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Cosmetic and
restorative
dentistry

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.

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.

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.

3 Facts about Overdentures and Why They Matter

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For the past ten years, I’ve had my teeth examined and cleaned at the dental school. Although I haven’t been consistent with getting a cleaning every year, the dental school is my first option. It’s no fault of theirs, but I have lost several teeth. During my last visit, I learned that I have advanced gum disease. The dentist spoke with me and so did one of the hygiene students. The student mentioned that instead of getting all of my teeth extracted that I should consider overdentures. Whatever kind of dentures I need will not be provided by the dental school. Now I want to switch to a dental practice. I’m not satisfied with the hygiene student’s explanation. Can you give me some clarity on overdentures? – Carlo

 

Carlo – The term overdenture is used to describe dentures in a variety of situations.

1. General Overdentures

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

A denture is made to fit over your remaining natural teeth. Your tooth roots will be kept intact, and the surface of the tooth above your gumline will be shaved down. The remaining tooth roots will continue to stimulate your jawbone and help prevent shrinkage.

2. Implant Overdentures

Implant overdentures are dentures supported by dental implants that are placed in your jawbone. After a healing period, your dentist will attach the denture to the implants.

Snap-on dentures, All-On-4 dental implants, and implant-retained dentures types of implant overdentures. What’s the difference?

  • Snap-on denture – Two dental implants are used to support a denture. The denture base snaps onto the implants. A bar can be placed over the implant fixtures to increase stability.
  • All-On-4 implants – Four dental implants are placed. The two implants closest to the back of your mouth are angled to increase contact with the bone. This technique was designed for patients who have begun to experience bone shrinkage.
  • Implant-retained dentures – This term refers to dentures that are supported by dental implants. It can include snap-on dentures, All-On-4 implants, and other methods used to stabilize dentures.

3. Implant Overdentures Improve Your Experience

Implant overdentures improve your experience with dentures and your quality of life.

  • Increase the comfort and efficiency of your dentures. You will find it easy to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
  • Provide stability. You won’t have to worry about your dentures lifting, slipping around in your mouth, or falling out.
  • Stimulate jawbone. The more dental implants you have, the wider the area of bone stimulate. Intact jawbone will support your facial muscles and help prevent premature sagging.

Before you select a particular type of implant overdenture, consult with an experienced implant dentist. Your research in finding a highly qualified provider will help avoid costly implant mistakes and ensure you receive successful results.

This post is sponsored by Philadelphia, PA dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Do You Have to Implant Every Tooth?

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I’m losing my teeth and my dentist is highly suggesting I get dental implants. I’ve been figuring the cost and it is astronomical. Is there a way to do this without implanting every single tooth?

Karen

dentures versus dental implants
Implant overdentures combine dentures with dental implants

I wish your dentist would have done a better job of helping you understand your options. When you’re talking about replacing all your teeth, as you are, you don’t usually do a 1 to 1 ratio of teeth to implants.

Some people do, but that’s considered the luxury treatment for those with the funds. It’s definitely not necessary and not what most patients do. Instead, you’ll do implant overdentures. It places around four to six dental implants into your jawbone and anchors a set of dentures to the implants. This is much more financially reachable than the cost you’d calculated.

The Reason for Dental Implants

There is a very good reason why your dentist is suggesting you get dental implants instead of completely removable dentures. Once your teeth are removed, your body will begin the resorption of the minerals in your jawbone.

It does this because your body recognizes you no longer have teeth. Because of that it thinks those minerals will be more useful elsewhere in your body. This has the unfortunate result of shrinking your jawbone. In dental circles it’s known as facial collapse.

Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to even support your dentures, leaving you with no way to eat.

Having dental implants placed, signals to your brain there are still roots there and your jawbone is needed, completely preventing facial collapse.

Getting a Beautiful Smile with Implant Overdentures

While you are getting a new smile, you may as well get a stunning one. In that case, you’ll want to make sure the dentist you choose is not just an experienced implant dentist, but also a skilled and artistic cosmetic dentist.

Not only will you have a healthy smile, but one you’re thrilled to share with the world, giving you a renewed confidence. Look for an implant dentist who is also accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

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