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dentistry

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.

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.

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.