Implant Overdentures Archives - Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist

Buying Dental Implant Parts Online

Posted on August 31, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have snap on dentures and have recently hit a serious rough patch financially. I’m 53 years old and was laid off. It is challenging to find someone to hire a person at my age. In the meantime, I need new locater caps for my implant dentures. My dentist charges $25 for one. I noticed online I can get a set of 4 for $20. This is much more doable for me, however they only sell to dentists. Is there any way for me to get these? Money is so tight that I’m worried in a couple of months I won’t even be able to buy food.

Chris

Dear Chris,

Diagram of an affordable dental implant, which is a snap-on denture hovering above two dental implants in the lower anterior gums and bone.

Snap-on dentures

While I understand that dentists have overhead and, as a result of that, need to mark up the costs on some items. This particular item is such a small profit that I can’t imagine he would not be willing to work with you. Most dentists are compassionate and want to help people. This is why they went into their field. I would start by simply talking to your dentist. Tell him about your situation. My guess is he would be willing to sell them to you at cost. If he is not, you still have options.

Your second option would be to just call around to other dental clinics. It is usually the staff that orders these things with the dentists information, not the dentist himself. Tell them the problem and see if they’d be willing to add one for you to the order.

If that doesn’t work, then I noticed that eBay has these for sale from overseas sellers. You do not have to be a dentist to purchase them. The only downside to this is you need to know all the information on the technical aspects to get them. For instance, what strength and resistance is needed.

What are Sanp-on Dentures?

For those who are like, “What the heck are snap on dentures?” let me help you out. These are for patients who can’t afford a full grouping of dental implants in order to get implant overdentures, but want to keep their dentures secure while preserving at least a little bit of their bone. It works with two dental implants and then your denture is snapped onto the fixtures, holding them in place.

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

I Hate the Way My Implants Look

Posted on May 29, 2023 by writeradmin.

Can you help me? I had dental implant overdentures done and when the bridges came in I was very disappointed in them. While they were very bright and white, they looked monochromatic, which in my opinion makes them look fake. They’re also bulkier than I would have expected and the surfaces of the teeth are very round and protruding. My dentist insists that they are up to the highest professional standards and I will get used to them. Is there anything I can do?

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

I am sorry this happened to you. It sounds like you went to a general dentist who does not understand the foundation of cosmetic work. Her saying it is up to the highest professional standards only refers to functionality. It has nothing to do with beauty of the results. When you are talking about your smile, beauty is an important factor.

The monochromatic look is very telling of your dentist’s cosmetic skill (or lack thereof). Our natural teeth are not uniform. The middle is more opaque than the remainder of the tooth. Plus there are grooves and other texture. All of this requires a high level of technical knowledge on the part of the dentist in order to properly convey instructions to the lab.

What you need is a true cosmetic dentist to re-do this dental bridge for your implant overdentures. At least the upper bridge. Look for someone who is AACD accredited. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. I don’t know that you will be able to get a refund from your current dentist on the upper bridge but you can certainly ask.

I hate it when a dentist says, “You just need to get used to it.” That’s dental speak for “I don’t know how to fix this so I’m just going to semi blame you for being too picky and whiny.”

It is unfortunate that your dentist did not care about how you felt about the smile she created you. Fortunately, a better cosmetic dentist can give you something stunning, that you will be proud to show for the remainder of your life.

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

Are there Soft Dentures?

Posted on December 5, 2022 by writeradmin.

Do you know if it is possible to get soft dentures for the upper part? I have complete dentures, but the plate (I think that is what they call it) at the top is hard. Not only is that uncomfortable but sometimes the feeling makes me gag and I can’t even keep them in.

Daisy

Dear Daisy,

I am sorry you are dealing with this. Many patients struggle with dentures. Not just with the upper plates, but with the food that gets under them, with the slipping and sliding, and with the difficulty chewing. There are some soft liners that will help patients that have a bony ridge where the lower denture sits. However, there isn’t a soft plate for a denture.

Implant Overdentures Solve this Problem

While that may sound disappointing, I do have a solution for you. Your best option is to have some dental implants placed and then have your dentures anchored to them. These are called implant overdentures. This eliminates the problem you have with the plate because the plate is unnecessary. You will find that not only do you not have to worry about the plate, but that your quality of life goes up tremendously. You will even be able to eat whatever you want again, including steak!

