Call Us: (267) 763-1500

261 Old York Rd, Ste 517, Jenkintown, PA 19046

Banner image on site front page
Cosmetic and
restorative
dentistry

Getting Dentures- How Do I Prevent Facial Collapse?

Posted on by .

I recently found out that I have a calcium deficiency. I am recieving treatment for it. At the same time, I’m also having a significant amount of trouble with my teeth. My dentist said because of my calcium deficiency I am fighting a losing battle and he wants me to just extract my teeth and get dentures. The “upside” he told me is that I won’t be throwing time and money away to try and save unsaveable teeth. However, I have read about dentures and how they cause facial collapse. I’m only in my late 30s. Is there some way for me to prevent facial collapse or is it a done deal?

Evelyn

Dear Evelyn,

Implant overdentures

Implant Supported Dentures

The only way facial collapse is a done deal is if you get completely removable dentures. While the cheapest option, they have the greatest cost when it comes to quality of life. Even the best fitting dentures will reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. Add facial collpase on top of that and in about ten or so years, you won’t even be able to keep your dentures in anymore. Leaving you with no way to chew food at all.

Having implant overdentures placed prevents all of that. The dental implants signal to your body that there are still teeth in your mouth. As a result, it keeps all the minerals in your jawbone, which are necessary to help retain your teeth or, in this case, implant overdentures.

Before you go through this massive expense, I want you to get a second opinion about your teeth. Your teeth were completely formed before you had your calcium deficiency. I have many doubts that this is causing your current dental issues. In fact, I’ve never heard of a calcium deficiency in adulthood causing anyone to have problems with their teeth. What it can cause are cramps, nerve problems, and osteoporosis.

My suspicion is your dentist is one who doesn’t like investing a lot of work in saving teeth. When they show problems, he gets rid of them. In this case, he’s using your calcium deficiency as an excuse. That’s fine for him but can cause a lifetime of problems for you. Find a dentist who is willing to do everything he or she can to save your teeth and you’ll have a much greater quality of life moving forward.

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

Will Switching to Dental Implants Give Me a Better Smile?

Posted on by .

I’ve been in dentures for about a year and I hate them. Hate isn’t even a strong enough word. They move. It’s impossible to eat the things I love. What I can eat gets stuck in them. It’s humiliating. I think I might have been able to put up with this if my smile looked attractive. In all honesty, my one consolation to myself about needing dentures was that I could finally have a pretty smile…except I don’t. The dentures look fake. I feel like George Washington and his wooden teeth. I’m hoping if I switch to dental implants that I can at least have a beautiful smile. However, I don’t want to spend that fortune if it won’t make a difference. Any advice?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Implant overdentures

I have some great news for you with a “but” attached. Getting dental implants can solve all the problems you mentioned above, plus some, BUT, you will probably need to do it with a different dentist. The reason I say that is because your smile could be beautiful even with dentures, though you would still have those other problems. The reason it isn’t beautiful now has to do with the cosmetic skills of your dentist.

My recommendation is you look for a qualified implant dentist who is also a skilled cosmetic dentist. The top cosmetic dentists in the country are AACD accredited, so I’d look for one of those first.

What Can Dental Implants Do for You?

before and after facial collapse

Because your dentures will be anchored to dental implants they will be completely secure. No moving around. Plus, you’ll be able to eat anything you want again.

However, the most important reason to get dental implants instead of removable dentures is the prevention of facial collapse. Once your teeth were removed, your body immediately began resorbing the minerals in your jawbone. This is to use your body’s resources as efficiently as possible. However, the unpleasant result from that is the shrinking of your jawbone. In about ten years or so, you will not only no longer have enough jawbone left to retain your denture, but will look decades older. Dental implants prevent this by signaling to your body that you still have teeth roots that need to be retained. As a result, your body leaves the minerals alone.

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

Are there Soft Dentures?

Posted on by .

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,

Dentures

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

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

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 by .

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,

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

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 by .

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,

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

 

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 Medical Insurance Pay for Dental Implants?

Posted on by .

I have been trying dentures. Really trying. The problem is the denture plate makes me gag every single time I try to wear it. I haven’t been able to eat solid food for weeks. I had a little weight to lose, but not as much as I am losing. Will medical insurance cover the cost of me getting dental implants because of the impact it is having on my health?

Madeline

Dear Madeline,

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

Implant Overdentures

 

The good news is that getting dental implants to support your dentures will solve the gagging problem you have been having. There is no apparatus to cause gagging. The dental implants serve as teeth roots and the dentures will attach directly to them. Not only will you be able to eat, but you will be able to eat absolutely anything you want to.

The bad news is that medical insurance will not cover them, even if not having teeth is having a negative impact on your health. Medical insurance always has a dental exclusion clause.

If you have dental insurance, that will pay for some of it. Probably not as much as you are hoping, but some. Most dentists have you pay in two parts, so that helps some as well. You’ll pay the first portion when the dental implants are placed. Then, after a period of healing and time for osseointegration to take place, you get your dentures and pay for the second part.

If you are in difficult financial circumstances, you may find a dentist who offers a further break down of payments.

I will tell you, in the long run, it will be much better and less expensive for you to get the implant overdentures now. The longer you are wearing dentures, the more jaw bone structure you will lose. In about ten years or so, there won’t be enough bone structure left for you to retain your dentures at all. This is known as facial collapse. Getting implants prevents this because it signals to your body that you still have teeth and it leaves your jawbone intact.

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

Dental Implants for Hockey Players

Posted on by .

My son lost a tooth in a hockey game. Our dentist suggested we get him a dental implant to replace it, but his coach said that is a bad idea because of the chance of re-injury. What is the right choice? I want to do what is best for him, but the mixed messages are confusing.

Kami

Dear Kami,

Hockey player with a missing tooth

 

In a way, they are both right. Dental implants are the absolute best tooth replacement option. However, there is a risk for re-injury if he is continuing to play hockey. A dental implant consists of a prosthetic root form and a dental crown bonded on top of it to serve as the visible part of the tooth. If he is re-injured with both parts completed, there is a good chance he will lose some bone with the injury (and possibly even some of his jaw).

Here is my recommnedation. First, get the implant placed, but just the implant. This will allow him to get the benefits of the dental implant without having to worry about extra damage being done in case the tooth is lost again. You won’t want him going “toothless” in that area, so I suggest an inexpensive temporary restoration, such as you would get with a dental flipper. This gives him the best of both worlds.

Having the root form placed, ensures his jawbone can stay healthy and will not suffer any effects of the structural loss that normally occurs when you lose or remove some teeth. Having a dental flipper means if he is hit in the mouth again, the flipper will come out with ease and he won’t risk additional injury.  When he is done playing hockey, that will be the time to have the permanent dental crown placed on his implant.

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

 

Will Dentures be Ugly

Posted on by .

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.

Dental Insurance for Dental Implants

Posted on by .

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

Posted on by .

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.