mentioned I might be able to get it cheaper at a dental school. I’m all for more affordable, but wanted to double check this was a wise option. Would this be a safe way to get dental implants?

Lizzie,

Dear Lizzie,

Three stages of a dental implant

Going to a dental school will cost less. They do that both to draw patients in for their students to practice on and because you are getting a less experienced caretaker.

It is up to you to weigh the risk versus reward and decide which you think is the most important factor to you.

Dental Implants at Dental Schools

Dental schools are very careful. They are there to teach their students best practices. There is always an instructor there to check the student’s work. All that being said, this is an advanced procedure and even uncomplicated cases, such as yours, still require surgery.

It will be the dental student which implants the prosthetic tooth root. Even expert implant dentists who’ve been doing the work for years will sometimes have a procedure fail.

There are things which can go wrong and although there is an instructor there, it is a matter of whether or not this dentist is skilled at recognizing issues quickly enough to intervene.

Paying for a Skilled Implant Dentist

If you decide you’d rather see an implant dentist with more experience, then you can see if they have in-house payment plans. They may not. But, even when they don’t, dental implants are generally paid for in two phases. First, you would pay for the implant surgery. Then, after a period of healing, you would pay for the dental crown.

If that is still out of reach, there is a medical credit company that could pay the fee to the dentist and allow you to pay it out to them. You can apply for Care Credit online. They have low and even no interest plans. If you have basically good credit, you shouldn’t have a problem.

If it turns out you absolutely cannot have a dental implant, getting a dental bridge, which is simply a false tooth suspended between two dental crowns) is a perfectly acceptable tooth replacement option.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.