One of the most important benefits, however, is the protection to your jawbone. When your teeth were removed, your body began resorbing the minerals in your jawbone perceiving that they were no longer necessary to retain your teeth roots. After ten or so years, there will no longer be enough jawbone left to even retain the dentures you currently have. This is known as facial collapse.

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

Why Won’t My Dentures Stay In?

Posted on October 10, 2022 by writeradmin.

I am a smidge over 60 years old and have trouble keeping my dentures in, this is true even when I put in the adhesive. They still slip right out of my mouth. Is there anything I can do to keep them in at this point?

Matilda Lynn

Dear Matilda Lynn,

I am so sorry you are going through this. You are in a tough spot. However, the good news is that there is a solution for you. I don’t know if the dentist who originally provided the dentures for you had warned you about bone resorption. When your teeth are removed, your body recognizes that and begins resorbing the minerals in your body to use elsewhere. This slowly shrinks your jawbone. Eventually, you lose so much of the bone that you can no longer retain the dentures in your mouth. This is known as facial collapse and why your dentures will not stay in, even with adhesives.

The Solution to Facial Collapse

The first thing you’ll need to do is have bone grafting done. This will build up the missing bone in your jawbone. After this is healed, you have two options.

Your first option is to have new dentures made. Now, you’re only in your 60s, so you should be aware that the cycle of resorption will start over again. Eventually, you’ll be right back to the situation you are in now.

A second option is to get implant overdentures (pictured above). This uses between 4 – 8 dental implants per arch and then anchors a pair of dentures to them.

Benefits of Implant Overdentures

Because the implants are prosthetic tooth roots, your body interprets that as you still having teeth and you will no longer have to worry about losing your bone.
Your dentures will be completely secure. No more slipping and sliding.
You will find your quality of life increases, including your chewing capacity. Even the best-fitting dentures will lower your chewing capacity by 50%. With dental implants, you’ll be able to eat anything you want, including steak.

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

Can I Get Dental Implants Instead of Dentures

Posted on June 15, 2022 by writeradmin.

I have to replace all my teeth and my dentist wants me to get dentures. I asked him if I can get dental implants instead, but he said because I previously had gum disease that is not possible. Is there any way around this? I really feel too young for dentures. I’m only 42 years old.

Paula

Dear Paula,

I am sorry you are having to go through this at your age. Before I answer your question I have one of my own. You said you previously had gum disease. Does that mean you have already undergone treatment and no longer have periodontal disease? If that is the case and you are otherwise in good general health then there really should not be a reason you could not have dental implants. If you currently have gum disease, you will need to deal with that first.

It is possible you will need to have some bone grafting done, depending on how much bone structure you lost during your period of gum disease. That can be done outpatient.

Dental implants are an advanced procedure and it really requires that a dentist has post-doctoral training. Often, when a dentist is telling a patient that they can’t have a procedure it is because they are not comfortable doing that procedure. Don’t pressure your dentist to do it, though. There are way too many dental implant horror stories from patients who had the procedure done by dentists without the necessary additional training.

Look for a dentist who has training at one of the following institutions:

The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
Dawson Academy
The Kois Center

Why Dental Implants Are Important

When your teeth are removed, your body immediately begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to use those resources in other places in your body that may need them more. It does this because you no longer have any teeth roots there so there is no need for the bone to support the teeth. While an efficient way to manage your body’s resources, it has the unfortunate side effect of shrinking your jawbone. After around ten years, it will become difficult for you to keep your dentures in. Shortly after that, it will be impossible. This is known in dental circles as facial collapse.

At your young age, this would be devastating. Having dental implants placed causes your body to recognize there are still “roots” there for your teeth. Because of that it will leave your jawbone intact.

When you are talking about removing all of your teeth, it is common practice to get implant-supported dentures, also called implant overdentures. This uses between four to six dental implants and then anchors your dentures to them. That amount of dental implants will both secure your dentures and provide the protection you need from facial collapse.

One other word of caution. Make sure your dentist has the cosmetic skills to provide you with beautiful dentures. Look at their smile gallery to see what type of work they do.

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

Will Dentures be Ugly

Posted on January 31, 2020 by writeradmin.

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

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

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.

Dental Insurance for Dental Implants

Posted on November 19, 2019 by writeradmin.

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?

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 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.

Are Implant Overdentures Permanent

Posted on August 31, 2019 by writeradmin.

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 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.

Advice on Picking Dental Implant and Crown Materials

Posted on June 2, 2019 by writeradmin.

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,

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

Posted on May 9, 2019 by writeradmin.

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,

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.